Free Unable to Resist by Cassie Graham Page B

tough demeanor cracking, and I react. Bringing her into my embrace, she tucks her head into the crook of my neck and softly cries.
    I soothingly rub her back, and murmur encouraging words. “Hey, it’s alright. I’m here.”
    Why am I saying stuff like that to her? I’m her lawyer. Nothing can happen. My hand stills at my realization.
    Fuck, nothing can happen.
    I want her, so fucking much. She puts on a good front, but I see she’s hiding so much. I want to dive into her life and be there for her.
    Yet—I can’t.
    She looks up at me through her tears and shakes her head. “It’s not like you can go with me,” she says, crushed.
    Tiny bits of hope sprout. Actually, since I’m her lawyer, I can.
    “If you want me to come, I can. I’m your lawyer. If you want me there, I’ll go with you. You don’t have to be alone.”
    She instantly relaxes in my arms, and takes a deep breath.
    “Okay. I definitely want you with me. When do we need to leave?”
    Fuck, it shouldn’t make me happy, but hearing her say she wants me there makes me fucking ecstatic.
    What the fuck am I doing?
    I look at my watch, I can probably get us a flight today.
    “Let me look up flights and we can leave as soon as possible. Would that be okay? Can you leave on such short notice?”
    She nods. “Yeah, my friends can run the shop while I’m gone. I can buy my own ticket Duane. You don’t have to do that.”
    I squeeze her one last time, resisting the urge to kiss her head and go to sit behind my desk.
    “It’s no problem. This way we sit together. If you feel the need, you can pay me back.”
    She wipes under her eyes and straightens up.
    “Alright. My best friend lives there. I can stay with him. He lives in a huge house, with plenty of room. I don’t know the correct protocol, but he has room for you as well.”
    It’s not a good idea for me to stay there—or anywhere with her. I shouldn’t cross any lines while I’m invested in her case. Plus, if I’m being honest with myself, knowing she is just a few feet away from me, it’ll be hard to keep myself in check.
    I smile at her gesture. “Thank you, but I’ll just stay at a hotel. That way you can visit with your friend, and I can stay out of the way.”
    I’m trying to sound like the responsible one, but I don’t really sound convincing in my own ears.
    Sadness flashes over her features, and she wiggles in her seat, seeming incredibly uncomfortable with the situation. Then, just as I see the sadness, it’s gone. Poof. Nothing. No emotion.
    I don’t know which one is worse.
    She picks at her sexy frayed shorts and the silence grows thick between us.
    God, I’m a prick.
    I redirect my attention to my computer, and pull up some travel options.
    As I scan the screen, my brain keeps trying to rationalize my feelings for her.
    She’s gorgeous, that’s obvious. I’m insanely attracted to her. I haven’t been into a woman in this way in ages. Pathetic, but it’s true. She also makes me laugh, she’s quick witted, making me think she’s probably a feisty one, which is something I’ve yet to find in a woman. She’s successful from what I gather, and makes her own way. Did she say she owns a shop?
    The biggest thing of all though? She has a big heart, a huge capacity to love. I can see it in her eyes; they speak volumes. Those crystal clear, blue eyes are a window to her gentle soul. I find myself wanting to peek into that damn window to watch her.
    Like a stalker. Duane? Really?
    I click on a flight and purchase our tickets. I don’t bother telling her the amount. I would never take her money, no matter how much she insisted.
    Confirming our flights, I turn to her. “Okay, our flight leaves at noon. Let’s go pack and I’ll pick you up at eleven. Sound okay?”
    She hides an eager expression, looking down at her lap.
    “Yeah, that sounds good. I’ll see you soon.”
    With that, she gets up and practically runs out of my office.

The moment Duane’s arms unexpectedly