Free The Law of Attraction by Jay Northcote Page B

you’ll be free of distractions and able to get back to business as usual , he told himself firmly. Nothing else was an option.
    He shook himself free of stupid fantasies and dragged his attention back to Henry, who was waiting for him to reply.
    “Absolutely. I’m sure I can fit in a round of golf sometime. It’s been a while, though. I fear my swing may need as much polishing as my clubs.”
    Henry chuckled. “It will all come back to you, like riding a bicycle. I’ll have my PA call yours when the weather gets a little warmer, and we can set something up.”
    Alec noticed Belinda watching him, her clever eyes narrow and thoughtful. He’d never been able to hide anything from her. That was why she was the only person to know about his sexuality. He had a feeling she was going to get this new secret out of him too.
    Sure enough, she rounded on him as soon as they got into the taxi after dinner. “Are you going to tell me what’s up with you? Or am I going to have to drag it out of you?”
    Alec could feel her expectant gaze on him. He avoided looking at her, focusing on the street outside instead as their cab pulled into the traffic. It was busy in Covent Garden tonight.
    “It’s nothing. Just work stress.”
    “Don’t give me that bullshit, Alec Rowland. I’ve seen work stress on you before—it’s a constant state—and this is not it. You’ve been distracted all evening. Now spill.”
    There was a long pause. Alec bit his lip and frowned, reluctant to put his dilemma into words.
    “Alec?” Concern crept into Belinda’s voice and she put a perfectly manicured hand on his knee. “You’re worrying me now. Are you ill or something?”
    “God, no. Stop being such a drama queen. It’s nothing like that. I just….” He turned to her and lowered his voice. “I met someone a couple of weeks ago, and by ‘met’ I mean fucked. And then he showed up at work. He’s the new guy on my team.”
    Her eyes flew wide and her mouth softened into a gentle “oh” of understanding. Because if anyone knew how closely he’d guarded his secret and how deep his fear of discovery was, it was Belinda.
    “Does anyone else know?” she asked.
    “No.”
    “Is he out?”
    “Yes. Out and proud. He makes it look so fucking easy.” Bitterness flooded Alec’s words.
    She squeezed his knee in sympathy. “I can see it must be freaking you out having to work with him. But surely he just wants to do his job. Can’t you both pretend it never happened?”
    Alec let out a bitter chuckle. “If only.”
    She frowned, the cogs turning, and Alec saw the inevitable realisation dawn.
    “Oh my God . After all these years, someone’s finally got to you? Fucking hell. I didn’t think it was possible. Mr No Strings Attached is finally hooked.”
    He didn’t bother to try denying it. What was the point? “If you could sound less gleeful about it, that would help.” He glared at her. “This isn’t something to be excited about. It’s a fucking disaster.”
    The taxi was pulling up outside Belinda’s flat now.
    “Okay, yes, sorry. I didn’t mean to be callous. I’m just in shock.” She took his hand. “You’re coming in for a drink. This conversation isn’t over.”
    Alec was a lawyer. He knew when negotiation was possible and when it was a waste of oxygen. Anyway, a drink sounded like a great idea.
    Inside her flat, Belinda switched on the lamps and kicked off her heels.
    “Sit,” she said, walking to the drinks cabinet to fetch glasses and a bottle.
    Alec sat. Belinda’s sofa was an enormous thing covered in red suede, with black-and-white polka-dot cushions.
    “Whisky okay for you, darling?”
    “Yes, thanks.” Alec was already anticipating the comforting burn in his throat and the fire in his belly.
    “So, tell me about him.” She curled up at the opposite end of the sofa, facing him. “I want to know everything.”
    Alec took a deep breath and launched into an account of their meeting. He edited out some of