Acting Counsel

Catrina

Bright and early Monday morning, I rolled into the office with a noticeable bounce in my step. I’d worked hard trying to prove my worth — weeks and months of late nights, early mornings, and endless briefs — and they’d finally taken notice.

Today, I started my first solo case: acquiring an LA film studio for one of the most popular actors in Hollywood. Not that I could put a name to the face if a celeb walked past me.

Even if I couldn’t care less about the celebrity goings-on, one thing remained: I was one step closer to making partner.

At some point, I’d stop grinning like a loon each time the thought cycled through my mind.

It wouldn’t be this week.

If my colleagues saw me, they’d blame my unusual pep on my boss’s decision to trust me with the Starlight Studios acquisition, and I didn’t care if they did.

Only I knew the truth.

Only I could feel the ache of disused muscles as I walked, reminding me with each step how I celebrated my step up.

I’d never been the one-night stand kind of girl, but I have to admit, it was exhilarating.

“Knowing my luck, I’d get swept out to sea and eaten by something.”

“I could teach you, if you’re up for the challenge.”

“Are you going to stop a sea monster from eating me?”

“I’ll keep you safe from any sea monsters.” He grazed my cheek with his nose. “Besides, I’m the only one allowed to taste you.”

Nathan.

I could feel the ghost of his hands mapping every curve of my body, leaving marks I wished would never fade.

Mike knocked on my door. Thankfully, I’d completed all of my preparations for this meeting and got myself as caught up as the sparse notes from my predecessor allowed.

“Catrina,” Mike’s voice boomed from the doorway, snapping me out of my thoughts. “I hope you’re ready for a big day.”

“Good morning, Mr Nelson. As ready as I’ll ever be.” I set my coffee cup down on the desk and stood, pasting a bright but confident smile to my lips. “I’ve been preparing all weekend.”

“Good.” He stepped inside, his tall frame taking up much of the space in my modest office. “I told you she was my best, Mr Logan, and I never lie.”

A tall, blond man followed Mike into my office. My heart lodged in my throat.

Nathan. Those piercing blue eyes instantly found mine.

Two days. It had only been two days since I kicked him out of my apartment at dawn, banishing him from my home and my thoughts. Yet here he was, conjuring up memories I’d spent days savouring.

Nathan strode in casually confident as if he owned the place — and perhaps a part of me too, after a single unforgettable night. His blond hair was tousled, a reminder of tangled sheets and roaming hands. That knowing look in his eyes said he recalled my bed as clearly as I did.

“Cat,” Nathan mouthed, his eyes widening briefly before a sly grin spread across his face.

Panic surged as the ramifications hit me. If he said the wrong thing, my career could be over before it truly began.

“Catrina Sinclair, meet Nathan Logan,” Mike introduced us with a wave of his hand, completely missing the tension in the air. “Nathan is purchasing Starlight Studios. He’s agreed to get you up to date on any additional details you might require.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr Logan,” I said, extending my hand for a firm handshake, but keeping my desk between us.

His gaze dropped to the hard surface, flaring with a look I recognised far too well. My breath caught as Nathan’s heated attention raked over me, reminding me without words of how thoroughly he had explored my body. I fought the impulse to squirm under his scrutiny, composure wavering.

“Please, call me Nathan,” he insisted with a warm smile, his eyes locked onto mine.

That accent. For a moment, I’d forgotten, but oof. I’d always had a weakness for a good English accent.

The memory of it whispering into my ear while he hovered above me sent a shiver down my spine. “See, it’s not so bad giving up control, is it, Icy?”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Catrina,” Nathan said, his lips quirking as he clocked the flush of crimson trying to break through my foundation.

I nodded, my voice trapped. I forced myself to release his hand, hyper-aware of Mike’s eyes on us, and I refused to give him any reason to doubt my abilities.

Mike cleared his throat, clueless as to the cause of the tension thickening the air. “I need to make a call. I’ll leave you two to get acquainted. Be back in a jiffy!”

The door clicked shut behind him, silence ringing in his wake. I stared at Nathan, his knuckles white on the back of my guest chair, as a slow grin curved his lips.

“Surprised, Icy?” His gaze bore into me, hinting at pleasures we had shared mere days ago. “Did you miss me?”

I swallowed hard, searching for some cutting reply. But the sight of him left me tongue-tied.

Nathan rounded the desk. “No need for shy glances — we’re well past that, aren’t we?”

His cologne filled my senses as he leaned in too close, intent eyes catching me in their snare. He reached out, fingers grazing my flushed cheek. I stiffened as warmth sparked beneath his touch, threatening my composure.

“Mr Logan, this is highly inappropriate.” I said sharply, putting space between us. “I’m your legal counsel, nothing more.”

“You can drop the act. It’s just us, Cat.” His gaze softened, that charming smile fading as a glint of awe filled his blue eyes. “I never thought I’d see you again.”

I faltered, caught by the earnest longing in his voice. His hand rose again, slow and questioning, giving me time to pull away this time. Instead, I found myself leaning into his touch, palm against my cheek as memories rose unbidden.

Nathan smiled, thumb brushing my lower lip. “There you are. I was hoping you’d come back to me.”

I caught my breath, stunned by the tenderness in his gaze. His words slipped past my defences, hinting at something vulnerable inside of me.

