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Narrowing my eyes, I studied him carefully. Part of me wanted to believe his cavalier attitude, that this could all just blow over without consequences. But the rational side of my brain knew better.
“You make it sound so simple,” I said carefully. “But this... this thing between us, it complicates matters. How can I sit across from you in court, argue against you, try to dismantle your case when I’ve seen you naked? When I’ve had your hands all over me, your mouth on mine?”
Rhett’s eyes darkened at my words, that wicked glint returning. “Is that going to be a problem for you? Being in such proximity after you’ve had my cock buried deep inside you?”
I swallowed hard; my mouth suddenly dry as his crude phrasing sent a jolt of arousal straight to my core. Dammit, why did he have to be so fucking sexy when he talked like that?
Clearing my throat, I struggled to regain my composure. “You’re impossible, you know that?”
“I’m also right.” He stepped closer until his body was just inches from mine, the heat rolling off him in waves. “We can be professional, Scarlett. I have no doubt about that.”
His eyes burned into mine with such intensity, such confidence, that I couldn’t help but be swayed. Maybe he was right. Maybe I was overreacting.
“So, you’re saying, even after this weekend, even after everything we’ve done...” I trailed off, my cheeks flushing at the implication.
Rhett’s gaze drifted down to my lips, and he licked his own slowly. “I’m saying I’ll see you in court, Counselor. And may the best team win.”
The challenge was unmistakable in his tone. Part of me was still worried about the ethics of it all. But another part, a much more primal part, couldn’t wait to go head-to-head with Rhett again - this time with our clothes on.
CHAPTER 14
Scarlett
Of course, when you’re living in Rhettlandia, everything’s easy. Simple. Totally uncomplicated. Not so in Scarletttown, sadly for me. Which was why I had to take Cassidy out to lunch at the diner, away from the buzz of the office, and make a full confession. Fuck.
I slid into the booth across from Cassidy, the vinyl upholstery sticking to the back of my legs. The diner was bustling, the noise of clinking silverware and muffled conversations, but it felt like we were in a bubble, just the two of us and the weight of my shameful secret. I grabbed the menu, not because I needed it—the burger and fries were practically calling my name—but because it gave me something to do, a way to avoid Cassidy’s gaze. I could tell she was desperately curious, and I was being a fucking oddball, but I couldn’t seem to get a grip on myself.
Brayden, the guy that owned the diner, came over with a bottle of water and two glasses filled with ice. “What’ll it be, ladies?”
I mumbled my usual order, not trusting my voice, and Cassidy opted for a Caesar salad.
As Brayden walked away, I found myself staring out the window, my gaze unfocused on the cars passing by.Get on with it.Turning back, I still couldn’t bring myself to look at Cassidy, so I traced the condensation on my glass with a fingertip, giving the action way more focus than necessary.
I guess Cassidy had had enough of my weirdness because she cleared her throat, breaking the silence. “Okay. The suspense is killing me. Spill.”
I took a deep breath, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest.Do it, now.“I’ve, uh, I’ve done something really bad.”
“I see.”
“Yeah, um, like, really, really bad.”
“Okay. I’m starting to freak out a little, so you’re gonna have to hurry up and get to the point.”
“You know how I went to Stef and Grayson’s wedding on the weekend?”
“Yeah.”
“And, um, Rhett was there. He was a groomsman. His suit was really good, like, such a good fit and the waistcoat was really good.” Jesus fuck, I was losing my mind.
Cassidy obviously agreed, since she was staring at me with a slight frown and a confused look in her eyes.
Get it over with, already.“I slept with him. Rhett, I mean. On the weekend. Um, more than once. Like a lot, actually. Can’t even say it was a onetime thing, and I just got carried away.”
The silence that followed was deafening. I braced myself for the fallout, the recriminations that I knew I deserved. God, this wasbeyond awkward. But then Cassidy’s lips curled into a smile. “You and Rhett Rivers. I cannot be hearing this right.”
I watched Cassidy’s face, searching for any signs of judgment, but all I found was a look of pure astonishment, with a side order of amusement.
I let out a nervous chuckle. “Trust me, it surprised me, too.” The words tumbled out before I could stop them.