Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 104448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 522(@200wpm)___ 418(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 522(@200wpm)___ 418(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
His flirtation made me uncomfortable, but it wasn’t blatant enough yet for me to confront him about it directly. “I know you wanted to discuss your idea for a charitable trust, and I love a professional challenge.”
He nodded and agreed, and for a while, I thought that was it—that he’d received my message without my having to speak more frankly about it.
We ordered dinner with a bottle of wine and began discussing Miles’s charity goals. He was generous and intelligent and had clearly been thinking about his charitable plans for a long time.
“It was one of the reasons I was anxious to get my hands on my share of the trust,” he confessed. “I’d like to get these initiatives started, but I wasn’t sure what kind of legal structure would allow us to also fund some political lobbying. If we’re going to try and make it easier for LGBTQ+ folks to adopt from the foster system, we’ll need to change hearts and minds in Austin.”
As he continued to expand on his plans, I thought this would be a charity endeavor Dev would want to support. And with big money behind it from Miles Dumas, Dev and his wealthy friends’ addition could really make an impact.
Would Dev ever consider moving back here if there was something like this to work on? Something that sparked fire in his chest and helped him forget the things he didn’t love about living in Texas?
The answer was obviously no. Not only were his parents here, but Dev would never move Lellie back into the Scotts’ orbit again. It would make it too easy for Mrs. Scott to pull something like she had at the clinic.
Miles apologized with a smile. “Sorry to keep going on and on. I was hoping to get to know you as well. Tomas told me you run and you’re a killer poker player. That’s about all I know besides your excellent reputation at the firm.”
I let out a small laugh. “Tomas only says that because he’s a terrible card player. It makes him feel better to think he only loses to me because I’m that good.”
“Sounds about right. So what else do you do for fun? Do you like to dance? Go to the clubs?”
“Yes, definitely. I like to travel. I enjoy swimming and fishing if I can get away long enough. I read… about fifty-fifty nonfiction stuff and sci-fi. I can’t stand legal thrillers because they’re both unrealistic and too realistic, if that… if that makes sense.”
I hesitated. Nothing I’d said was particularly personal, but in light of his earlier flirting, I felt like I’d crossed a line and agreed to treat this as a date.
I quickly backtracked, adding, “And I love my work. I’m on the partner track, which means most of my waking hours are spent at the office. But I don’t mind because I truly do like what I do, and I work with some fantastic people.”
He waved his hand dismissively. “You don’t have to sell me. I already signed the engagement letter, Tully. You’re obviously a great fit for what I have in mind as far as the legal work goes. And I hope I’m not crossing a line if I admit I’d like to see you more than just professionally.”
His smile was self-conscious but kind, not to mention alluring as fuck.
And it did absolutely nothing for me.
“Miles.” I shook my head. “I’m…”
Miles’s smile fell a little. “Involved? Not interested?”
I shrugged and exhaled. “I’m not sure what I am, but I know I’m not available. If I were…” I smiled at him. “I’d throw cash down right now and ask for a ride in your sports car.”
He threw back his head and laughed easily, letting me know I hadn’t jeopardized our business relationship with my rejection. “Fair enough. I understand.”
Miles took another sip of wine before suddenly asking, “It’s not Tomas, is it?”
“No,” I said on a laugh. “God, no. Although we did hook up in law school. We’re just friends now.”
“Do you want to talk about your situation?” His eyebrows lifted. “Shit. It’s the guy in the reception area that day, isn’t it? The one with the baby. Is he married? Is that the complication?”
“Not married,” I said quickly. “But he lives in Wyoming, and I live here.”
“Ahhh. I see.”
“Yeah.”
The server brought our bill. Thankfully, Miles understood the firm would be paying for it and didn’t argue when I handed over my company card.
He took another swallow of wine. We’d been so busy talking we hadn’t finished more than half the bottle between us. “You going to leave me as soon as I’ve engaged you as my attorney?”
“Of course not,” I said, trying to reassure him.
He lifted his eyebrow. “It would be okay if you did, Tully. Life’s too short to make big decisions based on a job that will never love you back.”