Driven to Date by Susan Hatler Read Free Book Online Page B

support their former colleague in his new endeavors, but probably just to suck up to the partners who were all present in the conference room.
    “Hey, Jill.” Troy Monaghan grabbed a seat next to me and took a huge bite of a roast beef and provolone on garlic ciabatta.
    “How are things in the Social Security Department?” I poured some champagne into a plastic flute and took a sip.
    “Same.” Troy shrugged, then leaned toward me with his garlic breath. “What do you suppose Charlie and Stan are talking about?”
    “Who knows?” I watched the odd pair, one tall and lanky, the other short and stout. I watched Charlie’s serious expression as he chatted with his former boss. I knew Charlie hadn’t loved working for Stan, and that had been one of the deciding factors in his going into business for himself.
    Troy looped his arm around me. “Maybe you and I should start our own firm together.”
    I tried not to laugh, because his handsome facial expression was serious. He was a decent attorney, but I had the distinct feeling I’d be doing most of the work in a business with him. “That’s flattering, but I don’t think so.”
    Hopefully, I’d be moving on to a new firm soon, anyway. One where I’d work for a woman just as career driven as me.
    “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.” Troy stood, lifting his empty plate. “A few of us are heading downtown to go bar hopping. You should come. It’ll be fun.”
    My chest warmed at the invitation, but I waved a hand. “Not tonight,” I said, since I had a ton of extra work due to time spent on another irritating report Ryan asked me to write in the Somerset case. “You have fun though.”
    “Alright. Say hi to Val for me.” Troy paused to shake Charlie’s hand before heading out, squeezing past Ryan who was coming through the doorway.
    Champagne fizzed on my tongue as I watched Stan Corbett chuckle at something Charlie said to him. Working with Charlie the past five years had been ideal. He was intelligent, honest, and I had a lot of respect for him. Although it really was better for him to move on, my throat tightened and my tummy squeezed. I didn’t want him to leave.
    “Sorry to see him go?” Ryan set his plate on the table, then slipped into the seat next to me. He was late to the party, but I knew he had a scheduled conference call with a defense attorney on one of the premise liability cases.
    I glanced up at Ryan, who wore a black suit, blue collared shirt, and a tie that was loosened at the neck. He must’ve had a court appearance today since he never dressed up for the office. It disturbed me that he looked as hot dressed up as he did casual. “Charlie was very easy to work with.”
    His gaze held mine. “That’s not what I asked.”
    “I’m sure we’ll keep in touch.” I didn’t want to confide in Ryan about how I really felt about Charlie leaving—it was too tied in with the fact that he’d taken Charlie’s place.
    “We will most definitely keep in touch.” Charlie appeared before us, and Stan Corbett ambled toward the exit with the other partners. “How about lunch with Ethan when he returns from his honeymoon?”
    “Sounds great.” I forced a smile, blinking back tears. Then I stood, and set my empty flute on the table. The last few people meandered toward the exit. Looked like this party was wrapping up.
    Charlie smiled languidly. “How are things going for you, Ryan? Jill showing you the ropes around here?”
    Ryan rose to his feet, and winked at me. “I get the feeling she’d like to hang me by a rope.”
    Charlie laughed. “Jill is an incredible attorney, but she’s severely under valued at this firm.”
    Ryan straightened, then leveled Charlie with a serious gaze. “If that’s true, things will change now that I’m here.”
    I scoffed. “Just so you know, making me document my progress on a case I’ve handled for years doesn’t exactly scream trust or appreciation.”
    Ryan opened his mouth as if