I didn’t move away just yet, deciding to give my heart the chance to slow down again before extricating myself from him. Jacob breathed out heavily, a lazy smile spreading across his face in the aftermath. It was a smile that I wanted to see time and again, forever. The thought scared me, but I didn’t freak out again.
Whatever was between us, I already knew it wouldn’t be fleeting. It wasn’t a one and done, and while it was completely unexpected, I couldn’t say I didn’t want it.
Chapter 28
Jacob
In one week’s time, I’d progressed Laurie’s case further than Eric had in a year. I still saw red whenever I thought about all the time he’d wasted.
Even if I hadn’t liked her as much more than a client, I’d have been pissed off about it. It frustrated me endlessly when people didn’t do the jobs they were being paid for, and he definitely hadn’t done his job.
After having spent the whole day going through the files the movie company had sent over, I was more convinced than ever that they didn’t have a case. In the end, I hadn’t even needed to get someone to help me sort through it all because most of it was total bullshit.
They’d included reams and reams of paper that were totally irrelevant, and nothing they had sent over affected the strength of Laurie’s case in the slightest. Since I now knew where we stood, had done my research, and had seen what they would likely be relying on once the time came to go through the formal processes of discovery, I was ready to set up a meeting.
It took a few tries throughout the afternoon, but eventually just before I had to leave to get ready for our date, I got through to their lead counsel. I didn’t know the guy, but he wasn’t local, so it wasn’t a surprise.
Drumming my fingers on my desk while he barked, huffed, and puffed into the phone about how “this author has no idea what she’s talking about,” I looked out over the square outside and waited for him to finish his rant.
When he was finally done, I checked the time on my computer when I spun my chair around again. “You’re entitled to your opinion, Max. I know you’ve corresponded with Eric Starkey in the past, but I’ve taken over from him and I can assure you I’m not afraid to take the steps that need to be taken.”
“Are you threatening me?” he shouted into the receiver, and I could practically feel his blood pressure rising.
“I’m not threatening you. I’m simply telling you that my predecessor might have dragged his feet on this, but I won’t be doing the same thing. We can get together, sit around a table, and talk this out, or we can go to court and hash it out there. The choice is yours.”
“We’re too close to the premiere date to get involved in a bullshit legal spat right now,” he said. “I’ll have a field day with your client in court proving her maliciousness and bad faith in having waited until the release day is so close. Suing us now will cause maximum damage even if we know she doesn’t have a case. She’s going to end up owing us millions.”
“You and I disagree on that point. It’s your prerogative to take that route, but I can assure you that the client is not at fault for the delay. We’re well within the statute of limitations on this. What else have you got? Hit me, but just make it quick. I’ve got somewhere to be.”
He muttered under his breath for a moment before speaking up again. “What do you want?”
“A meeting would be a nice start, but I understand you’ve been resisting any attempt at getting in the same room as my client. We don’t want the film being caught up in a controversial battle either. The sooner we can get this done, the better for everyone involved.”
There was a brief pause. “We can meet on Monday, December first at three. Take it or leave it.”
“That’s not usually how this works, but I’m comfortable enough in my masculinity not to have to turn this into anything other than what it needs to be. We’ll take it. I’ll send you my address and a meeting invitation shortly.”
The man mumbled some more before we said our goodbyes and hung up. Immediately after the phone call, I gathered up my stuff and got ready to head home.
“I finally got them to agree to a meeting,” I said to Dannie on my way out. “Will you set it up for me? I wrote down all the details in the file on my desk.”
She nodded, smiling brightly as I passed her. “I’ll do it right away. Where are you taking off to so early?”
“I have to get home,” I said. “See you tomorrow.”
Jamie, the babysitter, had picked Allie up from school, and both girls were playing in Allie’s room when I got home. They waved at me when I popped my head in to say hi before I went to grab a shower.
“Did you have something in mind for supper for them?” Jamie asked. “I found a killer recipe the other day that I think Allie will love if you’re open to suggestions.”
“You know the extent of my culinary abilities. Do your thing. I trust your judgment.”
She laughed. “Will do, boss.”
The doorbell rang seconds after I was dressed. Laurie and Katie were right on time. Katie giggled when Allie opened the front door.
“Good night, Laurie,” she managed between fits as she hugged her aunt goodbye and Allie dragged her up to play in her room.
Once the girls were gone, I got my first proper look at my date and very nearly decided not to go out to dinner after all. My bedroom was right upstairs and we could always do takeout.
Laurie’s hair was down, hanging in shiny golden waves that tumbled past her shoulders. She wore a long-sleeved indigo dress with a plunging neckline and a hem that hit just below mid-thigh. It was sexy without being too revealing, but I knew what was hiding underneath it, and there was no stopping the images flooding my brain of stripping it off her.
High-heeled leather ankle boots adorned her feet, and there were colorful patterns on her sleeves. I’d never seen her wearing much makeup, and she looked just as gorgeous without it, but the light smoky eyes she’d done tonight and the red lipstick definitely did things to me.
“Wow,” I breathed when I finally managed to yank my eyes back up to hers. I had to clear my throat to get my voice to work properly. “I mean, hi. Would you like to come in?”
She laughed softly as she nodded. “I liked your first reaction more, but yes, I would like to. Just to meet the babysitter, right?”
“Right.” I cleared my throat again and took a step back. As she walked past me, her hand brushed against mine, drawing my gaze down to hers.
“For the record,” she said, still smiling, “you look great too. You might’ve said ‘wow’ but I was thinking it.”
“Good to know.” I turned my hand to press our palms together for just a second before closing the door. “Let’s go introduce you to Jamie so we can get going.”
“Has she been working for you for a long time?” she asked, her breath hitching when I pressed my hand to the small of her back, even though she already knew where the kitchen was.
I just wanted to touch her, even if it could only be this one small point of contact. For now.
“I’ve known her for four years. Ever since Shannon left actually. She used to live in the building next door. Some days, I think Allie loves her more than she loves me.”