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“We’ve got a situation.” My younger partner’s usual cocky greeting is absent, his tone tense. “Will you be back tonight?”

“We’ll probably leave in about an hour. Melissa needs to pick up Dex at her mother’s—”

“Toni called. She’s in trouble.” My chest tightens at his words. This fucking snowball just keeps getting bigger. “It’s better if we discuss it in private, but it can’t wait.”

“I’ll drop Melissa off and head over as soon as we get in.”

“Meet me at the satellite office in town.”

Disconnecting, I notice Melissa has joined me. She’s standing at the large windows gazing out over downtown. Based on her expression, I know she’s curious about my early calls. Melissa is one of the smartest people I know, and the fact I’ve been able to keep my shit from her so long blows my mind.

“Everything okay?” She gives me a little smile, and dammit, she’s so beautiful. Her dark waves ripple over her shoulders, and she’s wearing a satin pajama top that displays her long, smooth legs.

I can’t tell her what Patrick said, so I say what I can. “Stuart called. Nikki gave her notice Friday.”

Her mouth drops open. “Nikki loves working for you guys! What happened?”

“I’m not sure. Stuart’s only been in Princeton a week, but apparently there’s a story.”

Crossing her arms, I can see her brain working behind those beautiful blue eyes. “It doesn’t make any sense. Nikki was excited he was coming back. She managed to work it into nearly every text or email she sent me leading up to his arrival.” Quiet settles over us, her eyes slowly move to mine. Despite all my conflict, warmth spreads across my chest. Stepping closer, I slide my hands over her hips, around her waist.

“Are you going to let her go?” she asks softly.

“Stuart will have to make that decision.” Pulling her closer, I drop my chin and take a deep inhale at the top of her head. Ocean roses. “I know you like her, but trust me. Nikki can be a challenge as a secretary.”

Her arms are still crossed, and I can tell by her tone, she’s not buying it. “That explains why Stuart might fire her. Why would she quit?”

“I’ll know tomorrow.”

“So you’re going to talk to her about it?” Arms uncrossed, she returns my embrace at last. I love holding her this way. I love her holding onto me.

“I’ll talk to Stuart first. He couldn’t discuss it in front of Mariska.”

Again she’s quiet, thinking. “You think this has something to do with Mariska?”

I exhale and kiss her head. “If it were Patrick, I’d say yes without hesitation, but Stuart’s different. He keeps it in his pants.”

Pulling back, she barely hides her surprise. “You think he slept with Nikki?”

“I’m not jumping to any conclusions. The reason Stuart and I agreed to start this firm is because of how alike we are. If something happened, my guess is it was before he left the last time.”

“He wasn’t planning to come back.”

I nod, remembering the night he left. He was pretty jazzed about going overseas. I left him and Nikki alone together at the bar. “Three years is a long time to keep a secret,” I say, thinking out loud.

Her eyes narrow, and I realize I’ve given her an opening. “Even three months is a long time.”

One problem at a time. I turn my gaze out the window and watch the bright green trees swaying in the early spring breeze. “Sometimes people have reasons for keeping quiet.”

Chapter 3: Secrets

Melissa

Loud, impatient squeals echo from Dex’s room down the hall, forcing my eyes open. Looking around our bedroom, I see no signs of his father. He’d been late again last night after meeting with Patrick, and I wouldn’t have known he was back if he hadn’t pulled me into his arms in the darkness.

Our son is only playfully complaining, so I take a moment to reflect on last night. It’s the second time in a row I’ve gone to bed alone. Combined with Derek’s increasing withdrawal, it’s getting to be more than I can take.

Last night, when his strong arms circled my waist, pulling my back against his chest, it wasn’t like his usual embrace. His face moved into my hair, against my neck. “Melissa...” His voice cracked in a low whisper against my skin.