“Everything is fine.” I stand, bills in my hand. “Now, what are we going to binge watch?” I slide the stack of envelopes into the bread box and spin back around to face her.
“Sam, be honest with me. Are you in trouble? Do you need money? I know I put you in a difficult situation when I left. I can give you some money.”
I grab my coffee off the table and head to the living room. “I’m fine, El. I don’t want your money.” I place my cup on the end table and pick up the remote to turn on the TV.
El follows me into the room and flops down on the couch. “You need help, Sam. Griffin and I can loan you money if you don’t want to just take it.”
I let out a long, frustrated breath and sit beside her on the couch. I turn my body toward El as I level my eyes on her. “Listen, I have been struggling a little since you left. But I’m not your concern and you shouldn’t have to give me any money just because you no longer live here. I’m working, and I’m making money. I just have to learn how to juggle it all a little better, that’s all. Now, can we please forget about all this and just watch Netflix and eat junk food like we’ve been planning all week?” I plead.
She presses her lips together like she has to forcibly keep her mouth shut, but she nods once.
“Thank you.”
I click on Netflix as I make myself comfortable. I bend down and remove my shoes, and that’s when I hear her clear her throat. I look up at her to see her eyes move from me, to the TV, and back. I look at the TV and see the error message.
“Haven’t paid your Netflix bill either, I see.”
“I did, I swear! I just…didn’t pay the internet bill.” I sit back and cross my arms over my chest.
“Just let me help you,” she begs.
“No. In fact, the only help I will accept from you is you paying for the pizza we’re going to order because I bought dinner last time.”
She rolls her eyes. “Well, at least that’s something,” she mumbles, reaching for her phone to order the pizza.
Thirty minutes later, I’ve found an old DVD to put into the player just as she walks back into the living room with a big pizza box and a bag on top.
“What all did you order? That’s more than what you asked for on the phone, isn’t it?”
“Pizza, wings, cheesy bread, cinnamon poppers, and soda,” she answers, setting it all down on the coffee table in front of me.
I laugh. “I’ll get some plates, glasses, and napkins.” I stand and walk into the kitchen. I lean against the counter and take a deep breath, needing to clear my head. I hate that she had to buy dinner, even though it was her turn. But it’s something we’ve always argued over. It was our thing, and this time, I didn’t put up a fight. Honestly, if she hadn’t bought dinner, I’d be stuck eating whatever is in the fridge and pantry, which is nothing more than some questionable Chinese food from last weekend and Top Ramen.
Pushing myself forward, I get the needed items and head back to the living room where she has everything opened and spread across the table.
“Which movie did you find?” she asks, reaching for the glasses.
I sit on the couch and set our plates on the coffee table between us. “Dazed and Confused.” I smile.
She laughs. “Seriously? I haven’t seen that in forever.” She pours us each a glass of soda and hands one over.
I take it and set it on the end table next to me. “I know. I didn’t even know I still had it, but I figured I’d watch it again just to laugh at Matthew’s porn mustache.”
She giggles as she reaches for her plate.
“How’s the job going? Do you like it? Have you met any hot doctors?” She pulls her legs up onto the couch, with her growing belly holding her plate like a table.
“I like the job—love it, actually, though the hours are killing me. And every Friday, I have to work a day in the ER, which totally sucks all the life and energy from my body. But I have been talking with this sexy doctor. He’s only a couple years older than me, and he has blond hair, blue eyes, and perfect bone structure.” I close my eyes and savor the thought of him.
“Has he asked you out yet?”
I laugh. “No, he just started working there about two weeks ago. So far, we’ve talked and gotten to know each other a tiny bit. I mean, it’s a little hard to get to know someone on an ER shift, but we’ve been flirting back and forth. Nothing has actually happened yet. Not that I even expect it to. I mean, come on, he’s a doctor, and I’m nothing more than a nurse who empties bedpans and tells patients to stop pulling on their catheters. On a good day, I smell like a truck stop bathroom.”
