"You're such an asshole."
Beau McGraw looked up from the deposition transcript on his glass topped desk to see a pile of blonde curls blocking the doorway to his office. Maria Ortega. The grey bespoke blazer was pulled extra tight due to her hands on her hips.
A memory of a different blonde, this time with straight hair, in that same stance floated to the surface. Only she'd been wearing a red dress and asking why he hadn't gotten her the necklace she wanted for Valentine's Day. Why didn't he want her to be happy? Didn't he love her? It was during that conversation he'd decided the ring in his sock drawer would have to stay there until it could be returned. The relationship lasted another week.
As the thought drifted away, he noted the curves that were evident thanks to a well-tailored suit that cost more than most people's rent
"Well,"
He thought, setting down the red pen he'd been using to markup answers that could be attacked on cross-examination.
"This should be good."
The black leather squeaked slightly as he straightened in his seat. It was the only older piece in the otherwise modern room. Sleek minimalist shelves housing his double diplomas from Cornell. Junior year of high school, his number one criteria for college was location. He'd wanted some space but not too much space. Just enough to figure out what he wanted to do with his life while still coming home on weekends. Much to his dismay he'd taken one philosophy class and fell in love, destined to follow the family legacy of lawyers.
"You're going to have to be more specific." His wide grin was met with an eye roll as Maria stepped into the room, letting the opaque glass door swing shut. A soft clicked announced that the automatic lock has successfully engaged. Clearly this wasn't going to be quick. Beau leaned one elbow on the armrest, awaiting an accusation.
Surely this wasn't about the morning team meeting. To be fair, his eyes
had
been glued across the table as often as he could manage without letting anyone notice. Usually it was easier to focus on the meeting itself. Sadie McGraw always made it a point to be in attendance. Not only as founding partner of McGraw Byrne who had a vested interest in the team's success on multimillion dollar cases, but as his aunt who had a vested interest in his career specifically. And Gabe Ricci, Sadie's second-in-command, took no bullshit when it came to status updates. The shame of admitting he hadn't finished the deposition transcripts was bad enough without having been caught unawares.
But everyone was a bit out of sorts since Martin had arrived early and snagged Maria's usual spot next to Gabe. No doubt in an effort to literally elbow his way up in the competition for the newest partner position at McGraw and Byrne. The rest of the team had played a short game of musical office chairs before settling in. This left Beau with his back to the door, facing Maria. Taking notes couldn't keep his attention on the right side of the white marble table. Not when the floor to ceiling windows framed her like a masterpiece. If she was a painting, she'd be called
Diligence
. Taking in every word from Martin's update on working through the discovery files. Marking a note down on the legal pad. When the idea was particularly exciting, the pen flew across the page. Its owner slightly bent over, letting her necklace thump against her sternum. It made him wonder what sounds she'd make if he kissed that spot. While it would likely end in a well-deserved slap and a one way ticket to Human Resources, he couldn't help but enjoy the mental picture. That was, until she made eye contact.
"Beau?"
"Yeah?" He must've been less composed than usual because the corner of her mouth ticked up in a smirk. Not an unkind one. But definitely amused.
"It's your turn." Came the gentle prompt. The reality of the situation had come crashing into place. Everyone was staring. Gabe's eyebrows had knit together in faint annoyance. Martin was practically vibrating with glee, not doubt mentally calculating how this would improve his own standing in the rankings. At least Gigi had taken the opportunity to consult her work phone to diffuse the embarrassment. Nothing worse that everyone looking at you. But Aislinn Tanaka and Sadie wore twin looks of mild concern. It could've been a trick of the light, but Sadie's looked a shade more disappointed. He cleared his throat.
"Of course. Thanks. McAllister has refreshed their retainer, so I plan to move forward interviewing experts this afternoon."
"Stealing my idea in front of Rothswell and Sadie." This he could handle. It was way easier to talk to a coworker about taking credit for their idea than confront a crush on said coworker. And he was crushing. Hard. She'd walked in the room the first day and his usual conversational skills abandoned him. Far from professional, the curt answers probably came off as rude. But there wasn't much else he could have done at the time.
More than one team member had had the same reaction, if Gabe's lingering looks were anything to go by. The other associates might not have noticed, but they didn't seem like the most emotionally intelligent bunch. But Beau couldn't wasn't much better. He'd had to stop himself from flirting more than once. It was easier to behave in a group setting, especially when Sadie was around. Nothing less sexy than spitting game in front of your aunt.
But then they spent more time together during the course of the competition. Digging through discovery files. When she offered to pick up coffee for everyone, he found himself standing to join her. Using the excuse of stretching his legs when all he wanted was one on one time. And not with a mountain of paperwork separating them.
She'd smiled at the barista and his heart fluttered all the way down to the floor. What would it take for Maria to look at him that way? So far the answer to that question remained elusive.
"I'm surprised Martin didn't beat me to the punch." The accompanying shoulder shrug earned narrowed eyes as she marched to the front of his desk, bypassing the two chairs altogether.
"That's because Martin at least thinks a few steps ahead. What you did was incredibly short sighted. Sure, Rothswell was impressed but the whole team knows what you did." She leaned forward, palms flat on the desk brown eyes boring into his. "Gabe knows what you did."
Swallowing did nothing to wet his suddenly dry throat. Leaning back couldn't distance himself from the truth.
