When You Give a Lawyer a Kiss (Aspen Grove)

Chapter 18

I wake up to the sun streaming through the window. I’m draped across Dawson’s chest with my head nestled in the crook of his shoulder, leg hitched over his thigh, and his arm wrapped securely around my waist. When we returned from Aspen Grove last night, we came back to his place.

This past weekend was like something out of a fairytale… if the storybook hero was a grumpy lawyer covered in tattoos with a heart of gold.

Aspen Grove was stunning, and I enjoyed meeting Harrison. He and Dawson seem to be cut from the same cloth: rough around the edges but fiercely loyal to the people they care about. Dawson is reluctant to admit it, but their loyalty to each other runs deeper than business associates, and I’m glad he has a friend like Harrison in his corner.

I shift slightly, tilting my head to gaze at Dawson. His eyes remain shut, and his features appear more relaxed than usual. The creases around his eyes are gone, and he looks like the weight of the world has been lifted.

He cracks one eye open, a lazy smile forming. “Like what you see, Red?”

“Hmm, I’ve seen better.”

“Is that so?” He cups the back of my neck, tugging me closer as he plunges his tongue past my lips. I’m breathless when he pulls away with a smirk on his face. “Last night you seemed to rather enjoy yourself, considering you were screaming my name while my cock was buried inside your pussy.”

I playfully push him away. “That mouth is going to get you in trouble one of these days.”

“It served me well last night,” he says quietly, and my cheeks flush red.

When I glance over at the clock on the nightstand I panic when I see that it’s already 6:15.

“Oh, shoot. I have to get going.” I scramble to get out of bed, but Dawson doesn’t let me get very far—pulling me back into his arms and showering my shoulder with kisses.

“What are you doing?” I question, flustered. “It’ll take me at least an hour to get to my place and another forty-five minutes to get to the office. If I don’t leave now, I’ll be late.”

“Good thing you’re sleeping with the boss,” he quips.

I poke him in the rib, giving him a mock scowl. “That’s not funny, Mr. Tate .”

He conceals a smirk, pressing a kiss to my lip in apology. “You can go straight to the office from here. Don’t worry, we’ll leave at different times if you’re worried about someone seeing us together.”

“As much as I’d like that, I didn’t bring any office-appropriate clothes with me.” I motion to my backpack in the corner, where yesterday’s outfit is tossed on top.

He gives me a smug grin. “Why don’t you check the closet?”

My eyes narrow. “Dawson, what did you do?”

He settles back on his pillow, his hands propped up behind his head. “You’ll have to see for yourself.”

I release a frustrated sigh. He’s been around me enough to know that patience isn’t one of my strong suits. Dawson lets me climb out of bed this time, and I grab his white dress shirt hanging from the armchair on my way to the closet.

“You look good in my clothes,” he growls, a possessive glint in his eye.

“I’m glad we agree—this shirt looks way better on me, doesn’t it.” I toss him a wink.

With his attention fixed on me, I cross the room, swaying my hips with every step knowing that he’s enjoying the show.

When I enter the massive walk-in closet, I find one side is meticulously organized with a large selection of tailored suits, crisp dress shirts, and pressed pants. There’s even a full panel of shelves filled to the brim with polished shoes arranged by color and style.

My gaze is drawn to the opposite side of the closet. It’s empty except for a single outfit on gold hangers: a cream-colored cashmere sweater with a fitted silhouette, a burgundy pencil skirt, and a pair of nude heels on the ground below.

As I’m running my hand down the luxurious fabric of the sweater, I sense Dawson’s presence behind me. He circles his arms around my waist and presses a kiss to my head.

“I take it you like your outfit?”

“It’s lovely. When did you have it delivered?”

“Yesterday, while we were in Aspen Grove,” he explains. “And before you thank me, I should tell you, it was all for my benefit.”

I angle my head to look up at him with a bemused smile. “Is that so?”

“Absolutely,” he states proudly. “I wanted more time with you this morning and I figured this was the best way to make it happen.”

When I spin around to face him, Dawson is standing in his boxers, his blue eyes glued to me. The bold lines of his tattoos only add to his sex appeal, and it’s almost sinful how attractive he is after rolling out of bed.

“Is that the only reason?”

He winds his hand around my lower back to draw me closer. “I was hoping to convince you to stay with me again tonight…” He pauses, waiting until I look up at him to continue. “I don’t want things to go back to the way they were, Red.”

