by Chloe Lang
Why was Phoebe bringing on another lawyer? And even more so, Ashley wondered why her boss was considering hiring either Sylas or Nic.
Phoebe had always told her that she couldn’t wait for her to finish law school and pass the bar so they could be partners. And now this. What does it mean? Is she firing me or do I have to remain a receptionist to stay working here?
Phoebe knew that she’d broken it off with Nic and Sylas. If either of them came to work at the office, it would make things very uncomfortable. Was that why Phoebe had kept her in the dark about all of this?
Phoebe was a wonderful boss and mentor, but even more, the woman was like a sister to her.
Another glance at the clock. Sixteen minutes until the appointment with Jennifer was over. Sixteen minutes until one of her exes arrived? She groaned and began tapping on the top of her desk with her fingers. She needed a window of opportunity to speak with Phoebe between when Jennifer left and whichever one of the guys arrived first. She was anxious and worried time would not be on her side.
A minute later, Jennifer and Phoebe walked into the reception area.
“Hi, Ashley,” Jennifer said. “Are you getting nervous about taking the bar? That’s next week, isn’t it?”
“I am. Next Tuesday and Wednesday.”
“It takes two days?”
“Yes, in Denver. I will be driving there Monday night.”
“I’m sure you’ll do great. I haven’t seen you at the club lately.” Though not officially recognized, Jennifer was considered the queen of the subs at the BDSM club.
“I’ve been focusing on studying for my bar exam.” Which was only part of the truth. While she always enjoyed Phase Four, after her heart had been broken in Chicago, she just hadn’t felt like going. Maybe it would be good for me to go. “Once I finish my exam, I’ll be back.”
“Great. When does the new paralegal start?”
“In another week.” Ashley thought it was premature for Phoebe to hire a paralegal. What if I don’t pass the bar?
“Dr. Strong is very excited that Erin is moving to Destiny. He’s very proud of his cousin for finishing her paralegal degree.”
“We’re looking forward to her working with us,” Phoebe said.
“I look forward to meeting her. We can always use another smart woman in Destiny,” Jennifer said. “Thanks for everything, Phoebe. I really appreciate all you’re doing for me.”
“Don’t worry,” her boss said in a kind tone. “We’ll get you through this.”
“You and Ashley always do.” Jennifer left.
As soon as the door shut, Ashley stood up. “Just when were you planning on telling me you were hiring a new lawyer, Phoebe? And why does it have to be Nic or Sylas? And are you firing me?”
“Calm down, Ash. I have very good reasons for everything I’ve done. First of all, you are not fired. I still want to make you a partner. I couldn’t tell you until I was certain of my plans.” Phoebe smiled.
“Don’t tell me this has anything to do with your wedding. That’s two weeks away. Besides, you four are already married. I was in Ethel’s chambers when you said your vows because you couldn’t wait. What’s this really about, Phoebe?”
“Congratulations are in order, Ash.”
“What in the world are you talking about?”
“I’m pregnant, Ash.”
She rushed to Phoebe and hugged her. “That’s wonderful news. How far along are you?”
“Ten weeks.”
“Ten weeks? When were you planning on telling me?”
“Now, I guess.” Phoebe laughed. “I had to make all these plans when I found out I was having twins.”
“Twins? Oh my God, your men must be over the moon.”
“They are. They’re ready for me to come home now. But Doc said I would be fine working until the latter weeks of the pregnancy. Then he wants me to take it easy until the babies come.”
“Phoebe, I had no idea. I’ll do whatever you need.” It was all beginning to make sense to her why Phoebe had not told her about her plans. There was so much that her boss had to deal with.
“You always do. I plan on taking a sabbatical the last trimester and continuing on until the twins are at least six-months old. Even after that, I won’t be coming in full time. I want to be with my babies.”
“You’re going to make such a wonderful mother, Phoebe.”
“I sure hope so, Ash. The only client I’m keeping for myself is Jennifer. The rest I will turn over to you, Nic, and Sylas, with you being in charge.”
