Arrogant Playboy

by Wolf, Alex

  “It’s fine.”

  She apologizes again. “We don’t normally operate this way, but it was… umm, urgent.”

  “It’s really okay. I promise.”

  The voices inside the office grow loud, like the conversation is heated.

  I look over at Quinn and she winces, then goes back to her computer screen and clacks away on the keyboard.

  I look around her desk, underneath Quinn’s monitor. Her eyes keep darting over there, like she wants to look at something, but maybe she’s not supposed to. As an attorney, you train yourself to pick up on every single detail—movements, surroundings, body language. Anything that can give you an edge.

  Quinn is tense. She’s trying to hide it. The lines around her eyes are a little more pronounced than they should be. She keeps reaching up and tugging a small strand of hair, probably a nervous tic.

  When I see what’s beneath her monitor, I immediately respect her even more.

  “When do you sit?”

  Quinn’s eyes dart over to mine. “Huh?”

  “For the bar?”

  Quinn’s eyebrows rise for a split second. “How did you…”

  “Strategies and Tactics for the MBE.” I gesture to her book. “It’s out of the way, but I’m guessing you look at it every chance you get, when nobody’s around and your work is done. When’s the test?”

  Quinn finally lets out a long sigh. “Too soon. I’m not ready.”

  I give her a warm smile. “Everyone feels that way. It’s normal, I promise.”

  “Do you mind?” She nods to the book.

  “Please, go ahead, and good luck. I can entertain myself. No worries at all.”

  “Thank you.” Quinn flips through several pages with color-coded tabs all over them.

  She’s going to do just fine.

  The voices in the office go back to a normal decibel level, meaning I can’t hear them.

  I wait another five minutes, which is fine, I don’t have anywhere to be. The legs of a chair squeak against tile, and I hear rustling from inside the office. Quinn and I both bolt upright the second we hear it, and Quinn slaps the book closed and shoves it away.

  I stand up before the door opens, because there’s no way I want Decker Collins looking down on me the first time I meet him. Butterflies swim through my stomach and it has nothing to do with this interview. Okay, maybe a little, but I know the real reason.

  Stop it, Pais.

  Decker walks out and right behind him…

  Shit. Shit. Shit.

  It’s Donavan. His eyes widen when he sees me, and then I swear they turn a fiery red. Okay, maybe they don’t, but in my mind they do. I will never give him the satisfaction of showing him any kind of fear in his presence, though, so my brows knit together, and I send the scowl right back in his direction.

  “What’s going on here?” He waves an arm out to me and turns to Decker. The look on his face says it all.

  Decker’s right hand goes up to his temple, like he just had a headache smash into him like a freight train. “Not now,” he says to Donavan. “We’ll talk about it later.”

  Donavan takes his sweet time, looks me up and down, head to toe, then shakes his head and snarls in disgust. He walks away, and I feel a little bad for whoever he crosses paths with.

  “Sorry about that.” Decker holds his hand out in a welcoming gesture. “After you, Ms. Williams.”

  I walk in and he closes the door behind me.

  “It’s Ms., right?”

  “Yes, it is, thanks.”

  He walks up behind a chair in front of his desk and places a hand on top as if saying take a seat.

  I do and he walks around his desk. Damn the Collins boys know how to wear suits. If Donavan wasn’t here, I might actually consider all these handsome men a perk, and I’m no stranger to powerful men in suits.

  Decker waits for me to have a seat and then does the same. “So, I looked over the resume you sent us. I was going to ask if you knew Donavan at Columbia, but I think you two already answered my question.”

  “Yeah, about that, I’m…”

  He holds up a hand. “Don’t worry. He pretty much hates everyone.”

  My heart drops into my stomach for a moment. As much as Donavan hates me, I kind of hoped he reserved it all for me, like I was special somehow. I’ve wondered for years what kind of man Donavan became, and so far, I don’t really like what I see, although deep down I think I knew he’d turn out this way.

