Page 19 of Hooked on Dallas
“I understand your concern.” His expression softens. “But I don’t want you to think of me as just your boss anymore, Laura. When I’m with you, I feel happier and lighter than I have in years.” He gives a self-deprecating chuckle. “I suppose you could say you bring out the best in me.”
“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make this work, if you’ll give me a chance.” He leans closer still, his breath warm against my cheek. “Will you take that chance, Laura? Will you take a chance on me?”
My heart swells at the tenderness in his tone, the vulnerability etched into the lines of his face. He is putting himself on the line for me, and I want, more than anything in that moment, to say yes.
But doubts creep in. What if we fight, and he fires me in a fit of anger? What will people at the office say about me sleeping my way to the top? I worked too hard to get where I am to throw it all away on a fleeting romance.
“I’m afraid this could end badly for me.” I avert my gaze, staring at the white tablecloth. “If we break up, I could lose my job. People might think the only reason I got promoted was because we were together.”
“I would never fire you out of spite.” He places his hand over mine, the warmth of his touch chasing away my doubts. “And anyone who thinks you didn’t earn your position through hard work and skill alone isn’t worth listening to. You know that.”
I want to believe him. But can I risk everything I have worked for on the chance we might find happiness together? If it didn’t work out, will the heartbreak be worth the memories we might make?
My heart and head re at war, desire battling with reason, longing with logic. In the end, the choice comes down to whether or not I will take a leap of faith.
Did I dare?
I look up, meeting his gaze. The warmth in his eyes nearly undid my resolve, but I steel myself. This isn’t about what I want - it is about what is best for my career, my future.
“I’m sorry,” I say. “But I can’t. Not now.”
His hand tightens around mine. “Why not?”
I sigh. “You’re my boss. If we pursue a relationship and it ends badly, it could damage my career. I’ve worked too hard to get where I am.”
“I understand.” He releases my hand, the loss of contact like a physical ache. “I want what’s best for you. Even if that means...”
“I care about you,” I say. “But I have to put my career first. I hope you can understand.”
“Of course I do.” But the smile he gives me didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re one of the most pragmatic and level-headed people I know. I shouldn’t have expected anything less.”
He pays the bill and walks me back to the office, the comfortable silence now strained. We part with a stiff nod, the memory of what might have been hanging between us.
I did make the right choice, the responsible choice. But that didn’t make the longing in my heart hurt any less. The future is unclear, but one thing is certain - nothing between us will ever be the same again.
12
Laura
I scramble to get ready, mad at myself for staying up so late researching case law. But it paid off. The idea is risky, but it can help win De La Cruz’s impossible case.
I race into the office, clutching my files, and burst into his office. “Sir, I have an idea for the Pemberton case.”
De La Cruz peer at me over his reading glasses, one eyebrow raised. My cheeks flush under his scrutiny. “This better be good, Stevens. I don’t have time for nonsense today.”
I swallow hard and steady my nerves. Now or never. “We argue the illegal search violates not just Pemberton’s right to privacy, but his right to freely practice his religion. The police seized several religious artifacts along with the drugs.”
De La Cruz leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers. My heart pounds so loudly I am sure he can hear it. After a long moment, he nods. “That’s...not bad, Stevens.Unconventional, but it just might create enough reasonable doubt for the jury.”
I relax as a smile creeps across my face. He likes the idea! I have taken a risk, and it paid off. Maybe this is the breakthrough I need to prove myself as more than just another assistant. Maybe, just maybe, De La Cruz will see I am capable of more. Growth and improvement—here I come!
The next few weeks fly by in a flurry of activity. I throw myself into preparing for the Pemberton trial, working long hours to gather evidence and build our argument. But instead of feeling overwhelmed like I have in the past, I thrive under the pressure. Streamlining the process and delegating smaller tasks to the interns making the work seem less daunting.
When the trial starts, I was at De La Cruz’s side every step of the way. My suggestions and questions prove invaluable, and more than once I provide a key piece of evidence or insight that strengthened our case. We make a good team, playing off each other’s skills.
After the jury announces their verdict of “not guilty,” De La Cruz turns to me with a grin. “We make a heck of a duo, Stevens. This win is as much yours as it is mine. Drinks are on me tonight!”
I flush under the praise, hardly able to contain my joy. The risks I’ve taken, the long hours, the setbacks and struggles along the way—they have all been worth it. De La Cruz’s words echo in my mind, spurring me on to greater heights. Growth and improvement—the future is mine for the taking. I proved myself, and nothing seems out of reach. What an adventure this is turning out to be!
