Stay Away Order （n.） – Liam
STAY AWAY ORDER (N.):
A COURT ORDER THAT A PERSON MAY NOT COME NEAR AND/OR CONTACT ANOTHER.
LIAM
What the fuck was that?
I stood in front of my condo’s windows several hours later, unable to sleep. All I could do was think about how Olivia’s lips felt against mine, how she softly molded into me like she would’ve let it go further if I pushed it.
A small part of me wished I would’ve, but a larger part of me was in denial that it even happened.
I’d never ever crossed the line with anyone I’d worked with.
Never even been tempted to, and I needed to make sure it didn’t happen again.
Even though it was midnight, and I was certain Olivia was sleeping, I sent her a text to redraw the lines.
Don’t talk to me when you pick me up for work this morning…
Olivia
Seriously?
Her response was instant.
Why am I still picking you up for work anyway?
Surely, your condo’s complimentary car is available by now.
If it WAS, I wouldn’t be texting you at this hour.
I’ve seen what type of money judges make.
I think you can afford a rental car…
She has a point.
If I’d never gotten a taste of her mouth, this conversation wouldn’t even be happening.
Still, I had several rounds of payback to put her through, and one kiss—no matter how badly it made me want more—wouldn’t be enough to change that.
Continue not talking/looking at me today and just put the dockets on the edge of my desk when I call for them.
Send me your latest research notes on G. Jenkins by lunch.
Confirm you’ve received these messages.
Olivia
I’ve received them.
Good.
Give me a five-minute notice whenever you’re leaving and exiting my chambers.
Can you do the same for me?
YES. Stop texting me.
Confirmed.
I survived without a glimpse of her for eight hours of the day, and I’d officially regained control of the situation.
As long as I focused on my work, checked in on research, and brushed away the thought of her mouth each time it came to mind, I would be just fine.
This woman was nothing more than my law clerk.
Nothing more.
And that’s all she could ever be.