Neither do I.

But it’s not that simple.

“Dawson, this past weekend with you has been great… incredible, actually.”

One of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve ever had.

“But you’re still my boss.” I frown, slumping my shoulders in resignation. “We’ve obliterated every professional boundary there is, and I’m not sure what comes next.”

Dawson runs his hands along my arms in soothing strokes. “I have one question for you. Do you want me? Because if the answer is yes, I’ll find a way around the non-fraternization policy. Being the boss wouldn’t be worth shit if I didn’t have the power to bend the rules now, would it?”

I scrunch my nose, unsure of how feasible his plan is. If it were that easy to change the policies, something tells me he would have done it already.

“We’re in over our heads.” I sigh, scrubbing my hand across my face.

“You didn’t answer the question. Do. You. Want. Me?” he asks again, deliberately enunciating every word.

Do I want him?

The question lingers in my mind as I contemplate our situation. Dawson has embedded himself into my life and my heart, and it feels like there’s no hope of unraveling the complex web of emotions we’ve spun. We’ve bound by forces we can’t control and I want to hold on to this feeling and never let it go.

“I want you, Dawson…”

More than anything.

“But I’m barely making ends meet, and with law school in my future, my life is only going to get more complicated.” I wring my hands together. “You’re a successful lawyer with a prestigious practice—why would you settle for someone with an uncertain future?”

Dawson scoffs like he’s offended by my comment. “I hate to break it to you, angel, but you’re wrong. I’d be damn lucky to call you mine.” He lifts my chin, and the fire in his eyes steals my breath. “You have a kind heart, and a gift for making everyone around you feel special. I might not deserve you, but that won’t stop me from showing why we belong together.”

His resolve makes my pulse race, and he makes me feel more alive and cherished than I thought possible. Every moment spent with him is better than the last. It’s the lingering doubt that causes me to hesitate, knowing that once we commit there’s no going back.

“What if things between us don’t work out?” I whisper.

The unspoken questions hover in the space between us. What happens to my job if someone finds out? What if you decide that you don’t want me anymore? What if this was all for nothing?

“All I’m asking is for you to give us a chance because I’m not ready for this to end.” He clasps my hands in his and rests his forehead against mine. “I can’t predict the future, but I promise that whatever comes, we’ll do it together.”

I’m overcome by a soothing sense of calm as warmth spreads through my chest. Not only do I believe him, but I’m reassured that this thing between us means more to him than a weekend fling or a casual encounter with someone from the office.

“Okay,” I agree.

“You mean it?” Dawson asks.

He breathes a sigh of relief as I nod and bends down to kiss me.

Now that I’ve had a glimpse of what it’s like to be totally and completely his, I can’t imagine settling for anything less. Dawson has shattered my previous notions of what a relationship could be like, leaving me yearning for the affection only he can provide. It feels like I’m on a roller coaster without brakes—terrifying and thrilling.

The last few days since our return from our trip to Aspen Grove have been surreal. It feels like I’m walking on a cloud, lost in a state of contentment. I haven’t been back to my place yet, and for a little while longer, I’d like to live in the fantasy that Dawson and I have all the time in the world.

I’m studying in Dawson’s conference room when my laptop pings with a message.

Grace: I had so much fun at lunch yesterday! It was nice to get out of the office for a change.

Reese: Thanks for inviting me!

Now that I’m no longer working at Echo, I have more free time to study at night and on the weekends, which means I can afford to take an actual lunch break every now and then. Grace and I went to a pizza place down the street yesterday. It was nice to take a break from the office and catch up in person since most of our interactions have been through the team chat system.

Grace: Took your advice and tried a pumpkin latte this morning.

Reese: What did you think?

Grace: So good!

Reese: I know right! They’re my favorite.

Grace: I’m totally hooked.

Grace: Heads up. I saw Rob earlier and he’s in one of his moods.

Reese: Thanks for letting me know.

Grace: Running late for a meeting. Talk soon.

Reese: Have a great rest of your day!

Grace: You too!

I only have thirty minutes before I have to go back to my desk, so I shut my laptop and return to studying.

Soon after, I hear the door open and glance up from my LSAT book. “I thought you had a lunch meeting with—” I stop speaking when I see Rob standing in the doorway, his expression as cold as ice.

“Rob?” His name comes out as a question. “What are you doing?”

