Head Over Feels

by Scott, S. L.

  I say, “We’ll keep it until after the wedding. Just to be on the safe side.”

  Lifting onto her toes, she kisses my chin. “Do you know how sexy being sneaky can be?”

  I kiss her because I struggle to keep my lips or hands off her. She’s too gorgeous not to touch. Especially where I want to touch her repeatedly. Fuck. Don’t go there right now, Wellington. “I hope I’m about to find out.”

  “Oh, you will indeed. Now go win those cases, so we can celebrate your victories.”

  I dip her, holding her low enough for her to give me her trust by relaxing in my arms. I kiss her and then set her back on her feet again.

  She slides her hand down my neck and then lower to my chest. Tapping over my heart, she replaces her hand with her lips. “You need to go,” she whispers. “The sooner you leave, the sooner you return to me.”

  “What about you? What will you be doing today?”

  Walking toward the elevator, she wiggles her ass. She has no clue how I wish I had a job that I could cancel going in altogether. Court days are not those. “I’ll be here waiting for you.” There’s lightness in her reply, a smile infiltrating her tone.

  I punch the button and hold her one last time. In her bare feet, she fits right under my chin. “You have a date, Miss Bell.”

  The door opens too soon for my liking today. Her arms wrap around me, and she says, “Go be awesome, Counselor.”

  I kiss her forehead and step into the elevator. Just before the door closes, I give her a wink. “I always am.”

  * * *

  Standing across the street from the courthouse, Ashleigh greets me with a smile. “Nice tie. Green is always good luck.”

  I chuckle. “Do you know what cat pajamas are?” I raise my hand to run my fingers through my hair but stop because I don’t want it a mess for court. I detour to the back of my neck and scratch instead.

  “Pajamas for cats?”

  “No.” I furrow my brow. “Like as in the cat’s pajamas,” I say it slowly like Tealey did.

  Ashleigh starts laughing. “Yeah, it’s like great, awesome. The bee’s knees.”

  “Do bees even have knees?”

  “That’s beside the point.”

  “Apparently.” Why the fuck am I wasting time before court thinking about this? “Anyway, do you have the file?”

  “We have thirty minutes before the hearing.” Ashleigh digs the file from her burgundy leather briefcase. I’m starting to think this color and dressing for the job is a formality in the legal field. I’m going to owe Tealey another apology.

  Ashleigh hands me a file, and I immediately open it to review. She says, “I secured an office for us to go over everything.”

  We start walking toward the doors of the building. I know this, though. Everything in this file is here because I entered it. I know my client’s assets top to bottom, and every offshore account is accounted for. There shouldn’t be any surprises unless the missus has been hiding something. I hate surprises. “Nothing’s changed, and I’ve been going through it all in my mind for weeks now. I’m ready.”

  She nods. “You’re ready.”

  “Maybe we grab a coffee instead?” We walk half a block in silence before I ask, “Why do you work at the law firm?” I open the door, and we enter the coffee shop. The sound of conversation and orders being called fills the air.

  While we wait in line, she replies, “I don’t just work there. I’m achieving my goal of being an executive assistant. I also believe in you, and we make a great team.”

  “We do.”

  After ordering our drinks, we sit at a table by the window. I shouldn’t be exhausted, but I squeeze the bridge of my nose and can’t help but ask, “Why do you believe in me? I’m a divorce lawyer, Ashleigh. You could work for any other type of attorney. I’m not changing the world. I’m not helping people in need. I’m breaking families apart and fighting to dismantle a life they built together while destroying their kids’ lives in the process.” She cocks her head to the side and stares at me like I’m out of my right mind.

  “You’ve got it all wrong, Rad.”

  I never used to question what I was doing. I’ve wanted to be a divorce attorney since my family was ripped apart in the middle of a courtroom. I want to make a difference for kids in the same scenario. Ensure they aren’t forgotten or used as bargaining chips—something I refuse to do. Ever. So why am I seeing my chosen path in life in a new light? “Do I?”

