Alexa's office was tiny, but it was all hers. She never let me forget that she, as an associate, had a real office while I just had a desk that I had to share with the other paralegals. It was a good thing she didn't have to share with anyone, because it was a total mess. Files were strewn across the desk and stacked in haphazard piles. Books and more open files laid scattered across the filing cabinets on the back wall. I recognized some of the books as ones from the research library upstairs.
I picked up one, checking the title: Wage and Hour Collective and Class Litigation. This was part of the permanent reference section and wasn't even supposed to leave the library. I sighed and set it down. I was leaving it in her office. Alexa could deal with the trouble that was going to come down on her for having it.
As soon as the book left my fingers, I had a bad feeling about it. That was too easy. Alexa never got in trouble for things. Ever. Especially when it was her fault. I felt the need to check and make sure she wasn't going to screw me over. Again.
She had left her computer on, so it only took me a moment to log onto the law firm computer system to check the status of the book. It was checked out in my name. I had no idea how she even had my account number, but she had been using it for a while. She had not only taken two reserved books that weren't supposed to leave the library, but four others that were due at the end of the day. If Alexa didn't return them on time, which considering she wasn't even here to deliver her own files, I was the one who was going to get busted. I wouldn't qualify for even a cost of living raise with that on my head.
I collected all the books and stacked them on the edge of the desk while I searched for the discovery file. It took a little while, but I finally found it buried under two other files and a stack of magazines. Just holding it made my stomach boil with anger. It was the discovery information that she had tried to pawn off on me. This was the reason for my bad review.
It felt surprisingly light, so I thumbed through it to make sure all the pages were there. The file was complete, but pitifully short. I checked it again, just to make sure I wasn't missing something. Calvin was going to be pissed. This was a huge case, one that the head partners were involved in, and Alexa had completely half-assed it. She was supposed to have researched every aspect of our clients and their accuser, but just glancing through it I could see items that Alexa had completely skipped over to save herself time. The partners were not going to be happy about this. I really hoped that Alexa was in for some of the karmic justice she deserved.
“Whatever,” I mumbled as I placed the folder on top of my stack of books. Before today, I would have considered adding in more research, but not anymore. My lips twitched up at the idea of him calling her and forcing her to come back and work on it tonight. I imagined her showing up in uncomfortable party clothes and having to work into the night as I skipped off to my fancy dinner. The look on her imaginary face made me smile.
All I had to do was drop the file off at Calvin's office, then head upstairs to return the books before I got in trouble for them. Once I had that done, I could text my sister to bring a spare set of shoes with her to the restaurant and I would be on my way to dinner. There was less than ten minutes left in my workday- what could happen in ten minutes that could ruin things further?
The stack of books was heavier than I had expected, and the file kept trying to slip off as I tried to open the door without dropping anything, but I was determined to get out of here on time. I finally caught the door handle and swung it open as hard as I could. I rushed out without looking so the door wouldn't slam shut on me before I could escape.
I should have looked, because instead of an empty hallway in front of me, there was a person. All I saw was his white dress shirt before I nearly barreled into him. I shrieked and nearly threw my hands up in the air in surprise. Luckily, I managed to keep the books in my arms despite my shock, but the file resting on top was not so lucky. It opened, sending the papers inside fluttering to the ground like snow.
“I am so sorry,” I said quickly as I set my books down on the ground and began scrambling to pick up the pieces of paper. I was just glad I had managed not to injure either of us. “I wasn't looking where I was going, and-”
“It was my fault,” the man assured me, handing me the file folder. He was down on one knee, helping me pick up the fallen reports. I looked up at him to see the most amazing hazel eyes I had ever seen in my life. Green, gold, brown, and just a touch of blue swirled together like granite under green water. Hair the color of honey with just a slight curl accented the colors of his eyes. He was smiling at me, and the smile in addition to those eyes made my heart skip a beat.
I tried not to stare, but he was possibly the most handsome man I had ever met in real life. His features were strong and bold, but chiseled and sophisticated. High cheekbones contrasted nicely with a strong, almost crooked nose. I wondered if he had broken it at some point in his life. It added character and mystery. He was simply breathtaking.
It took me a moment of staring before I took the folder from him. “Thanks,” I managed to get out. I could feel my cheeks starting to burn so I looked down at his shoes instead of his face. They were expensive shoes. His gray dress pants were of high quality too, as was the cream-colored button-up shirt he was wearing. After working with incredibly high paid lawyers, I had learned to appreciate quality. His clothing was expensive, but practical. I had seen similar outfits on high paid personal assistants.
The body underneath those clothes was what really captured my attention. His broad shoulders and the muscles of his arms screamed that he enjoyed some sort of physical activity. Boxing maybe? That would certainly explain the nose. He didn't have a tie, so I figured he must be someone's assistant. Clients typically stayed up on the sixteenth floor and sent their assistants down to the Dungeon.
“Did I knock your shoes off?” he asked. I nearly dropped the file.
“What?” I gasped, feeling incredibly flustered. I hoped he thought the blush searing across my cheeks was from nearly running him over and not the way he was making my heart pitter-patter and my brain think dirty thoughts about him knocking my shoes off.