She laughs. “Come on. You have more to offer than that and you know it. Besides, nursing is freaking hard! I couldn’t imagine having the patience and empathy it takes to care for the sick and dying day in and day out.”
“I always pictured this job being like Grey’s Anatomy or something, you know? I thought it would be fun, suspenseful, full of drama, and packed with beautiful people who take turns sleeping with each other. But so far, it’s pretty much been the exact opposite of that. I think I might try finding something in a private practice rather than a big hospital—someplace where I could be close with the other employees and patients. In the hospital, there are so many people coming in and out that you could work there for years and not meet them all.”
She nods. “You want something a little more quiet and personal?”
“Exactly! Plus private practices usually pay more and have better insurance.” I let out a long breath. “I just wish I didn’t feel so lost.”
Her brows pull together as she turns to face me. “What do you mean?”
I swallow the bite I just took. “I just want more than work and home. I have no life—and not just because the hours suck and I’m always tired, but because I literally can’t afford one. I mean, I have no internet, and I’m late paying the power, water, and credit card bills, plus there’s usually nothing to eat. The only thing that’s been paid is the rent, and that’s because it had to be paid or I’d be on the street. I just don’t want to struggle anymore. I want to be happy and find a boyfriend so I can have someone with me—someone I can talk to and vent to. Someone who understands and can comfort me. I miss being in a relationship. I can’t even remember what a penis looks like.”
Her bottom lip sticks out in a pout. “You will, Sam. You’re a great person. You’re beautiful, funny, and smart. You’ll find someone. And this struggle is only temporary. It won’t be like this forever.”
I roll my eyes and laugh. “God, I hope not!”
“But if things get too bad, please come to me. You know I’m more than willing to help you out.”
I force a small smile. “Thank you, but you know that will never happen, right?”
She lets out a quiet laugh. “I know, but still…”
We both quiet down and focus our attention on the TV, but I’m lost in thought, wondering how the hell I’m going to keep myself alive. I’ve already let go of the things I can: the internet, cable TV, and just about every subscription I used to have. I haven’t even had my usual monthly pedicure, bar trips, or shopping sprees. I’m dead broke. I guess I should be thankful I have a job to keep my rent paid for the moment. Maybe, if nothing else, I can make some money by selling some of my nicer clothes, shoes, and purses.
A deep sigh leaves my lips, and it causes El to look over at me. I just press my lips together and wave her off, far from ready to admit that I need help.
When the movie is over, El helps me clean up the food mess, and we load everything into my fridge. I don’t tell her that I’ll probably be living off the leftovers for the next week. As she pulls her coat on, she looks up at me and her eyes light up. “Hey, I may be able to talk to Griffin and see if the hotel is hiring. It could bring in a little more income.”
I cross my arms over my chest as I lean against the wall in the hallway. “I already work twelve-hour shifts. I don’t have time for a second job unless it’s on the two days a week
I already have off, or maybe even something I can do from home, but thanks. Maybe I’ll look online later and see if I can find one of those work-from-home scams.”
She rolls her eyes. “How are you going to do that with no internet?”
I stick out my tongue. “I hacked my way into the next-door neighbor’s Wi-Fi, thank you very much.”
She laughs loud, then pulls me in for a hug. “Don’t let yourself starve or freeze. Call me if things get worse.”
“I will,” I promise, hugging her back.
Chapter 2
Cameron
I reach up and move the rearview mirror of my Tesla to check my reflection. I straighten my Hermès tie and slide my Tom Ford sunglasses into place. I can’t hold back a smile when I see my reflection. I admire my perfectly white teeth and the boyish grin that can make panties melt. Every strand of my jet-black hair is in place, and my expensive suit and car make me look like a god among men. And let’s face it, I practically am. I have an extremely important meeting today and I not only need to look my best, but I need to be on my A-game.
