Justice Falling (Falling #3)(3)

Crisis averted. Thank God! My private life needed to stay private. These kind people, ones that were rich, solid, and loving could not know about Tanner or my second job. If they did, they wouldn’t want me working here. I’d tarnish their good names and successful businesses, not to mention the shame of them finding out what I did at night.

“There you are! Our baby’s doctor is not going to wait while you two kissy face all day.” Hank had taken to kissing along his wife’s neck and rubbing her back.

“Our baby, Oliver,” Hank pointed to his wife then himself. Oliver stood in his immaculate suit looking bored to tears. He even put his hand up to his mouth and mimicked a yawn. Hank continued, “Stop trying to take credit for my hard work.”

Aspen grimaced. “Your hard work? You mean my hard work. I’m the one who’s missing out on sleep. Throwing up at God all hours of the day and night. Let’s not forget about the back pain incubating your giant child, Mister.” Hank turned his wife and moved her along towards the door while she ranted.

“I’ll be back after our baby appointment,” he said over his shoulder so I’d hear him.

“… swollen ankles, giant knockers.”

“Hey, don’t be talking poorly ‘bout that last one. Those were a happy surprise. I’m not complainin’ none about that one.” Hank said as they made their way down the hall.

The phone rang, and I grabbed it on the second ring. “Jensen Construction, Cami speaking, how may I help you?”

“Yes, hello, love, is Hank available for a chat?” a smooth, British voice spoke through the receiver. Just the tone of the voice, not to mention the sexy syllables, uncharacteristically sent a little trill down my spine. He spoke again before I realized I’d not answered him. “Hello? Cami?”

“Um, yes, I’m sorry. No. Mr. Jensen is out of the office, and won’t return for another couple hours. Can I take a message?” The words left my mouth in a jumble, sounding halfway professional.

“Really? He told me I could call today to schedule a meeting. Shall I ring another time perhaps?” The man’s tone was like lotion over dry skin, smooth and silky. I had the insane desire to keep him speaking to me.

“Yes, of course you can. Uh, schedule a meeting. Not call back.” The stranger laughed on the other side of the phone. The sound tumbled directly to my belly, heating and tightening in equal parts. “I schedule all of Mr. Jensen’s meetings,” I finished a tad breathless. My response to this caller was extremely unusual. Rarely did I feel so…attracted to a stranger. Rarely being never.

I hadn’t felt desire or any form of pleasure from the opposite sex since being with Ty all those years ago. That loser remains the only man I’d ever slept with. Now, hearing this sexy foreigner’s ragged breath over the line, his lusty tone, I crossed and re-crossed my legs to staunch the ache between my thighs. It unnerved me.

“Well, aren’t you just Ms. Efficient?” he cooed.

“I try. Let me check his schedule.” I clicked a few keys to bring up Hank’s calendar. “Mr. Jensen has a slot available at four p.m. this afternoon. Does that time work for you?”

“It suits just fine, love.” God, the way he called me “love” made me feel loved even though it was insane to be thinking such crazy things when I’d only shared a few minutes conversation with the stranger. I didn’t even know his name and I felt off balance and warm in a way I hadn’t been in years.

“May I take your name and information?”

“Of course, love.” The way he said it that time made me feel less special. Maybe he said it to everyone. He was British. “My name is Nathaniel Walker of Stone, Walker & Associates.”

“And what will this meeting be in regard to?”

“I’m not certain that’s any of your business.” His tone was cool.

I shook my head and apologized. “Oh no, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. I typically prepare whatever items Mr. Jensen may need for his meetings. Excuse me for being so-- “

“Cami, love, I was just fooling about. I’m Mr. Jensen’s lawyer.” My face heated.

His lawyer. Wait a minute…I’d met his lawyer. His name was not Nathaniel. It was Collier Stone. “I don’t know what you’re trying to pull, but Jensen Construction’s lawyer is Collier Stone.”

Another belly jangling chuckle came through the line. “I wasn’t trying to diddle you, love. Collier is my brother. He’s the Stone in Stone, Walker & Associates.” I gripped the receiver until my knuckles turned white and tried hard not to slam my forehead onto the hard desk. Stupid, stupid, stupid! I could feel embarrassment burn my pale skin scarlet.



***



The precious Cami over the phone line was quiet for so long I feared she may have rang off. I was rather enjoying the chin wag with her. Something in the tone of her voice, the breathiness of her words as she spoke made me want to talk to the young thing all day long. At least I imagined she was young.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Walker. I’ve only been here three months. Please don’t be upset with me. I need this job--”

“Love, whoa. Whoa. Hold your skirt.” I cut her off. “No worries. No harm. Just a bit of jolly banter between soon-to-be friends. Right?”