[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
.So not what he was prepared to handle while he was still trying to wrap hishead around the fact he d fallen in love with Cassie. We ll also want an update on that Cooper case, the status, the angle of approach you re using, andyour rationale for choosing that approach.Case law if necessary.And, of course, your thoughts onwhy Miles Cooper might feel the way he does about your work.Holy fuck.Brad nearly spit his drink all over Randall s Italian shoes.He didn t have an angle ofapproach for that mess.He had to have something concrete and plausible in less than forty-eighthours.Fuck, fuck, fuck. Enough about that though.I m sure there won t be any surprises you ll do fine.You always do.Randall let out a deep laugh and gestured at the guests gathered around his formal dining room. Tonight this is pleasure, not business, Old dog Heagle s tying the knot.Looks like Mandy sbeckoning us over.Sure enough, she stood on her toes, using Joseph s shoulder to gain leverage and frantically wavingfor them to join the party.Compared to the perfectly put together, mannerly wives that surrounded her,her exuberance made Brad laugh.Somehow, she fit Joseph.Brad was still looking for the how, butthe way Joseph s arm looped possessively around her waist made their opposite pairings natural. Thanks for the heads up, Randall. Brad shook the senior partner s hand. I ll have everythingtogether Monday at eight.I m looking forward to it. Good deal.Brad crossed to Mandy and spun her in a tight hug. Hey, good lookin.She let out a laugh as he set her down.Leaning in close, she whispered,  Did I hear right? Cupid hityou?Narrowing his gaze at the back of Joseph s head, Brad pretended to be offended.He waited untilMandy s face paled, like she d realized she wasn t supposed to know, until he let her off with asmirk. I d say he bit me in the ass.She gave him an affronted scoff and pushed at his chest. I have to hear more about this later.I mpretty certain I didn t miss the apocalypse. Nope.No apocalypse. He lifted his glass to hers. I think I owe you a congrats.As they toasted, Joseph withdrew from his conversation and placed a kiss on Mandy s cheek.Heglanced at Brad. Good flight?Oh yeah&The warm glow that infused Brad s bloodstream caught him by surprise, but he managed to keep thestiffening of his body to a minimum.His grin, however, defied him. Worth every penny.You got aminute, Joseph? He inclined his head toward the other two partners within earshot. Sure.Want to join me on the balcony? I m in the mood for a cigar.Brad followed his mentor, glad for a bit of breathing room.Outside, Joseph lit a fat Cuban, offeredBrad another.Brad shook his head. You know I hate those. Chew on it.I swear you ll change your mind.He made a disgusted face. Maybe later.Joseph leaned his elbows on the iron balcony railing. What s going on? It s imperative I offload a case before Monday.Can you help me out?Surprise widened Joseph s eyes. Now that s a first.Any particular reason why?Hesitating, Brad downed the last of his scotch in one long swallow and fixed his gaze on theneighboring apartment complex.The alcohol rushed through his veins, tempering a bitter gust ofwintry wind.Quietly, he confessed,  It s her.Distinct spluttering gave way to a cough as Joseph choked on his inhaled smoke.Though shocklaced his words, he kept his exclamation to a hushed whisper. Shit, you re sleeping with the client? No. He took a deep breath, and words rushed out with his exhale. I m in love with opposingcounsel.Joseph s long low whistle rang out in a beat of city silence. I ll see what I can do, but I won tknow anything until I can get into the office on Monday.I don t take anything home anymore.Straightening, he pushed away from the rail and stubbed his cigar out. Call me tomorrow evening.You re still going to have to explain why you re stepping aside.I ll help you come up withsomething.Relief rushed through Brad like a swift wind on a barren plane.He closed his eyes, neverimagining he could value a friendship so much.He d found a way to make this right.But as he entered Randall s luxurious apartment and glanced around at the guests, longing strucklike someone jabbed a javelin into his side.He was surrounded by couples.Husbands and wives wholaughed at shared secrets, exchanged intimate glances, and touched as if they were extensions of theother s body [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]