I push the button and the car roars to life. The sound is magic to my ears. This car, the Tesla Roadster 2.0, doesn’t even come out until next year, but I’m one of the few lucky ones who got their hands on it early. Every time I get behind the wheel of this car, I feel like I’m on top of the world—like everything God created is sitting in the palm of my hand. And the best part is, I get the feel and speed of a sports car while still maintaining the image of being eco-friendly by having an electric car. In my line of work, many clients are afraid that the lawyer they hire will make their companies look bad. They want lawyers who share their values and morals. For example, a company that prides itself on being family-owned and operated doesn’t want to hire a lawyer who’s been fighting to defend a high-profile philanderer. I’m not morally bankrupt, but I’m also not exactly a choir boy.
Therefore, it’s important I keep a reputation that suits all potential clients. I try living a quiet life by staying out of the media. I volunteer and donate to charities, and I don’t pick up any client who is fighting for something that’s controversial: marijuana, abortion, or lowering the penalties on drinking and driving or drug possession. It’s not that I don’t have my own views on those subjects—I just prefer to stay neutral in the public eye.
I pull up to the office and hand off my keys to the valet. A big sign greets me: Styles, Schmidt & Fitz. The giant gold letters emblazoned on the all-glass building scream success, and since my name is first on that list, I’m treated like royalty the moment I pull up to its doors.
The door greeter opens the door for me and wishes me a good morning. I walk quickly into the lobby, headed straight for the elevator.
“Mr. Styles,” someone calls out from behind me, but I don’t stop or even pause until I step into the elevator. Whoever it is will just have to keep up with me if they want to talk that badly.
A woman jumps into the elevator at the last second, breathless from her jog across the lobby. “Mr. Styles, I’m Elizabeth Anderson, Mr. Smithfield’s assistant.” She holds out her hand and I quickly shake it.
“How are you, Ms. Anderson?” I ask, directing all of my attention to the beautiful woman in front of me. I can’t keep my eyes from taking in her long legs covered in a tight pencil skirt. Her white blouse has the first couple buttons open, giving me the perfect view of her luscious tits. Her eyes burn bright blue behind her black-framed plastic glasses. She gives me naughty librarian vibes and I’m totally digging it. I’m confident I could have her screaming my name inside of an hour, but seeing as how she’s the assistant to a big fish I’m trying to land, I have to be on my best behavior.
“I’m very well, thank you. Listen, Mr. Smithfield had a family emergency come up, so he won’t be able to make the meeting that’s set for this afternoon. He could, however, meet earlier, and he gave me a list of possible times.” She holds out a sheet of paper.
I take the paper and look it over, immediately annoyed because while I really need to sign him on as a client, I still need the morning to prepare for our meeting. I swallow down my annoyance as I look over the times—all for today, all before lunch. I laugh and look back at the woman I’m already picturing bending over my desk. “Is this all? We can’t meet tomorrow or even later this week?”
“No, I’m sorry. Mr. Smithfield’s daughter has gone into labor two weeks early. As you know, they are a very close-knit family, and he refuses to miss the birth of a grandchild. His flight home leaves at five this evening, so if you want to keep the meeting, it will have to be during one of those times.”
I bite my inner cheek. “Very well, then. Tell him to swing by at whatever time best suits his needs. I’ll clear my morning for him.”
The elevator rings and the doors open.
She smiles and takes back the paper. “Thank you, Mr. Styles. Mr. Smithfield is looking forward to the meeting.”
I nod my head. “And I am as well,” I assure her, stepping off the elevator. I stand there with a smile, making it obvious I’m checking her out until the doors close and cover her blushing cheeks. Then I spin around and rush up to Madison, my receptionist.
“Call Michael and Daniel, and tell them that the important meeting has been moved up to this morning. They need to get here NOW so we can prepare.”
She nods. “I will, sir.”
I step into my office and walk directly to the drink cart, pouring a glass of Scotch. Who gives a damn about the time? My whole career rests on this one client. I have to land it, not only for my firm, but for myself as a lawyer. Plus, one little glass to take the edge off won’t hurt.
