When You Give a Lawyer a Kiss (Aspen Grove)

Chapter 19

T he past week with Reese has been amazing. Every morning, I wake up with her in my arms and I watch her eyes light up when she checks the closet to find what new outfit I’ve had delivered. Nothing brings me more satisfaction than seeing her smile, and it makes me want to find a new way to make sure it never fades.

It’s been a long day at the office and I’m counting down the hours until Reese and I can go home.

Our home.

We haven’t talked about her staying long-term, but I love the idea of making it permanent.

Before I start reviewing the contract waiting for me on my desk, I take out my phone and shoot Harrison a text. When I asked for his help in setting up a date with Reese in Aspen Grove, I hadn’t expected him to go all out. Guess when you ask the Staffords for a favor, they take it seriously.

Dawson: Thanks again for your help. Reese loved visiting Aspen Grove.

Harrison: No problem. That’s what friends are for.

I’m about to remind him that I only asked because he owed me a favor and that we’re not friends, but I hesitate. Would it really be so bad to have another person willing to help me out in a bind, no questions asked? Even without the favor, I get the feeling Harrison would have helped—albeit reluctantly.

Dawson: You ever going to tell me what happened with Fallon at the club?

Harrison: I have to go. I’m heading into a board meeting.

Dawson: I’ll take that as a no.

I doubt his night ended like it did for Reese and me. Fallon was giving him an earful, not letting him get a word in edgewise. Harrison never did explain what happened between them in the first place, but from what I saw it seems like there was a lot left unresolved.

As I’m putting my phone away, Maxwell Thompson, the founding partner of Thomson this could ruin everything.” Her eyes are glassy and unfocused as her gaze darts between me and the door.

I place my hand on her shoulder to reassure her, turning her to look at me. “Reese, everything is going to be okay, I promise.” I cup her cheek, waiting until her focus is on me. “Maxwell underestimated me. Both he and Rob have been doing things they shouldn’t, and I’ve been collecting evidence to use when the opportunity presented itself.”

Reese tugs her bottom lip between her teeth, processing the news. “What if one of them reports us to HR and they fire me? My chances of going to law school will be ruined, and I won’t have enough money to pay for Grams’s care. I can’t believe I’ve been so stupid.” A tear forms and slides down her cheek, and my chest tightens at the sight.

“Red, I’d never allow that to happen.” I wipe away the tear and kiss her forehead. “I’d walk out before I let our relationship tarnish your reputation.” I suppress the amused smile that tugs at the corner of my mouth. “In fact, that’s exactly what I did.”

Reese snaps her gaze to meet mine, her mouth slightly parted “What do you mean?”

I shrug. “I quit, and I’m taking my clients with me.” I motion to the list on the desk. “At the new firm, we’ll adopt a more lenient policy on relationships in the workplace. We’ll have to sign a consensual relationship agreement, and you’ll have a different boss, but it’s a small price to pay to balance our personal and professional lives.”

Reese’s expression is unreadable as she processes the news. “How long have you been planning this?”

“I initially intended to have Maxwell removed from the company when the chance presented itself.; however, over the past few weeks, I realized that a clean slate would be a better solution. Starting a new firm would give me more control over policies and how things are run.”

“Why wouldn’t you tell me about it?”

“You’ve been dealing with a lot, and I wanted to finalize things before I asked you to move in with me.”

Her eyes widen and she takes a step back. “Hold on. Dawson, we’ve just started seeing each other. I’m not moving in with you.”

“Why not?” I ask, making an effort to maintain a calm demeanor. “You’ve stayed at my place every night since we got back from Aspen Grove. What’s the difference?”

Despite her initial protest, I’ve come up with every excuse to keep her from spending the night at her place, and it’s worked so far. I refuse to let her live in a freezing cold house that’s crumbling around her when she can stay with me at my place with heated floors and reliable hot water. Having her stay with me means she’s safe, comfortable, and right where she belongs—in my arms.

Reese sighs, rubbing her temples. “Since the day I started working at Thompson & Tate, you’ve called the shots. First you reassigned me to work with you, encouraged me to quit working at Echo, and now I find out you’ve quit the firm and decided that I’m coming with you. You should have talked to me about it first.” She folds her arms across her chest, locking eyes with me. “I’m grateful for everything you’ve done, but I can’t be in a relationship where all the decisions are made for me. I need someone who will consult with me and ask for my input before making major choices that impact me. Otherwise, we’re setting ourselves up for failure.”

My initial confidence gives way to guilt as I come to understand that my well-meaning actions may have caused Reese more harm than good.

For so long, I’ve faced challenges head on making choices based on my own judgment. But I failed to adapt and include Reese in choices that affect us both.

I swallow hard. “Damn, you’re right. I’ve been so focused on what I thought was best that I inadvertently kept you out of the decision-making process. There’s no excuse for that and I’m so sorry, Reese.” My voice is low, weighed down by guilt. “You mean everything tome, and there’s nothing more I want than for us to be together. I love waking up next to you every morning, and falling asleep with you in my arms. So much that I wanted to do whatever it took to make sure a future together was possible without disrupting your plans to go to law school.”

“I’m enjoying our time together too, Dawson, I’m just not sure if moving in together right now is—” A knock on the door interrupts her mid-sentence.

“I’ll get rid of whoever it is,” I say, but before I can move Reese is already halfway to the door. “Where are you going?”

“I’m assuming Maxwell wants us out of the building by the end of the day so I better go pack my desk,” she says with a tentative smile.

As much as I’d like to drop everything and finish our conversation, she’s right. I might have gotten my way, but that won’t stop Maxwell from sending security if I’m not out of here by tonight.

“Why don’t you take the rest of the day off?” I suggest. “And we can talk more later tonight?”

“Don’t you need help here?” Reese asks.

I shake my head. “I’ve got it covered,” I assure her.

As much as I want her here with me, she deserves the chance to process everything. Asking her to move in felt right in the moment, but I didn’t consider how overwhelming it might be for her. All I can hope is that once we talk things through, she can forgive me for my shortcomings because nothing else matters if I lose her in the end.

“Okay,” Reese says hesitantly. “Only if you’re sure.”

“Positive.”

I give her hand a squeeze on her way out, and it takes every ounce of willpower to stand by when she opens the door to reveal Jeremey standing on the other side with his hand raised, ready to knock again.

Reese slips past him into the hallway, disappearing from view.

“What is it?” I snap.

His face visibly pales as he hands over a report for the Irving project. “You asked me to bring this to you as soon as possible, sir.”

“Thanks,” I say, taking the report from his hand. “Why don’t you step into my office. There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

There’s nothing I’d like to do more than finish my conversation with Reese. But for now, I’ve got a long list of employees and clients I need to speak with, and an office to pack before Maxwell tries to have security kick me out.

I glance at my watch, noting that I only have a few hours until I’m supposed to be at the tattoo shop. With everything going on, I should cancel my appointments, but I could use the distraction, especially if I don’t hear back from Reese by then.