“You’re going to hire them both?” Oh God, how am I going to get through this?
Phoebe nodded. “I figure since you broke it off with them everything will be fine. Professional. They are such talented attorneys, both Harvard trained.”
“Then they should be in charge, not me. I haven’t passed the bar yet.”
“But you will.”
“And I’m state college. They’re Ivy League.”
“I’m state, too, and I know the law just as well as they do. And Ash, even though you’ve only been working as a paralegal for the past few years, you know it as well as any attorney. And someone has to be a leader. And I choose you.”
“They won’t like it.”
“When I talk to them today I will let them know that you will be the one in charge. If they don’t like it, then they can go back to Chicago.”
That would make her life much easier. “Phoebe, I’ll do whatever you need. I’m just so happy for you. Do you know if you’re having a boy and girl, two boys, or two girls?
“Doc can tell us in a couple of months, but we’re not sure yet if we want to know.”
“Aunt Ash needs to know so she can start shopping for them.” She looked back at the clock. “We only have ten minutes before Nic and Sylas come. You need to have lunch. You’re eating for three these days. Oh my God. That’s why the extra potatoes and pie, isn’t it?”
“I’m starving to death all the time.”
“Let’s go eat then.” As they walked into the break room, Ashley wondered what it was going to be like if Nic and Sylas agreed to come work for the practice. She had to keep her heart in check and stay professional. That’s how it had to be if it was going to work.
At least I will be the one in charge.
Chapter Four
Nic walked into the office and saw Ashley sitting behind the receptionist desk.
“Have a seat, Nic,” she said in a professional tone. “Ms. Wolfe will be with you shortly.”
God, she’s still so gorgeous and just as strong-willed as before. “Thanks.” He smiled, and leaned over the desk. “What about dinner?”
“Tell you what. I’ll let you know after we find out if you’ll be working with me or not.”
“You’re a hard case to crack, Ms. Vaughn.” He winked. “No pun intended. One question, please.”
She folded her arms over her chest. “And that question is?”
“Will I have a better chance at dinner with you if I get hired or if I don’t get hired?”
“You’ll have to wait on my answer to that, too, I’m afraid.” She grinned.
“Too bad.” He loved seeing her smile again. It had been far too long since the last time. “You know how impatient I can be.”
“I do. Now, please, have a seat. Ms. Wolfe is just about ready to see you. Would you like something to drink?”
“Yes. Champagne. You and I can celebrate my new job here.”
She shook her head. “Can’t you ever be serious, Nic?” She didn’t wait for him to answer, but stood. “I’ll bring you a cup of coffee. Cream, no sugar, as I recall.”
He nodded.
She walked out of the room.
He loved her moxie. Loved everything about her.
The door opened, and Sylas entered.
Aggravation swept over him. Why is he here so early? My appointment is next, and I suspect it will be at least an hour.
Sylas nodded his direction. “Nic.” Then
he went and sat down.
Ashley returned carrying Nic’s coffee. “Oh, you’re here. Hi, Sylas. Would you like a cup of coffee? It will only be a few more minutes until Phoebe can see you and Nic.”
Nic was shocked to hear that. “What the hell? She wants to interview us at the same time?”
“Yes.” She handed him the cup and turned to Sylas. “You still drink yours black.”
“I do. Thanks.”
Nic hated the way she looked at Sylas. It reminded him of all the months back in Chicago when he had to say good-bye to her every Saturday afternoon, knowing she would spend the remainder of the weekend with Sylas.
“Ashley, you know more than you’re saying, don’t you? What’s this all about?”
“You either wait and find out, Nic”—she pointed to the door—“or you can leave. Your choice.”
Her fire always did evoke such strong desires inside him. He couldn’t hold back his grin. “I’ll stay and wait, sweetheart.”
“This is a law practice, Mr. Walker. Calling me ‘sweetheart’ is not appropriate here.”
