by T Gephart
“Why are you wearing an evening dress? In the morning?” He ignored my questions, deciding to ask one of his own.
I spun around, rolling my eyes. “It’s a cocktail dress. Some people think they are interchangeable but they really aren’t.”
He didn’t answer mine; I didn’t answer his.
“Cocktail dress then.” He put his hands on me again, stilling my unnecessary movements.
I tried not to enjoy it.
I did anyway.
“Oh, this?” I looked down at the short black lace that curled around my body doing little to keep its secrets. “It’s a Yale thing. We wear cocktail dresses to breakfast on Saturdays.”
Lame.
I hoped my smile was more convincing than my words.
His eyes raked up my body. “Funny, in all the time Roman attended, I never heard him mention it. Sounds like something he’d have remembered.”
“It’s a secret society, like the Skull and Bones,” I countered, wondering if adding something to their Wiki page was taking it a little too far.
“And yet, you told me?” His brow lifted.
Damn, that fucking sexy brow.
“Yes. But if you tell anyone I’ll deny it.” I jabbed a finger in his delicious chest, the vow real because there was no way I’d ever admit how crazy I was to anyone else.
He dropped his hands from my waist, folding them across his chest like he knew I was full of shit. Just daring me to continue. “So breakfast in cocktail dresses? You go alone?”
“Oh no, there’s a group. We eat pastries, and on the first Saturday of the month we wear white gloves and pillbox hats.”
Never surrender.
He didn’t have a chance if he thought I was going to let it go.
“Well, then let’s go to breakfast.” He tipped his head to the door.
Shit.
While I was happy to continue the charade in my apartment, taking it public brought a whole new set of challenges. Plus, I had more lying on my couch to do, contemplating random shit that didn’t matter. I couldn’t possibly go out with him.
“We can’t.” I raised my chin defiantly. “You’re not a member.”
He leaned in closer, smelling better than was acceptable, and smirked. “Who’s going to know? Do they have secret lookouts that report back illegal breakfast activities?”
Checkmate.
“Fine, let me get my shoes.”
I stormed off into my bedroom and slid on a pair of black patent leather pumps. My feet were going to curse me in about an hour.
My light brown curls were swept up into a messy bun while I smoothed on a fresh coat of red lipstick. Freshening up my makeup was overkill, but I had already committed to the sham and didn’t want anyone mistaking my odd breakfast ensemble as walk of shame kind of material.
When I came out my bedroom, he was waiting by the door. I didn’t bother talking, grabbing my keys, handbag and phone and locking up after us as we both left.
With a confidence that was completely manufactured, I proceeded down the steps, my heels clanging noisily on the metal as I walked.
I might have finished the descent, but Alex wasn’t far behind, his long strides reaching the bottom about a second after me.
His car was parked up front as usual, his ability to conjure up vacant spots still working as I stopped in front of his BMW. Given the choice I’d have preferred to have climbed inside. But the fob and all its power to unlock doors was safely inside Alex’s hand, forcing me to wait until he came up behind me.
“You said we needed to eat pastries, right?”
He was so close, his body taunting me as it hovered inches away from mine.
I smiled sweetly, determined to see this through until the end. “Yep.”
The lights flashed, the locks popping open and I said a small prayer of thanks. He opened the door, watching me fold myself inside while I tried to stop my hemline riding up.
I didn’t try too hard.
His eyes flared, but he said nothing, walking around to the driver’s side and getting in. He didn’t wait, hitting the ignition as he latched his seatbelt, and then pulled out onto the road.
He didn’t tell me where we were going, and I didn’t ask.
Faced with the real probability there’d be questions during the drive, I instead launched into a barrage of small talk. I chatted about work, my new work friends and my crazy landlord—filling the time with a whole bunch of nothing. Then when I’d exhausted those topics, I talked about my family and his and how awesome everyone was doing. And when we still hadn’t reached our mystery destination I launched into a detailed description about the kind of car I was planning on buying. Mentioning while I loved the idea of investing in something more environmental, I was probably going to have to go with a planet-destroying, gasoline guzzling machine instead. Nothing fancy, maybe a Toyota but I’d seen a Mazda that looked kind of cute too.
