It was apparent that everyone except Val had left. I found her sitting on her desk. I could only see her back, but she was obviously tense. Her spine was straight, and her shoulders looked stiff. She’d been talking on the phone, but she must have heard me come in because she muttered a quick “I’ll call you later” before placing the phone on the table and glancing at me over her shoulder.

I went straight to her, hooking an arm around her waist and bringing her to the edge of the desk. Then I kissed her, deep and slow. She kissed me back, reluctantly at first, but as I demanded more, Val gave in, releasing a small moan against my mouth, burying one hand in my hair and pressing her heels into the backs of my thighs, urging me closer. I wanted to wring out every single drop of tension from her, drive out all her worries.

I pulled back a little, tipping her head up.

“Hey,” I greeted.

“Hey.”

“What have you been up to?”

“Regrouping, mostly. Landon found a few law firms, but the ones I’ve spoken to are reluctant to jump in so late. Have you thought about any recommendations?”

Right. She’d texted me to ask for recommendations. I’d completely forgotten.

“Val, I want to represent you. I want to be your lawyer.”

She blinked up at me. “What?”

Okay, so I’d expected a more enthusiastic reaction.

“I know you said we should keep the professional and personal separate, but the situation has changed.”

“I know, but what about your firm? Have you talked to your partners?”

“I informed them, yes. They weren’t thrilled, for the same reasons your previous lawyer gave you. I don’t really give a damn. Why are you hesitating? Why didn’t you even ask me to be your lawyer?” My voice was harsh, but I was a little pissed that she hadn’t even considered it.

My heart was racing as I considered all possibilities. The lawyer in me wondered if she didn’t trust my abilities. The man in me was fearing that she wanted to keep the lines between professional and personal intact because her feelings didn’t run as deep as mine did.

“It’s a risky move for you, Carter. I didn’t think it would be fair to ask you.”

She started twiddling her thumbs in her lap.

“I’m offering.”

“I’ve just....” She trailed off and took a deep breath before continuing. “No one outside of my family has ever wanted to put themselves on the line like this for me.”

“Val, I want to fight for you. I want to win this for you. Just say yes.”

She nodded, and I released a breath, leaning closer, feathering my lips over hers.

“Should we start right away?” she asked.