Absent in the Spring (The Shakespeare Sisters 3)

And yes, it was way beyond the normal client–lawyer relationship, but quite frankly he couldn’t give a shit. He looked forward to these conversations all day.

‘Does it matter?’ he asked.

‘Of course. If it’s professional, I’ll need to bill you. Plus, I’m already working on a contract for another client, so you’ll have to call me back in the morning.’

‘Are you teasing me?’

‘Maybe.’ She let the word stretch out.

‘I don’t like you working for anybody else,’ Lachlan told her. ‘You should be spending all your time on me. Why aren’t I the Laird of Glencarraig yet?’

‘The wheels of law turn slowly here. We’re dealing with centuries of history, you know. Why are you in such a hurry?’

‘Maybe I just want the estate,’ he said. ‘It impresses all the girls.’

‘Oh, does it indeed?’

‘It impressed you,’ he said softly.

‘Yes, it did.’

A knock at the door pulled his attention from the call. He looked up to see Grant walking in, carrying a steaming mug of coffee. Lachlan covered the mouthpiece. ‘Thank you.’

‘I’m heading out, we’ve got a pre-natal class. See you tomorrow?’

Lachlan nodded. ‘See you then.’

‘Everything okay?’ Grant lingered, giving him a quizzical look.

‘Everything’s fine. I’ve just got to take this call.’ Lachlan inclined his head towards his cellphone.

‘Okay then. Have a good evening.’

‘You, too.’

‘And say hi to her from me.’ With that, Grant left the room. Lachlan rolled his eyes at the closing door, lifting the phone back to his ear.

‘Sorry about that. My assistant was just leaving.’ He picked up the coffee, taking a sip. ‘Now, where were we?’

‘You were impressing me,’ Lucy told him.

‘That’s right. Maybe I can impress you again some time.’

‘Is that a euphemism?’ she asked, her voice warm with humour. ‘Am I supposed to tell you how impressive you are?’

‘Feel free.’ He grinned to himself.

‘Haven’t you got anything better to do than chat up somebody thousands of miles away? You know, like some work?’

‘I’m working,’ Lachlan protested, pulling his emails up on his laptop as if to make a point. ‘I can multitask, you know.’

‘What are you doing?’

‘I’ve been reading my emails.’ He wasn’t sure why he was lying. To make a point? God knew which one.

‘That’s funny. I sent you an email five minutes ago, and got a delivery receipt straight away. Did you see it?’

‘I saw it flash up, but I haven’t checked it yet.’