Not a word from Alex; letting me go on with my unending dialogue while he drove in silence, casually looking over at me while I tried not to pass out.
When we’d finally arrived in Marina del Rey, I was out of breath, my throat was raspy and I was breathing a sigh of relief that I could stop talking before my voice totally gave out.
Yachts bobbed on the waters, the sea catching the morning sun and making their hulls twinkle.
It was beautiful.
We opened our doors at the same time, getting out of the car and stepping out onto the gravel parking lot. The loose stones were going to be a pain in the ass to navigate in my shoes, but I soldiered on as Alex took my hand and led us to a small café that was close to the water.
A hostess showed us to a table, handing us some menus and promising to be back while we shuffled into our chairs. Alex’s eyes stayed on me as I glanced down at the offerings of breakfast food.
“Why are you looking at the menu?” he asked curiously. “Doesn’t secret society cocktail dress law dictate we eat pastries?”
My smile peeked out from behind my menu. “Of course, it has to be pastries.”
When a server arrived we ordered croissants and juice, and then stared out into the harbor until our food and drinks arrived. Thankfully it didn’t take long, saving me from needing to make more small talk.
I pretended to be Audrey Hepburn as I took a bite out of my croissant, feeling strangely powerful as I sat there overdressed.
“Any weird ritual we need to perform? Or do we sit here in silence until we’re done?” Alex took a leisurely sip on his juice.
“You already know too much.” I threw him a dismissive wave. “I’ve broken the code and can’t possibly disclose anymore.”
“Maya?” He reached across the table, gently touching my arm. He wasn’t playing anymore, his gaze softening so much it made my heart hurt. “You sure you don’t remember last night?”
“You drove me home and I went to bed, what’s there to remember?”
The game was no longer fun, and I wanted to go home.
LEAH THORNE CALLED AS WE were walking back to the car and asked if I could go into work. She apologized, assuring me that weekend work wasn’t the usual but she really needed the help.
I couldn’t say no.
Not only did I need to prove myself at work, but I could also use the distraction. The added bonus of giving me an out with Alex made it even more attractive.
Even though I insisted he didn’t need to, he drove me home and waited while I got changed. We didn’t say much, letting the music from the stereo fill the silence as he drove me to work.
“You don’t have to drive me home, you’ve already done so much for me,” I offered, reaching for the door handle when we arrived.
He caught my arm, keeping me in the car. “I want to, besides I owe you a celebratory dinner to mark your first week.”
“What do you mean, we had dinner last night.” Pretty sure watching him licking sticky BBQ sauce off his fingers was what started the whole degradation of the evening.
He shook his head.
“Mike paid, doesn’t count. Just us tonight and no drinking.”
Yeah, because that had been the problem.
I fought the urge to roll my eyes as my skin bristled with annoyance.
Not at him, but at myself.
Because as much as the situation was getting to be ridiculous, I couldn’t make myself say no.
Even though I needed to say no.
“Look, I don’t know what time I’m wrapping up. How about I just call you later?” It was as close to a no as I was going to get, but I was pleased I’d said it.
“Sure, whatever you want.”
His grip loosened and I stepped out, waving goodbye as I strode toward the door.
“Maya.” Leah had been waiting for me. She was sitting cross-legged at the table with some papers in front of here. “I’ve called Mike and Stefan in too, but I’d like a word before you get started.”
My stomach twisted into a knot as I kept my strides even, and suddenly Alex Larsson wasn’t my biggest problem. I’d heard those exact words so many times, I was almost positive I knew what would follow them.
Glenn Zaveri.
