Chapter 23
ARI
Relaxing appointments?
No chance, baby.
This is my opportunity to have some fun with Nathan before giving him what he really needs… which is some guidance on how to chill out, something he struggles with.
I overheard him on the phone to his mom earlier today where he was complaining, yet again, about another night of terrible sleep. His brain is permanently firing on all cylinders, with no off switch.
I like him. No. That’s an understatement; I really like him, and I worry about his well-being. He needs to slow down or he’s going to work himself to death.
Deciding to be courageous while I was in the shower the other night wasn’t just about going to the ball with him or admitting to myself that if I pursue things with him I would have to put my plans on hold, it was more about stepping into the unknown with someone I barely know, someone I thought I had all figured out but didn’t know even half of his story. I still don’t.
My new mission is to uncover everything about him.
Beneath the polished power suits he wears like an exoskeleton lies the man I see every day when he’s with clients, in meetings, and court—gentle yet strong, patient but relentless, and kind. He fights to right the wrongs.
To truly know him, the first thing I need to do is strip away the layers that shield him from the world. He may hate me for what I have planned though, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.
Well, hell, when he finds out who I am eventually he will hate me anyway.
So, right now, I have nothing to lose.
Just my job, which I need, but I know how busy he is and he needs me, which he’ll never admit.
He won’t fire me. I know what he wants from me; he’s made that more than clear. He wants me , which practically makes me untouchable.
To me, before I knew him, he was untouchable.
Then he was my boss.
Now he’s so much more.
My motivation changed, my thoughts reshaped what I thought I knew, and now that makes me want to help him find more balance.
Help him see there is more to life than his job.
If I show him how much I want to help him, maybe we can both stop being so guarded. As long as I don’t blow us up before we even get started.
Which is just as well that’s not going to happen because I have a new plan.
And it’s not about Hart Law.
It’s all about him. Only him.
And me.
Together.
But I won’t tell him that.
If fun is how he spun his twist on the truth, then it’s fun I can do.
And we can keep lying to each other for a little bit longer.