“Who is going to answer the phone?”
“Let it go to voice mail,” Phoebe said. “This is more important.” She opened the door to the conference room. “Shall we?”
“Absolutely,” Sylas said, stealing his thunder. “I can’t wait to get started.”
“Me either.” He grabbed the door from Phoebe. “After you, ladies.”
“Such a gentlemen.” Phoebe smiled. “Don’t you agree, Ash?”
“He can be when he wants to be.” She and Phoebe walked into the conference room.
Phoebe motioned to Ash to sit next to her and him and Sylas to sit across from them. “I’m sure you both are wondering why I’m meeting with you together. First, of all, I’ve done my homework. You two are highly skilled attorneys. Working opposite you on that case between Steele Ranch and Braxton let me know how formidable you each can be.” She went on to tell them about how quickly the practice was growing. “I’ve got to lighten my caseload since I just found out that I’m pregnant with twins.”
“Congratulations,” he and Sylas said in unison.
“Thank you,” she said. “My husbands and I are so happy.”
Husbands, not husband? Can I handle this town and its people? For Ashley, I must try.
“You will both have to get your licenses to practice in Colorado. I will pay your fees. Ashley is taking her bar exam next week, which I’m certain she will pass easily. I’m going to make her a full partner of the practice at that time. You both will be reporting to her.”
“What?” Surely he hadn’t heard her correctly.
“You and Sylas will be reporting to Ashley.”
“Ms. Wolfe, I appreciate your directness, but Ashley? I know she’s extremely intelligent, but I’ve been practicing law for over six years with an excellent record.” He pointed at Sylas. “We both graduated from Harvard at the top of our class. Quite frankly, this is hard for me to grasp.”
“I can understand that, but trust me, Ashley is more than capable. She is very familiar with this practice and its clients. And despite the fact that she will just be getting her license, she knows the law better than anyone I know. And she is the only person I would trust with this job.”
“I don’t have any qualms about Ashley, Ms. Wolfe,” Sylas said.
Damn, when did he become so flexible?
Sylas added, “I’m ready to go to work.”
“But we haven’t discussed salary.”
“I’ve done my homework, too. I know you will be fair.”
“That’s great. We’ll work out all the details today.” Phoebe turned from Sylas to him. “What about you, Nic? I know the three of you have had a past. But the past is the past. I’m sure that you will be able to work together. You are all professionals.” Phoebe turned to Ashley. “I want Nic and Sylas in our practice. What do you think?”
“I believe they would be incredible assets for us.”
He looked at Ashley. Am I only an asset to her now? “I would love to come work for you, Ms. Wolfe.”
“For me and for Ashley.” Phoebe shook his and Sylas’s hands. “Trust me. This is going to be the best decision you two have ever made. You’ll see.”
Ashley stood and shook their hands. “Welcome aboard, gentlemen.”
Professionalism with her sucks. All he wanted to do was pull her into his arms and kiss her.
“I’ve got a great idea, Phoebe. Why don’t we take our new attorneys to dinner tonight? I’m sure they would like to meet your husbands. Could they come, too?”
So that is what she’s been planning.
“That’s a wonderful idea, Ash. Unfortunately, I can’t make it. My guys and I have plans with my parents tonight. We’re going to tell them about their new grandbabies. Ash, use the practice’s credit card and get a limo.”
“A limo?” Ashley looked surprised.