Proceeded by his rap sheet, his outstanding warrants, and a case study that would make an excellent teaching aid for any budding attorney. I should know, I poured over every single document I could get my hands on until I thought my eyes would bleed out.
The partners of the firm had all known my history, so had the Bar, the ethics board and probably everyone in the law profession in the greater Los Angeles area over the age of forty. It had been big news. And when I took the job I was assured the only legacy I’d have to live up to would be my own. Other firms hadn’t been so generous. But no matter how you presented it, shit always ran down hill, and other people—who thankfully didn’t sign my paycheck—might have something to say about it too.
“Of course.” I gave her my rehearsed smile, dropping my bag on the table and sitting opposite her. “What can I do for you?”
It seemed a game I was playing a lot lately, trying to guess what someone wanted from me and not giving them any information until I was sure. It wasn’t something I enjoyed, even if it had become necessary.
She tapped her neatly manicured finger on the papers. “It’s about this file. The Clayton merger.”
I didn’t have time to temper my expression; genuinely surprised the conversation had nothing to do with my father.
“Is there something wrong?” she asked, seeing what I knew I hadn’t been able to hide. “You looked like you were expecting me to say something else.”
“I just.” I took a breath, composing myself. “I had only put that file together yesterday and I wasn’t done. I didn’t even think you’d had time to look at it.”
Leah opened the folder, flicking through the notes I entered and supporting documents. “Well I did, and it was really impressive. You seem to have a good eye for detail. Think you can wrap it up in a few hours? I have an meeting with opposing counsel first thing on Monday, they want to finalize ASAP.”
“I’ll have it to you in two,” I responded, my stomach twisting again but this time for a different reason.
“That’s what I like to hear.” She stood, straightening her skirt. “Actually, you want to sit in on the meeting? Might be helpful to have you take an extra set of notes. Plus, I find I work better with an audience.” Her lips spread into an unapologetic smile.
I rose to my feet, torn between wanting to shake her hand and give her a hug. “Thank you so much, it would truly be an honor.”
“No problem. Just get the papers to me on time, okay?” Her eyes darted to the door, Mike and Stefan wandering in with a tray of coffee. “Gentlemen, great work yesterday. Keep it up.” She walked past them on her way out.
“I thought we got rewarded for good behavior not punished.” Stefan held out a coffee before smirking. “And what did you do to get sent to the principal’s office so soon? Geez, Maya, it’s only been a week.”
I took the paper cup even though drinking it was probably not a good idea. “I’m going to sit in on a meeting for the Clayton merger on Monday.”
“Oh really?” Stefan looked impressed. “Don’t forget the little people when you’re up there sitting with the grown ups.”
“And don’t break up the band,” Mike warned, taking his coffee and moving to his chair.
I rolled my eyes, taking a sip of my latte against my better judgment. “Please, it’s one meeting. I think I’m a long way from breaking up the band.”
“You’re on record.” Mike scribbled down something on a piece of paper before turning his attention back to his work.
Stefan didn’t have the same urgency, lowering himself down to his seat, his grin hiding behind his takeaway cup.
“What?” I asked, knowing he couldn’t be more obvious if he tried. He had something to say, and the sooner I heard it, the sooner we could all get back to work.
“So Alex Larsson.” He played with his cup, lowering it to the table.
I swallowed hard, almost choking on the stupid coffee I shouldn’t have been drinking in the first place.
“We’re friends, I told you last night.” I tried to sound casual, wondering if it was written all over my face that I wanted it to be more.
Mike shook his head, obviously knowing what Stefan was going to say. “Dude, seriously, you just met the guy.”
“Pipe down, nerd boy. I’m trying to work here.” Stefan leveled Mike with a look before returning to me. “As I was saying, you and Alex are friends. Which means you will probably hang out again, right?”
“Yeah, that’s usually how friendships work.” I was still no closer to knowing what he was getting at.
He nodded, agreeing with me. “And possibly with some of his friends? Considering he came out with us, it would be logical you’d reciprocate.”