Dawson’s conference room is off-limits to the rest of the staff and only available if he schedules a meeting with them.

“A better question is, what are you doing here?” Rob snaps. “It’s past one o’clock and you’re supposed to be filing paperwork for the Nelson project.” His booming voice fills the room, causing me to tremble. “What the hell is all this anyway?” He storms toward me, yanking my book out of my hand. “You’re studying on company time? Give me one good reason I shouldn’t fire you and have security see you out.”

I stand up to face him, and raise my chin defiantly, my eyes shining with determination. “Dawson gave me permission to study in here. If you have concernsyou can take it up with him.”

“ Dawson , is it?” He scoffs. “Getting a little cozy with the boss, aren’t we?” He lowers his voice. “I’m sure you’re aware of our non-fraternization policy. I’d hate to think what might happen if HR got wind of a rumor that you two are an item.”

I maintain a neutral expression, not giving him any leverage. “Rob, you need to go.” I point to the hallway. “I’ll let you know when I’ve finished filing the paperwork.”

As I reach for my things, I’m startled when Rob steps in front of me, placing himself between me and the table.

He shoves a pudgy finger in my face. “I’m sick and tired of you thinking you can do whatever you want. You’re just a paralegal and it’s your job to assist me .”

I ball my hands into fists, refusing to back down. One thing I’ve learned over the past couple of months is how to be bolder, and to stand my ground when my boundaries are tested. I’m done letting Rob treat me with disrespect, and refuse to cower to his intimidation tactics any longer.

“I’m not just a paralegal; I’m a professional. Maybe if you treated me with respect, I’d be more inclined to prioritize your projects.”

His jaw visibly tightens. “Why you little—”

“Rob, what the hell are you doing here?” Dawson’s voice startles me, and I glance over to where he’s standing in the doorway, his gaze narrowing in on Rob. “Step back,” he growls. “You’ve crossed a line.”

If we weren’t in the office with people milling around in the hallway, I doubt Dawson would be this calm.

“I was reminding Reese of her place,” Rob sneers. “She seems to have forgotten that she doesn’t get special privileges, like an extended lunch break.”

Dawson strides toward Rob, who shrinks back until he hits the wall with nowhere else to go. He gulps loudly as Dawson crowds his space. “Let’s get something straight. I’ve had enough of your antics.” Dawson’s voice is low and menacing. “The only reason you’re working here is because of your uncle. Your track record as a lawyer is unimpressive and I’ve had enough,” he states curtly. “You’ve lost the privilege of having a paralegal report directly to you.”

“What? You can’t do that.” Rob sputters. “I’m entitled to my own team.”

My gaze darts between them. Dawson’s fists are clenched at his sides, his posture rigid, and the vein in his neck pulses. Rob tries to mask his unease, but the sweat on his brow is a clear giveaway that he’s scared shitless.

Dawson raises a brow. “Wrong, Rob. You earn that privilege and you haven’t proven yourself capable of managing anyone.”

I put my hand over my mouth, stifling the surprising urge to laugh. It’s poetic justice to see him getting a taste of his own medicine.

Rob shoves past Dawson, throwing my textbook on the table. “You won’t get away with this,” he shouts at Dawson. “You only got where you are through manipulation and exploiting others. You’re going to pay for what you did to my uncle.”

Dawson folds his arms across his chest, his gaze cold. “I’d think very carefully about your next words, Rob. I’m not someone who takes a threat lightly.” He projects dominance, and it’s such a turn-on to watch him in action.

Rob scoffs, though I don’t miss his hands trembling. “You think you’re invincible, but you’re not. You’ll see.” He doesn’t wait around before bolting from the room.

A group of employees has gathered to see what’s going on, but as soon as Dawson scowls at them they disperse, returning to their desks.

I throw away the container from my lunch and collect my textbook.

Dawson positions himself between me and the door, blocking me from view. His concern is evident. There’s no doubt he’d go to any length to keep me safe.

He watches me closely as he adjusts his cufflinks. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I say, running my finger along the crease in his brow. “Rob’s nothing more than a loudmouth bully who’s all talk and no action.”

Dawson pushes a piece of hair from my face. “Mark my words that asshole will pay for how he’s treated you. I’ll make sure he doesn’t bother you again.”

I run my hand along his arm, making sure it’s out of sight from the hallway. “Thank you,” I murmur.

