Chapter 3

Chapter Three

I rush from the bus to the building I’m meant to be starting at today. I’m not late, but it’s my first day and I’d like to be at least ten minutes early.

I’ve worked in many law firms over the past few years, but this one—Christianson, Miller, and Warner—is the firm of all firms in Melbourne. The most coveted position to score amongst anyone in the law industry.

I’m not usually this frazzled when it comes to work, but this isn’t just a new job. It’s a dream job, working for the best family attorney in the state, probably the country. Alistair Warner. I’ve heard so many stories about the man. I’ve never actually seen or met him though.

I’ve only been interested in family law for the past six months. Ever since I was left at the altar, I’ve wanted to help other people who were jilted after it was too late. Divorce isn’t a pretty thing, but it is a reality and happens more often than not these days.

Even knowing this, I’d still take a risk on love, given the chance. I’d never plan another big wedding though. I’d just sign the papers at the courthouse. Something quiet. I will never put myself in the position to be humiliated like that again.

I do want to be loved. And I know marriage can work. All I have to do is look at my parents. Rhonda and John Hutchinson. My mum and dad are everything true love should be. Devoted to each other like nothing I’ve seen in any other relationship.

I thought I had that with Hunter. Obviously I didn’t.

My phone vibrates in my bag. I pull it out to see my group chat with the girls popping off with notifications.

Daisy:

Good luck today. Meet at mine after work for debrief.

Eloise:

Good luck today. Not that you need it, because you’re fucking awesome and pretty. Also, I need deets on the hottie from last night.

Claire:

Good luck. I second Eloise. Deets, ASAP!!!

I smile. I love these girls so damn much. Although I don’t think I’ll be parting with the details of last night anytime soon. I’m doing my best not to recall them myself. Because when I do, I can still feel the ghost of his lips on my skin. Whoever he is. I can’t believe I went home with a guy and didn’t even get a name. I don’t regret it. I mean, how could you regret having the best sex of your life? My vagina is still sore from our little escapade.

I should have gotten his name. Maybe a second round in the sack (so to speak) wouldn’t have been such a bad idea…

No. There can’t be a second round. That’s not how one-night stands work. And that’s all my tall, handsome stranger was. A one-time thing I doubt I will ever find the likes of again.

His crystal-blue eyes… tanned, sculpted upon sculpted skin… and sandy-brown hair make up an image I won’t soon forget. At least I have material for my vibe time now. And let’s not forget his commanding persona. I’ve never been more turned on by being ordered around in my life. I honestly don’t even understand my reaction to the man. That and the fact I’m starting a new job today are the exact reasons I left his apartment at three in the morning without waking him. My first walk of shame was done under the coat of darkness. Also, I didn’t feel any shame in what I did. So there’s that.

I tap out a quick reply to the girls.

Me:

Thanks. Gotta go in. Chat later. Love you all. XX

I drop my phone back into my bag and push my way into the foyer of the building, smiling politely at the security guard standing off to the side. Then head for the bank of elevators. The instructions in the email said to go straight up to the fortieth floor. Once I’m in the lift, it’s no surprise that I’m headed to the top.

The ride up is quiet. There’s no elevator music. Nothing but my racing heart. I wipe my hands on my skirt while checking my reflection in the mirror. I picked out my best work outfit for today. A pale-blue blouse, a cream pencil skirt, and a navy blazer. I finished off the look with a pair of black Manolos that broke my bank account for two whole weeks. I smile when I glance down at the shoes.

Worth it. Shoes, wine, and pizza are my three vices.

The doors open and I step out into a reception area. The words Christianson, Miller, and Warner are sprawled across the white walls in big gold letters.

I walk straight to the receptionist. “Hi, my name is Danielle Hutchinson. I’m starting as a paralegal today.” I give the woman my best, most confident smile.

“Hi, welcome. I’m GiGi. Follow me and I’ll take you straight to HR,” she says, walking around the counter to greet me.

I follow her through the office. A lot of eyes land on me. I know what they’re thinking: Who’s the new girl? Where’d she come from? What is she doing here? Is she a threat to my job?

I try to avoid making eye contact with any of them. I’m sure I’ll meet them all in good time.

GiGi knocks on a door and opens it. “Stella, I have Danielle Hutchinson for you,” she says before stepping aside and ushering me forward.

“Oh, good. Come on in, Danielle. Let’s get you all sorted and set up as quickly as possible. You could not have arrived at a better time, or maybe it’s the worst time. It could go either way,” Stella says cryptically. “Please have a seat.”

I walk into the office and sit in the proffered chair.

“We just need you to fill in these forms. Sign here and here, on this, to release the company tech and then you’ll be all set.” She smiles.

I breeze through the paperwork. I’m eager to get in and get started on whatever work might be waiting for me. Thirty minutes later, I hand all the documents back to Stella.

“Perfect. Now, let’s get this over with. He’s been grumpier than usual this morning,” she warns me.

“Who has?” I ask.

“Mr Warner, your new boss. The person you have to work with. I’m sorry in advance, by the way. If you have any issues, come and see me. I’ll touch base with the other partners. They’re the only ones who can talk each other off the ledge. As brilliant as they are, they all have their moments,” she whispers to me as we continue to make our way through the various hallways and open work spaces.

Stella taps on a door. All the other offices appear to have glass walls you can see right through. Except this one. It’s windows are all fogged over. Obviously, whoever’s inside doesn’t want to be in the centre of a fish bowl.

“What?” a growly voice bellows from the other side. A vaguely familiar voice. Though, for the life of me, I can’t seem to place it.

Stella looks at me and rolls her eyes. “Here goes nothing,” she says before swinging open the door. “Mr Warner, I have Danielle Hutchinson here.”

“Who’s Danielle Hutchinson and why should I care?” the voice replies.

“She’s your new paralegal,” Stella says, walking farther into the office while leaving me to quietly follow behind her.

My steps halt on the spot. The world spins around me. This is not happening right now. I blink, hoping that what I’m seeing is nothing more than a mirage, a hallucination from lack of sleep and too many orgasms.

Orgasms. Argh. the reason I had all those orgasms is staring right back at me from behind a huge, atrociously ornate, mahogany desk. A smirk graces his lips as he stands, walks around the furniture, and stops two steps in front of me. Then he holds out a hand for me to shake. I place my palm in his and instantly regret it when I feel that same spark.

Last night, I put it down to my alcohol-impeded brain. But I have no excuse today.

Yes, I do. I have the too many orgasms excuse. They must have short-circuited my neurons.

“Danielle, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Alistair,” he says, gripping my open palm. His thumb rubbing up and down the side.

“ Dani . And it’s nice to meet you too, sir,” I offer in return before tugging my hand free. I don’t miss the heat in his eyes. And then realisation dawns on me. He gets off on it. On that particular term.

Great one, Dani.

My gaze trails downwards, and I immediately snap my head up. He smiles at me, knowing full well I was checking out his package.

I need to quit. I can’t possibly work for this man. Can I?