Chapter 3
H eat blooms in my belly as I think back to my interaction with Dawson yesterday. I could hardly concentrate on anything other than the spark of his touch. His hand caressing my cheek felt so right, my body completely ignoring the fact that he’s my boss. It was like it was acting on its own, overriding the professional lines we were crossing.
I recall how close he was, how his breath warmed my skin and his lips set in a hard line. His eyes flickered with a mix of desire and restraint as if battling the urge to close the remaining distance or walk away.
Dawson offered me a way out of working with Rob, but I couldn’t accept it. I was hired for a specific role and want to avoid any appearance of favoritism. This job is my primary income and supports my current expenses while I also save for law school, and I can’t jeopardize that.
Not to mention if I worked closely with Dawson every day, I would be too tempted to overstep boundaries I might not be able to reverse. I’d like to think I’d be able to keep things professional, but based on my reaction yesterday, it’s best not to play with fire.
I’ve concluded that his eagerness to have me work with him must be to keep tabs on me and protect the secret that he leads a double life. But I’d never betray him, and after seeing his incredible artwork—it’s clear he has remarkable talent.
Based on his reaction, I can tell that Dawson Tate isn’t used to compromising or being told no . He manages the most prestigious law firm in the state and from what I’ve heard, has a talent for bending people’s will to match his own, consequences be damned.
If I have any self-preservation, I would steer clear of him at all costs.
If only that were possible.
“Reese, are you all right? Did you hear what I said?”
“Huh?” I glance over at Noah, who’s staring at me from across the table with a concerned expression on his face.
He sets his textbook down to give me his full attention. “I asked what the logical flaw was with my argument, but your mind must have been somewhere else.”
My face flushes at being caught daydreaming during our study session. “I’m sorry, Noah. I was thinking about Thompson you’re always so generous.” She places the donuts behind the reception center, out of view of the residents. “Georgia is waiting for you in the sunroom.”
“Thank you,” I say, giving her a wave goodbye.
When I reach the sunroom, I find Grams sitting in a rocking chair by the window, reading. Her gray hair is styled into a bob that frames her face, and she’s wearing her favorite lavender cashmere sweater and matching skirt. She glances up from her book, a smile lighting her face when she sees me.
“Reese, darling. I’m so happy to see you.” She smiles.
I lean down to kiss her on the cheek, inhaling the comforting scent of peppermint and cinnamon. It brings me back to my childhood of early mornings spent in the kitchen helping make her famous cinnamon rolls, Ella Fitzgerald’s voice crooning in the background on my grandparents’ record player.
“Hey, Grams.”
She gives my hand an affectionate squeeze. “I missed you, sweet girl.”
“Missed you too.”
More than I can express.
A heavy weight settles on my chest. Only seeing her once a week is a bittersweet reminder that until five years ago, she lived at the house with me. She and Grandpa raised me, shaping me into the person I am today. Her absence at the house feels like a void that only deepens with each passing week.
I’m so blessed that my grandparents stepped in to raise me after my mom passed. It didn’t matter that they were approaching retirement or that it added to their financial strain. They did everything to make sure I grew up in a supportive and stable environment, and I’ll forever be grateful. My life could have turned out very different if they hadn’t taken me in.
I’m one of the lucky ones, and I know not every kid gets the second chance I did, which is why I want to be a child advocacy lawyer.
Grams rests her hand over mine, drawing me into the present.
“How’s the new job going, sweetheart? Have you made any friends?”
“It’s going well. Grace, another paralegal at the firm seems really nice, but I’ve been so busy and haven’t had much chance to get to know her yet.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” she smiles. “How’s Noah? He hasn’t been here in a few weeks.”
“Great. He loves his clerkship, and we’re still studying for the LSAT together every Saturday.”
He’s joined me on several visits, and Grams adores him. When she first met him, she tried playing matchmaker, but that quickly took a turn when she found out Noah only dates men.
“Don’t wear yourself out,” Grams scolds. “You’re young and beautiful and should have a life outside of your job.”
I force a feeble smile as my throat tightens. She’s not aware that I work at Echo, nor does she know about the ever-growing list of repairs needed around the house. The last thing I want is for her to worry about me more than she already does.
“Don’t worry, Grams, I won’t.” I tighten my hold on her hand, trying to convey that everything is okay. “I love you so much.”
She tucks a lock of hair behind my ear and beams at me. “I love you too, my sweet girl.”
Grams is my reason for overcoming every challenge, and someday, she’ll be there cheering me on when I finally get my law degree. The sacrifices we’ve made will have been worth it. I won’t let her down; it’s not an option.