“Are you staying at my place tonight?” He keeps his voice low.

“Dawson, you can’t talk like that at the office.” My voice comes out breathless.

He grazes my collarbone with a slow, deliberate touch, his finger trailing to my lips as he studies my mouth. His back faces the door and if anyone was still lingering in the hall all they’d see is Dawson towering over me. “You better get back to work, Ms. Taylor. We wouldn’t want to fuel any rumors now would we?” He smirks before pulling away.

I nod, and he squeezes my hand gently before striding out of the conference room.

I’m overcome with a sense of peace. Ever since my grandpa passed, the weight of my responsibilities has only grown heavier, making it feel impossible to manage on my own. But now with Dawson in my life, I’m learning to accept that I don’t have to do it all alone. He’s shown me that there’s strength in vulnerability and letting someone support me, and help me through both the good and bad.

Before I leave the conference room, I check my phone, smiling when I see a message from Noah.

Noah: Want to go to brunch on Saturday before we study?

Noah: It’ll be my treat.

Reese: Sounds great. I’ve missed you.

I’m looking forward to seeing him so we can catch up. We constantly text and talk on the phone, but haven’t seen each other in person since Dawson showed up at the club. I’ve avoided bringing it up because it’s a conversation I’d prefer to have face-to-face.

Noah: I’ve missed you too babe.

Noah: I’ll meet you there at 11.

Reese: Can’t wait.

He’s going to want an update on Dawson and me, especially since I quit at the club without an explanation. Honestly, I’m not sure how to explain it. Dawson and I haven’t defined whatever this thing is between us or talked about our next steps.

What I do know is that I don’t want it to end.

When I enter The Sunny Egg, a breakfast café in Midtown, I’m greeted with the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans and toasted pastries. They host a weekend brunch, so the place is packed.

I spot Noah waving at me from a booth in the back corner. I’m looking forward to catching up, not so much to the interrogation I suspect he has planned. How do I explain that I spent a weekend at my boss’s place, and every night since?

During this past work week Dawson and I went back to his place after we finished at the office. Most nights we don’t get there until late, but we still curl up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn while we watch a movie. He hasn’t seen many, so I’ve introduced him to a few classics in a variety of genres including How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, The Avengers, and The Hangover .

Those peaceful moments with him, when it’s just the two of us at his place, make me see that I’m more at risk of falling in love with him than ever before.

The logical side of my brain recognizes that there’s much more at stake than the mutual attraction between two people. My job is on the line, and there’s no guarantee of a happy ending. Yet, my heart isn’t interested in being rational—it only wants Dawson, no matter the cost.

“Look who finally showed up,” Noah says, giving me a teasing smirk as I approach our table.

“I’m only five minutes late,” I say, leaning across the table to hug him.

“Yes, but you’re usually ten minutes early.” He quirks a smug brow. “You look stunning in that dress,” He gestures to my outfit, effectively changing the subject. “Is it new?”

I narrow my eyes at him. He knows full well that my wardrobe consists of six dresses and three skirts I’ve had on rotation since my freshman year of college.

Since we returned from Aspen Grove, Dawson has arranged for a high-end dress or outfit in my size and preferred style to be delivered every morning. He must have guessed I’d decline a shopping spree or an entirely new wardrobe, but I haven’t been able to bring myself to reject his thoughtful gifts, especially not this stunning dress.

It has a flattering A-line cut with buttons running down the front, and I paired it with sneakers that I doodled pink and navy-blue flowers on.

Noah drums his fingers against the table as he watches me. “What’s going on, Reese? What aren’t you telling me?”

“I’m not answering any questions until I’ve had my coffee,” I complain, noticing two cups on his side of the table.

While I try to limit my caffeine intake, I’m not fully functional until I’ve had caffeine. Unfortunately, this morning I didn’t have time to get a cup before I rushed out the door.

“Here you go.” Noah grins, sliding one of the cups toward me. “It’s a pumpkin spice latte, just the way you like it. I also ordered you avocado toast with a side of eggs and fruit.”

“You’re relentless,” I say, lifting the warm cup and savoring my first sip. “But just because you’re bribing me with my favorite brunch doesn’t mean I’ll tell you anything.”

“I’ll take my chances. I’m willing to offer an information exchange, and something tells me you’ll want to hear what I have to share.”