Oh my God, was everyone in my life trying to make me feel like I was in a murder mystery? I’d had way too much caffeine, not enough sleep, had been through about fifty emotions already.
“Stefan, seriously. I haven’t got time to go through the extrapolations. What is it that you want?”
“Alex knows Astrid. You know, the model who is so cool she only has a first name? Well, your buddy is her buddy. Not sure if they’re dating—I didn’t have enough time to do any real digging—but they’ve attended a couple of events together and I want an introduction. Even if they are dating, if I don’t get to at least meet her, I’d never forgive myself.” He anchored his hands behind his neck, looking off into space with a stupid grin on his face. It was how I imagined most men looked when in her presence.
“You looked him up?” I was horrified, the invasion into Alex’s privacy not something I’d expected from Stefan. Not that I knew him all that well, but still.
“No, I didn’t look him up.” It was his turn to look offended. “She called him while you were in the bathroom and asked him if he’d go to some bullshit dinner with her. It wasn’t like he was hiding it; he spoke to her right there at the table. After he was done he told us who she was, and that he helps her out from time to time. Now her, I definitely looked up.” The mention of Astrid subsided his irritation.
Shit, she’d called him? Last night? I’d left his side for like ten minutes and in that time she’d gotten her meaty hooks in? Was she stalking him? No wonder he hadn’t wanted to sleep with me, it all made perfect sense. He’d even gone through with the stupid charade, pretending to be honorable and not wanting to make a move on me while impaired. Ha! All he was doing was saving himself from looking bad if he slept with me and then went and did whatever he was going to do with her. He might have said they were friends but she seemed to believe different.
“Did he say yes?” I sucked in a breath, holding it as I waited for Stefan to answer.
He shrugged, shaking his head. “About what?”
My hands curled into fists, welded to my sides so I didn’t reach across and beat out every piece of information he knew. “The dinner or whatever it was s
he asked him to?”
“Ah, that. Yeah, said he’d get back to her which is why I’m not sure if they’re dating.” He sighed. “A man has a woman like that, and there’s no way he’d say no.”
Yeah, I bet.
Wow, my morning had been one poor choice after another.
Guess there was no real reason to stop.
“Not making any promises, but I’ll speak to Alex and see what I can do.” If for no other reason than I wanted to know what the hell was going on too.
“Maya, you are a fucking rock star.” Stefan’s grin beamed on his face.
“Yeah, I’m freaking awesome.”
Funny how I didn’t feel it.
AGAINST MY BETTER JUDGMENT—PRETTY sure it hadn’t been good for a while—I called Alex and asked him to meet me. It was dumb, my mediocre show of keeping my distance from him earlier looking pathetic when I called him a few hours later.
Not that it mattered what anyone thought; I had a mission which apparently had me moonlighting as a matchmaker. From what Stefan said, Astrid had been using Alex as arm candy, inviting him along to events to help her look good. While she wouldn’t have been the first woman to do that, I wondered how much of an “escort” she wanted.
Alex seemed surprised by my call—yeah, you and me both, buddy—telling me he’d be about twenty minutes. And the minute I ended the call, I started to have second thoughts.
There were so many things left unresolved between us, I wasn’t sure if it was smarter to just get my own ride home. I still had the bus schedule in my purse and I’m sure Mike or Stefan would give me a ride if I asked. But running would be the coward’s way out, and I was anything but a coward so I was just going to have to wait.
I was sitting on a bench in the lobby when I saw his car from the windows. It had been half an hour, my nerves starting to get a little frayed as I continued to wait. Not wanting for him to sacrifice another virgin to the parking gods, I walked out without waiting for him to come inside to get me.
“Hey, sorry, the traffic on Santa Monica was insane.” He tapped his watch as I climbed into the car.
“Alex, it’s only been ten minutes. I barely even noticed,” I lied, the time ticking by so slowly it had felt like ten hours.