Chapter 31
MAX
Disappointment washes over me when I see Cole’s name pop up on my screen with his text message. I was hoping it would be Paige.
Cole
Are you free for lunch?
Me
Not today, I have plans.
Cole
Again?
Me
What do you mean, again?
Cole
You’ve been sneaking out for lunch without me for weeks. Are you dating?
Me
No.
Cole
You sure?
Me
Yes. Now fuck off, I’m busy preparing the new settlement for the Young case.
Cole
You’ll be glad when the Young case is over.
Me
Why?
Cole
Then you’ll have a bit of a breather from Paige. That is, until the next case you go head-to-head on.
Me
I’m warming to her. Turns out she’s not the ice queen I thought she was. She’s bright, sharp, and not what I expected. She’s incredible.
Cole
Did you have a lobotomy since I saw you last?
Me
No.
Cole
So why are you being nice about her?
Me
I’m not, I’m just telling you how good she is at her job.
Cole
We all know that, Max, but what you said sounds personal and has nothing to do with work. Do you have a thing for Paige?
Me
No.
Cole
Are you sure about that?
Me
Yes. I have to go.
Cole
Sure you do. Have a good *lunch*.