Always Means Forever Read online

  She had her work cut out for herself, she decided as she sipped the last of her coffee. If Darwin had been set up for the sake of a publicity stunt, she would have to figure out why and prove it one way or another. And if it turned out he was lying, then neither one of them needed to waste any more of their time.

  Chapter 9

  Bridget packed the last of her personal items into a corrugated box that sat on top of the polished oak desk. As she took one last look around the now empty space that had once been her office, melancholy tugged at her emotions.

  The man standing in the doorway watching her offered a sympathetic smile, folding his arms across his thin chest. “We’re going to miss you, Bridget. You were a real asset to this firm.”

  Bridget chuckled. “Obviously not enough to keep me,” she said, leaning easily against the desk’s edge.

  His smile was suddenly nervous, color flushing his buttermilk complexion a vibrant shade of red. Joshua Bayer, one of the senior partners, shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “You never were one to mince words, were you?” he responded, nodding his bald head slightly.

  “Mincing words makes for bad business. You taught me that, Josh.”

  He smiled again. “So, have you made any plans? You know you’ll get a glowing review from us no matter where you decide to go.”

  “I appreciate that. And, actually, I have made plans. I’ve decided to start my own practice.”

  Joshua looked surprised, masking it quickly.

  “Are you sure about that? It won’t leave you much time for a personal life.”

  Bridget laughed loudly. “That’s the least of my worries. But yes, I am sure. In fact, I received a retainer from my first client this morning,” she said, patting her blazer pocket where Darwin’s check was tucked away.

  He nodded, hesitating briefly before speaking. He took a step toward her. “I hope I’m not out of line here, Bridget, but I was hoping since we’re no longer business associates that you might consider having dinner with me one night. I’d really like to get to know you on a social level.” The man rocked back and forth on the heels of his leather shoes.

  With her eyebrows raised in surprise, Bridget stared at him, her voice catching in her throat.

  Josh laughed, an anxious giggle meant to mask his nervousness. “At a loss for words, huh? I think this is a first for both of us.”

  Bridget smiled, working to regain her composure. “Your timing really bites,” she said with a soft chuckle.

  “So, is that a no?”

  She nodded. “I’m sorry but I have to pass. I’m involved with someone.”

  This time Josh looked surprised. “Really? I wasn’t aware you were dating anyone.”

  “It’s fairly new. He and I have been friends for a while and now we’re exploring our possibilities.”

  “Wow! You’ve been keeping it very secret. I haven’t heard one of the paralegals or any of the secretaries gossiping about you.”

  This time Bridget laughed. “I told you the relationship was very new.”

  He scoffed. “Oh, please. These she-devils can sniff out news about your personal life before you know it’s even happened.”

  “She-devils! You wait until I tell them what you said.”

  The duo laughed warmly together. Josh moved to lean against the desk beside her. Bridget cut her eyes in his direction but said nothing. When Josh sighed for the third time, blowing a loud swell of air past his thin lips, she laughed again, clearly amused. He dropped a clammy palm against the back of her hand.

  “Can I at least call you every now and then to say hello and ask how things are going?”

  “I don’t think that will be a problem.”

  “And if you and this new guy don’t work out then maybe you might reconsider and let me take you out?”

  She shrugged, her slim shoulders jutting skyward. “You never know.”

  Josh leaned and kissed her cheek, allowing his lips to linger for just a brief moment. “I will miss you, Attorney Hinton. You’ve been a thrill to work with and I’ve appreciated your friendship very much. Let’s stay in touch. Please?”

  Bridget dropped her other hand against the back of his. “Don’t get too soft on me, Joshua. I don’t know if I can handle it.”

  “See, there’s a lot about me that you don’t know about. I’m really just a cuddly teddy bear.”

  Bridget chuckled. “A teddy bear with the heart of a viper.”

  “Only in the courtroom.” He grinned. “Really though, if you need anything, just call. And, if the opportunity arises, I’ll see if I can’t help spin some business in your direction.” He pulled his hand from beneath hers and moved back to the doorway. “If I ever need an attorney to represent me, I hope I can call you.”

  “Please do. And, Josh…” Bridget paused.

  “Yes?”

  “Thank you.”

  Tossing her a quick wave, Josh made his way out of the room and down the hallway. Bridget stood watching him until he was well out of sight, disappearing behind a closed door. Shaking her head, she retrieved the last of her possessions, flicked off the light and headed out the door toward home.

  Bridget was pensive for the entire ride, her mind reflecting on everything she needed to accomplish. The idea of starting her own law practice had been one she’d been toying with for some time. As she’d weighed all her options she’d not been able to find one viable reason to keep herself from building her own successful practice. Her own law firm. Bridget couldn’t help smiling at the prospect.

  She’d noted the look of skepticism that had crossed Joshua Bayer’s face. Although Joshua had been more supportive of her career than could have been imagined, there had been those rare occasions when he had doubted her abilities. And, whether he had voiced his concerns out loud or not, she had always seen his reservations on his face. The two had successfully managed to balance a professional relationship with a casual friendship, but she had never once given any thought to seeing the man on a romantic level.

