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Olivia
I have no idea how long I have been sitting here when there's a knock on my office door. I'm in the middle of writing a really important brief; just a few more words and my work on the Gunder case is done. I raise my hand before the person can get the chance to talk, making sure no one can interrupt me.
I take my hand back down and type the last word before looking up at a very amused Daniel Parker standing in the doorway to my office. His smirk is so alluring. I am sure he is a great lawyer, not only because his name is on the door and his appearance, but the way he holds himself, tall and confident. And when he speaks, everyone wants to listen, and everyone seems to admire or fear him.
"Hi," is all I say, feeling a bit ashamed. I had just put my hand up, stopping him from speaking. I don't want my boss to think I'm rude.
"Hello," he replies and walks into my humble office. He looks around before he sits down in the chair across from me, unbuttoning his dark blue suit jacket. To be honest, having him in my office is a bit uncomfortable; I'm not used to have the boss in here. Usually Mr. Smith summons me if he needs anything.
"So, I hear you're the best."
"Yes, I am," I agree confidently. Daniel nods; he looks impressed and surprised by my honesty. I'm bragging; it's the truth.
I didn't get this office instead of a cubical for no reason. I have always loved research. My father wanted me to be a lawyer because that was what he did. My love for the law comes from him. But, while I studied pre-law, I worked for a small law firm as a paralegal and I fell in love with that job. Everyone in my family found it strange, and my father was furious with me. We haven't really talked much since our last fight. When he told me no one wants to be just a paralegal for the tenth time, I'd had enough, and we had a massive fight. For me that wasn't true. I had found my dream job, and my dad wouldn't change my mind no matter how ashamed he was by it. So yes, I am confident in what I do.
"We'll see. You're working with me on a case," he replies bluntly, not really giving me a choice. I would have said yes either way; he is my boss after all, but he still could have asked out of courtesy.
"I have a few other things I need to get done, and then I'm all yours" I state, trying to keep my answer polite, hiding the distaste I feel by the way he speaks to me.
He gets up from the chair he just sat down in, closing the button on his jacket again.
"Be in my office seven forty-five tomorrow morning," he declares before he walks out, closing the door behind him. No wonder why people fear him; he is an asshole. A hot asshole, but still an asshole. Doesn't he want people to like him?
I look at my calendar, plotting in the meeting, blacking out my entire day. I can't be sure how much time he will need from me. I'm not even sure what we will be working on.
I look at the time; it's almost five, and I'm still not done with everything I have to do for the day. I need to finish everything before I leave since I don't know when I'll be able to work on it again. It's not like Daniel gave me a timetable or anything.
I sigh. I'm so far behind that I didn't even have time for lunch with Helena today, and I was so excited to get to hear more about the horrible date from last night. I get up from my chair; it feels good stretching my legs. I have been sitting for hours. I look at my phone; another missed call from my mom, followed up with a text.
From Mom
Hi hun, hope you are ok. Can you please call me, I miss you.
Lots of love, Mom.
My mom knows how to pull on my heartstrings, but I really don't have time today, so I text her back, promising to call tomorrow. I have broken that promise before, but not on purpose. This job just means a lot to me, almost all my time goes into it, and my parents just don't understand. I put my phone back down before I walk out of the office and over to the library.
It's a beautiful room. The smell of leather-bound books hits me, and I take a deep breath, loving the sent. The room is huge, going between two floors, with books from floor to ceiling on every wall, a few tables and chairs standing here and there. Usually there is someone sitting around reading documents or books, but not tonight. The room is completely empty. I have finally started to get acquainted with the library; not having to ask someone what section to go to anymore feels great.
I walk down the stairs and over to one of the bookshelves, searching for the right book. I mumble the books names as my fingers run over them. I know it is supposed to be here.
All of a sudden, I feel a muscular body stopping behind me; his cologne is all to recognizable. Chris, one of the junior partners at the firm. He has been asking me out on a date every week since the day I started working here. He is handsome, tall, and has a nicely built body. He sports dark blond hair, blue eyes, an always perfectly shaven face, and a little too white smile. But I have never really felt the connection between us; maybe he is to self-centered or maybe I'm just really picky. There is just something about him that sends shivers down my spine, and not in a good way. I have been working with him on the Gunder case with him, and I'm relieved that it's done; now I don't have to talk with him on a daily basis.
"Hi, Chris." I sigh, pushing him gently away from me, and at the same time, taking a step back. Chris is always dancing on that fine line between approved and not approved.
"So, are you done soon? Maybe we could grab a drink?" he propositions, and I turn back to the books rolling my eyes.
"I can't. I'm guessing I'll be here at least until midnight," I lie, knowing very well I only have a few more documents to fill out. He nods and take a step towards me.
"Maybe another night then?" He places his hands on my waist, turning me to look at him. For me, this is to close for comfort. I push him away again, a bit more harshly this time.
"Chris, I have told you before I don't date co-workers, and if you don't want me to file sexual harassment complaint on you, don't ever touch me like that again!" I hiss, and Chris backs off me, putting his hands in the air, but he doesn't give up just yet.
"Don't worry about that honey. We're not co-workers; I'm a lawyer and you're a paralegal."
I narrow my eyes, glaring at him. I don't enjoy the condescending tone of the 'honey' he just slapped me with. It's pretty obnoxious, to be honest. One of many reasons I don't like him.
"As long as we work for the same firm, we are co-workers. I might not be a lawyer, but I sure as hell know more about the law than you do," I snap at him before turning my head back to the books.
"Your loss," he answers, his tone less self-confident than a minute ago.
Happy to find the book I was looking for, I grab it and walk over to the stairs. Walking up, I can feel Chris's eyes on me. I'm sure his face is bright red from a mix of embarrassment and anger. At least I hope that's what he feels, but knowing him, he'll try again soon.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8r8aGhhnW