“Don’t look at me like that.”

“Like what?” he whispered.

“Like I’m the only woman in the world.”

Nathan smiled, free hand tangling in my hair as he tilted my chin up. “You are, for me.”

His words struck a chord deep within me, prodding an ache I hadn’t felt in years. The promise of being someone’s centre. Actually caring about one another and not in the ‘Oh good, you’re still breathing’ way my mother had me. It was a pipe dream I’d forced myself to stop living for.

And I won’t start now.

I blinked, scrambling for a response that wouldn’t reveal how much his unexpected appearance had shaken me. “I apologise if I gave you the wrong impression.” My fingers caught his wandering hand, tugging it away from my face. “Friday night was a mistake and I have no interest in repeating it. Especially not now that I’m your attorney.”

I stared up at him, all six-foot, five glorious inches of him, willing him to believe the lie. If only the complications of my job and the firm’s rules against client relationships didn’t stand in the way, I’d happily go back for a repeat of round two.

Nathan’s eyes darkened, a spark of challenge in their depths. “Is that so? Because your body tells a far different story.” His gaze tracked down the length of me, leaving tiny fires in its wake. “Admit it, Cat. You felt the same spark... and you want more.”

My pulse leapt but I tilted my chin up, forcing an unaffected air. “My personal feelings are irrelevant. I’m here to represent your legal interests, nothing more.”

Nathan’s gaze dropped to my mouth, a slow smile curving his lips. “Your lips say one thing, but your eyes confess the truth. You want a repeat of Friday night... and so do I.”

He reached out, knuckles grazing my cheek in a touch that momentarily wiped common sense from my mind. I swayed toward him before catching myself, panic setting in at how easily my body responded to his.

Nathan had slipped past all my defences with unfair ease, leaving me on edge and struggling against the pull of desire. I couldn’t afford a single mistake if I wanted to achieve all I had worked so hard for, but part of me yearned to close the scant distance between us, regardless of the consequences. His tempting smile might just prove to be my undoing if I didn’t find the willpower to resist.

I took a shaky step back, desperate to put distance between us before I did something I would regret. “I insist we remain professional. My career is at stake here, and I can’t afford any... distractions.”

Nathan’s smile faded, expression sobering. “I didn’t expect to see you here. But now that I have, I’m reluctant to let this go.” His gaze bore into me, more serious than I had seen him. “Friday was more than just physical for me. I haven’t felt a connection like that in a long time. Did you feel it too?”

I looked away from the intensity of his gaze, at a loss. I had told myself it was merely lust and impulse, refusing to consider anything deeper. But there were moments when we understood each other with no need for words.

“It doesn’t matter.” I straightened my shoulders, adopting a brisk tone. “We can’t do it again, Mr Logan. My career depends on maintaining a proper distance from clients, and…”

“Nathan.” His gentle rebuke gave me pause. I glanced at him to find a small smile curving his lips, but a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. “When we’re alone, it’s Nathan. And your career won’t suffer, Cat. I want to do this right.”

I stared at him, unsure how to respond. Doing this — whatever ‘this’ was — would go against everything logical.

“Have dinner with me tonight. No distractions, just two people exploring whatever this connection between us might become.” He smiled, coaxing and genuine. “Give me — give us — a chance. I dare you.”

A knock on the door interrupted us.

“I can’t do that.” I turned away from him, smoothing down my skirt. “From now on, I’m your attorney. Nothing more.”

His smile faded before he nodded. “If that’s what you want.”

While Nathan rounded my desk and assumed a more natural position, I walked to the door, willing my hammering heart to settle down. He’s just a gorgeous but pushy man who gave you the best orgasms of your life–but he is now off limits. It’s okay, he’ll get bored soon enough.

I opened it to find Mike waiting, breezing into the room with a thick folder under his arm. “Sorry about that.” He sat in his usual seat without hesitation, missing the tension between Nathan and me. “Shall we?”

Nathan’s expression smoothed into polite professionalism in an instant. “Of course.”

“Absolutely,” I agreed, settling into my seat and forcing my focus back to the task at hand. “Please have a seat, Mr Logan.”

The sooner we got started, the sooner I could prove my worth to Mike and cement my position in the firm. I was prepared to do whatever it took to make this acquisition successful, even if it meant resisting the undeniable charm of Nathan Logan.

Nathan took a seat across from me, sprawling into the chair with a roguish grin. His expensive suit did little to hide the muscles beneath. I tried to focus firmly on my notes but felt his presence like a gravitational pull.

“Let me give you a bit of background on the acquisition,” Mike began, leaning back in his chair and tapping a pen against the papers he held. “Starlight Studios is a major player in the industry, and they’ve been seeking a buyer for some time. Mr Logan,” — he gestured towards Nathan — “is prepared to make that purchase.”

I tried my best to concentrate on Mike’s words, but I couldn’t stop glancing at Nathan.

His gaze slid to mine, blue eyes smouldering with a heat that threatened to make me squirm. He masked it in an instant if Mike glanced his way. But in that fleeting moment there was a promise of passion waiting to ignite again, if given the chance. Nathan leaned forward as if riveted by Mike’s words, but a sly quirk of his lips said his thoughts mirrored my own.

