VERSUS (Second Chances 2)

Chapter 18

Dylan

I was stood up.

I’m a lawyer. I get that things pop up unexpectedly. In this case, Eden is chasing after something for the Alcester case.

I know that because she called my office and left a message with Gunner this afternoon. I was in the middle of a deposition. I told my assistant not to disturb me under any circumstances.

Gunner always takes me at my word.

Eden’s message was short and to the point.

I can’t make it tonight. I’m meeting with one of the skeletons from your client’s closet.

I would have texted her a message back, but I don’t have a cell number for her.

Calling Kurt’s office to speak with her was a waste of time. Kurt’s assistant shot me down with an excuse about Eden being tied up today.

The woman refused to hand over Eden’s cell number. Charm didn’t work, so I pulled out my attorney card, but that was a fail.

I dropped the ball when I didn’t ask Eden for her number last night.

She wouldn’t let me take her back to Noelle’s. She hopped into a taxi outside of Nova and disappeared around the corner.

“Sir, do you need me to do anything else today?”

My head pops up. “Jesus, Gunner. You scared the hell out of me. Clear your throat when you’re coming down the corridor. Hum a tune. Anything, but this stealth shit you always pull on me.”

I swear to fuck his lips curve up into a smirk before he loudly clears his throat.

“Too late for that.” I rest my hands on my desk. “You can go.”

He shakes his head. “I prefer to stay until you’re done. Something may come up that I have to handle.”

I don’t know what the hell Gunner has going on during the few hours I give him to himself each day, but there has to be something he can do besides staring at me from the doorway of my office.

“Go home.” I wave my hand in the air. “You’ve put in enough time for today.”

“I can order something for dinner…for us.”

I push back in my chair. “You’re not a cheap date. The last time you ordered food in it was a five-course spread with an expensive bottle of red.”

“Good taste isn’t a liability, sir. It’s an asset.”

“It depends on whether you’re the one stuck picking up the tab.” I glance down at my watch. “I’ll treat you to pizza.”

“Pizza?” His nose scrunches. “I haven’t had pizza in…”

“Too long,” I interrupt as I slide to my feet. “A slice of pizza, a beer, and then you go be you, Gunner. I need my space.”

“I’ll get ready,” he quips. “Give me five minutes.”

“Two minutes.” I wave two fingers at him. “Be in the elevator in two minutes or my offer is off the table.”

He darts out of my office and down the corridor, stomping his feet as he goes.

I didn’t expect to be sitting across from him at a dinner table, but I plan on tracking Eden down as soon as my beer is empty.