Page 42 of Finding Redemption

“Exactly.” She turns back, ripping several things from the hanger. Ava hands me a denim shirt with a deeper blue suit. “Here, no arguments.” She kisses my cheek and walks out the door.

“Thank you?” I yell after her.

“Welcome,” she shouts. “And, Walker?”

I hesitate as fear grips me. “Yes?”

“Be. Fucking. Charming,” she enunciates. “Love you.”

“Love you, sis.” I stare in the mirror, holding up her offering. “Charming. She thinks I can be charming.”

I dive into work as to not arrive at the restaurant early, but it’s to no avail. I get there fifteen minutes before our reservation. I pace, waiting for her arrival. Somehow, she sneaks up on me. When I spot her, she’s walking across the parking lot. Not going to lie, my chest tightens and I immediately throw up my walls.

Reese Morgan will be the death of me.

Her black dress falls at the knees, hugging her every curve. Her breasts bounce slightly with the deeply cut bodice, her red hair falling around her shoulders, highlighting her collarbone. My lips part as I drag in a much-needed breath. Her beauty has stolen the oxygen from my body.

“Walker.” She smiles at me, and my knees go weak. And just like that, a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach sends a warning signal to my brain.

She’s not for you.

I swallow past the tightness in my chest to murmur a response. “Reese.” I try not to gawk. “I believe our table is ready.” I place my hand on the small of her back long enough to guide her to our seats. I can’t help but watch her hips sway as she walks, her stilettos showcasing toned calves.

She smiles as I pull her chair out. “Thank you.”

I take my seat across from her, staring like a lunatic. “You’re breathtaking,” I blurt out before I can control myself.

Her eyes grow wide as she stutters, “Thank you.” Was that a question? I’ve embarrassed her. I need to pull my shit together.

“You’re welcome,” I stammer. “You surprised me. I feel as though I’m underdressed.”

“No, not at all. I love you in blue. You wear so much black.” I do?

“I never noticed. I wasn’t sure about this shirt.” I pick at it as I shake my head. “Ava told me to wear it. She also thinks I wear too much black.”

“Not too much, it’s habit.” She points at her dress. “I do like the denim shirt with the blue suit. Bold. It looks good on you.”

“I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen anyone in court looking like that.” I motion toward her while ogling her breasts like a fourteen-year-old.

“Oh, yeah. I overdressed.” She looks at her lap, straightening her napkin. “When Donna said Villa Romana, I went all in. You know, a grown-up dinner doesn’t happen often for attorneys.” She’s embarrassed.

“No, you didn’t. You look amazing.” I’m sure my face shows my appreciation. “Wine?”

“Please. It’s been a long day.” She opens her menu.

“May I?”

“Please do. It’s been awhile since I’ve been here. I’m going to peruse their offerings.” Reese’s smile shines through the cracks in my heart, warming my dead soul.

I motion for the waiter, giving him our selection. “We’ll have a bottle of Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia. Thank you.”

Reese continues to read when her eyes go wide. She glances up at me. “You realize that’s four hundred dollars. For wine.”

“They don’t sell it by the glass. I think you’ll enjoy it. It’s Italian and pairs well with the food here.”

“But this is a business dinner. That’s an expensive write-off.” She thinks I’m using this as a business expense.

“It’s perfectly fine.”