  “Bear with me here.” She sits forward, resting her hands on the table. “You’re wrong about me willingly working for other attorneys. I work for you because you help people out of bad situations, situations that destroy them and the people around them. It’s an ugly process that our world dictates, not you. You aren’t tearing them apart. You’re giving clients hope for a happier future.” She stops and looks out the window, seeming to gather her thoughts. “You’re more than your job, Rad,” she says, her eyes on me. “You’re a friend who stands by their side through one of the most difficult times of their lives. And that is why I work for you and not for the firm.”

  “Like I always say, everyone needs an Ashleigh on their side.”

  I’m grinning when she says, “Robert Marché canceled again. He’s open for a video call next week, but he’s stuck in California and can’t get back to New York until after the fifteenth.”

  Personally, that suits me just fine. Professionally, I’m starting to wonder if he even wants this divorce by how much time he’s spending back in LA. “He’s focusing on business there while reassuring me that his priorities are here. It’s not adding up. Can you verify the residency clause? He’s walking a fine line, and I can’t let him jeopardize my career by not protecting ourselves.” Residency is not an issue I’ve encountered with a client before since they usually live here year-round. It’s a given. I do know that if he’s trying to get the sweeter deal by lying, that will play into the outcome.

  When our names are called, I get up and wait at the counter, not wanting to think about the partner position or get lost in the weeds of the minutiae of my cases. I need a clear head for that.

  Thinking about Tealey is much more entertaining, even with the topic of marriage coming at me sooner than expected. Marriage is something that I’ve let skate by whenever it was even hinted at by a woman. But I’m glad Tealey talked to me, even if it wasn’t an easy conversation to have. She’s making sure she’s on a path that leads to what she wants. She’s protecting herself, and I can respect that.

  Knowing I’ll see her in a few hours helps return my good mood. The way we’ve flirted for the past month has been fun, and then how we progressed to acting on those flirtations in the Hamptons.

  In the last week alone, I’ve discovered she makes delicious deconstructed eggplant Parmesan and mixes a mean paloma cocktail.

  The woman’s got mad cooking skills, and though she carries doubts that her bedroom skills are up to par, I tell her the results speak for themselves. And then I apologize for coming so fast.

  Retrieving the drinks, I notice how the paper cups are lacking in design. Tealey could fix that.

  I set the cups down on the table and sit across from Ashleigh again. I open the file to review that everything is in order and all my paperwork is here as a backup to what I filed online. Ashleigh says, “Can I say something about your personal life? Share an observation?”

  Some teens walk in, talking loudly, and cause me to look up. Returning my attention to Ashleigh, I say, “Of course.”

  “You dedicate so much time to your career that you seem to be searching for answers that can be found outside the office. You’ve always enjoyed the bachelor awards, but maybe that and your work aren’t enough anymore.”

  We’ve tiptoed around this topic before. We both know I don’t have a life and what I’ve sacrificed for my career. She only says this stuff because she cares and worries about me, so I’m not upset. But unfortunately, Tealey and I agreed just this morning that we wouldn’t share our priv
ate lives with others. “Is there a question in there somewhere?”

  “No. Just that I see the change. It’s slow, but it’s happening. Trust me, Rad, you’re going to fall so hard you won’t know what hit you. And then you’ll finally see the light. All the pieces will fall into place after that, and hopefully, you’ll find more work-life balance.”

  “The light? Why is it always about seeing the light?” I sigh, rolling my eyes.

  “Did you just roll your eyes?”

  “Did I?”

  She laughs. “You did. That’s new.”

  “I must have picked it up somewhere over the weekend.”

  With a knowing grin, she sing-songs, “Must have. Or someone has rubbed off on you.”

  She sees right through me. Guilty as charged. Tealey’s definitely been rubbing off on me, and I on her. Fuck. Now I can’t hide my smile. Ashleigh pounces. “Who has you smiling like that, boss?”

  Handing her the file, I stand. I grab my briefcase with one hand and my coffee in the other. “As fun as it has been to analyze my life, let’s get to court.”