“This case is of the utmost importance to our firm,” Mike continued, his voice firm and authoritative. “Our reputation is on the line, so we need to ensure that we handle everything impeccably.”

“You can count on me.” I forced myself to maintain eye contact with my boss.

“Good.” He nodded approvingly. “Let’s dive into the specifics of the deal.”

I could feel the weight of Nathan’s gaze on me, and I struggled to keep my composure under the pressure of his attention. Every time I looked at him, our shared secret seemed to shimmer in the air between us like an electric charge.

“Catrina,” Mike’s voice brought me back to reality. “Do you have questions about the agreement terms?”

“Uh, yes,” I stammered, racking my brain for something relevant to ask. “Mr Logan—”

“Nathan.”

“Right. Nathan.” I forced a weak smile. “You’ve spent some time working on this deal. Besides the misfortune with your previous attorney, why do you believe the process has been so drastically delayed?”

“I believe the shareholders cannot separate fact from fiction.”

“That’s quite the accusation.”

“Hmm. Is it an accusation if it’s true?” He held up his hand before I could answer. “That was rhetorical. The gossip rags have made a sport of portraying me as a ladies’ man, and the shareholders have used those rumours as an excuse to question whether I’m truly serious in my bid.”

“I… see.” I frowned, sorting through this new information. “And this perception has directly impacted negotiations?”

“To put it mildly.” Nathan’s smile turned wry. “My ‘moral failings’ have been cited more than once as cause for concern in handing over the reins of their studio. As if my personal life has any bearing on my ability to run a company.”

“That does seem rather absurd.” I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal of my own opinions. “Tabloid gossip is hardly evidence of poor business sense or judgement.”

“Exactly.” Nathan threw up his hands. “Now, I’ll be honest, once upon a time, some of them might have been true, but that hasn’t been the case for some time.”

His tone was sincere, and it left me feeling weak in the knees. We held each other’s gaze. I’d never been one to shirk eye contact, but I might have had to start before I closed the lid on this purchase.

“Now the sad truth about Hollywood is that scandal sells, so where the lies about me weren’t legitimately harmful to my reputation, I let them slide.” He winced. “Unfortunately, the image of me the tabloids used to drive their site traffic does not lend itself to a level-headed businessman.” He paused for a moment before continuing, his gaze still fixed on me.

“My priorities have changed, and I have instructed my agent to shut down any further rumours before they take root.” He bit his lip and smiled at me, the sight of it making my core tense. “I believe that once the shareholders meet me, I’ll be able to ease any of their fears.”

His voice wrapped around me, low and intense as he focused all of his attention on me.

“I can understand why that would be aggravating.” I met his gaze, pulse skipping at the glint of approval there. “Well, you can rest assured I have no interest in tabloid gossip or moral judgments. My only concern is representing your best interests in acquiring this studio, and ensuring all parties come to an equitable agreement as swiftly as possible.”

Mike started to respond, but his words were lost on me. I stared at Nathan, feeling as if he had just let me in on something far greater than the acquisition of Starlight Studios.

“Have you ever been on a studio lot?” Nathan asked suddenly, his voice warm and inviting. The sudden change in topic caught me off guard.

“Uh, no, I haven’t.” My fingers nervously tapped on the table. “I’ve always been a behind-the-scenes kind of person.”

“Ah, that’s a shame. It’s quite an experience,” he said with a charming grin, then added softly, “Perhaps I could show you around one day? You know, purely for professional reasons.”

My heart skipped a beat at the thought of spending time with Nathan outside the office. “That sounds interesting. Thank you for the offer, but I think we should focus on the acquisition right now.”

Mike cleared his throat. “Exactly right, Catrina. You only have two days until the shareholder’s meeting and it’s taken nearly three months to get them to agree on a date.”

When we finally finished, Mike shook Nathan’s hand eagerly. “A pleasure doing business with you. We’ll have the contracts ready for signing next week, hopefully.”

Nathan smiled. “Likewise, thank you both for ensuring a smooth process.” His eyes met mine briefly, regret flickering through them. “I appreciate your efforts on my behalf.”

I nodded. “You’re welcome, Mr Logan. I’ll be in touch.”

With a nod to us both, Nathan left. An odd mix of relief and disappointment filled me. I had done right... so why did it feel like I had let a once-in-a-lifetime chance go?

Mike chuckled, gathering his papers. “Quite the charmer, that one! But don’t worry, you handled yourself well.” He stood, smiling. “This was a big day, Catrina. The partners will be very impressed.”

I returned his smile. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

Mike headed for the door and my smile faded, doubts crowding in. This deal was everything I had worked for, yet Nathan threatened my ability to stay focused. Ten minutes in an office with him and I could barely ignore his draw. Our history — however brief — left him a distraction I couldn't ignore.

As difficult as it was, I had to be upfront with Mike — he deserved my unbiased best, and if that meant stepping aside, then objectivity demanded it. Even if the thought of losing all my progress stung.

“There’s something I should tell you,” I said to Mike before he could leave my office. “Regarding Nathan Logan — ”

He turned, waving a hand and dismissing my concerns. “You worry too much. I know you've got this under control.”

