Page 28 of The Substitute
“Let me take you out Friday night.”
She looks up in surprise. “Like, on a date?”
“People still go on those, don’t they? When they’re attracted to each other and want to ask personal questions?”
She grins once more. “Yes, I’d love to go on a date with you. I’ll cancel the other plans I had.”
I narrow my eyes, feeling jealousy worm its way in. She seems to notice and shakes her head, wraps her arms around my neck, and boosts up onto her toes to kiss me.
“I was going to a party with all my sister-in-law’s cousins. It’s easy to bow out.”
“Over my dead fucking body.”
I stiffen, and Maya whirls at the voice. Neither of us heard the outer door open.
Standing just inside my office is Grayson Sterling.
“What are you doing here?” Maya asks her brother.
“I was in the building for a meeting and thought I’d pop in to say hi.” His face is mutinous as he glares at me. “You’ll keep your fucking hands off my sister.”
I shove said hands into my pockets and rock back on my heels.
“The last I heard, she’s a grown adult, Mr. Sterling.”
“She’s ten years younger than you, Langley. Add to that, you’re a prick, and I don’t trust you.”
“Stop,” Maya says, holding up her hand. “Stop it right now. I am an adult, he’s not a prick to me, and I can kiss anyone I like, Gray.”
“Fuck that.”
“Speaking of being a prick,” I mutter, shaking my head.
“Enough,” Maya says, frowning at both of us. “This is ridiculous.”
Gray shakes his head and stomps out, and Maya flashes me an apologetic grin before rushing after him.
I have to get to the courthouse, so I gather my things, shove them into my briefcase, and hurry out.
Neither Maya nor Gray are at Maya’s desk when I get there, and I frown. I don’t know where they went, and I want to check in with her and make sure she’s okay. But I’m going to be late, so I make a mental note to call her before I walk into the courtroom.
However, when I call, she doesn’t answer.
So, I send her a text.
Me: I’ll pick you up at six on Friday evening. I won’t need you in the office before that. Let me know if you need anything.
Just as I sit at the table in the courtroom, Maya texts back.
Maya: I’m looking forward to it. Good luck. x
Relieved, I turn off the phone and get to work.
Chapter Eight
Maya
“You’re such a jerk.” After replying to Derek, I slip my phone back into my pocket and glare at my brother. I took him down the hall to the conference room so we could argue privately.