“You aren't wearing shoes,” he explained. He had a deep voice that was easy to listen to.
“Oh, right!” I laughed nervously. I always had a hard time around handsome men. I never could tell what they were thinking. “I broke a heel earlier today, so I left them under my desk. I didn't think I'd run into anyone today.”
He chuckled at my unintentional pun and handed me the last loose piece of paper. My hand accidentally brushed against his, sending a thrill straight up my arm and directly into my heart. I glanced up at his face, hoping to see the same reaction but he was already rising to his feet.
I quickly counted and organized the pages in the file to make sure they were all still there. For once I was actually glad Alexa had skimped on her work; it meant I had less to pick up. I turned to pick up the books, but the man already had them in his arms.
“Let me,” he said, smiling at my confused expression.
“You really don't have to do that. I can get them,” I replied, feeling incredibly self conscious as I rose from the floor. Only teenagers from the 1950's offered to carry a girl's books. “Besides, I was the one who ran into you.”
“Then how about a trade?” he offered, keeping the books close to him so I couldn't take them. His eyes held a secret mirth, as though he knew exactly what I was thinking and found it amusing. “I'll carry the books for you if you'll show me how to get out of here.”
“What?” I was saying that a lot to this man, but he had me thoroughly flustered.
“I'll carry the books for you if you show me the way to the main elevators,” he explained. “That's why I was coming to your office. I've been wandering around looking for the way out when I saw the light on in there.”
“The exit's actually just around the corner and to the right,” I said, pointing down the hallway helpfully. “People are always getti
ng lost down here. Someone really should have walked you out.”
He flashed me a heart-stopping grin. I suddenly wished I hadn't just told him where the exit was. I should know better than to tell good looking men who want to carry my books how to escape from me.
“Then why don't you walk me out once we've delivered these?” he asked, ignoring my directions. For whatever reason, he wanted to carry my books. Maybe he just felt bad about nearly running me over.
“Okay,” I said, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “I have to drop this file off at my boss's office before we take the books upstairs. You sure? You really don't have to.”
“I'm sure,” he told me, the corners of his mouth moving up toward another grin. “I'm waiting for my ride, and I would rather spend the time carrying your books than waiting in the lobby.”
“It's over this way,” I said, leading the way down the hall. I could feel him walking beside me, far enough away to be polite, but close enough that I was very aware of his presence. Plus, he smelled amazing. It was a clean, light scent that reminded me more of soap than cologne. The short walk to Calvin's office was not nearly long enough.
I knocked smartly on the door and Calvin answered. He had loosened his tie and looked overworked. His flat brown hair needed a trim and he looked pale as the afternoon light faded and the harsh florescent lights were all that was left. He glared at me with dark eyes as I handed him the file.
“Here's the discovery file from Alexa,” I informed him. He snatched it from me and began going over it.
“Lena, this was supposed to be with me an hour ago. Kathryn's on my ass for this. You need to do your job.” He glared at me, wanting to say more but noticing the man standing behind me. He wasn't about to make a scene in front of someone who could be a potential client. “We've talked about this.”
“She just sent me the message to give it to you five minutes ago. I can show it to you if you'd like.” I tried to keep my voice calm and even, though it was difficult. I wanted to snarl and snap that this was Alexa's fault and not mine, but I knew book-holding-man could hear every word and I didn't want to sound petulant in front of him.
Calvin frowned. His eyes focused on me and I could tell he wanted to berate me for being late, but couldn't with our observer present. “No. I'll take it up with Alexa.” He turned the last page of the file and looked up at me, incredulous. “Where's the rest of it?”
For a moment, I panicked and thought I lost a page. But, I had counted twice, so I knew they had to be all there. He had to just be shocked that it was so short, especially since it was for such a big case. “That's all she gave me,” I informed him calmly. Inside, my stomach was a bag of hot snakes.
Calvin's eyes darkened. If book-holding-man hadn't been there, I would have been blamed and yelled at for something that wasn't my fault. I sent the man behind me a silent beam of gratitude for just being there.
“This isn't enough. Do you have any idea how big this case is? I need to get it to Kathryn tomorrow morning before we meet with the client. You'll have to stay late and add to it.” Calvin shut the folder and crossed his arms. He seemed to stare over me, like I wasn't even worthy of his gaze.
“What!?” I squeaked before I could modulate my voice. This wasn't fair! “I have plans tonight. I have a date tonight! It was Alexa's job- make her do it!”
“Sorry, Lena. It's your responsibility now. Get it done.” Calvin met my eyes. He was pissed and wanted to yell, but couldn't. He didn't know who the assistant behind me belonged to and he didn't want his name tarnished in the upper circles of the company. I opened my mouth to protest again, but he just shut the door in my face.
I stared at the wooden grain of the door for a moment, trying to understand how my day could have gone so terribly wrong. It was as if the universe were punishing me for something.