“Agreed. Sorry. Where is it appropriate? Dinner, perhaps?” He saw the corners of her mouth go up before she turned her back on him.
“You’ll never change, Nicholas Walker,” she said as she walked out of the room.
He glared at Sylas. “Did you know that we were meeting Phoebe together?”
“Nope. I’m just as surprised as you are.”
Ashley returned with Sylas’s coffee. “Here you go.”
Phoebe stepped out of her office. “Hello, gentlemen. Bring your coffee and join me in the conference room. You, too, Ashley.”
“Me?” She looked shocked.
“Yes, you.” The woman smiled.
This was turning out to be the strangest interview he’d ever done. Why would a paralegal need to be in on it?
“Who is going to answer the phone?”
“Let it go to voice mail,” Phoebe said. “This is more important.” She opened the door to the conference room. “Shall we?”
“Absolutely,” Sylas said, stealing his thunder. “I can’t wait to get started.”
“Me either.” He grabbed the door from Phoebe. “After you, ladies.”
“Such a gentlemen.” Phoebe smiled. “Don’t you agree, Ash?”
“He can be when he wants to be.” She and Phoebe walked into the conference room.
Phoebe motioned to Ash to sit next to her and him and Sylas to sit across from them. “I’m sure you both are wondering why I’m meeting with you together. First, of all, I’ve done my homework. You two are highly skilled attorneys. Working opposite you on that case between Steele Ranch and Braxton let me know how formidable you each can be.” She went on to tell them about how quickly the practice was growing. “I’ve got to lighten my caseload since I just found out that I’m pregnant with twins.”
“Congratulations,” he and Sylas said in unison.
“Thank you,” she said. “My husbands and I are so happy.”
Husbands, not husband? Can I handle this town and its people? For Ashley, I must try.
“You will both have to get your licenses to practice in Colorado. I will pay your fees. Ashley is taking her bar exam next week, which I’m certain she will pass easily. I’m going to make her a full partner of the practice at that time. You both will be reporting to her.”
“What?” Surely he hadn’t heard her correctly.
“You and Sylas will be reporting to Ashley.”
“Ms. Wolfe, I appreciate your directness, but Ashley? I know she’s extremely intelligent, but I’ve been practicing law for over six years with an excellent record.” He pointed at Sylas. “We both graduated from Harvard at the top of our class. Quite frankly, this is hard for me to grasp.”
“I can understand that, but trust me, Ashley is more than capable. She is very familiar with this practice and its clients. And despite the fact that she will just be getting her license, she knows the law better than anyone I know. And she is the only person I would trust with this job.”
“I don’t have any qualms about Ashley, Ms. Wolfe,” Sylas said.
Damn, when did he become so flexible?
Sylas added, “I’m ready to go to work.”
“But we haven’t discussed salary.”
“I’ve done my homework, too. I know you will be fair.”
“That’s great. We’ll work out all the details today.” Phoebe turned from Sylas to him. “What about you, Nic? I know the three of you have had a past. But the past is the past. I’m sure that you will be able to work together. You are all professionals.” Phoebe turned to Ashley. “I want Nic and Sylas in our practice. What do you think?”
“I believe they would be incredible assets for us.”
He looked at Ashley. Am I only an asset to her now? “I would love to come work for you, Ms. Wolfe.”
“For me and for Ashley.” Phoebe shook his and Sylas’s hands. “Trust me. This is going to be the best decision you two have ever made. You’ll see.”
Ashley stood and shook their hands. “Welcome aboard, gentlemen.”
Professionalism with her sucks. All he wanted to do was pull her into his arms and kiss her.
“I’ve got a great idea, Phoebe. Why don’t we take our new attorneys to dinner tonight? I’m sure they would like to meet your husbands. Could they come, too?”
So that is what she’s been planning.
“That’s a wonderful idea, Ash. Unfortunately, I can’t make it. My guys and I have plans with my parents tonight. We’re going to tell them about their new grandbabies. Ash, use the practice’s credit card and get a limo.”
