“It’s a bit complicated when both Colette and I are the same level,” she said hesitantly. Wrong move, don’t express doubts to Hunter. Hunter was hard to get to know personally, although he had opened up after he had kids—but just in that area of his life. As a lawyer, he presented a confident, impenetrable strength.

“Well, yes, but you’re a great team leader. I’m sure you two will work well together.” He looked at his watch. “I have to run. I’ll ask my assistant to schedule a meeting with the three of us so we can all start from the same page.” He stood abruptly.

Dismissed.

“Great,” she said, schooling her voice to be positive and firm, and she trailed him out of his office. She walked quickly to her office. She could use more time for Malaburn and her Popflicks case. How dare Malaburn say that she didn’t have what it took? Especially after seven years of working here around the clock. She’d prove him wrong. Her stomach clenched.

She needed to prepare for her meetings that afternoon.

Tim knocked on the doorframe. “Hey, can I come in?”

“Sure.” Normally, she loved chatting with Tim, feeling a little thrill when his brown eyes met hers or he nodded in acknowledgement of a point she made, but now she was on edge and upset. And she didn’t want to show him that side of her. Especially after Malaburn’s remark that she was too emotional.

Tim closed the door with a click. “I hear Colette was just staffed on your case.”

“Word travels fast.”

“Colette told me.” He pulled out the chair in front of her desk and sat. He was frowning. His hair was gelled into place—not like Jake’s tousled hair.

“Did you suggest Hunter as a partner for her to work with? You could’ve warned me.” Her throat tightened. She had thought he was on her side—even if not interested romantically.

“No, I mean we did discuss him as a possibility, but I told her that he’s so keenly in your corner, that it would be better for her to go with Stromen,” he said. “She hasn’t worked with him either, and he’s certainly influential.”

“But he’s difficult.” Although not as difficult as Malaburn. It wasn’t a fair trade. She got Malaburn; Colette got Hunter. She shook her head. She needed to look at this positively. Wallowing in self-pity was not going to get her anywhere.

“Probably why she didn’t ask Stromen,” Tim said dryly.

“I guess it should help me. This will give me more time to focus on my Popflicks case, and now I’m not responsible for defensive discovery on Rothman.”

“Still, it’s a bit awkward. You’re really being put head-to-head there.”