I frowned, thrown by his nonchalance. “No, that’s not — there are complications —”

“Don’t you start second-guessing yourself now!” Mike interrupted with a laugh. “You were born for deals like this.” Mike smiled, placing a hand on my shoulder. “I never doubted for a second you were right for this.” He chuckled.

“Mike, please listen— “

But he swept on, buoyed by enthusiasm. “You have my complete support, Catrina. Keep your eye on the prize. We’ll make a partner out of you yet!”

Despite my misgivings, I couldn’t help but smile at the praise.

“Before I forget…” Mike shuffled through his suit pockets, patting himself down with a look of pure concentration on his face. He reached into one and his expression smoothed out. “This is Mr Logan's agent, Maisy Michaels. Give her a call if you need anything.” He handed me the card and spun away. “Keep up the good work, Catrina.”

The door clicked shut behind Mike, and I sank into the luxurious leather chair at my new desk. I had to hand it to him, he knew how to motivate me when it mattered. His confidence in my ability steadied my nerves.

If Mike trusted I could handle the negotiations, who was I to argue?

Nathan’s intoxicating cologne still permeated the air, tickling my senses and threatening my concentration. His confident voice lingered in my ears as I considered the high stakes of this case and my precarious position.

“Get a grip, Cat,” I muttered to myself, raking my fingers through my hair, messing up my carefully crafted curls.

Focus on the promotion and the shiny new office.

Still my heart raced at the memory of Friday night, threatening to dismantle my carefully constructed facade of professionalism. I needed to get a handle on it. Letting the attraction run unchecked would not only jeopardise my ability to do my job but also my position at the firm.

Although with Mike’s confidence in me, maybe it wouldn’t affect my position as much as I’d first assumed.

You might as well give up now. You’ll only fail in the end, and end up right back where you started: trapped here with me. My mother’s voice echoed inside my mind, a replay of her goodbye before I left for law school in the States.

Growing up in a small town, the pressure to succeed and excel had been intense. Even with my mother’s apathetic expectation that I would fail no matter how hard I tried, I had an entire town fixated on my smallest wins, pushing for more and more.

Moving thousands of miles away for law school had been the best thing for me.

I couldn’t go back to that.

“Is it worth the risk?” I whispered, staring intently at the gold-lettered nameplate on my desk, Catrina Sinclair – Associate Attorney.

It had taken years of hard work, sleepless nights spent buried in law books, and countless hours to get me to this point. I was so close to making a name for myself. Was I willing to jeopardise everything for a tantalising yet dangerous attraction that might be one-sided?

Exactly.

No reason to believe Nathan actually wanted to see me again. Hotshot Hollywood actors probably had women offering themselves up to them on a platter.

Except he outright asked you out and just spent the better part of an hour eye fucking you with your boss in the room...

That meant nothing. It could have been nothing more than a game.

“Focus, Catrina,” I chided myself, forcing my gaze away from the nameplate and onto the thick stack of Starlight Studios documents cluttering my desk. “You’ve got a job to do.”

As the swirling storm of doubt and desire threatened to consume me, I replayed the meeting in my mind. Nathan had been nothing but professional in front of Mike, answering my questions with honesty and openness. The perfect actor with nothing on the line if his inappropriate interest ever came out.

Unlike him, I had everything on the line, and I had to find a way to ignore him. For the sake of my sanity and my career.

Nathan

“Cut!” the director shouted as we rounded the corner of the street.

I slowed to a stop and my best friends followed suit, none of us so much as puffing at the exertion of our quick run.

The street surrounding us had become a collapsed wasteland, with steel beams jutting out of the ground where towers used to be and pieces of concrete strewn across the pavement.

As a film set, it was impressive. Especially when most studios these days preferred to demolish cities in the virtual world. There would be digital effects in the film, the director just didn’t want to use them yet. After four editions of The Rogue Squad, he’d perfected his vision, and I was more than happy to go along with it.

“Jesus, it’s hot.” Finn McCarthy paced circles around us, angsty to get moving again. “I can’t fecking wait to spend a real Christmas in Edinburgh with actual cold weather.”

“You’re full of shit.” Jackson Levi laughed, his Scottish brogue making his outrage sound angry. “I bet the second you set foot on Scottish soil, you’ll do nothing but complain about the cold and the rain.”

“As long as he keeps his moaning away from my fiancée on our wedding day, he can feel however the fuck he wants,” Shaun Martin muttered, his usually carefree but polished features hardened. The dirt smeared over us didn’t help, but Shaun’s clenched jaw told me there was something else going on.

Finn, Jackson, Shaun, and I had been friends all of our LA careers. We met as background actors on our first action film and stuck to each other like glue afterwards. I mean, what were the chances of four Brits making the LA move at the same time? It also helped that directors loved our exotic accents.

As our careers grew, they’d quickly dubbed us the Kings of Screen.

As a group, we ticked multiple boxes: Jackson’s surfer look, Shaun’s polished perfection, my generally cleancut-but-may-have-just-rolled-out-of-bed-after-a-steamy-night blond hair to Finn’s out of control red corkscrew curls.

We could happily admit we represented the wet dream of Hollywood and we owned it. Mostly.

“Everything going alright with the wedding planning?” I asked.

Shaun nodded. “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind.” He pressed his lips together and glanced around, noting the crew setting up for the next shot. None of them were within earshot. “But the film’s kept me so busy, Mona’s had to handle most of it and I feel terrible about it. She keeps telling me it’s okay, but what kind of man leaves his fiancée to deal with something so stressful alone?”

