by Nicki Night
Cadence responded professionally with a nod and shook Blake’s hand before taking a seat on the opposite side of the enormous table, putting as much distance between them as possible. On the inside, she wanted to snatch that proper smile from Blake’s face for catching her off guard. Did Adam know just how well she knew Blake? What had he told Adam? Did Adam just say that Blake was the firm’s newest client? Why did Blake have to look as handsome as she’d ever seen him? What was going on?
After Cadence sat, Blake and Adam took their seats. Adam began to facilitate the unexpected meeting.
“Cadence, I’m sure you’re aware of Mr. Barrington’s current situation. It’s been all over the news.”
“Yes. I’m completely aware.” Cadence turned her body toward Adam to keep from glaring at Blake and hoped that she was doing a decent job of keeping the sting out of her voice.
“Well, Mr. Barrington and his firm decided to turn the case over to us—a fine decision, if you ask me.” Cadence just smiled and nodded. Adam cemented his confirmation with a nod toward Blake. “After what he has disclosed to me, I don’t doubt that we will be able to clear his name and obtain justice for him and his firm. I’m glad that he’s chosen us to represent him. Furthermore, Mr. Barrington has requested that you lead the efforts.” Cadence’s head jerked in Blake’s direction. She couldn’t help it. Adam continued speaking as if he didn’t notice her sudden change of disposition. “I assured him that he’s made a smart decision since I believe that you are one of our best associates.”
Blake now centered his attention on Adam. He seemed unfazed by Cadence’s glare. “I have full confidence that with your firm’s reputation and talent I will be able to come through this debacle having my reputation restored.”
Cadence couldn’t bring herself to speak. Forcing a smile, she clamped her mouth shut to keep her angry sentiments at bay and turned her attention back toward Adam.
“Due to the high-profile nature of this case, I will work closely with you for support. I’ll need you to temporarily clear your calendar so that we can give this case our full attention until things are all ramped up.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Great!” Adam planted his hands on the sturdy table and lifted from his seat. “We’ll start first thing tomorrow morning. Mr. Barrington will return at nine with all of the documentation that he thinks will be helpful for us to obtain a successful outcome.”
Blake sauntered over to Adam and the two shared a firm shake. “I look forward to it, Counselor.”
“You’re in good hands,” Adam said and then looked over at Cadence and smiled.
Cadence smiled back and picked up her pad and pen. She didn’t want to shake Blake’s hand, but she was a professional. “You’re in good hands, Mr. Barrington,” she said with stiffness that she hoped Adam didn’t notice. Then she shook Blake’s hand. She hadn’t counted on the jolt of electricity that surged through her when he touched her. Cadence pulled her hand from Blake’s grasp and rubbed her palms on the sides of her legs to stop the tingling.
“I’ll see you in the morning, Mr. Barrington,” Cadence said as cordially as possible. “Adam.” Cadence gave him a courteous nod before walking off.
Cadence couldn’t wait to get back to her office. She tried to keep the heaving of her chest at a minimum. Her poker facade was waning and she needed to be alone behind closed doors as soon as possible. Jabbing the elevator button again, Cadence grimaced as she shifted her weight back and forth from one foot to the other. Irritation made her foot tap instinctively. She charged into the empty elevator and stabbed at her floor number. The slow doors seemed to mock her, trying her patience. She poked the button to close the door several quick times. Just as they were about to shut completely, a hand waved between them, causing them to spring open.
Cadence sucked her teeth and then cleared her throat just in case it was Adam. When Blake’s body appeared in the opening, Cadence looked around him to make sure he was alone and then glared at him. Blake casually stepped in and stood beside her.
Cadence turned away from him and set a hard focus forward. As soon as the door closed completely, she shot a gaze full of daggers in Blake’s direction.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“Just trying to clear my name.”
It took several attempts before Cadence could formulate a string of appropriate words. After a deep breath, she continued, “Don’t think that I don’t know what you’re up to, but there’s nothing going on between us. This is my job, and since I’m being forced to represent you, it’s extremely important that you know I expect you to remain professional at all times!” Cadence wanted to say more, but the elevator had stopped on her floor and the doors were opening. She glared at him one more time before stepping off and not looking back.
“See you in the morning, Ms. Payne,” Blake said to her back.
Cadence didn’t bother answering. Instead, she marched down the corridor, straight into her office, and slammed the door behind her. With all the anxiety coursing through her, Cadence couldn’t sit. She paced, rambling about Blake’s audacity and how he’d put her on the spot. She wasn’t sure if she was ever going to speak to him again and now she had to represent him. For days, she’d fought the urge to call him just to hear his voice, wishing she could push back the clock and erase the scandalous ordeal so they could continue on the path they started. Now he had sat across the table from her, shook her hand and left it tingling. Inside the elevator, he stood so close that she could smell his natural manly essence as it mixed with his cologne, which tickled her nose as electricity rode the waves of her nerves.
Cadence was angry about being blindsided, but as mad as she was, the sight and scent of him had her reeling. How would she ever get through this case?