I shoot him a sidelong glance as I take another sip. Noah leans back in his seat, a knowing smirk on his lips. It’s only a matter of time before I give in—he’s well aware of my impatience, and I’m already on the edge of my seat, itching to find out what he has to share.

Before I can reply, a server brings over our food.

“Here you are.” I practically salivate when she places my plate in front of me.

“Thanks. This looks amazing,” Noah tells her.

“My pleasure,” she says before hurrying off.

When Noah reaches for his fork, I lean forward to grab his wrist. “There will be plenty of time to eat later. What did you want to tell me?”

He chuckles as he sets his fork down. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to hold out.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I wave him off. “Spill the beans.”

“The night Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome showed up at the club and you were both off doing who knows what, David showed up,” Noah says. “Turns out the bar was running low on tequila, so he dropped off a crateful.”

My eyes widen. “Oh my god. Noah, why didn’t you say anything before?”

David is the general manager at the club and usually works the dayshift. I can’t believe Dawson and I were in that man’s office doing unspeakable things. There’s no question he would have fired me if he’d walked in on us. And Dawson would have made matters worse by trying to defend me.

Not that it matters since I’m no longer working there. The HR department at Thomspon I intercepted him,” Noah assures me.

“What did you do?” I ask.

He shrugs. “Asked him out.”

I pause mid-sip, my coffee cup hovering in the air. “You what? In case you forgot, he’s your boss.” Technically, our interactions with him are limited to receiving our schedule via text or email, but still.

Noah raises an eyebrow with a playful grin. “You’re one to talk. There isn’t a non-fraternization policy at the club, so I figured why not.” He shrugs. “The worst thing he could have said was no.” He flashes a grin over his cup. “Apparently, he’s been into me for a while now but wasn’t sure if you and I were dating so he never made a move.”

“Sorry I inadvertently cock-blocked you,” I tease.

“Don’t worry about it,” he says as he tosses a blueberry into his mouth. “Now are you going to tell me what’s going on with you and Dawson? That man clearly has it bad for you. I’ve never seen someone so territorial over a woman before.”

My cheeks grow hot under his scrutiny. “He surprised me with a trip to Aspen Grove.”

“Are you serious? I’ve heard that place is gorgeous.”

“It really is,” I agree.

I take a bite of the eggs, savoring the butter flavor melting on my tongue. When I glance up Noah is staring at me.

“You can’t tell me you went out of town with the guy and then leave me hanging. Why aren’t you driving off into the sunset?”

I playfully toss my napkin at him. “You watch too many Hallmark movies. In case you’ve forgotten, Dawson is my boss, which complicates things since we do have a non-fraternization policy. Not to mention he’s twelve years older than me. I’m finding it hard to believe he’d want to tie himself to someone whose financials are a mess.” I sigh and push my fruit around on my plate. “Seriously, Noah, I’m looking at three years of law school and am still planning on choosing the career path that pays far less than what I’d make at a corporate firm.”

“It’s convenient that the man is a billionaire then, isn’t it.” He smirks. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to take care of you.”

I burst out laughing. “It’s probably not true.”

“I’m serious. Rumor is he took a gamble on some high-risk stocks that paid off, and combined with his firm’s success, he’s sitting on a goldmine.” Noah lets out a low whistle.

My laughter fades, giving away to a furrowed brow when I recall the articles I found online when I was looking up Dawson online that suggested otherwise. I figured Dawson was rich since he’s the managing partner of a prominent law firm, but I didn’t think he was that rich. Not that the money is important to me regardless.

I remember a conversation where he mentioned Harrison being a billionaire and emphasized the importance of not judging a book by its cover. Could he have been referring to himself?

In reality, he’s the most generous person I know. He only does pro bono work at Steel & Ink, makes sure his employees are well taken care of, looks out for Christian and his mom, and is constantly looking for ways to make my life easier.

Noah reaches out to place his hand over mine, pulling my focus back to him. “Sometimes the best things in life aren’t planned, and the greatest risk is not daring to take a chance. If you’re not willing to take a leap of faith you’ll never know what you could be missing out on.”

“Since when did you become a philosopher?” I tease.

“I’m feeling rather inspired today,” he says with a twinkle in his eye.

As we go back to eating our breakfast, I think about what he said. Falling for Dawson wasn’t part of the plan, and until he came along, I had sworn off men. But now it occurs to me that by embracing the unexpected, I’ve found someone who makes me feel at home again.