Legally Binding Read Online Free Page B

point is to keep them alive yourself. They always die on him, then he gets angry and blames me because I’m supposed to be genetically predisposed to keeping tiny trees alive or something.” Grinning, he crossed the room. “I’m Trent Banno. Welcome.”
    Finally, someone who didn’t make her feel out of place. “Thank you. I’m happy to be here.”
    So far, Mr. Banno didn’t seem so bad, but then Mr. Lattimore had been nice at first, too. Her stomach sank again as she remembered his words. I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that .
    She’d been stupid. That wasn’t in dispute, but Mr. Lattimore could have been a little more gracious.
    “Is everything all right?” Mr. Banno asked.
    She nodded. “Yeah. First day, is all. Still finding my footing.”
    “You’ll do fine. We’re not an easy firm to work for, but those who make it through the probationary period tend to stay a very long time. The secret is to not let anyone get under your skin.”
    This was the guy who had dumped coffee on an employee, she suddenly remembered. She couldn’t imagine it. “Thanks for the tip.”
    He nodded and started to turn away, but then he thrust his hands into his pockets. “Actually, I didn’t come in here by accident. You’re famous.”
    She didn’t respond to that. Either Mr. Lattimore had complained about her clumsy joke, or Mr. Brennbach had complained about her rudeness on the street. She tried on a bland smile.
    “Ethan is a little… upset… that you’re working here.”
    Maisie closed her eyes. Mr. Brennbach, then. “God. I didn’t know—”
    “No one is blaming you, Maisie. We always prepare new employees, but obviously it was too late in your case.”
    She wanted to ask about the scar, but instead she said, “How does he handle clients if he’s so sensitive?”
    “I wouldn’t describe him as sensitive.”
    Maisie folded her arms across her chest.
    “Ethan didn’t solicit new clients even before the accident. I’m sure if someone came in, paid a substantial retainer, and requested him specifically, he’d accept. He’s not embarrassed by his appearance, Maisie.”
    His tone had grown cool. He walked to the window and stared out.
    Had she been dismissed? After a few seconds, she figured the answer was yes, and turned to go.
    “We don’t usually talk about this, but I thought you deserved an explanation. Rather, a partial explanation.”
    “Oh,” she said, turning back. Mr. Banno was now watching her.
    “It’s been a long time since someone screamed in his face.”
    She winced and prayed for the floor to open up and swallow her. “I didn’t scream.” It had been more of a surprised gasp, she thought.
    “No,” he said, appraising her astutely. “I imagine you didn’t, at least not intentionally. Ethan is a cynical son of a bitch, and he’ll see right through any ass-kissing you might have planned.” He tilted his head back, like he was weighing what to say next. She stared at his Adam’s apple and the thick column of his neck. Fucking gorgeous, gorgeous man. “My suggestion is for you to lie low.”
    “Believe me, I intend to.” She paused. Part of her desperately wanted to find Mr. Brennbach.
    But why?
    To fall into his arms again, she realized with a jolt. She could almost feel his body against hers, and the solidity of his embrace. It had been far too brief.
    “Is something wrong?” Mr. Banno asked.
    She hesitated.
    If she alienated Mr. Banno, then the office was going to be unbearable. But he was waiting patiently. Maybe it was because of that slight resemblance to her ex, but he didn’t feel like a stranger.
    On impulse, she decided to tell the truth. “You know, he’s not really that ugly.”
    He smiled. “Not that ugly? What every man aspires to.”
    She shook her head. She wasn’t, she realized, scared anymore. “I mean… yeah, he’s…” She fluttered her fingers inarticulately. “But he’s still hot otherwise. I’m sure he could find a girlfriend if he