“A limo?” Ashley looked surprised.
“Yes, a limo. I want you to take Nic and Sylas to that new steakhouse just outside of town. Have you been there yet, Ash?”
“No.”
“I’ve been there once, and the food is delicious. You’ll love it, I’m sure. And they have the best wine selection in the entire state.” Phoebe frowned. “Too bad I won’t be able to enjoy wine for a very long time, but my babies are worth it. I expect you three to have one for me.”
The next hour, they worked out the details of employment. It was quite satisfactory to Nic. The salary was actually twenty percent more than his current salary with Braxton. Phoebe’s practice was clearly growing, as she’d stated.
“Let’s talk about a start date,” Phoebe said.
“I’ll need to give two weeks’ notice to Braxton,” Nic said.
“Same here,” Sylas added.
Phoebe nodded. “I’m sure you also have things to settle in Chicago. How about we set your start date three weeks from today.”
“That works for me,” Nic said. “I’m flying back day after tomorrow. I hope that’s enough time to find a place in town.”
“When is your flight?” Ashley asked.
“Four thirty Wednesday afternoon out of Denver.”
“Same for me,” Sylas said.
Damn. I can’t seem to get away from this guy. He looked at Phoebe. “Maybe Ashley could help me secure an apartment? She knows the town.”
Ashley shook her head. “I’m sorry, but my plate is full, Nic. We have some big cases that I am helping Phoebe on. Plus, I have to study for my bar exam.”
“I understand,” he said, though he actually didn’t believe her excuses. It was obvious that she was trying to avoid him. But no matter. Once he came to work here, she would have to spend time with him. His plan was to make the best use of that time to win her again.
Ashley’s tone softened. “But I could get you in touch with Mr. Radcliffe. He’s the local realtor. I’m sure he could help you and Sylas.”
“Guys, I’ve got a terrific idea that might solve everything,” Phoebe said. “My husbands and I own a little rental house—two-bedroom, two baths—that just became vacant. You could live there until you found your own places.”
“That sounds like an excellent temporary plan.” Sylas turned to him.
“But Nic and I do prefer having our own space.”
Why the hell was Sylas being so agreeable? Was he trying to get a leg up on him before they even started?
“Of course, you want your privacy. It would only be an interim solution.” Phoebe typed on her iPad. “This would give you more time so you wouldn’t have to rush to secure a place. Plus, I recommend that you spend the next two days touring the town. That will give you a better feel of your new home. It’s going to be quite different from Chicago, but I believe you both will come to love Destiny as much as Ashley and I do.”
“I think it’s a great idea, Phoebe.” Nic wasn’t about to let Sylas get the upper hand on impressing their new boss. “I’d love to see the rental house.”
Ashley’s eyebrows rose. “Are you serious, Nic?”
“Very. Sounds like the perfect solution.”
“What about you, Sylas? Do you think you could live with Nic…temporarily?”
“Certainly. This wouldn’t be the first time we lived together, though it’s been since our undergrad years.”
“That’s true.” Nic remembered sharing the dorm room with Sylas. Those had been some of the best years of his life. God, so much has changed.
Phoebe looked at her iPad. “I just got a text back from my husband, Lucas. If you both have time after this meeting, he can meet you at the rental house.” Phoebe handed each of them a slip of paper. “This is the address.”
“Thank you,” Nic said, hoping to see the place without Sylas. “I’d love to take a look at it.”
“Same here,” Sylas added.
“Ashley, could you get Nic and Sylas set up with keys to the building and show them their new offices, please?”
“Sure thing.”
Phoebe stood and shook their hands. “I look forward to working with you both.” Her cell rang. “Excuse me.”
Their new boss walked out of the conference room, leaving him alone with Ashley and Sylas. How the hell did I get myself into this mess? I had a plan to win Ashley back. Clearly, his plan had to be changed.