She paced for a long while and then finally flopped into her chair. She thought about asking Adam to give the case to another attorney, but she knew that wouldn’t sit well with him or the firm. This “client” had asked for her specifically. Additionally, this was a high-profile case and any attorney in the city worth their JD would love to have it in their repertoire. She had no choice but to get her emotions in order and give this case her all. Adam had told her to make it a priority.
There was a light tapping at her office door. Cadence drew in a breath and sat back before saying, “Come in.”
The door opened slowly and Seth stuck his head in. His curious expression made Cadence smile a little.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah.” She waved and then nodded.
“Good! I saw how you came charging into the office when you got back from upstairs. I thought you needed a minute.”
“There’s a good chance you’ll have to finish the case on your own or it may get assigned to another team member. I’ve been placed on a new case and I’ll have to meet with the client first thing in the morning. All of my time and attention will be going to that until further notice.”
“Wow! Wait! Are you telling me I’ll have to battle the cougar alone?” Seth feigned a terrified expression.
Cadence chuckled. “Sorry, buddy. I’m sure you can handle her. I have faith in you.”
The two shared a laugh that was abruptly interrupted when Kerry came rushing past Seth. Stunned, they exchanged glances as Kerry charged up to Cadence’s desk and slammed her hands down. She leaned into Cadence’s face. Cadence reared her head back, putting distance between them while glaring back at Kerry.
“What did you do to get the Barrington case? That case should have gone to me!”
Cadence stood. “Well, Kerry,” she started calmly. “I guess you win some cases and you never get a chance to try others. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a lot of work do to on this very important, high-profile case that I was handpicked for.”
Kerry held her glare for a few seconds before retreating. “Very we
ll,” she said, and clapped her hands as if she was clearing dust from her palms. “Good luck,” Kerry said through tight lips that matched the stiff expression she tossed at Cadence before walking out.
Seth looked from Kerry to Cadence and shook his head. “I’ll leave you to your work.”
“Thanks,” she said and sighed. Now she had even more of a reason to make sure she did her best to win this case. Not only would the public be watching intently, but Kerry, too.
Chapter 25
Blake knew his actions the day before were erratic, and clearly his intentions weren’t just about clearing his name and reputation with the public. After speaking with his father and brother when he returned to his office, they helped him realize that his decision wasn’t that rash, after all. His father liked the idea of taking the pressure off the family business and getting a major law firm on Blake’s side. Maco, Dunlop and Norman had won their share of high-profile cases. What Blake hadn’t mentioned was the fact that Cadence would lead the team, per his request. To him that was a major benefit. However, he doubted anyone else would see it that way.
Blake took extra care in preparing for his morning meeting with Cadence. Picking out his best-tailored suit, he matched it with his mother’s favorite shirt and tie, hoping that Cadence would like it, too. As much as he longed to see her, he hadn’t anticipated the thundering in his heart when he’d laid eyes on her the day before. He didn’t care that she didn’t appear to be as happy to see him, as long as he was able to be in her presence.
Blake remembered the shock Cadence tried to hide when she stepped into the conference room. It had only been days, but she seemed more beautiful than he remembered. He reveled in hearing the sound of her voice in person, despite the fact that it was drenched in irritation. She was angry, but he knew that in time she would come to understand. Substantiating his innocence to her would be the only way to win her back. It was going to take work and he was ready to put in all the overtime necessary to make it happen.
With more pep in his stride than he’d had in days, Blake grabbed the documents he had compiled and strolled out the door. He felt his confidence returning.
He was eager to start and arrived a half hour early. When the receptionist arrived, she led him to the conference room and offered him a cup of coffee. Blake made use of his time by sorting the files he’d brought with him as he sipped and waited for Cadence to join him.
When he heard her voice approaching the entrance, he smiled. The sound was like a treat to his ears. He stood respectfully as she walked in with another woman carrying an armful of files. He allowed his eyes to feast on Cadence quickly so he wouldn’t be caught staring in a way that could be deemed inappropriate.
“Good morning, Mr. Barrington,” she said without looking his way. “Amy, this is our new client.”
“Mr. Barrington.” The young brunette nodded and shook his hand.
“Please call me Blake,” he replied with a polite smile and then turned his attention to Cadence. “No need to be so formal.”
Cadence cleared her throat. “Let’s get started.” Cadence proceeded to inquire about the files Blake had brought with him. She followed that up with a thorough list of questions about his alleged involvement with the congressman and his organization. She added this information to the files she and Amy had pulled together. They spent the next few hours sorting documents and planning their strategy.
“It looks like we’re in good shape. Now all we need to do is get our hands on the documents the attorney general seized from Banks’s office to confirm our argument. Mr. Barrington,” Cadence addressed him formally again. Blake tilted his head. “Blake,” she adjusted. “Is there anything you can think of that could negatively affect our position?”
Blake thought for a moment and shrugged. “I don’t believe so.”
