11. Brooke
brOOKE
Stuart tempted me with his invitation for drinks and dinner last night. It wasn’t just his good looks that made me want to say yes. He protected me when I was vulnerable, and he listens to me. Then there’s the chemistry between us. It’s palpable.
I managed to resist. My practical side prevailed when I reminded myself that the stakes are very different for us.
He has nothing to lose. After the Foundation’s charity events end, he can return to London with nothing lost. In contrast, crossing the line with him puts my job, career, and reputation at risk.
And as a female attorney, it seems I have to work harder and be better to earn my place at the table with the guys. That shouldn’t be the case, but so far, that has been my experience. So, I’d be foolish to make it harder on myself by risking a romance with a client.
I was proud of myself for holding firm on the boundary I set with Stuart. Then the sly devil texted, trying to lure me to a so-called business meeting at 9 p.m. I called his bluff though, and he eventually admitted that he just wanted to see me.
What he did should have upset me, but it had the opposite effect.
I’ll admit that it was impressive that he tried to find a way for us to spend more time together without getting me in trouble.
And even better, when I asked him to be honest with me, he was, even if reluctantly. My heart swooned a little.
The problem this morning is I’m regretting the decision not to meet him last night.
The idea of dating Stuart while he’s in town is certainly appealing. What if I was too quick to label it inappropriate? Like he said, technically, he’s not the firm’s client. He and I both represent his dad and the charity.
Our dating wouldn’t necessarily break any rules. However, as lawyers, we’re taught to avoid even the perception of impropriety. Wouldn’t my colleagues assume Stuart is the client? He’s here in his father’s place, effectively representing the Foundation. But what if they never found out?
The rational part of me knows the safe road is to keep our interactions purely about the charity events and nothing more.
The problem is that I’m so sick of playing it safe.
I hate losing the opportunity to explore a connection with the handsome, sophisticated man who makes me tingle in all the right places. I don’t remember ever having such instant chemistry with someone. I’d love to lose myself in his strong arms while learning just how talented his mouth is.
Would he live up to my fantasies about him? Something tells me the answer is “Yes.”
I shut him down even though it wasn’t clear I had to. Have I taken my rule-following too far this time?
It doesn’t matter now. It’s too late. Today is all about the fundraising lunch. It’s time to put on my best business suit.
I’ll even wear the prized strand of real pearls my favorite aunt left me. She’s always been an inspiration, encouraging me to follow my dreams.
Wearing her pearls will remind me to stay focused on what matters. I’m not going to risk my shot at making partner for a week of potential pleasure.
Nope. Not going to do it.