I came home to scattered papers, empty coffee cups and an enraged Alex yelling down the phone to some poor, defenceless guy.
"I don't think you understand the severity of the situation, Mr. Nolan," he informed. "This child is living in an abusive environment and needs appropriate care. ASAP!"
I quietly snuck past and dumped my books on the sofa, feeling strangely provoked by the conversation taking place only metres away.
"Thank you. I appreciate your urgency," he replied, calming down some. "Call me if anything changes."
He hung up and threw his phone on the table, prompting me to take action. I left the sofa and approached him from behind, wary of his current state.
"Alex?" I whispered, desperate to touch him, though holding back for the sake of my ego.
He spun around at the sound of my voice, apologetic in his stance.
"Sorry, I didn't hear you come in."
"Is everything okay?" I asked, stepping closer.
By now, we were mere inches a part.
I could feel his desperation as each breath he released fanned my cheek. His body shook with rage and I felt it in my every fibre to soothe him.
Screw it!
Without hesitation, I pulled him in for a hug, caressing his suit covered back as I went. His muscles tensed as I held him, though the tremors noticeably disappeared.
"Ebony," he whispered, muffled by my hair.
His hands snaked their way around my back, protective as ever.
"I won't settle until I know the child is safe."
I pulled back an inch and held his cheek. "You're a good man."
"I'm a stressed man," he replied, throwing in a humorous laugh.
He purposely pulled at his tie, seemingly desperate to loosen it.
"Do you have any more work to do today?" I questioned, focused on his eyes.
It was six PM but I still felt the need to ask. Alex's working hours were not common knowledge and as a lawyer, I didn't like to assume.
"I'm done for the day. Just waiting for confirmation on the child's safety."
I nodded, chewing on my bottom lip.
"You wanna grab some food? Wait this thing out with me?"
"Love to." He smirked and I swear it went straight to my panties.
Jesus!
"What do you feel like eating?" I asked, grabbing my purse and swapping my leather jacket for my denim one.
It was warm out and I didn't want to sweat in front of this gorgeous man anymore than I had to.
Damn, Tallahassee heat!
"I'm easy. You pick, darling."
Darling!
"Oh...umm...Chinese?"
"Great. I'll drive," he insisted, grabbing his keys.
He led me outside to his car; a rather sexy looking BMW in the colour red.
"You drive this?" I asked, practically gawking.
I wasn't a car lover by any means but even I knew this was the type of car that made other cars jealous.
"Yes, why?" He chuckled, opening the door for me.
I waited until he entered the drivers side before answering.
"It's something I expect a rich person to drive."
"Who says I'm not rich?" he replied, face neutral.
I knew from Jason that he came from a wealthy family, though something about the way in which he handled the steering wheel told me he was proud. That he'd earned this car with his own hard work.
"Maybe I should be a lawyer." I joked. "Then I'll get to drive around in fancy cars all day."
"Or at least marry one," he countered, throwing me a cheeky smirk.
Oh, he's good.
We drove to a restaurant down town, parked the car and found ourselves snugly situated in a booth. The waitress took our food and drink orders, returning shortly after with our cokes.
"So, how was class today?" he asked, sipping from his drink.
I momentarily lost myself to the motion of him swallowing, far too excited by an action deemed an everyday occurrence. Why was everything so damn sexy on this man?
"Great. I'm doing voluntary hours at an elementary school as of next week. I can't wait."
"Will this be your first time in a school environment?" he enquired, staring deep into my eyes.
"No." I shook my head, if anything just to break the spell I was currently under. "I did a lot of hours in my second year. This will be the last time before I graduate."
"Then you'll be a teacher for real. Responsible for your own class."
I grinned. "Can't wait."
He beamed at me.
"Have you always wanted to be a lawyer?" I questioned, noticing our food's arrival.
"Yes."
Our waitress left us with our plates and hurried off, leaving us alone once gain. Alex talked about his time at college and expressed an interest in advertising, all awhile I ate. He explained that in the end, family law was his real passion, resulting in his chosen career. He dug into his meal soon after and carried on asking me questions, which I often returned. Slowly, we were finding out more about each other and it felt great just chatting. At no point was our conversation one sided. For every question I asked, Alex asked two. He seemed genuinely interested in my studies and looked as me with so much interest as I talked, I couldn't help but blush from time to time.
"Thanks for this, Ebony," he stated, after we finished up.
"For what?"
"Distracting me while I wait. It was kind of you to suggest this."
"That's okay. I've enjoyed hanging out with you," I ensured, shooting him a smile over the rim of my glass.
"Usually it's the other way around," he replied, momentarily confusing me. "You're supposed to take the girl out for dinner first before sleeping with her."
I instantly laughed, unable to hold my amusement back.
"Oh my God," I expressed, practically gasping for air. "I guess we did do things a little backwards, huh?"
He nodded, then winked.
"Did you mean what you said in your text?" I asked. "About picking up your boxers from my bedroom tonight?
I blushed as a result of my question but pushed past it, wanting to know more behind his motive.
He shrugged, suddenly unsure of himself. "I meant it. I'm just not sure you're ready."
Just as I opened my mouth to speak, the waitress came over to clear the plates and landed the bill on our table. Alex insisted on covering it, doing so on a confident smile.
"Thanks for dinner," I said, climbing into his car.
As we drove back to the apartment, we were sucked into a comfortable silence. The car's radio was the only thing keeping us company until Alex finally spoke up, startling me slightly as the sun set above us.
"You'll make a great teacher one day, Ebony."
His words were a little out of the blue and made me surprisingly emotional.
"Thank you, Alex. That's really sweet," I replied, turning in my seat to face him. "I think you already make a fantastic lawyer. Your earlier phone conversation is proof of that."
"I didn't mean to scare you," he insisted, keeping his eyes trained on the road ahead.
"You didn't. I found it sexy."
His smirk was insufferable by the time we arrived back at the apartment complex and although saying nothing, our body language spoke a thousand words. Sexual tension charged between us. So much so, it was bordering on painful. I didn't know it could be like this. I was desperate, needy. Smitten.
For the other brother.
****
Did my two babies just have their first date without realising it?
Also, who's ready for some FIRE?
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