“You’ve got nothing to worry about.” I clapped Shaun on the shoulder. “It’ll be the wedding of the century.”

“Yeah, she’s no stranger to our world either, which probably helps you a lot,” Finn said absently. He waved to a runner, gesturing for water. “Plus, she’s just plain nice. She’d never begrudge you leaving her for work.”

Something in his tone made us all turn to face him.

“Do I smell trouble in paradise?” Jackson asked, his tone blatantly teasing.

Finn spluttered. Just then, a runner stopped at our sides with a bag of bottled water. Finn’s expression instantly morphed into a pleasant mask, but his eyes shot daggers at us.

“You’re talking out of your arse,” he said once the runner left. He crossed his arms and our brows climbed. He glanced down at himself and dropped them back to his side. “Abi and I are fine. Better than fine. We’re talking about a vow renewal and she’s meeting Da for the first time in Edinburgh. It’s all happening.”

A vow renewal? News to me, but I couldn’t be happier for him. Finn’s relationship with Abi had been a tumultuous one, but he’d finally seen the light and, well, here we were.

“That’s incredible,” Shaun said, echoing my thoughts before clapping Finn on the shoulder. “Who would have thought your agent actually had your back when he forced you onto Married Blind?”

We all, except Finn, sniggered.

“Yeah, yeah. The wanker expects me to name my firstborn after him now.” Finn rolled his eyes, but his lips curled slightly, betraying his annoyance.

“When are you two going to catch up?” Shaun asked, eying me and Jackson. “The bachelor image will get tired at some point.”

“Not a chance.” Jackson held up his hands, his face paling. “I’m more than happy to be the guy lapping up all the disappointed women you leave behind.”

All eyes turned to me.

“Yeah, what he said,” I muttered without a single shred of conviction.

“And they gave you an Oscar.” Finn shook his head.

Jackson couldn’t resist prodding me. “Come on, man, spill the beans. Who’s the lucky lady this time?”

I hesitated. Should I talk about her if she wants to keep our relationship professional?

But that would be a major departure from my normal and they would notice. The questions would never end.

So sharing a few harmless details would help in the long run. Wouldn’t it?

Who am I kidding? I just want to talk about her.

“Just someone I met at The Noir Bar on Friday night. We had a good time.” The understatement of the century.

Her berry-stained lips and emerald eyes had haunted me since that night. The way she moved, swaying her hips in that figure-hugging skirt suit — I couldn’t get her out of my head.

Finn raised an eyebrow. “Good, huh? If you’re lying to us, it was more than a good time.”

I rolled my eyes again, but couldn’t deny the truth. “Yeah, well... I guess I’m not used to being turned down, and I figure there’s no point talking about it.”

Except I really wanted to talk about her.

The memory of her soft curves pressed against me, her breathy moans in my ear, tormented me. I could still taste her on my lips, feel the heat of her skin beneath my hands. The way she gasped my name, nails digging into my back as I drove her over the edge again and again...

God, I wanted her. The realisation slammed into me, my body tightening at just the thought of having her once more.

There was something about her smile, the way her eyes lit up with laughter and untold secrets, pulling me in. More than lust or curiosity, I felt a visceral connection to her I couldn’t explain. As if she saw beyond the roles I played, glimpsing a part of me even I had stopped searching for.

It was madness, and yet I couldn’t walk away from her now.

Someone needed to make sense of my head because I couldn’t. I didn’t do relationships. Hell, I barely did one night, anymore. Yet, despite our fucked up situation, the thought of getting caught with Cat seriously revved my engine.

Sniggers floated around me as both Jackson and Finn lost it.

“You wanted a repeat with a lass and got rejected?” Finn asked, absolute delight shining in his blue eyes. “Oh, this is too good.”

I took their teasing on the chin. Heat crept up my neck, but I ignored it like the pro actor I was.

Of course, they’d find it amusing. I’d never been the sort to let a woman distract me, no matter the circumstance. Especially not when I was with my best friends. I’d always taken great pride in being fully present.

I forced a chuckle. “Ha ha, hilarious. Just drop it, okay?”

“Don’t worry, we’ll go easy on you.” Finn clapped me on the back again, a little too hard for my liking. “Isn’t that what you said to me before my Married Blind wedding?”

I raised a brow. “You still salty about that?”

“About my best friends not helping me escape?” His brows climbed. “Hell yeah, I am.”

Jackson shook his head. “Don’t let Abi hear you talking like that, man. She might kick you to the curb and swap your vow renewal for divorce papers instead.”

“Christ,” Finn muttered. He gripped his neck, staring at the pair of us like we were the ones talking about regretting meeting our wife. “I don’t mean now!”

Nearly a year ago, Finn’s agent forced him to join the cast of a reality TV show that married celebrities to civilians. He prided himself on keeping his distance from the media — a misplaced pride considering fucking the studio head’s daughter in a bar bathroom landed him in image rehab — but the show had forced him to face up to his issues. It softened him in a way. Or more likely, Abi, his wife, had.

His transformation was a topic of much entertainment amongst our group.

