Read Online More by Clare James - Free Book Online Page B

Right, Jake?”
    “Yes, sir,” the Viking answers.
    “We’ll start our introductions with Mr. Clumsy over there. That is Jacob Magers, one of our associates.”
    The Viking has a name.
    Mr. D. continues around the room, but I’m only half paying attention. There’s a Jonathan, Joe, Carrie, Emma, Rose, Penny, and Jennifer. That’s about all I catch.
    Everyone discuss their cases and billables for the month. It’s a surprisingly warm environment.
    Too soon, the meeting’s over and it’s time for me to call it quits.
    “Jake,” Mr. D says. “Please escort Ms. Taylor down to the lobby for her ride.”
    Jake raises an eyebrow.
    “You know, carry her bags? Ask how her first day went? Typical behavior that I’d expect from an associate.”
    “Yeah,” Jake says a little dazed. “Yes, of course, Mr. Dunham.”
    Mr. D. winks and shakes his head as he walks to his office.
    At my cubical Jake holds his hands out for my stuff as I pack it all up. Reluctantly, I hand it over.
    “So, you’re an attorney?” I say to him.
    “Mmmhmm. And you’re a law student?”
    “Guilty,” I say, motioning him to lead the way out. “Break any other law student’s hand lately?”
    “Nope, can’t say I have. What about you? Boyfriend beat up any other innocent men who happen to look in your direction?”
    “Negative,” I say. “And he’s not my boyfriend.”
    “Right. Maybe you should tell him that.”
    “He’s just a friend—a protective one. You have to admit, it was a pretty sketchy scene, when you ripped my tights.”
    “Yes, I suppose it was. I’m sorry about your hand. Really. How are you feeling?”
    “I’ll live. And what about your face?”
    “I’ll live. My roommate is a med student and into all these homeopathic remedies. He had me take St. Johns Wort and vitamin C and it barely bruised. See?” He leans in a little too close for comfort.
    “Mmm,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
    I break the awkward moment by walking toward the elevator. I swear I hear him chuckle behind me.
    Once we arrive at the lobby, I reach for my things, but Jake pulls them back.
    “It’s okay,” I tell him. “My ride should be here any minute.”
    “I can wait.” He smirks.
    “Not a good idea. My ride is the guy who almost broke your face.”
    His eyes narrow. “And your hand,” he adds.
    “Nope.” I laugh. “That honor goes to you, tough guy.”
    “Jules.” He looks a little pained when he says it. “I’m so sorry. I don’t think you know how bad I feel.”
    “Stop. It’s fine. It was just a big misunderstanding and an accident. Now hand me my bag before Foster gets a look at you.”
    And with that, Foster pulls up in front of the building in my car.
    “Nice ride,” Jake spits.
    “Thanks, it’s mine.” What an a-hole.
    “Ugh.” Jake rolls his eyes. “Today is so not my day. I just said that to insult the guy who almost broke my face.”
    “Yeah, yeah. Now hand over the bag.”
    “Sorry, Jules. I told Mr. Dunham I’d take care of you and get you to your ride, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
    Jake walks out toward Foster.
    Oh no you didn’t.
    In a second, Foster bolts out of the driver’s seat and walks around to meet Jake.
    “What the fuck?” Foster is now in Jake’s face.
    Again.
    I speed up and grab my bag from Jake’s hand. He’s too distracted to stop me.
    “Foster,” I say stepping between him. “Jake works at D and D.”
    “You’ve got to be kidding.”
    Jake leans around me, extending his hand to Foster. “Small world, eh?”
    Foster just stares at the hand.
    “He’s helping me with my bags,” I tell him.
    “I’m sure he is,” Foster snaps. “Here, Jules, get in.” Foster takes my bag and opens the passenger door before securing me in with the seatbelt like a child. It’s more than mortifying.
    “I’ll take it from here, Jake .” Foster brushes past him.
    I wave out the window at Jake, but when Foster pulls away, I punch him in the arm.