Chapter 1: Hot Man In A Suit

My premeditated life didn't slide from my fingers all at once. It went slowly. Like one of those fucking kaleidoscope toys where each turn created new colors, shapes, and patterns. Beautiful, but if you weren't prepared for the change, it was terrifying.

And terrified had been my constant companion since graduating law school.

As I pressed the down arrow for the elevator, I glanced around the humming high rise offices of Reed, Keller, and Monroe. The law firm was on my list of places to work after getting my degree.

Was.

My interview didn't go well, and I was glad. They didn't want me but I sure as hell didn't want them either.

I tapped my foot against the luxurious carpet, anxious to be free. The smell of bagels and expensive coffee clung to the air as did the cloying scent of the snobby receptionist's perfume.

Shit! The elevator was taking forever. It whirred up to my floor at a turtle’s pace. At least it wasn’t at a standstill the way my career seemed to be. I clutched my bag and forced myself to keep it together. I would cry into a pint of strawberry ice cream when I got home.

Finally, the elevator opened. I swallowed, steeling myself for the inevitable forced interchange another person would require. To my surprise, that person turned out to be an incredibly gorgeous man. Something about him looked familiar, but I couldn’t place him. He wore a slick navy suit, a light blue shirt, and a red tie. His hair was combed back and dark because of the product he’d used to tame it, but it appeared to be dark brown. His features were ruggedly handsome, including piercing, dark eyes. I thought it might be nice to lose myself in them, but then I cleared my throat.

“Hello.” He smiled, a megawatt, million-dollar smile.

My thighs quivered, but I steeled myself. I was engaged, after all. “Hi.” I pushed a lock of my thick brown hair behind an ear, my eyes studying the carpeted floor like it was a final exam on torts.

“You needed a lawyer?” His voice was deep and sensual with a hint of familiarity. He kept his gaze trained on me as he moved closer.

Holy hell, he smelled good too, like sandalwood and clean laundry.

“No, I interviewed for a job.” I paused and he gave me a look meant to question my sanity. “I want to be a lawyer,” I clarified, feeling like an idiot.

“Oh. Well, that’s nice then.” He raised a thick, dark eyebrow indicating he thought lawyers were the lowest of the low.

I wasn’t surprised. Most people felt that way about lawyers until they needed one. “I think so.” I turned up my nose. Lawyers got a bad rap.

The guy crossed his arms, flashing a very expensive-looking titanium watch with a midnight blue face like the color of his eyes. I also saw he wasn’t wearing a wedding ring—not that it mattered. It was something I started doing, checking ring fingers since getting engaged a year ago.

“I’m Griffin Maxwell.” He stuck out his hand.

“Katie Jayne.” His name sounded familiar, but I couldn’t place where I’d heard it before. I took his hand, noticing how large and warm it was. Tingles danced along my skin in an irritatingly fantastic way.

“It’s nice to meet you.” Griffin’s eyes twinkled, and an odd familiarity flowed through my heart, but I couldn’t place him.

“And you.” I clutched my bag, feeling awkward, and a little giddy. “You come here often?” As soon as I asked the question, I regretted it. “Oh, my goodness.” One hand went to my face, hoping to cover up the immediate heat that rose to them.

Griffin chuckled softly just as the elevator jerked hard before slamming to a stop.

The movement sent me flying into Griffin’s arms. He caught me easily and held me close. “You smell good," he said, tightening his grip.

I clung to him. My worst nightmare was coming true. Elevators weren’t my favorite and I’d always worried about getting trapped in one. “Thanks,” I said, my voice trembling.

“I’m sure we’ll be out of here in no time.” He didn’t sound certain, and I glanced up at him. His dark blue eyes were dilated. Obviously, he wasn’t a fan of being trapped in an elevator either.

“What should we do until it’s fixed?” I asked, and then looked down. I wasn’t propositioning him. Seriously. I needed to get a grip.

He lowered his head, so his nose grazed against my neck. “I have a few ideas.”

I licked my lips as heat rushed to my core. In that moment, my body was practically purring. The sexual tension between us was so strong I could feel it—especially between my thighs.

Before I made choices I’d regret, the elevator jolted and whirred back to life.

Damn! I pushed out of his arms, not that I wanted to, but I was no cheater.

He helped me stand up right. Then picked up the bag I'd dropped and handed it to me. “No, not usually.” His eyes twinkled and he relaxed, resting his arms on the elevator rail.

“What?” I was confused.

“I don’t come here often,” he said, one side of his mouth lifting sexily.

“Right. Sorry, that came out wrong. I mean, I’m engaged.” I held up my hand, flashing my ring finger toting the titanium band attached to a four-carat oval cut diamond solitaire. My hope was that he wouldn’t think I was hitting on him, even though I kind of inadvertently was. “It’s just, I’m a little upset and not thinking straight.” I bit the inside of my cheek, focusing on the double doors, praying to the elevators gods that the floor would open up and swallow me.

“Lucky guy,” he said, and it looked like he meant it.

“Thanks.” I appreciated the compliment. Even though I was engaged, my fiancé wasn’t big on telling me how he felt about me or showing me either for that matter. If it wasn't for my blasted goals… I let the thought slide away.