Page 56 of Designing Love
“Somewhere you have to be?”
“Hoping to swing by the office and thank everyone for their years of dedication.”
Daniel shakes his head.
“I hope he’s worth it when you’re living in a dilapidated house, no clients, no career…”
“Daniel, just don’t…”
Sam comes back in, unfazed as always, drops into his chair and puts the papers in front of me. My hand trembles as I sign the final page.
Sam slides the papers neatly in Daniel’s direction, tapping them pointedly. “You know how it works, Mr. Big Shot Lawyer. Signatures here and here, and there, please.”
As Daniel signs, Sam’s eyes sparkle at me. “See, Sophia? Easy.”
I laugh weakly, adrenaline finally easing. “Oh yes, completely painless.”
Daniel straightens, pushing the papers toward Sam. “Satisfied?”
I meet his gaze steadily. “Immensely.”
He rises stiffly, adjusting his jacket. “Good luck with your fixer-upper fantasy. Don’t come crying to me when it falls apart.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I say coolly, watching him stride briskly from the room.
Sam waits until the door closes behind him before exhaling. “Well, that was entertaining.”
I slump slightly in my seat, tension finally loosening. “Entertaining isn’t exactly the word I’d use.”
“You look peeled.”
“I feel peeled.”
He grins broadly, nudging my elbow playfully. “Admit it. You enjoyed it just a little.”
“Maybe a tiny bit,” I admit grudgingly. “But only because I had a front-row seat to Daniel’s ego imploding.”
“Spectacular, wasn’t it?” Sam teases, eyes softening. “Seriously, Soph, you handled that beautifully.”
I smile faintly, fiddling nervously with the edge of my jacket. “Thank you. For everything.”
He winks gently. “My pleasure. You’re worth it.”
I reach for my phone, my heart suddenly fluttering. “You mind if I…”
“Go. Tell Ethan you’re officially a free agent.”
I grin gratefully, pushing my chair back hurriedly. “I owe you dinner.”
“I’ll accept margaritas instead,” he calls after me as I hurry out, dialing Ethan’s number eagerly. “Call me with good news!”
I pause in the quiet hallway, phone ringing softly in my ear, heartbeat racing with anticipation. Please pick up, Ethan.
His voicemail kicks in, and my stomach twists nervously. I hesitate.
I hang up, breathing shakily. Despite the lingering anxiety, relief surges through me powerfully.
It’s finally done — no more Daniel, no more Vancouver, just Bluewater Cove and Ethan.
