Page 36 of Crash Course
"What about Maddy? Or your other brothers’ girlfriends? Do you not like them?"
"Sure. What’s not to like?"
"My point exactly."
"Okay," he said. "You win."
She pointed a finger at him. "Nuh-uh. It’s not about winning or losing."
"Says the top-notch defense attorney who just had her picture on the cover ofCharlotte Lawyerfor what? The third time?"
"Fourth. But who’s counting? I like to win. Professionally speaking. So do you or you wouldn’t do your job. I don’t measure relationships on wins and losses. Ever. And if you want to see me, that’s a deal-breaker. When you keep score, I’m out. I won’t live my life constantly feeling like I owe people."
"Dang, I like you. From that first day when you hollered at Ash – Cam. We call him Ash. It's short for Asher, his given name. Cameron is his middle name. Anyway, I knew I liked you because nobody talks to Cam that way."
"I thought he’d crossed a line with my client."
"I like that about you. You’re fierce. No bullshit."
"A lot of men would run screaming."
"Yeah, they would. Guess what?" He leaned in on his elbows, his gaze fixed on her red lips for a few seconds before meeting her eye. "You don’t scare me, Cilla. If I’m wrong, I’ll own it. I’m okay with that. I’ll learn from it and move on. No big deal. As long as you can do the same, I don’t see where we have a problem."
She inched her head side to side. "I’m not easy. Most men like the challenge of me, but with the day-to-day stuff? My work schedule and tenacity? I fight hard, Cruz. In all aspects. It’s a blessing and a curse. Throw my dad into the mix and my world gets complicated. Knowing what you do, he’ll expect things. He’ll recommend you to his friends and then feel you owe him. He’ll put me in the middle."
"Wow. No wonder guys run screaming with that lead-in."
"Giving you the highlights. I like you. Must be something in that Blackwell DNA that makes the men so appealing—but if you’re looking for a calm relationship that lacks drama, you won’t find it with me. My phone rings at all hours and if a client needs me, I go. Now, if you’re lying half dead in a hospital, that’s different, but if we’re watching a movie, having some quiet time? Rolling around in bed? You need to know, I’ll leave. My career is important to me."
For once, Cruz did the smart thing and shut the fuck up while he mulled over the epic dump she’d just dropped on him. Finally, he sat back, rested one hand on the table and drummed his fingers. "Why do you do this?"
"What?"
"It’s like you want me to walk away. Got news for you, the Blackwell boys are no cakewalk. Especially lately. Maybe I should askyouif you can deal with chaos? And for the record, my phone rings at inopportune times, too. Kinda like the job for your dad. Zeke told me I was flying to Nashville and we flew to Nashville. So, yeah, I might be the one leaving you for a job. Areyouokay with that?"
Timing being everything, the server chose that second to appear. She made quick work of taking their order and disappeared again while Cilla rifled through her purse for something. She came away with her phone and punched the screen.
A second later, his phone vibrated and she grinned like a madwoman. Was she seriously calling him? From across the table? He slid the phone from his pocket. Her name lit up the screen.
Fine. He’d play. He picked up the call and brought the phone to his ear. "Hello?"
She kept her gaze on him. "Cruz? It’s Priscilla Randolph. Sorry it took me so long to return your call. If you’re still up for it, I’d love to have dinner with you."
"Well," he said, returning the smile. "I’m kinda busy these days."
"Oh, please," she said, half-laughing. "Now you’re screwing with me?"
"I am, in fact, screwing with you. Yes, let’s have dinner. Soon."
"Good."
She lowered the phone and disconnected. He did the same.
"Glad we got that cleared up," he said.
Still, his mind went batshit. He had to think about this. About taking it slow when all his body wanted was fast, fast, fast.
Despite his attraction to her, right now, she was his client and he wanted, needed to stay focused.