I tip the glass back and swallow down the smooth liquid. The phone on my desk rings, and I rush to answer it. Setting the now-empty glass on the corner of my desk, I pick up the phone and flop down in my desk chair.
“Styles,” I answer.
“Cameron, it’s Michael, and I’m dialing Daniel now for a conference call.”
The line beeps and Daniel joins the line. “What’s this I hear about the meeting being moved up?” Daniel asks.
“His daughter is in labor, cutting his time here in Chicago short. He’s leaving for Georgia this evening. Can you two make it here in time?” I ask, looking at my watch.
“Cameron, you knew I wasn’t going to be able to make this appointment at all. I’m clear across the country,” Michael says.
I shake my head. “Fuck, I completely forgot about you being in Washington. What about you, Daniel?”
He lets out a deep breath. “I was just about to start packing up to be there this afternoon. No way I can be there any sooner. If the meeting is still going on when I land, I’ll swing by wherever you two are, but I’m sorry, man. You’re going to have to do this one on your own.”
I roll my neck, causing it to pop, but it feels a little better and helps to relieve some stress. “Great,” I mumble. “So what happened to, ‘We need to land this client. We have to do everything we can to get this client. All hands on deck for this one, boys’?” I quote everything they’ve both said about Smithfield.
“You know how important this client is to our firm, Cameron. We’re not taking this lightly, but what can we do? Neither of us is even in the same state as you right now. You can do this on your own,” Michael says.
“Yeah, you’re a fucking shark and you know it,” Daniel adds on. “I’ve seen you take on more and you’ve always come through for us, pal. Just have a drink, sit back, and relax. We know you’ve got this.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose and let out a deep breath. “I know I can do it; that isn’t my concern. I just wanted a little support is all, and a way to showcase the powerhouse that this firm is with all three managing partners here.” I lift my hand to pick up my glass, only to realize that it’s empty. It falls back to my lap.
“Keep us updated, Cam. And don’t doubt yourself. You’re better than the two of us put together,” Daniel says.
“Will do,” I
mumble, hanging up the phone.
I stand and quickly pour another glass of Scotch before moving back to my desk to review the case files. I stare at the glass but decide against it and pour it down the drain. I need my wits one hundred percent intact for this one. Self-doubt isn’t something I struggle with, but what I lack in morals, Daniel has in spades. A family man with three daughters, he was going to be the ace up my sleeve to show Mr. Smithfield our firm shares his values.
An hour later, my phone rings, and I answer it to find Madison on the phone, announcing Mr. Smithfield’s arrival.
“Send him in, please,” I tell her before hanging up the phone and standing. I button my jacket and start for the door. Before I can reach it, it opens and Mr. Smithfield walks in with a big smile and his hand held out.
“Thank you for agreeing to see me, Mr. Styles.”
I slide my hand into his to shake. “Of course, Mr. Smithfield. How are you doing today? Has Chicago been treating you well?”
He nods. “It’s been a lovely trip, but I can’t wait to get home. I miss the warmth and comfort of the South, and I hate being away from my wife for this long.” I can hear the Southern drawl on his tongue.
I motion toward my desk. “Well then, let’s get started, shall we?”
He sits down and I take my place on the opposite side. “Before we start, can I have Madison get you anything? Coffee, tea, water, a snack perhaps?”
He laughs. “No, thank you.” He sits back and crosses his legs. “Actually, I’ve looked over all the paperwork you sent over and I think you’d be the perfect lawyer for us. I do have one concern though.”
My eyes pop up to his. “What’s that?”
For a second, he seems like he’s still deciding whether or not he even wants to bring it up. “As you know, my company is a wholesome family-owned and operated business. We treat each employee like family. We have a reputation to uphold and protect. We are a household name.”
I nod. “Of course,” I agree.
Claimed By Him: (Contemporary Romance Box Set) Page 72