  30

  Tealey

  Rad’s magnetism puts women under a spell, and his charisma causes men to envy him. I’ve seen it firsthand. Rad Wellington is a gifted man when it comes to who he is on the inside, but my goodness, my heart and other parts are enjoying the full package.

  Rolled-up shirtsleeves. A black and chrome watch on his wrist. That Adam’s apple that dips down to tease me. His jaw that ticks when he’s deep in thought . . . or greedily taking me in like he is now. Gah! It’s too much!

  I’m a lucky woman indeed because he came home to me.

  His keys jingle around the hook, and he never breaks his stride on his way to me. A man on a mission. “Are you hungry?” I ask the giant of a man coming toward me. He takes hold of my head and sweeps my hair to the opposite shoulder.

  I open myself up, my neck begging to be kissed, and Rad never disappoints. With warm lips against my rapidly heating skin, he breathes, “I don’t want to eat food. I don’t need anything to drink. I only want you. All I’ve thought about all day is being buried deep inside you.”

  “Um . . .” I start, my throat thickening under the intensity. “We should do that. Get right on it. Now’s good for me.”

  His eyes darken in the dim lights of the living room as his pupils widen, devouring me as if I’m dinner instead of the treats I baked him today. The scrape of his tongue along the corner of his mouth mesmerizes me, but when his mouth presses to mine, he breathes life into me again.

  Giving and taking, we share our feelings through our caresses without saying a word. The passion in his eyes pierces my skin as he takes in my rising and falling chest with each breath I can’t contain. “Looking this good is dangerous for my career. I may never go back to work if you’re here waiting.”

  I point my toe. “They’re new leggings. Camo. I’m surprised you could even see me.”

  Victory is mine. I finally get him to smile.

  “The Friends shirt gave you away.”

  “Ah, yes. Ross shouting ‘pivot’ is always a crowd-pleaser, but I have a feeling it’s not my wardrobe you’re referring to.”

  “No.”

  He dips and takes hold of the back of my legs, carrying me over his shoulder. My ass is squeezed, and then he gives me a good, hard smack. Launching up, I squeal through a fit of giggles. “I take it you won your cases?”

  “Damn right, I did.” It all makes sense now. I promised we’d celebrate his victories.

  “Are you claiming your prize?”

  Setting me on the bed, he’s already tugging my socks off. “I’m claiming you. Hope your schedule is clear for the next few hours.”

  “Hours? Oh goodness.” Starfishing on the mattress, I’m more than ready. “And here I baked cupcakes to celebrate.”

  Sliding my leggings down, he licks his lips. “Don’t worry. We won’t let them go to waste.” He reaches down and unabashedly drags a fingertip through my lower lips. I suck in a harsh breath, holding it when he raises his finger and slides it into his mouth. “As a matter of fact—”

  “I’m not putting a cupcake in my vagina.”

  He chuckles and then drags me by the legs until I’m wrapped around him. His hands drop to either side of my head, and he hovers over me. “Why eat a cupcake when I can eat you instead?”

  Holy hell. I like the way this man thinks.

  Standing back up, he kicks off his shoes and strips down until he’s naked. He climbs onto the bed and lies down. “C’mere, baby.”

  I straddle him and then lift my top off. Being naked with him is becoming my favorite part of the day. And I’m pretty sure that’s because Rad is incredible in bed.

  Taking hold of my breasts, he kisses the tips and then sucks them until they’re deep pink, ripe, and ready.

  He seems to have a plan, but I’m already rubbing against him, too turned on to wait for direction. But then he says, “I want you on your hands and knees.”

  I’m scrambling to get into position.

  My hair is gathered into one hand, and my hip is held with his other. The anticipation has me squeezing my middle and my eyes closing. The ripping of the packet and the sound of his moan blend. Tilting back, I want him so badly that I don’t think I can wait.

  Rad still takes his time to leisurely kiss my spine before his tip finds my entrance. I slide back again, this time being rewarded and filled. “Always in a hurry, faster, harder,” he says, reminding me of my usual demands.

  “I thought you were hungry.”

  “Oh baby, be careful what you wish for.” He slams into me.