  As she contemplated their conversation, Bridget knew dating Joshua wasn’t something she would ever give any serious thought to. The doubt on his face would always be a barrier between them and that was one wall she wasn’t interested in butting her head against.

  Thoughts of Darwin resurfaced. Whatever was happening between the two of them needed to be defined. She needed to know what he was feeling, if anything at all. Her crush was blossoming into something more. It was a full sensation of wanting and yearning that had to do with more than that casual tickle of electricity that ran rampant from her womanhood when she thought about him. It was more than his exciting her, or her being intrigued by the possibility of any romantic liaisons. Darwin’s presence in her life had revived her spirit, had given her hope, and she felt energized when they were together. It was a sensation she hoped could last her a lifetime.

  Making her way into her home, she dropped the box down onto the bench and eased her way into the kitchen. The little green light on her answering machine was blinking rapidly for her attention. Depressing the play button, she kicked off her shoes as the tape rewound and began to play.

  “Bridget, hey, it’s Darwin. Look, I was an ass and I’m sorry. I wanted to call and talk to you, but I’m too embarrassed to say this in person yet. But I will. I just wanted you to know that I was a fool. And I know it. And I’m sorry. I hope you’ll forgive me. I’ll call you later.”

  The machine beeped.

  “It’s me again. I just called your office and they said you’d left already and you’re not answering your cell phone. Look, if you’re not too mad at me, I would really like to see you later. Then I can apologize properly. Think about it and I’ll try to give you a call later. Okay? Okay. Thanks, Bridget. Later.”

  Beep.

  Bridget found herself grinning foolishly. A third and final message began to play.

  “I am probably making a complete and total fool of myself but I really don’t want what happened to spoil things
between us. I…well…I…” The man paused, taking a deep inhale of air before he continued. “I think you and I are good together and I probably should have just shut my mouth and kissed you this morning and none of this would ever have happened. I really missed that I didn’t kiss you. God, I hope you’re still speaking to me. I—” The machine clicked off, cutting off the last of his message.

  Just as Bridget spun around toward the bedroom to go and change her clothes, the telephone rang. She turned back and pulled the receiver into her palm.

  “Hello?”

  There was a brief pause.

  “Hello?”

  “Bridget, I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting you to pick up. Hi.”

  “Hi, Darwin.”

  “Did you get my messages?”

  “I did.”

  On the other end, Darwin was fidgeting nervously, strumming the fingers of his free hand against his pant leg. “If I have to beg for your forgiveness, I will. I’ll get down on my hands and knees, if necessary.”

  Bridget laughed. “It’s not, but I appreciate the offer.”

  “I really do apologize. I just—”

  “I understand. You were frustrated,” Bridget said, interrupting him. “But don’t let it happen again or you and I are going to be really bad friends.”

  Darwin smiled into the receiver. “I promise.”

  Bridget slid to the floor, her back pressed against the cool surface of her stainless steel refrigerator as she pulled her knees up and into her chest, her heels tucked against her buttocks. “So, are you feeling any better about what happened last night?”

  Darwin shook his head. “Not really, but I’m trying not to be irrational. I had a meeting with Ella this morning and her attitude just annoys me.”

  “How so?”

  “She’s just too nonchalant about the whole thing. I still think that something’s not kosher with her and Ava.”

  “You didn’t accuse her of anything, did you?”

  “No, but don’t you think I should have at least asked her if she was involved?”

  “No, I don’t. Even if she is, I doubt highly that she would have admitted anything. For now, you just need to keep your guard up and don’t let on that you suspect her of anything, at least not until we can figure out why she did it and prove it.”

  “We?”

  “You really didn’t think I wouldn’t help you, did you?”

  “I don’t know what I was thinking, to be honest with you. I was just reacting and we both know how badly that turned out.”

  “Yes, we do.”

  There was a brief moment of silence.

  “Bridget, would you do me a favor?”

  “What’s that?”

  “Open your front door, ’cause your neighbor is starting to make me nervous.”

  Bridget laughed, rising from her seat to make her way to the front door. She pulled it open, surprised to find Darwin standing sheepishly on the other side. Behind him, Mrs. Gibson was standing in her own doorway, eyeing him suspiciously.

  She tossed her hand into the air and waved at the old woman. “Hi, Mrs. Gibson!”

  “Hello, dear. Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Everything is just fine,” Bridget said as she grabbed Darwin’s hand and pulled him inside. “You have a good day now!” she called out before shutting the door behind them.

  Away from prying stares, Darwin pulled her into his arms and stared into her eyes. The dark pools were swirling with emotion and Darwin sensed that she was feeling as vulnerable as he was.

  “I’m sorry,” he said softly, his voice barely a loud whisper. “I should never have behaved that way. And it will never happen again. Can you forgive me?”

  Bridget smiled, her gaze still entwined with his and she nodded, her head bobbing ever so easily. “You’re forgiven.”

  Darwin continued to meet her stare, his hands pressed beneath her suit jacket, his fingers gently caressing the line of her back, above her silk blouse. He watched as her dark eyelashes fluttered against her skin, a blush of color rising to warm her cheeks. He pulled her even closer, melding his body tightly against hers. Raising his hand to her face, he cradled her cheek in his palm, rubbing his thumb over the skin as he traced the line of her high cheekbones.