“Stop distracting us.” Jackson took a step toward me, excitement vibrating from him. For a man who swore off women, he was stupidly interested in my love life. “What’s so special about this one?”

“There’s something between us I can’t explain.” I sighed, shaking my head. “I know it sounds insane, but from the moment I saw her, I felt this connection like I’ve known her for lifetimes.”

“Whoa, slow down there Romeo,” Shaun laughed. “Love at first sight, huh? Never took you for the romantic type!”

“So it was more than a good time!” Finn chuckled. “Fucking knew it. You lying sack of shite.”

I laughed, holding up a hand to stop their teasing. “As much as I wish I could see where this might lead, there’s one rather significant complication.” At their confused looks, I sighed. “She’s not just some woman I met at a bar. As of yesterday... she’s my replacement attorney.”

Silence fell over the group, three pairs of widened eyes staring at me in disbelief.

“Your attorney?” Shaun asked. “As in, the one helping you buy Starlight Studios?”

I nodded, dragging a hand through my hair. “The very same.”

Finn burst out laughing. “Oh, this just gets better and better! Trust you to fall for the one woman completely off limits, eh?”

“What are the odds?” Shaun asked, incredulous.

“Apparently, quite low.” I shook my head. “But her charade only amused me. It made her more intriguing.”

“Sounds like our boy’s losing his touch,” Finn teased, winking at me. “Can’t even get a woman to admit she knows him after a night in the sack.”

“Oi!” I protested, though I couldn’t help but laugh along. “There’s just something about her.”

“Whatever you say.” Jackson smirked. “Maybe it’s time you embrace your new status as a mere mortal among women.”

“Hardly.” I crossed my arms, the challenge igniting a fire within me. “If anything, it’s given me a reason to enjoy the chase again. I can’t remember the last time I felt this excited about pursuing someone.”

“Good on you, Nathan,” Shaun said with a supportive smile. “Just don’t forget us when you’re off wooing your attorney.”

“As if you’d let me.” I nudged him with an elbow. “You lot are stuck with me for life.”

“God help us all.” Finn hung his head, feigning a sigh of resignation.

Finn and Shaun laughed, but Jackson brushed it aside with a swipe of his hand. “Yeah yeah. Details, please.”

Chuckling, I gave in. “Canadian. Fierce, ambitious –” I hesitated for a moment, thinking back to our one-night stand, “– and undeniably captivating.”

“When do we get to meet this captivating mystery woman of yours?” Shaun clapped me on the back.

“She’s not mine though, is she?” I shook my head at him.

“Who’s saying she can’t be?” Jackson asked.

“Uh, the part where she’s my attorney, and I’d like to own Starlight Studios sooner than the next decade.”

“You’re thinking too much, Nate.” Shaun clapped me on the shoulder, squeezing as he grinned at me.

“Mona was once off-limits to me but we still got together.”

True. Mona had been Shaun’s assistant in Wales. They were meant to wait to get together until after the series wrapped, but couldn’t resist each other.

“Not everyone is like you, Shaun. Some of us want to keep our professional lives separate from our personal ones.”

Jackson chuckled. “Say it with a little more conviction and we might believe you.”

I grinned. “Alright, so I’m tempted.” The buzz of excitement said I was more than tempted.

“Plus, it’s hardly revolutionary,” Finn muttered with his back to us. He studied the approaching team of makeup artists, our first sign that the crew was nearly ready for us. “Loads of celebs have dated their attorneys.”

“Good for them. I’m not looking to date anyone.”

Lie. If I could convince Cat, I’d bloody jump at the chance.

“Keep telling yourself that,” Jackson said, his voice low, trying not to be overheard. “I’ll put money on you falling into bed with her again by the end of the week.”

I shook my head, amused but keeping my mouth shut so he wouldn’t realise I agreed with him.

“Alright, enough teasing,” Shaun interjected, clapping his hands together. “We’ve got a scene to shoot, boys. Let’s get back to work!”

Catrina

I stared down at my salad, picking at the greens with my fork as if they held the answers to all of my problems. Across from me, Sam chatted animatedly about her weekend plans, but I could barely focus on her words.

All I could think about was Nathan Logan and the case that now entwined us. His latest round of texts might have had something to do with it.

I didn’t need to look at the messages to guess their contents. More offers of parties, dinners and coffee dates, all hidden beneath the guise of getting caught up on the case.

Naive I was not. But stupid? If I didn’t stop seriously considering his offers, definitely.

A sudden sound snapped me back to reality. Fingers clicked in front of my face and my body jerked in surprise.

“Are you even listening to me?” Sam asked, her tone sharp but her eyes swimming with concern.

“Sorry.” I sighed, stirring my dressing into the lettuce leaves aimlessly. “I’ve got case notes running circles inside my head.” I forced a smile and put my fork down, leaning forward in a silent promise to pay attention. “What were you saying?”

“What do you take me for?” She shook her head, then a devious grin curled her lips. “Who is he, and why have you been holding out on me?” she asked, her voice ringing out loud and clear in the tiny but busy bistro.

“Could you keep your voice down?” I hissed, ducking my head.

She ducked hers too, her brows climbed in surprise. “Is it a secret?”

I bit my lip. The truth or a lie? My heart raced as I struggled for an answer I didn’t fully understand myself.

