Page 93 of Dial L for Lawyer
I get dressed while she watches from the bed, still wrapped in a towel, looking thoroughly debauched and perfect.
"That's a nice suit," she observes as I button my shirt.
"Tom Ford."
"Of course it is." She stretches like a cat. "What's your day look like?"
"I have that meeting with Logan and Bennett first. Then a deposition at two, client dinner at seven." I work my tie into a Windsor knot.
“Sounds almost as busy as my day. Word on the street is they’re going to unveil the killer in the new season ofMaking a Monster."
I laugh. "I'd cancel everything to watch it with you." I slide on my watch, the familiar weight a contrast to the new lightness in my chest. “Oh, my housekeeper will be here around ten. And my chef comes at noon to prep meals for the week. You can tell him if you want anything specific."
Her face does something complicated. "That's sweet, but I think I'll head back to mine for the day."
"You don't have to leave?—"
"My cat will be missing me."
I pause. "You have a cat?"
"No." She grins. "But if I did, it would be judging me right now. Truth is, I don't want to be here when your rich people staff show up. I'll feel weird and probably try to help them clean or cook."
"Serena—"
"I'm serious! Last time I was at a fancy party, I ended up helping the catering staff because I couldn't just stand there while they worked."
I chuckle, pulling her against me. "You're ridiculous."
"I am. And you love it."
"I love you," I correct, and watch her freeze slightly before relaxing.
"Caleb..."
"Still not asking you to say it back. Just stating facts." I kiss her forehead. "You have a key. Come and go as you please. My rich people staff won't judge you."
"Your rich people staff will definitely judge me."
"Maybe my housekeeper. But she judges everyone. It's her love language."
She laughs, walking me to the door. I'm putting on my jacket when she reaches up to straighten my tie, even though it's already perfect.
"Have a good day, counselor."
"You too. And Serena? Bring a bag of your things when you come back. I want you to feel comfortable here."
"One grand gesture at a time, Kingsley."
I kiss her once more and leave, texting Bennett that I'm on my way before I can decide to skip work entirely and convince her to move in permanently. Even I know that’s too fast.
When I arrive at Mercer Capital and head to the conference room, Logan is already there, looking like he hasn't slept in days. He's surrounded by his usual energy drink cans, three laptops running, and a mess of scribbled or crumpled notes torn from legal pads.
"Please tell me you went home at some point," I say, setting my briefcase on the table.
"Home is for people who haven't found evidence of corporate conspiracy." He spins a laptop toward me. "Look at this."
Before he can explain, Bennett walks in with coffee and an expression that means trouble.
