Success. We move on to lighter topics as we finish lunch, and as I watch her leave, my cock stirs. Surely I can get her to do this—I have to. Though now I’m wondering how to give my dick the message that this partnership will be just for the press and the voters.
Chapter 5
Marcella
I’ve changed twice. I tell myself I’m dressing to impress my former colleagues, but deep down, I want Walker to see what an awkward teenager changes into, and then I think I’m going to turn down his hairbrained idea of pretending to be together. I’ll just dangle it in front of him and snatch it away. Hopefully…
I finally decide on a pair of jeans that I don’t think are too tight and a wrap sweater that shows off my assets. I’ll wear a leather jacket over it, so there’s not too much cleavage, and finish with a new pair of platform boots. I’ll be almost six feet tall, but Walker will still have a few inches on me.
I look good, but I’m still struggling to manage my feelings. I’ve loved Walker for most of my life. He’s proposing what I’ve always secretly wanted—just not like this. The strings that come with this offer could break me forever. It’s not even real.
He’ll always choose his political career over his personal life. This work is what he’s always wanted. I can’t just go along and hope he one day changes his mind and sees our relationship as something real. Because if he doesn’t, I’ll be devastated and have wasted a whole lot of time.
The buzzer on my door rings. “Hello?”
“Hey, I’m downstairs. Would you like me to come up?” Walker offers.
Absolutely not. “I’m on my way down.”
I quickly make my way down the stairs and out to the sidewalk. Damn, he looks good. He’s in jeans again and wearing a dark T-shirt with a brown, suede bomber jacket. I take a deep breath to collect myself and align my body and mind.
“You look beautiful,” Walker says.
His bedroom voice has my engine revving.
“So do you.” I steady myself in these sky-high boots.
He has a car service, which surprises me. Although I don’t know why—he has a team wherever he goes. I suppose as a US Attorney, he’s a target for many.
We pile into the back of the Range Rover behind two gentlemen.
“This is Ron and Clarence,” he tells me. “They’re with the US Marshals Service and part of my security team.”
“Are they coming to the party, too?”
He nods. “You won’t notice them. They’ll blend in.”
“We’re going to a party where most of the guests will be single women. Trust me, they’ll be noticed.”
Clarence looks at me in the rearview mirror with a smile.
I turn to Walker. “If you go home with anyone, your story is shot.”
“Why would I go home with anyone other than you?” he asks, rubbing his thumb on my leg.
I remove his hand and give him my best give me a break, look.
“I’m never a dick. I never leave with someone other than the woman I came with. I don’t ask for phone numbers when I’m out with someone else, and…” He leans in close, and I can feel his breath on my neck. “I always make sure she comes at least twice, but I prefer three times, before I do.”
I can do this. I swallow hard as my body begs me to take him back to my apartment and use him. “I’ll be introducing you as my date,” I announce. “Not because I’ve agreed to this elaborate setup you’re concocting, but as a way to shoot fear through the heart of my former employer.”
“You’ll be the center of my universe this evening. WBC will eat their hearts out.” He rests his hand on my thigh, and I allow it to stay. I shudder. How can my body be so traitorous?
The drive across town is slow, but we’re only a bit late. When we walk in, I’m expecting maybe ten or fifteen people, but every single associate is here—plus all the paralegals and support staff. The only ones missing are the partners of the firm. I’m stunned.
The drinks are soon flowing, and it’s a night of tears and celebration. I can’t explain why I was fired, because I really don’t understand it myself. But I talk to each person and meet everyone’s spouses, partners, or friends. Most are shocked—not only by the situation but at my date. Many of the women seem impressed.
“You’re dating Walker Clifton?” one paralegal asks. “You know the partners are going to shit a brick.”
“Holy cow, that man oozes sexuality,” adds an associate. “Please tell me he’s hung and knows how to use it.”
“Damn, that man is fine,” someone else breathes.
Whenever I look at him, and Walker is watching me, and he’s smiling.
“Girl, he’s so into you.” Trinity Watson, one of my former associates, shakes her head. “How long have you been keeping him secret?”
We share great stories and memories, and by the end of the night, I’ve had too many drinks. But that doesn’t stop me from standing on a chair and addressing the group.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you all being here. You’re the best team of lawyers and support staff I’ve ever worked with. You’re smart, talented, and have the dedication to get it all done. Thank you. I know I said this to many of you, but right now, I’m not sure what I’m going to do next. I would work with any of you again. Please be sure to keep in touch. I’m not sure how difficult WBC is going to be about my non-solicitation—”
“I’ll fight that battle for you,” Brenda, the office manager, yells.
“Thank you. I may need all the help I can get.” I grin.
“This is a discrimination suit if I ever saw one,” Katie Sullivan, another associate, yells from the back of the room. I think she’s had too much to drink too, but everyone seems to agree with her.
I put my hands together and bow to them all. “Thank you all for the time we had together. Now, see that guy over there?” I point over at Walker. “Go give him and his office hell.”
Everyone laughs. I pose for a few photos with friends, and Walker is close as we say our goodbyes. I’m almost the last to leave, and I linger with Cindy and Raven.
“As I negotiate my exit, my plan is to ask them to let you come with me,” I tell them. “But I’ll drop it if you’d rather I didn’t.”
“I would be happy to join you. You let me know, and I’ll quit immediately,” Cindy promises.
“I will,” I assure her. “And Raven, I can’t imagine starting a practice without you. If they’ll let you go, I would love it if you’d be my partner. Though I’ll warn you, the pay comes from billables, and we don’t have any clients yet.”
“Are you kidding?” Raven says. “Elena fired the firm today, as did SHN and about a dozen other clients when Greg couldn’t give them a good reason why you suddenly left. I think you should also negotiate for Mary, Louie, and Michele. I know Brenda plans on retiring, but she might give you a year or two to get your firm off the ground.”
“I think you’re imagining things.” I glance over at Brenda, who’s giving Walker the third degree about something.