“Good. Now, Amy, if we could get copies of all of these files here and here.” Cadence planted her hands on top of two large piles. “Then we can give these back to Mr. B— I mean, Blake—and we will be ready to prepare a statement. I think it will be best if we start with another press conference, letting the public know that we are now representing Mr. Barrington, and move forward from there. Are you okay with that... Blake?”
“That’s a great starting point. I think it will help show how serious we are.”
“Great. So...”
“Cadence?” Amy interjected. “It’s past noon. I can order lunch while I’m making these copies. What would you like?”
“That sounds good. Mind if I treat?” Blake offered.
“Thank you but no thank you... Blake. We will take care of lunch. The firm wouldn’t have it any other way. Amy, please bring in some menus.”
Amy’s departure gave Blake his first moment alone with Cadence since morning. For the first few seconds, he watched her avoid eye contact with him.
“Cadence...” He called her name as softly as he could. He wanted to say it over and over again but resisted the urge.
Instead of acknowledging him directly, she simply paused, keeping her eye trained toward the back of the room.
“Can we talk?” Blake asked.
“All we need to talk about is this case.” She continued shuffling papers.
“Cadence.” This time Blake stood. He could see Cadence’s body become tense when he took a step in her direction. It pained him that his approach would cause her to withdraw. She tried hard not to be affected by him. It wouldn’t be easy, but he had to get her to loosen up. He stayed put, allowing her the comfort of her personal space.
“What?” she asked sharply through tight lips.
Amy walked back in the room and Cadence let out a sigh of relief.
“Okay.” Amy appeared to be oblivious to the tension in the atmosphere. “I have several menus. We can do pizza, Chinese, Subway or my favorite deli. They have this turkey sandwich on raisin bread that is amazing.”
“That sounds good. Can I see that menu?” Blake asked.
“Sure.” Amy trotted to his side of the table and handed it to him with a smile. Blake politely smiled back. Blake saw Cadence’s expression in response to Amy’s smile and averted his eyes. “Think about what you want. I’ll check on the copies and will be right back.”
“You’re the best, Amy,” he added.
Amy giggled. “Thanks, Blake.”
Blake watched Cadence as Amy left the room. The look on her face told him she hadn’t liked the brief exchange.
“Don’t flirt with the staff.”
Blake chuckled. “You’re jealous?”
Cadence sucked her teeth. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
Blake held his hands up in surrender. “There’s only one woman I’m interested in flirting with.” Cadence shot him a look that said don’t go there. “But right now she’s not interested in me and I respect that.”
Cadence cut her eyes and continued reviewing the document in her hand. “You could have said something to me, Blake,” she said with her focus still on the files.
Blake watched her for a few more moments. “Cadence.” She sighed and rolled her eyes but didn’t turn his way. “I want you to know that I chose this firm and you because I think you’re brilliant and I trust that you can get me out of this situation. I believe in my decision to hire your company. It’s important that you are part of this process. I just wanted you to know that.”
Cadence blinked a few times. “No problem,” she said quietly and returned to her files.
Blake had wanted to clear the air. He didn’t want her to be so uncomfortable in his presence. He couldn’t bear how heavy it made him feel. Soon this would be behind them and she would be back in his arms again.
Blake’s attempt seemed to work. The second part of their day felt lighter. Cadence even smiled at one of his silly jokes while they were eating lunch. It wasn’t the
laugh he used to enjoy coaxing out of her, but it was a start. He didn’t miss the sultry line of her lips and the faint smile that framed her mouth. Blake delighted in the feminine curvature of her neck as she twisted and stretched from hours of perusing files. He savored the delicate way her hands moved as she worked. Even more, he respected her diligent way of attending to every detail of the case and the competence she exhibited. Seeing her professional side made him want her even more. Together they would be dynamic. Blake had only hoped that his observation of her didn’t become too apparent. He yearned to see the fun, relaxed and passionate sides of her real soon.
More hours passed and it was time to bring their day to a close.
“I must say, Blake. You came well prepared. I think we have enough. I hope that the attorney general’s office will get that information from Banks’s records to us, and we will be ready for our press conference. I don’t want to declare our client’s innocence on TV and have something come up on us and backfire,” Cadence said as she began clearing the table. “Amy, if you can see if Adam is available, I’d appreciate it. I need to meet with him before I leave here today.”
“No problem,” Amy said as she reached for the conference room phone.
“I’m glad you’re pleased with what I’ve presented so far.” Blake smiled wide, thankful for her and the time he was able to spend in her world.
“We’ll give you a call as soon as we hear back from them.”
“Great.” Blake walked over to Cadence. After sitting across the wide conference room table all day, it was the closest he was able to get to her. He’d been careful to keep his distance. Still, he wanted to get close enough to smell her and would have done anything to hold her hand. “What are you doing for dinner?”
Cadence’s head whipped in his direction. “Mr. Barrington.” She spoke low, glancing over at Amy to make sure she didn’t hear. “Our involvement is strictly professional.”
