“I’m flattered. Good to know I had at least one fan out there.” She pulls her hand out and slaps mine. “Levi Dent, you had the entire school as your fan club, and you know it.” My chest rumbles, and I sigh in satisfaction. “What can I say, small towns and their love for football.” Her lips curl into the most tantalizing grin, and her smile becomes my new favorite thing. There’s serenity behind her laughing eyes.
A few seconds pass, a fleeting moment being shared between us. It stirs something inside me. A need for this connection. She has this way of drawing me in, and I refuse to drop her gaze. Everything about her becomes more prominent. Her dimples that pop out. Her tempting mouth as she gracefully extends her tongue to wet her lower lip.
I never paid much attention to Hannah when we were kids. Sadly, no one did. She was timid, scrawny, and annoying. Mouth full of braces. Squeaky, high-pitched voice. I stab at my memory for the last time I saw her before Kip’s wedding. It had to have been right before she left for college and I left for my internship, prepping myself for my future at Matthews and Associates.
When did Hannah Matthews grow up?
Hannah
“Steve Waters, technician for computer occupations. Christine Beeker, litigation assistant. Bridget Simms, first year lawyer, handles all general practice. Justin West, senior associate.” I grin as Levi makes it to the end of my notecard pile and I take a bite of my sandwich, doing a little booty dance in my chair.
“Congratulations, you’ve memorized the entire Matthews and Associates staff.” Levi smiles, dropping the cards and taking a hefty bite of his own sandwich. It’s been a full week since we shared that bizarre moment in his office. Levi switched gears quickly, going into work mode, but not before exposing something in his eyes—something I refuse or want to acknowledge. It all led to the same result: this couldn’t happen. And I had to accept it. Not that I thought about the what ifs if it did.
Pfft.
Liar.
I swiftly jumped into working with my team on litigation proceedings, helping with small stuff. And by small, I mean small. Copying reports, getting coffee, taking notes. I was everyone’s runner. I knew I had to start from the bottom, but I didn’t realize the bottom meant the bottom. It’s like I was fair game for anyone. Even when I thought someone was way out of line with their request, I chose to keep my mouth shut. I didn’t want any favors or leniency because the boss was my daddy.
Braydon has been awesome, though. Levi hasn’t always been able to assist me, so when he’s gone for full days or in meetings, I head down to Braydon’s desk, and he gives me insight on notes I took while sitting in on the Miller lawsuit meetings. We seem to have some things in common, and the more time I spend with him, the more I come to terms with the fact that Levi Dent is definitely out of my league. I just needed to get over it.
“So, what now? Ready to run Kellan Styles out of VP? Take over the company?” Levi grins, taking a sip of his soda. A smirk fights through my lips, and I chuck a chip at him.
“Not yet. Need to learn a little bit more before I start claiming my board member seat.”
We laugh as a knock sounds at his office door. I cock my head to see Braydon standing in the doorway.
“Hey there,” I chirp.
“Hey…uh, sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you, but, Hannah, I was just checking to see if you’ve eaten. If you haven’t, do you want to go up to Vince’s Deli? I have some cases I’d thought you’d enjoy going over with me.” I return his cheerful smile and put down my sandwich.
“We’re busy—”
“I’m actually done eating,” I cut Levi off, wrapping up the other half and stuffing it in the paper bag.
“What are you doing? You haven’t even finished your lunch,” Levi barks, as I veer around him, noticing his demeanor has suddenly changed.
“Oh, I’m full. I had a big breakfast,” I reply, taking the bag and tossing it in his garbage.
“You had half a muffin. I watched you.” He frowns at me, and I offer him my what’s your problem scowl. Standing, I brush off my skirt and scoop up my cards. “Thank you again for lunch and helping me. I do appreciate everything. I’m sure you’re relieved to know you won’t have to spend your lunches with me anymore. Thanks again.” I wave and give Levi my back, offering Braydon my attention.
“I’ll tag along while you grab something, then we can review your cases and maybe you can quiz me on them. See if I have what it takes to be a lawyer.” There’s a flash of joy in his eyes, sending a spark of anticipation to mine. I’m glad he enjoys my company as much as I do his.