With the weight of that case now cast off my shoulders, I returned to the office and met with both of my paralegals for the paperwork I would need for them to complete this week to stay on track on my clients and caseload. Tessa can be trusted with just about anything, but Yerelin is still learning. Sometimes relying on someone else to do research and case briefings for me was more stressful than if I’d attempt to the do the work on my own. The reality is though that there is not enough time in the day to do everything that needs to be done on my own, so relinquishing that control is necessary.
I woke up bright and early this morning before my alarm even went off. Squinting, I realized the sun hadn’t crested the sky yet, so I launched myself out of bed and peeked through the window to witness it. I can’t remember the last time I was actually anxious for the day to start, but for some reason, I felt ready to tackle whatever this Tuesday had to throw at me.
I skipped my run since I knew I had my self-defense class this evening, and even though I wouldn’t admit it out loud, part of me was itching to see Javi again.
The words he whispered in my ear about how he likes to fuck have been circling in my mind repeatedly since that morning, the image of him soaking wet in front of me in the middle of Home Dept torturing me at times when I need to focus. I can’t help but think that the exhilaration I felt when my eyes popped open is because I know I’ll get to be in his presence soon. And I swear my thighs are getting a workout from clenching them together each time his face comes to mind. How I went from not knowing who the guy is to craving him is beyond me and my reaction to him is alarming.
“Please tell me you remembered that you offered to watch my children tomorrow night?” Ally’s voice comes through the Bluetooth speaker on my Mustang as I drive to work early, a pleasant result of rising a few minutes earlier than usual this morning.
“Of course I remember. Do you not know who your best friend is? The queen of planners?” It’s true. I have three and use different colored pens for each category of scheduling.
She exhales. “Thank you. I know it sounds sad, but I’m actually looking forward to getting the hair ripped out of my nether regions just so I can get a break from my kids.”
I can’t help but laugh at her. “Who knew a Brazilian wax could actually be like a vacation for a mom?”
“You have no idea. And then the best part is when Collin gets to take pleasure in it. Makes the pain worth it.”
“Well, don’t dawdle though because my appointment with Sonja is right after you.”
“We are on the same wax schedule, huh?”
I nod, even though she can’t see me, and signal to turn into the parking lot of the firm. “Yup. Are we still on for brunch Sunday morning too?”
“Syd, any event that gets me out of the house is one I never forget.”
“Perfect.” I smile and shove the stick shift into park.
“So how’s the self-defense class going?”
As my eyes veer out over the parking lot, I feel my heart rate pick up just at the mention of what I’m looking forward to tonight. “Um, good. I forgot to tell you last night, but Javi actually saved me from the thunderstorm yesterday.”
“Wait? What?”
A small laugh escapes my lips. “Yeah. I was running and it just started raining out of nowhere …”
“Like it does in Texas,” she interrupts.
“Exactly. And he happened to be driving by at the time and offered me a ride to get me out of the rain.”
Ally is silent for a few moments and then the sound of her hum comes through the phone. “Hmmm … so then what happened?”
“He took me to Home Depot with him so he could pick out tile for his kitchen floor.”
“What the hell?” She shouts, and then instantly lowers her voice. My bet is she remembered her kids are still sleeping and this time in the morning is the only peace she’ll get all day until it’s nap time.
“Yeah. It was … interesting.” I debate telling her what Javi said to me about what sex is like with him since I can’t seem to stop thinking about it. But then I glance at the clock on my dash and realize I don’t really have the time.
“Interesting? How?”
“Hey, I’d love to keep chatting, but I need to get into my office to get a head start on the day. I’ll fill you in more tomorrow night when I come by to watch the kids. Or, on Sunday at brunch.”
“You’d better not leave me hanging. I can’t believe that guy … I’m baffled right now.”
I scoff. “Believe me, you and me both. But I gotta go. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Okay. Go kick some ass … or help people plan their deaths, whichever you have to tackle today.”
My chuckle shakes my body as I disconnect my phone from the Bluetooth, stand from the car, gather my purse, and lock the doors behind me, striding toward the front of the building. “I will. Love you, Al.”
“Love you, Syd.”
It seems I’m the first person here, so I use my key to get in and head straight for my office. I
