At first, disappointment flooded his eyes, but then hope flared. “Are you saying you’re willing to give me a chance?”
I bit my lip, trying to be brave, knowing that taking that winding road with steep drop-offs would take more courage than the easier but lonely one. And I knew sometimes my courage would wax and wane. “I want the choice to take the chance.” That was a good way to put it.
“All right.” Brant drew my hand up and kissed it. “I’m going to do what I can to make it an easy choice for you.”
Nothing was easy about this, but I got his sentiment. “We should probably go in.”
“We will. Just promise me one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“You’ll let me do my job and won’t hold it against me if I have to play hardball.”
“You think they’re going to play hardball?” That made me a bit nervous. I’d thought this was a done deal.
“They might.” He sounded excited about the prospect.
My brow quirked. “Are you hoping they do?”
He gave me an impish grin. “I wouldn’t mind. After all they’ve put you through, I’d like to put the screws to them.”
Wow. “Okay. But don’t go too crazy,” I teased.
“Feel free to get your own jabs in.” He made it sound like we were headed to a boxing ring instead of signing documents.
“It’s not really my style.”
“I know.” He cupped my cheek. “It’s one of the things I love about you. You have a beautiful and gentle soul.”
“You can sweet-talk me later. Let’s do this.” I was a nervous ball of energy.
He laughed out into the cold air.
We walked in together, hand in hand. I wasn’t sure how to feel about it, but Brant seemed intent on not letting go. Ever. All I knew was it caused a stir. From the receptionist to every attorney that happened to walk by us, we received a lot of outright gawking. I thought I was nervous before, but now I realized not only would Jill find out, but I was making a statement. A huge statement. I was taking a step into the Hollands’ world. A world that was about to implode. But, I couldn’t turn back because, for some reason, Brant’s was the voice that righted my world. And I knew if I didn’t at least try the harder road, I would always regret the easier one.
Dominique was already there, and before we even made it to the receptionist’s desk, she made her way to us and led us down a long hall filled with portraits of all the firm’s partners. I always thought it was weird when people hung photos of themselves at work, no matter how important they were. I knew Brant had some up at his office. I’d bet Dominique, who was dressed to kill in a red power suit and black stilettos so sharp she could probably stab you with one, did too. Considering her deadly stilettos, I would not mention that I thought portraits at the office were odd.
We stopped in front of a conference room, and Brant squeezed my hand before we turned to face the closed door.
I took a deep breath in and out. I was trying not to get my hopes up that this deal was actually happening. And, admittedly, I wasn’t looking forward to seeing my soon-to-be ex-partners. They were part of the wreckage left on the road I was still choosing to be on. It was one of the wrecks that had hurt the most because I had been blindsided by them. And because, for a long time, it had been such a joy to ride with them. I hoped today would give me some closure, make the trip with them worth it, even though it had ended badly. Regardless, I had learned a lot from them both. Mostly a lot about what not to do, especially when it came to business.
Dominique threw open the door and rolled in like a hurricane. We strolled in behind her and soon became the center of attention. Both Giselle’s and Carter’s jaws dropped when they saw that Brant and I were together. Letting him hold my hand was worth it just for their reactions.
I smiled at them, which didn’t sit well with Giselle, based on the sneer she gave me. Carter, as usual, was useless with a blank stare.
Their lawyer, Jack Pearson, stood from where he sat at the head of the table and greeted us.
“Good to see you, Jack,” Brant said as if they were old friends, or perhaps adversaries.
The three of us took the other end of the long rectangular table. In the middle, there was an assortment of pastries and what smelled like freshly brewed coffee. Though it smelled good, I was too nervous to eat or drink anything. Which reminded me of Dani. I knew I needed to talk to her today. She needed to take care of herself and her baby and eat. I wasn’t sure how to approach her, but I would figure it out, right after I got rid of some unwanted baggage.