  “Let’s cut the shit and get to the heart of things here. Why us? Clearly you and Donavan don’t like each other. There are thousands of law firms in Chicago. Dozens that would welcome you with a compensation package, partner opportunities, and a million perks that would be competitive with what we’ll offer.”

  “That’s true. But they all lack one thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “You’re the best in the city. Obviously, working at Cooper and Associates, we keep an eye on everything. It’s part of my job and I want to be straightforward. We watch what Dexter is doing with the finance division. He’s the best in Chicago and I want to work with him.”

  Decker leans back, like he’s amused. But is it a double bluff? Is he secretly worried and pretending to be amused? Projecting power and confidence? Or is it legitimate? “Yeah, I noticed you specialize in finance. I would imagine you’re number two, beneath Bennett. Which means you do most of the work and management.”

  “Your assessment is correct.”

  “Why are you leaving Cooper?”

  “Personal reasons. I’m from Chicago. I need to handle things with my family, and it requires I be here on a permanent basis.”

  Decker leans in. “Why doesn’t Cooper have an office here for you to transfer to? Let you work remotely? I know he has clients in Chicago, although we’ve managed to secure most of them.”

  I need to be careful here. I technically still work for Cooper and Associates, and there are clauses in my employment contract. “Cooper is selective about where he sets up shop.”

  “That’s all I’m going to get?”

  I smile. “Until you hire me.”

  Decker’s lips curl up into the devilish grin I’ve seen a thousand times on a thousand different men when they think about power and money.

  “Look,” I say. “I just want to have a job lined up before I move back. It needs to be soon, too.” Always put some pressure on them. Don’t give them time to think too much.

  Decker stands up as if the meeting is concluded. I follow suit. He walks around and holds a hand out.

  “We’ll be in touch soon. End of the week at the latest.”

  I shake his hand. “Works for me. Thank you for the opportunity.”

  He leads me out of the office and walks me all the way to the elevator. As I step on, I look past him, and Donavan’s standing there.

  His fists are clenched at his sides, and he’s breathing heavily. He’s intimidating, I’ll give him that. I might even be a little nervous, if he still didn’t turn me on with that death stare of his. They’ll call within the week. I’ll have the job. I’m too good for them to pass up. They know it and I know it.

  All I have to do is avoid Donavan at all costs. Easier said than done.

  Donavan

  I walk to the conference room and my defenses are already up. Why was she even in the building? How the hell did I not know about this? I would’ve had security escort her straight back to the parking garage.

  Yeah, right. You wouldn’t do shit.

  When I walk in, everyone else is already there, like they’ve been discussing this without me. I just scoff and shake my head. What else can I do? Decker does whatever he wants, despite me being a managing partner now.

  “Go ahead and have a seat and we’ll get started.” Decker points at the one empty chair at the table.

  I walk over and probably yank on it a little harder than I need to.

  The twins look amused, Tate looks down at a folder in front of her, and Decke
r glares right at me.

  “Have you calmed down yet?”

  “I’m perfectly calm. Why wouldn’t I be?”

  “Right. What’s your problem with her?” asks Decker.

  The other eyes at the table land on mine.

  I inhale a deep breath. “Well, she works for Cooper.” There’s no way I’ll tell them the real reason, but my excuse sounds good enough to me.

  “Yeah, that seems like a problem on the surface, but are there possibilities there?”

  I shake my head just slightly as he starts to speak.

  “What?”

  “Nothing, it’s just reckless.” I don’t know why I’m even wasting my breath with him. He’s going to do whatever he wants.

  Dexter straightens up in his seat. “She could have a lot of valuable information. And she’s a fucking rockstar in finance. I follow her, read her articles. She’s a badass.”

  “She says she needs to move home for personal reasons. Any idea what that might be, Donavan?” asks Decker.

