Hard Choices by Theresa Ellson Read Free Book Online Page A

hadn’t let go. We were still standing there, staring into each other’s eyes, when Robert said quietly, “Lyssa, I’d like you to meet Aaron Sellers. He’s applying for a summer internship with us.” Oh Robert. I could always count on him to point my compass back to north.
    Aaron released my elbows, but didn’t really step back as he held out his hand. I took his hand in mine and used my firmest grip. He swallowed my hand in both of his and said warmly, sincerely, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lyssa.” For just one second, I was totally taken in. My god, this kid just oozed sex out of every pore… then I heard Molly’s voice in my head: “ That boy is a play-ah, ma sistah!” And I knew. I knew exactly who I was looking at: a man used to getting exactly what he wanted by charming the pants off of willing women.
    In the space of two heartbeats, I felt the reality check hit my brain, and the dreamy smile smeared across my face turned into my normal professional expression. “Hello, Aaron,” I backed up several steps and shook his hand firmly once more. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I take it you were headed to get coffee, Robert?”
    “Yes,” Robert said smoothly, gesturing down the hallway. Aaron released me and I started down the hallway, with Aaron and Robert following me. I glanced back at Aaron, and saw such a look of confusion on his face. I had to suppress a giggle. He wasn’t used to being treated like that – like he was nothing special. He was used to be ogled by women all day. I’d only ogled him for a few seconds. I think it annoyed him.
    “Lyssa, Aaron will finish his second year of law school this May,” Robert deftly continued the conversation.
    “Congratulations, Aaron,” I said in my most professional tone, giving him my most professional smile. “So what brought you to us?” I turned to the cabinet and took out three coffee mugs embossed with “Miller & Associates” on the sides. I poured three mugs and handed them out, then pointed out the sugar and pulled the cream out of the fridge.
    By this time, Aaron had recovered nicely and gotten back into his professional groove. “Well, in school I really enjoy tax law,” Robert and I exchanged a glance at that. We knew we were being schmoozed. “And I think it’s the way I want to go.”
    “Really?” Robert asked. “Why?”
    I fully expected that to trip Aaron up. I fully expected that question to reveal his skin-deep charm. I was wrong.
    “Well, uh,” he stammered a bit. It was adorable. “It’s no secret I come from a family that has been… blessed,” (that was a very classy way of saying “I was raised filthy rich.” Humble, too. Dear Lord.) “but I’ve seen the flip side of that, too. Tax law is somewhere where, sure, you’re going to have a lot of really wealthy clients, but you’re also going to have a chance to help the little guy – that guy who inherited a family business he’s dying to hold onto… or that single mom who has been killing herself to build her business. I’m realistic – I know being a successful lawyer will mean having a lot of wealthy clients, but I’d really like a chance to be able to do some pro bono work that really matters to me.”
    I handed him a napkin and studied his face. Was that affected? I didn’t think so. He seemed sincere.
    “I had honestly never looked at it that way before,” said Robert. I smirked a little. Even Robo Robert was susceptible to this guy’s charms! “Well, let’s go back to my office and talk specifics.” Whoa! Robert was going to offer him the job right then and there! He never did that. He always deliberated at least a week. I wracked my brain to think of a way to slow Robert down, so he didn’t do something he’d regret.
    “Um, Aaron,” I began slowly, walking behind them as they headed down the hall. Jesus, even under a suit coat, that man’s ass could make you cry. “I take it you brought a resume? And some