Trouble

I’ve never met Court’s husband, but once when we were doing clinicals, I had to treat her clients for a week because he’d sprained her wrist. I’d also kept Ollie for her so he’d be away from the fighting when his dad was around.

“Didn’t the judge give you sole custody?”

Her lips tighten. “Ozzy won’t sign the divorce papers. I filed a restraining order a year ago, but I guess it expired. I don’t know. I thought he’d finally given up and gone away.”

“Do they ever really do that?” She doesn’t meet my eyes, and I pull her into a hug. “Don’t worry. I’m here now, and I can kick some serious butt.”

She exhales a laugh. “Thanks, Sly.”

Leaning back, I catch her eyes. “What? You don’t believe me?”

“It’s not that.” She rubs her face with her hands. “I’m just so tired. I stepped in this pile of shit, and no matter what I do, I can’t seem to get it off me.”

“I’m here for you.” She blinks up, and our eyes meet. “I’ll do whatever I can—just tell me what you need.”

“Thanks, girl. I just wish he’d lose interest.” She goes to Ollie’s room, and I sit in the chair, studying my warm mug of coffee. All those true crime stories I’ve watched about abuse situations ending in death push against my mind. I’d do anything to protect my friend.

My phone buzzes, and I lift the face to see a text from Daisy. Miles needs to see your portfolio. Spence said to bring it by on Monday.

Adrenaline flashes in my chest at the sight of his name, and I quickly push it down. Not going there. We’re working together. I have to be professional.

My thumbs fly across my phone. I wasn’t coming home this weekend. How will I get it?

Tell me where it is, and I’ll meet you.

Chewing my lip, I think about this. When do they want me to come in?

Any time. Spencer said he’d be there all day.

Because he’s my client now. I’ll have to see him, interact with him, probably quite a lot. He hired me… He’s practically my fucking boss for the next few weeks, and I slept with him. Boy howdy, did I sleep with him.

After what happened with Elliot, I swore I’d never mix business with personal life again. Exhaling a frustrated growl, I scrub my fingers in my hair. How could I be so careless? That man is bossy, arrogant, trouble, and I ran straight into it.

Yep, I’m my own worst enemy.

* * *

“Miss Winthrop, I didn’t expect to see you today.” Miles holds a stylus over an oversized iPad when I enter his large, corner office. It’s a stunning space, with oak paneling and a wall of windows overlooking downtown. “Did I forget to write down a date?”

“Daisy said… Spencer told her you wanted to see my portfolio.”

“He did?”

Looking down at the oversized black folder in my hands, I’m starting to think Miles had nothing to do with my being here today.

“No worries.” He grins warmly. “I hate you made a special trip, though. Isn’t your portfolio online somewhere?”

He says it like it’s the most obvious thing, and embarrassment heats my cheeks. “That would probably be a smart idea. The truth is, I thought I was done with this type of work, so I never made time to scan it all—”

“Oh yes, we’re pulling you out of retirement.” He gives me a wink as he taps a button on his desk phone. “Spencer, can you join Miss Winthrop and me in my office?”

“Be right there.” Spencer’s rich voice fills the room, and my insides zing.

I squish that zing.

I’m more casual today in a short navy skirt and chambray shirt. Still, I anticipated seeing him, so I styled my hair and spent a little time on my makeup.

It’s all so completely ridiculous, because I have no intention of continuing any sort of romantic relationship with Mr. Carrollton.