  I shrug. “No idea. But Dex is killing it already. He doesn’t need any help.” Maybe if I get Dex on my side that’ll help, so stroking his ego is a good move.

  Decker shrugs. “So, we hire her for a probationary period and see how it goes for a while. No harm done. I think she’s a good fit.”

  Dexter glances down at me and I know the look already. “I agree with Decker. I think the pros outweigh the cons.”

  “It seems like a decision for the managing partners, and I’m wondering why this wasn’t discussed with me before the interview stage.”

  Dexter sighs. “Whatever, Donavan. This directly involves finance. Has nothing to do with you and your precious criminal department. I have more of a say in this than you do.”

  “What do you think, Deacon?” I glance down at him, hoping to get some support. It feels like I’m drowning right now. I can’t believe this is even up for debate.

  He shrugs. “Whatever you guys decide. I’m indifferent.”

  “Tate?” Decker glances to his fiancée.

  I try to bite back the anger building in my chest and remain professional. Jesus, I can’t believe this decision rests in the hands of the woman who hates me more than Paisley probably does. I’m fucked.

  She glances to Decker, then to me, then back to Decker. “It doesn’t sit right with me, if I’m being honest.”

  All the air leaves my lungs. I can’t believe that just happened. It surprises me so much I can’t even think for a few seconds. I mean, I still hate her, but maybe I misjudged her a little. Maybe there is a hint of objectivity in there somewhere. Maybe she’s just trying to win brownie points, so I’ll stop being an asshole to her. Whatever the reason, I’ll take it.

  I wave a hand out at her. “At least someone has a fucking brain.”

  “Would you stop with the ad hominems, asshole.”

  I hold up both hands. “Do whatever you want. You will anyway. But I’m telling you. It’s a bad idea. There are a dozen firms she can work at. Dex is kicking ass without her. We don’t need the drama.”

  Decker glares. “I don’t know what personal shit you have going on with her, but it has no bearing on this decision. You don’t have to work near her. She’s in a different department. Grow up.”

  I shake my head and half-snicker. “So that’s it? Making me a manager was meaningless, just a way to squash family beef? My input doesn’t count?”

  Decker shakes his head. “You’re acting like a child.”

  “Decker.” Tate glares at him.

  Decker stands up. “You know what? I know how to decide. There are three managing partners.”

  Goddamn it, don’t say his name.

  “Weston can be the tie breaker.”

  A wave of heat sparks in my chest and travels straight to my face. My jaw clenches tight and I have to force myself to smile. “Whatever you think, boss.”

  “I give up.” Decker’s hands go to his temples.

  “I said do whatever you want.”

  “You don’t fucking mean it, though. What’s your problem with Weston?”

  I need to let this shit go. I need to just get out of this conference room, but I can’t. Why is he hellbent on destroying this place we’ve worked so hard for?

  “Did you not see the magazine article?”

  Decker glares right at me. “This is over an article in a magazine? Because your feelings got hurt and you didn’t get the recognition you think you deserve?”

  “It’s not about the article, or hiring someone, Decker. It’s about... No, just forget it. I told you my thoughts, can we just end this damn meeting please?”

  Decker exhales a sigh, hellbent on not letting this go. “It’s an article in a magazine.”

  I stand up and walk out the door. I’m done discussing this shit and receiving zero respect in return. He’s going to burn this firm to the ground by the time he’s done with it.

  Paisley

  “What?” I glance over at Dad and the huge cheesy grin he has on his face.

  “Nothing, baby girl. It’s just good to have you back.”

  “I’m just moving a few things right now. I don’t know if it’s going to be permanent. We’ll see.”

  “They call you back with an offer yet?”

  “No.” I shake my head.

  “Because of him?” Dad won’t even look at me, and I notice he refuses to say Donavan’s name.

  “I’m sure it has something to do with it. It won’t be long, though.”

  Dad walks over and takes a seat in the recliner. I do the same on the couch.

  “How do you know?”

