Page 128 of Snowbound Threat

“He’s new. Sometimes he gets distracted and doesn’t get done with his paperwork. When that happens, Counselor, who do you think has to do it? Since I’m currently occupied withyourcase, wouldn’t you like me to be focused on it instead of what he didn’t finish?”

I glare at him. Hot and cold.

That’s what he is.

“You still didn’t have to be rude. He was just making me coffee.”

“I didn’t realize you needed help.” Shawn turns to leave the break room without ever refreshing his own cup of coffee. I glare after him.

How did I ever find myself attracted to someone like that?

And I suppose the better question is: Why does he still make my heart beat faster whenever he looks my direction?

By the time I get back to the conference room, he’s already seated in the same place he was when I left.

Before I have the chance to take my seat, my phone rings. After lifting it, I check the readout, and frustration eats away at what’s left of my patience for the day. I could let it go to voicemail, but he’ll just keep calling.

“I told you I’m not interested.” The moment the words leave my lips, Shawn’s head snaps up with such force I’m surprised he didn’t give himself whiplash.

“And I told you that people don’t tell me no, Ms. Wallace. I’m a man who gets what he wants.”

“Except when I wiped the floor with you in court,” I snap.

This earns a slight grin from Shawn.

“That was business. I’m hoping our relationship can become a bit more personal.”

“I’m sure you are, but I’m going to say this as plainly as I can. I am not interested in any way, shape, or form. It has nothing to do with my dead husband—as you so eloquently put it last night—and everything to do with the fact that even being in the same room as you makes my skin crawl.”

He’s quiet for a moment. “Which means I’m under your skin.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose.Is he serious?How do I get the point across that I amnotinterested when he clearly has no respect for me or the wordno?

The phone is plucked from my hand before I realize Shawn has gotten up and crossed the room.

“I don’t know who you are, and I don’t care,” he growls into the line. “What I do care about is the fact that you are harassing Beckett. So, leave her alone, or I’m going to personally come visit and make sure you get it through your thick skull that she is not interested in you. Got it?”

Shawn’s gaze levels on mine, and warmth spreads through me. I should be mad that he grabbed the phone, right? I can handle myself. But the way he’s watching me erases any anger I might have had if it had beenanyoneelse who snatched the phone out of my hands.

“You’d better remember that before you pick up the phone to call her again.” He ends the call and offers me the phone.

The break in eye contact is enough to snap me back to reality. “I was handling that.”

“I know you were. And I had every intention of leaving it to you until you said he accused your lack of interest as being related to your ‘dead husband’. A man who would say that is a man who isn’t going to back down until someone makes him. I may have just saved you the trouble of an assault charge on what I’m sure is a squeaky-clean record.”

“He’s a lawyer, and you essentially threatened him.”

Shawn barks out a laugh that catches me off guard. “Then let him come out here and deliver that news to me in person.”

I stare at him, unable to tear my gaze away.

He’s smiling.

Actuallysmiling.

Clearing my throat, I force my attention away from him and take my seat. “You’re probably right about him, and to be honest, every time my phone has dinged or rung since last night, I’ve been irritated, thinking it was him. So, thanks.”

Shawn nods. “You’re welcome, Beckett.”