Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen

M y stomach twists with nerves as I walk into the office. I trust Nathan. I do. But it doesn’t stop the doubt from creeping in. Is every one going to be talking behind my back? Do they all know?

He said the other partners wouldn’t tell anyone, but how does he know that for sure? And what about what they think of me? I’ve been debating quitting all morning. Nathan left early. He always leaves for the office before I’m even awake. He says he stops at the gym first.

Quitting seems like the right thing to do. I can go to another firm, hopefully with my reputation still intact. And if I’m at another firm, my relationship with Nathan won’t be put through the stress working together can cause. I want this relationship. I want Nathan. I also really wanted to work at this firm. But, at the end of the day, it’s just a job. A job I can do at any firm.

I honestly think what I have with Nathan isn’t something I’ll ever find again. And I’m petrified of losing him. I don’t want to lose what we have. I’ve watched my mum’s heart break over and over again because she’s lost her soul mate. She tries to hide her pain from Jules and me, but I see it. I’ve heard her crying in the middle of the night when she thinks we’re asleep. I’ve heard her begging my father to come back.

I hate that my father gave up his life so easily. But I hate Mark Kemp even more for putting him into that position. Shit, the Gallah claim. If I quit, I won’t get to work on that case. I really want to win.

I walk straight into my office and close my door without looking at anyone. I can’t face them right now. I can’t deal with the side-eyes and awkward glances if they do all know. Maybe I should have stayed in bed. Called in sick. It’s not too late. I could go home, tell everyone I’m not feeling well all of a sudden.

The door to my office opens and Nathan walks in, closing it behind him. He stops, as his eyes inspect every inch of my face. “What’s wrong?” he asks.

“Nothing. Why would something be wrong?”

“Bentley, what’s wrong?” he asks again.

I huff out a breath. “Do they know? Everyone, does everyone know?” I question him.

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m one hundred percent sure. Xavier and Alistair, they’re named partners, Bentley. They don’t get involved in gossip. On top of that, they’re my best mates. They’re not going to say anything,” he assures me.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I just… I worked really hard for this. I don’t want to be the laughing stock of the firm.”

“Anyone ever laughs at you, I’ll fire them,” he says, his expression stone-cold.

“You can’t do that,” I tell him.

“I’m the boss. I can.”

“OMG. No. I don’t want any preferential treatment, Nathan. I mean it.”

“Okay, no preferential treatment. Got it,” he says, walking over. His arms wrap around my waist, pulling my body flush with his. “My cock sure does think you deserve preferential treatment though.”

“Well, he can show me all the preferential treatment he wants. You, not so much.”

“I’ll do my best,” he says as his lips touch mine. His tongue pushes into my mouth, seeking ownership of this kiss. I snake my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Kissing him harder. Nathan breaks contact first. “As much as I hate to stop this,” he says, pecking my lips again. “I do have work to do. And so do you.”

“Right. Sorry.” I shake my head, trying to clear the lust-filled fog, and take a step back.

“I love you, Bentley Johnson.”

My heart does that flutter it does every time I hear him say those words, and I feel what has to be the goofiest smile spread across my lips. “I love you too,” I tell him.

I’ve been stewing over my decision to stay at the firm since the other day. Throughout the week, I’ve changed my mind a thousand times, but now I know what I have to do. I’ve made up my mind. Am I a chickenshit for waiting until Friday afternoon to do this? Probably, but you can’t blame a girl for wanting to hide out all weekend without facing the consequences of her actions. I know Nathan is not going to like the fact I’m quitting. But I’ll find a way to make him understand. I have to.

I’ve typed up my letter of resignation, and I’ve read over my contract. I have to provide four weeks’ written notice before I can leave the company. There isn’t a chance in hell I’m handing this to Nathan. I walk up to Shardonnay. I plan on handing this letter over to Xavier, based solely on the fact that his name is first on the wall. And he’s not Nathan.

“Hi, Shar, is Xavier free?” I ask, stopping at her desk.

“Ah, let me check.” She picks up the phone.

“Bentley is wanting to see you, sir,” she says. Returning the handset to the receptacle, she peers up at me, her face a little red. “You can go in,” she says with a smile.

“What kind of mood is he in?” I question before approaching the door to his office.

“Ah…” She hesitates.

“I need to ask him a favour and the chances of him reaming me out and telling me where to go depend on his mood,” I explain nervously. “Actually, maybe I should just ask Alistair.”

“He’s in a good mood. I think,” she says.

“Okay, here goes nothing.” I knock on the door and wait until Xavier looks up from his desk before entering.

“Bentley, come in.”

I close the door, approach the chair in front of him, and take a seat. “Thank you for seeing me.”

“My office is always open to you, Bentley. What can I do for you?” He seems to be in a good mood, like Shardonnay mentioned, so hopefully this won’t be as bad as I thought it would be. The rumours around the office are that Xavier is an ass. I mean, I’ve never seen it. He’s always been super polite and nice to me.

“I’m resigning. I have my letter here. This is the start of my four weeks’ notice,” I tell him as I pass the typed document across his desk.

“Hold up. Can you repeat that? Because I swear you just said you were resigning,” Xavier says.

“I did. And I am?”

“What the fuck? No, you’re not.” His voice rises to the point I’m sure anyone in the hallway can hear it.

“I’m really sorry. I appreciate the opportunity. It’s just not working out for me,” I tell him.

“Like fuck it’s not working out for you. I’m going to forget this conversation, Bentley. We will pretend it didn’t happen, that you aren’t throwing your whole fucking career away on a whim.”

“I’m not going to change my mind. I’m sorry.” I shake my head and push to my feet, leaving my typed-out resignation letter on his desk. Then I walk out of his office with a smile and a sudden sense of relief. I’ve made the right choice for me. For me and Nathan.

“What happened?” Shar asks me as I pass her desk.

“I gave him my four weeks’ notice,” I tell her.

Her mouth drops open in shock. “Why?”

“There are other things I want out of life. This job, it’s one of them, but it’s suddenly not the most important. I can be a lawyer at any firm. Who knows? I might even start my own,” I say, and grin at the idea.

“But you love it here. You told me just last week,” she reminds me.

As I’m walking back into my office, I see Shardonnay knock on Nathan’s door. About five minutes later, the whole office goes quiet—well, apart from all three partners’ voices, which seem to be in competition over who can yell the loudest.

When I hear the words ‘quit’ and ‘you’re a fucking idiot’ being shouted, I know I have to get out of here. The last thing I wanted to do was cause issues for Nathan with his friends. I honestly thought me quitting was the best thing for all of us. I pick up my bag and turn off the lights in my office. Reaching for the door handle, I freeze when it opens from the other side.

Nathan stands in my now-open doorway, his eyes assessing me. “Going somewhere?” he questions.

“Ah, yeah. Home,” I tell him.

He steps aside and lets me walk passed him. I glance over my shoulder to see him staring right back at me. I knew he’d be pissed off. I just didn’t expect to see the hurt on his face as well. I have to get him to understand that this is good for both of us.