  I shrug. “I know men, especially rich ones. They’re motivated by money and power, and they can’t pass up opportunities like this.”

  Dad leans back, resting his head on the cushion. “I still don’t know how I raised you.”

  “That an insult?” I grin.

  He shakes his head. “Of course not. I just don’t know where that brain of yours comes from. Able to read people, know what they’ll do before they do it. What they’ll say before they say it. I could’ve used some of that in my own life.”

  I reach over for his forearm. “Dad, it could’ve happened to anyone.”

  “Yeah.” He sighs. “But, it didn’t.”

  My heart pinches in my chest. “I’m sorry I didn’t do more.”

  “You couldn’t have.”

  “I could always do more, especially for family. I should’ve been here instead of sending associates to work on your case. I should’ve made sure you were protected from the beginning.”

  “Nonsense, you had to deal with billionaires and their money. The guys you sent did the same things you would’ve.”

  “I’d have found something. Dug harder. I will, now that I’m back. It’s not over yet.”

  He holds his arms out. “Look at me. I’m living in this little house, no way to take care of my parents. My daughter had to move home to save the day. My business is now nonexistent.”

  I want to cry, but I can’t. I’ve only cried once in my life and I doubt it’ll ever happen again. Still, seeing Dad like this, it’s torture. He looks at me like he’s a total failure. No parent should ever have to look at their child that way. He was my hero growing up; still is, but he’d never let me call him that now. When I was young, I thought he could do anything, he was larger than life. It’s a cold reminder that the world can crush you in an instant, and nobody is off limits.

  “You get a fresh start. You can build it back up. I’ll help, Dad.”

  “I’m pushing sixty, with a bad back and aging parents.” He shakes his head and sighs. “I hate you seeing me like this.”

  I stand and pull him up into a hug. “I know you do, but there’s nothing wrong with humility. It makes you stronger.”

  He grins. “I think someone said that once.”

  I nod, happy to see him smiling again. “I think they did. A wise man who is stronger than anyone I’ve ever met.”

 
He hugs me again and kisses my forehead, the same way he has since I was a child. “Thanks, sweetie.”

  “I love you, Dad.”

  “I love you too.” I don’t want to let go. I don’t care what’s happened, what I’ve been through, how strong I have to be in front of attorneys and powerful men, there’s still something special when Dad hugs me. I feel safe, transported to another place entirely. The world fades away and nothing can touch me. I felt that way with another man once, but not anymore. “We’re gonna be all right. I promise.”

  “I hope so, kiddo. I hope so.”

  “Well, the same wise man once said, make your own luck and work hard. So, hand it over.”

  “It’s done, Paisley. Just…”

  “Hand it over.”

  He walks off to a file cabinet and comes back with a manila envelope full of legal documents. “Fine, I have dinner plans anyway.”

  I raise my eyebrows. “Ohh, a hot date?”

  “Something like that.” He winks.

  The old man still has it. I take the folder from him. It holds all the court documents from the lawsuit that tanked his business. I’ve studied them a million times on my computer, but there’s something about thumbing through physical papers that turns the wheels in the brain a different way. If there’s something in there, I’ll find it.

  “Well, good luck. I’m heading to Giordano’s and I’ll look through this.”

  “Malnati’s is better.”

  I fake a look of horrifying disgust. “Go on your date, and hope she has better taste in pizza than you.”

  He laughs. “Don’t work too hard. You need to relax some too.”

  I have to laugh at that one. “Yeah, whatever you say.”

  He gets to the door and turns back. “It really is good to have you back, Pais. Even if it’s for a short time.”

  I nod. “It’s good to be back, even if it brings up old wounds. Now go; and buy that woman some flowers on your way. Don’t be a cheap ass.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He walks out the door.

  As soon as he’s gone, all the air sucks out of the room. I stare around and it just feels, soulless. All the life is gone. That’s how all of Chicago feels to me, like I suffocate when I’m in this city.