Stalking His Claim - Lucy Darling Page 0,15

only one keeping the two of you apart is, well, the two of you.” He cuts into his prime rib.

“Not sure her parents would agree.”

“To be honest I don’t know about that shit. They’re the ones that sent her out here to you.”

“They trust me. That’s the thing.”

“Nope. That’s where you're wrong. What single man would you trust enough to allow your daughter to go live with?”

“No one.”

“Exactly.” I think over his words as I cut into my own steak. I don’t taste anything. “I’ll be right back.” James stands, heading for the bathroom.

“Reed?” I turn my head to see Kelly coming my way. I give her a nod. “Where’s James?” She looks around.

“Bathroom.” She pulls out one of the chairs, sitting down in it.

“Your cousin is ridiculous. You know that? I charge a thousand dollars an hour and he asks me to bring him the contracts down to him.” She rolls her eyes. “I mean, it’s easy money. I sit in a car and get paid.” This isn't shocking to me that James does this. Not much of what he does shocks me anymore.

“How are you? You kick Blackburn to the curb yet?” She smirks at me. “You know I graduated top of my class. He came in second.”

“I believe you’ve told me that a few times but I’m rather fond of your husband.” She sighs dramatically.

“I know. He grows on you and then you can’t shake him.”

I chuckle. She teases but the pair are madly in love. They are also two of the scariest lawyers in the city.

“Kelly.” James comes walking back towards the table. “Can I get you a drink?”

“Nope.” She leaves the folder on the table. “Look that over and call me if you have questions. I’m meeting the husband for dinner.” She gives a small wave before heading back out.

“Are you going to eat? This is the best steak I’ve ever had.”

“Yeah.” I knew there was no way in hell I wasn’t go home tonight. I’ll never last. I’ll finish my steak and head home. I’ll tell Tinsley my work trip was canceled but I need to get some work done in my office. I’ll use that time to get my shit together to see how I’m going to handle this.

I take another bite, still not tasting anything. Everything is tasteless and dull when Tinsley’s not around.

10

Tinsley

My feet hurt. I’m abandoning my idea of roaming around. The sun is starting to go down. I think it’s all been a bit pointless really. Reed has no idea I’m not home. I thought Rita might tell him and then he’d call me. Or does he not care? I try not to dwell on it.

I want to go home. If Reed isn't going to be there I might as well take advantage of soaking in his tub that’s as big as a small swimming pool. He never uses the thing. The one in my room isn’t bad, but Reed’s is better. I bet I’ll need three bath bombs for that one.

My stomach grumbles as the smell of steak catches my attention. I look over at the fancy steakhouse. I don’t think I’ve eaten since this morning. I don’t feel like cooking either. Shoving something in the microwave doesn’t sound so appetizing now that I’ve caught the scent of that steak.

I stop walking when someone familiar catches my eye inside the steak house. I step closer to look in the glass windows. I’m taken aback when I see Reed sitting with a very beautiful woman. She looks polished and fancy. He smiles at something she says before taking another bite of his steak.

A deep ache starts in my chest. I experience a range of emotions within a few seconds of each other. For some reason even the sight of french fries on his plate has me wanting to cry. I’m the only one that can make him eat junk food usually. I need to get away from here. I need to go home. I need to move out immediately. I step back from the window. I turn to move as quickly as possible, feeling unsteady on my feet. I bump into someone on the sidewalk.

“Watch it,” the woman snips at me.

“Sorry.” I look back at Reed one last time before I pick up my pace to get home. I will not cry in the middle of the sidewalk. It’s not happening. He lied to me. That is the one thing I never expected of him.

He isn’t out of town.