“Sorry about that,” I said, turning around and putting a pleasant expression on my face. His face was unreadable and I refused to look at his eyes. I was too ashamed of how my boss had just treated me. “The elevator upstairs to the library is just around the corner. I can show you out now if you want, though. You don't have to go upstairs.”
“I said I'd carry them,” he replied, smiling gently at me. I looked up and again was lost in those beautiful eyes. When he looked at me, I felt like I was the center of his world. It was a heady feeling. The loss of his gaze was almost painful as he turned to walk in the direction I had just pointed. I hurried to catch up to him, feeling a deep gratitude for him not bailing on me. It was a sad statement that a stranger I had known for five minutes was the kindest person I had talked to all day.
“Thank you,” I said catching up to him. I wanted to tell him just how much the simple gesture meant to me today, but I didn't want to sound crazy. He was just killing time until his ride got here, but his help was the nicest thing he could have done for me today.
“So, you had a date tonight?” he said conversationally as we walked. I was glad he wasn't commenting on how my boss had behaved or how my evening had been ruined.
“That's what you picked up on out of that conversation? My date?” I teased gently, pressing the call button for the elevator. He shrugged, his broad shoulders moving easily as he smiled crookedly. There was an easy sex appeal to him that made it hard to concentrate on anything but how good he made that shirt look.
I knew I looked terrible. My mascara had to be in raccoon territory and my dark blonde hair was falling out of the bun I had put it in after the rain. Plus, I was barefoot and my nylons were running. He was so far out of my league that I felt lucky just to be in the same building as him. A man as good-looking as he was didn't go for Plain Jane girls like me. They just flirted, beefing up their game and getting ready for the hotter girls. Like Alexa.
Even though I knew he couldn't possibly be actually interested in me, he still made my body react like I had a chance. Every part of me wanted him to know that I was a woman and very interested in the heat his gaze was giving off. Even if he didn't mean it, his smoldering smile was going to give me some wonderful dreams later.
“It was a date with my sister,” I explained, stepping into the open elevator doors. He followed behind me, and I suddenly wished the elevator was smaller so we would have to stand closer together. “She was going to take me out to celebrate.”
“What are you celebrating?” he asked. I pushed the button for the next floor up and hoped that the power would go out. I could happily spend the evening with this man in an elevator.
“I won a case.” The lie came quick and easy. I didn't even actually think about it. I didn't want to tell him that we were supposed to celebrate the raise I didn't get in the review that had gone completely sour. I didn't want to embarrass myself anymore than I already had. Besides, it wasn't a total lie. I had worked on the case Calvin won yesterday, so technically, I had won the case too.
He smiled proudly at me and I felt all warm and fuzzy inside. “Congratulations!”
I liked the way he said it- like he meant it. It was the first nice thing anyone had said to me all day and it gave me a wonderful, heady joy. For a moment, my bad day wasn't bad at all.
“You have any other dates planned to celebrate it?” he asked as the elevator came to a stop. There was a cautious expectancy on the edges of his voice that my brain wanted to interpret as interest. He wanted to know if I was seeing anyone.
“No. No dates or anyone to take me on one,” I replied, feeling brave with him. “Why? You planning on asking me out on one?”
“Maybe,” he said with a shrug and a wry smile. I couldn't read his face well enough to tell if he was just flirting or serious.
The idea that he would even be interested in taking me on a date made my stomach do happy flip flops. My brain said he was joking because there was no way he was serious. I tried to think of a reply that wouldn't make me look overeager if he was just playing with me and couldn't. The elevator doors opened before I had to respond, and I gratefully hurried out before
I said something that gave away how much I would enjoy a date.
I glanced behind me to see him still wearing a self-assured half-smile across his handsome face. I shook my head to clear my thoughts, but he was still dominating all my thinking power. I wanted him to be serious about wanting a date. I wanted it, but I wasn't sure I could handle it if I got one. A girl could fall in love with a man like that and never recover. Besides, who meets their Prince Charming in an elevator on a day when nothing seems to go right?
Chapter 3
The upper floor of the McDonald, Smith and Ward law firm was made for impressing clients. It had a chic modern vibe that screamed wealth and power. The Chicago office was the flagship for the six other US branches and two international offices, and every inch was made to represent that fact.
Not far from the elevator was the legal library. While many firms were switching to strictly computer-based systems, McDonald, Smith and Ward had decided to use the beauty of the old books to impress clients. Big, sound-proof glass windows separated it from the hallway, but let anyone who walked past see the glorious amount of books inside. The collection was the envy of several small law schools.
I glanced over at my mysterious companion, watching for his reaction. He didn't have one. That told me two things. He had a boss that could afford my firm and that he had been here enough times that the opulence no longer effected him.
Darcie, the librarian, didn't look up from her computer as we entered her domain. “I'll be with you in just a second,” she murmured. I knew her well enough to know she was lost in her own world researching something for an attorney.
“I just need to return some books Alexa checked out under my name,” I told her as Book-man carefully placed the stack on the heavy wooden desk.
Darcie hit what must have been the save button and looked up, smiling as she recognized me. “Hi, Lena. How's your day going?”
Barefoot Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story Page 2