“Oh my god, is he married?”

“No!”

I closed my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. Sam meant well, but her questions only muddled things.

“Fine. I’ll tell you.”

“So there is a guy?” At my nod, she bounced in her seat. “I knew it! Where did you meet him? What’s his name? Is he hot?”

The chatter of the bistro faded into the background as Sam bombarded me with questions. I stared at the cup of coffee growing cold between my hands, my stomach churning.

“Slow down, Sam. Let me just think for a second, please.” I took a sip of coffee and mentally prepared myself to spill the beans. “I met him at The Noir Bar on Friday when you ditched me. His name is Nathan. He’s too hot for sanity and he’s a client.” I stared at her, my eyes conveying the meaning my mouth wouldn’t let me.

“Shit.”

“That was my thought when he walked into my office with Mike on Monday.”

“Wait!” Her hands flew up, begging me to stop. “You didn’t know?”

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the confession. Leaning as far forward as I could without lying in my lunch, I caught her up.

“So, after you ditched me Friday night, I decided to stay and drink a glass of bubbly to celebrate anyway. On my way to the bar, I tripped and this shockingly good-looking guy saved me from face-planting.”

Sam’s eyes got bigger as she listened. “No way. It was Nathan Logan?” At my nod, a smile came over her face that was impossible to ignore. “Aw. Your knight in designer armour!”

“We started chatting, and the next thing I knew, we were doing tequila shots. He was charming and funny, and so close I could feel the heat of him through my clothes.” I sighed, remembering how they had flashed when I teased and goaded him. “Every time our eyes met, it felt like an electric shock passed between us. I didn’t stand a chance.”

Sam sighed. “With moves like that, who would?”

I laughed. “The bar was closing and I didn’t want the night to end. So I asked him back to my place.”

Sam’s eyes went wide. “You minx! I never thought you had it in you.”

I shook my head, biting my lip. “Neither did I. But those eyes, that smile, the way he made me feel... I couldn’t resist.”

Sam leaned in, her voice dropping. “So how was it? As mind-blowing as I’m imagining?”

I nodded, warmth rising in my cheeks. “Even better. That man’s hands should be registered as lethal weapons.”

“Lucky girl!” Sam whistled, drawing far too much attention.

“Sam,” I growled, keeping my voice low.

“Oops. Sorry.” She glanced around. Then her focus returned to me and she lowered her voice again. “No wonder you were off in dreamland. I’d be replaying that night too if I were you.”

“Believe me, I was.” I sighed.

“And now he’s your client.”

“A client who won’t stop flirting with me.” I glanced to the side, assessing the crowd around us for eavesdroppers or familiar faces. There were none thankfully and everyone appeared engrossed in their own lives. Still, I kept my voice low as I said, “As stupid as it is, I’m enjoying it.”

I shook my head. “If the partners find out I had a one-night stand with Nathan Logan before he became a client…”

“They won’t find out,” Sam said firmly. “Your personal life is none of their business. You’re a damn good lawyer, and this won’t change that.”

I raked my hands through my hair, torn between longing to see Nathan again and fear of the mess I’d landed myself in. “What was I thinking?”

Sam shrugged. “You were thinking that for once in your life you deserved to walk on the wild side with a gorgeous man. And now fate, or whatever, has dropped him in your lap again. Maybe it’s meant to be!”

I laughed at her optimism. “Or a disaster.”

“You never know unless you see where it leads,” Sam said. “I know you, Ms Responsible. But not every risk ends in flames.” She grinned. “Sometimes they end in passionate flames. And I know which one I’d bet on here!”

Perhaps she was right. Perhaps I should throw caution to the wind and just see where this unexpected twist might lead. After all, life was short. And Nathan Logan was temptation itself, already proving near impossible to resist.

I sighed, shaking my head. “The responsible thing would be to recuse myself from this case altogether. Start fresh with a new client and avoid potential scandal.”

“Since when has anyone at that old boys’ club we call a law firm cared about responsibility?” Sam scoffed. “Please, attorneys at our firm have done worse and still kept their jobs.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, brows furrowing.

Sam shrugged. “Let’s just say your little indiscretion is small potatoes compared to the assistant in litigation and the new client in family law.”

“Are you serious?” My eyes widened.

No wonder Mike hadn’t been concerned when I’d tried, and failed, to talk myself out of the job.

Sam nodded. “At least you didn’t know him as a client at the time. Those two idiots should have known better, but as usual, different rules apply. Don’t punish yourself for seeking a little pleasure, Cat.”

I sat back in my chair. Maybe Sam was right. Recusing myself seemed like an overreaction. Mike had brushed me off. And though I knew I should avoid entangling my personal and professional lives, the thought of handing Nathan’s case over and never seeing him again caused an unexpected pang of regret.

“You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

“Besides, if they ever question you, you just throw the truth at them. Friday night, you didn’t know who he was.” She winced. “Although, how you’d sell that in this town full of celebrity chasers, I don’t know, but I digress.” She shook herself and smiled. “You didn’t know then. Now you do, and you’re maintaining a professional distance — not that I think you should — they can’t ask more of you, Cat.”

I stared into Sam’s eyes, searching for any doubt in her words. But all I saw was unwavering confidence in me and my abilities as an attorney. Still, the lingering fear of jeopardising Nathan’s case and my career gnawed at the edges of my mind.