  Slowly, he lowered his face to hers, pressing his mouth to her forehead. He kissed the soft flesh lightly, inching a slow path down the side of her face, over her earlobe, down her jawline, and back to her mouth where he covered her lips with his own.

  Bridget stood completely lost in the moment. As his mouth moved like silk against hers she realized she’d not taken a breath since he’d stepped into the room. She was floating, her body reacting with a mind of its own. In that short span of time, she realized that her life had changed, that nothing would ever again be the same. The realization was amazing, and frightening, and so deliciously exciting that it was all she could do to contain herself.

  Darwin sensed it, as well, and he said so. “I don’t know what’s happening with us but I don’t ever want it to stop,” he said, pulling his mouth away from hers.

  Bridget rested her head against his chest. “I have to tell you, Darwin, I’ve been fantasizing about us for a long time now. If this is a dream, I don’t ever want to wake up,” she said.

  Darwin laughed, the rustle of his chest vibrating warmly against the side of her face. He pulled his fingers through the length of her hair, inhaling the sweet scent of coconut oil that moisturized each strand.

  “I’ll admit to a fantasy or two myself. But I knew I wasn’t ready for a relationship with anyone. Not back then.”

  “And now?” Bridget asked, stepping out of the embrace.

  Darwin smiled. “I don’t think I have much choice. This feels right.”

  “Oh, you have a choice, Darwin. You have all the free will in the world. You have as much control over what happens between us as I do.”

  Darwin clasped her hand beneath his, pulling her along as he moved into her living room to the oversize chenille sofa. They sat down facing each other. Darwin pressed both of her hands between his. He kissed her fingers, then both of her palms, entwining his fingers between hers. He heaved a deep sigh, his expression strained.

  “Bridget, I’m just going to say this and I hope it comes out right. Since that first time we met there hasn’t been one time that you haven’t been in the back of my thoughts. I’ve found myself thinking about you when I’ve least expected it. So when I say it’s like I have no choice, it’s because I don’t.

  “It hit me this morning as I was speeding down the highway that if I lost you before we had a real chance to build something between us, I wouldn’t know what to do with myself.”

  Darwin studied her face, searching her expression for acknowledgment and approval, looking deep into her eyes to see if she was feeling the same way. When she smiled, there was hope brimming at the edge of her stare, her eyes glistening with warmth.

  “You were speeding?”

  Darwin nodded. “Like a madman. And the only thing I really wanted to do was turn around and come back to you.”

  “So, why didn’t you?”

  “I don’t make it a habit of embarrassing myself on purpose and you have to admit, I made a fool of myself. But I had to see you and that’s why I’m here now.”

  He shifted his body closer to hers, wrapping his arms around her torso. “I just needed to hold you to make sure we were still cool with each other.”

  Bridget nodded, pressing her lips to his. “I think we’re just fine.”

  She could feel his thigh move against hers. He let it rest there and the heat from his body seeped into hers. Darwin could feel his chest tighten, his breath coming in shorter gasps as he fought to maintain his composure. Bridget leaned even closer, the whole of her body falling against his as they leaned back against the cushioned seat.

  He felt her lips searching his, her breath mixing with his. His hands were moving of their own volition and Bridget imagined they were me
morizing every dimple and curve of her body. Her skin burned hot beneath her silk blouse and the dark blue Elie Tahari skirt. She pressed both of her palms to his chest, allowing her own fingers to gently caress the rock-hard muscles as she began her own inspection. When one palm fell against the waistband of his slacks and the other against his upper thigh, Darwin grabbed her wrists and broke the connection. They were both panting, sucking in oxygen as if they’d been denied. The room was spinning with heat, the temperature having risen to an unreasonable level.

  “I need to get back to the office,” he said, still gasping for air, “before we get into something we don’t have time for.”

  Bridget nodded her head, perspiration beading in the valley of cleavage beneath her lace bra.

  “If you say so.”

  He grinned. “I can cook here tonight or at my place. Your choice.”

  “I’ll come to you. I have a few errands to run this afternoon so I’ll be out and about anyway.”

  Rising onto his feet, Darwin pulled her up beside him, wrapping his arms around her one last time. He tasted her lips once more before moving to the door.

  Standing in the doorway, he said nothing, only staring intently at her as she stood staring back. His smile was a mile wide, warming his face with joy. Easing out the entrance, he closed the door behind him and headed back to work.

  Dropping back to the sofa, Bridget pressed her knees tightly together. The man had left her weak, her limbs quivering for release. The sensations were almost too much to handle and she knew the dinner hour couldn’t come soon enough.

  As Darwin made his way through downtown Seattle, back toward the studio and his office, he could feel a rise of anxiety pulling at his already strained nerves. The brief moment with Bridget had gone two steps beyond a flirtatious kiss and cuddle session. In fact, had the timing been different, Darwin imagined that there would have only been one reason that would have kept the two of them from taking the moment as far as it could go.