  By the time I’m lying on the bed again, boneless with no energy and a smirk on my face, I say, “Sometimes wishes do come true.”

  ~ Five Days Later ~

  “Tealey?”

  I come out of my daydream only to be greeted by an empty room, except for Cammie waiting at the door. Turning around, I discover everyone else has already left the bridal shower.

  “How long has it been?” I jump up and grab my purse.

  “Long enough for the others to leave.”

  Her arm wraps with mine, and she asks, “Was it that boring?”

  “No.” Yes. “The party was perfect.” I just can’t believe I’m living a fairy tale. Every minute away from Rad has me happily reliving every detail. “Do you love the gifts?”

  “I do. I never thought I’d be excited over tumblers, but here I am, unwrapping each present, hoping to complete the set.”

  I’m not usually one for spoilers, but now I need to know. “Did you get them all?”

  She holds up two fingers. “Missing two.”

  “I’ll buy them for you.”

  She smiles. “Don’t worry about it. Ten should be enough. When will I ever have ten people at my house anyway?”

  “Well,” I start, thinking about how to say this. “Marlow and her date. Jackson and his. Me and—”

  “Your date,” she says, then bites the inside of her cheek so hard I worry she’s going to draw blood. “Well, you get what I mean. So? Have you been seeing anyone lately?”

  “Oh. Um, you know. . .” I stop just inside the restaurant and toe the floor. I can see Marlow outside, and I don’t want her to hear this conversation with Cammie. “I’m sticking close to home these days.”

  When I turn back, she’s smiling like a Cheshire cat. “You called Rad’s place home.”

  “Temporary home. Honest mistake.” I try my best to shrug her off.

  Her smile faltering, she sighs. “Well, as long as home is fulfilling, then things are all good.”

  I don’t even understand what she’s getting at. I wish I could tell her everything from how wonderful Rad is to me, kind and attentive when we’re living like any other couple in the evenings, and then sweet to intense in the bedroom. I usually share everything with her, so it’s hard to keep this a secret. Rad and I agreed not to tell them, so I need to stick with the plan.

&n
bsp; She says, “Then if you have kids—”

  “Me and Rad?” I jab my finger into my chest.

  “No. Me and Cade. We might need twelve goblets for when we have kids.”

  My shoulders sag in relief. “I swear you said you, as in me.”

  Laughing as though I’m not in on the joke, she says, “I mean the general you. You ready? That question is aimed at you, though.”

  “Yeah, definitely ready.”

  We push out the door and find Marlow standing there. “There you are, Teals. Want to share a cab?” When I hesitate, she adds, “I’m paying.”

  “I’m happy to share then.” I’m about to hug Cammie when I notice the corners of her mouth turned down. Reactionary crier here. Tears spring to my eyes. “Oh, Cam.” I hug her, not sure why I’m feeling emotional all of a sudden. “Why are we crying?”

  “I’m scared to enter a new phase in life. Am I losing my best friends?”

  Marlow grins at her, sympathy resonating in her eyes. She wraps one arm around Cammie and one around me. “No,” she says, “you’re gaining a husband and a soul mate. We’ll always be there when you need us.”

  “I’ve become such a sap,” Cammie replies, sniffling along with a smile. Dabbing her eyes with a tissue she pulls from her pocket, she laughs. “Remind me to wear waterproof mascara for the wedding.”

  Huddling in again, I not only adore my friends but also love my sisters by choice. I say, “We have your back.”

  I lied. I do know why I’m on the verge of crying. With Cammie getting married, her priorities will shift, as they should, and we might not see each other as much. Then if she starts a family, things will be totally different.

  I suspect we’ve all had similar thoughts. We’re smack dab in the middle of major life changes that are personal and unique to each of us.

  Although both of them appear to be in a hurry, I ask, “Has anything been decided about the venue?”

  Cammie touches my arm. “You know, I’m really thinking about taking Amanda up on her offer.”

  “You should,” I say. “It’s so beautiful there, and she’s thrown a million parties. She’d have this planned in a week.”