“I appreciate your faith in me.” I sighed, toying with the salad on my plate. “But I can’t shake this feeling that I’m walking a tightrope here. If anyone finds out about that night... it could destroy everything I’ve worked so hard for.”

“Babes, you can’t let fear hold you back,” Sam said, her voice softening. “You’ve always pushed through every obstacle that’s come your way. This is no different. Trust yourself.”

Her words resonated with me, echoing the same determination that had fuelled me throughout my career. I thought about Nathan — his undeniable charm, his heartbreaking vulnerability hidden beneath the surface, and the spark that had ignited between us.

Then, I thought about the promotion I’d spent years fighting for. If I backed away now, I’d be letting go of my dreams.

“Okay,” I whispered, my decision solidifying like steel in my chest. “I’ll stay on the case.”

“Really?” Sam asked, surprise flickering across her face.

“Yes.” I nodded resolutely. “I won’t let my personal life dictate my professional decisions. I’ve ignored charming men all my life. I can resist Nathan Logan.”

Sam smirked. “You think you can resist a Hollywood heartthrob with a British accent?”

Mischief glinted in her eyes, giving me pause. I could, couldn’t I?

“Yes,” I said with slightly less conviction.

She grinned. “Well, this is going to be fun.”

The lingering scent of roses filled the air as we stepped off the elevator. Sam and I shared a confused look before turning in opposite directions to return to our offices.

As I approached my desk, I saw a stunning bouquet of red and white roses sitting in a crystal vase. Their velvety petals were carefully arranged, and their beauty was undeniable.

A warmth spread through me as I spotted a handwritten note tucked among the blossoms.

‘Thanks for all your help, Cat. You’re a lifesaver! And a heart-stopper, too ;)’

I bit my lip to suppress a giddy smile, his playful words making me feel like a smitten teenager.

Do not get gushy over this. It’ll only lead to trouble.

But my frown quickly melted into another grin as I took in the roses’ sweet fragrance, memories of our night together rushing back in full force.

His hands skimming my skin, his lips turning my knees weak as they claimed mine, the feel of his hard body moving above me. Those eyes that seemed to stare directly into my reckless soul as we tangled together beneath the sheets.

The tequila had knocked down my walls, allowing me to throw caution to the wind and give in to a temptation I usually resisted.

Nathan had been charming, playful, pushing my buttons until I could stand it no longer.

“Wow, those are gorgeous,” a passing intern said from my open door. “Who sent them?”

“Uh, just a friend,” I mumbled, my cheeks heating as images of Nathan’s wicked smile and wandering hands flashed through my mind.

I busied myself with paperwork, struggling in vain to shake off thoughts of throwing caution to the wind and reliving that passion all over again.

“Must be a really good friend,” she said before leaving me alone in my office.

I let out a soft, conflicted laugh. Friend? Was that what Nathan was now? Or was he still simply a client who needed a reminder of the new line in the sand between us?

He was proving impossible to resist. The roses seemed to mock me, a reminder of our smoking hot night together and the mess I now found myself in.

I paced the office, torn between the need to call Nathan right that second and the voice of reason warning me to run far away from this smouldering spark before it ignited into an inferno.

“Get it together, Catrina,” I muttered, forcing myself to focus on work and not those ocean eyes that saw straight into my reckless soul.

Yet no matter how hard I threw myself into reports, I couldn’t let it go. Taking a deep breath, I composed an email to him.

Subject: Thank You

Dear Mr Logan,

I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the lovely roses you sent to my office. They are beautiful and brighten up the office perfectly. However, I suggest a more professional tone should you need to send handwritten communications to my office again.

Warm regards,

Catrina Sinclair

I hesitated for a moment, my finger hovering over the mouse before finally pressing send. With that small task complete, I turned my attention back to the case files scattered across my desk.

My phone buzzed with a notification, breaking my focus.

Nathan

Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m glad I could make your day brighter, just like you do. ;) —N

A grin stole across my face and warmth flooded my cheeks.

Nathan

Sorry, was that too cheesy? I couldn’t resist.

Before thinking better of it, I typed a quick reply.

Cat

Corny but cute. You’re lucky you’re charming.

Nathan

Glad you liked the flowers. Just wanted to brighten up your day, just like you did mine.

Joy warred with reason, even as I glanced at the roses and questioned what people would think. Nathan had a knack for catching me off guard, his teasing texts rekindling barely extinguished sparks.

I shook my head yet smiled all the same, frustration and yearning vying for the upper hand. The temptation to throw caution aside and give in to him wrestled with my need to play by the rules.

However, the reminder of the potential implications to the case flooded back, causing a wave of guilt to wash over me.

“Focus.” I shook my head to clear it.

I put my phone aside, determined not to let Nathan’s flirty texting derail me from my work.

But even as I tried to focus on the legal documents in front of me, my fear and joy tangled together, freezing me to the spot – fear of what this growing attachment could mean for both my career and my heart.

“Damn him for making me feel like this.”

As I attempted to refocus on my preparations for the Shareholder’s meeting, I couldn’t escape the nagging feeling that I was standing at a crossroads, forced to make a decision that would shape not only the outcome of the Starlight Studios case but also the course of my future.