The Law is Hard

Chapter 14

Alec's POV

I walk stiffly back to Underhill's car. I open the passenger door, slide and buckle my seat belt mechanically. I am a combination of nerves, excitement, anxiety and wonder. My heart is pounding, and I can't stop my mouth from curling into a smile.

He actually asked me out. Magnus Bane asked me out.

My client asked me out...

That sudden thought has my heart stuttering and my smile dropping off my face. I scrub one hand down my face and look out the window. Thoughts are swirling around my head about the ethics and problems of going on a date with a client. And not just any client, but the most high-profile client I have ever had.

I realize with a jolt that the sun is starting to set. Oh crap, what time is it?!

"ALEC!"

"Jesus Christ!" I jump in my seat at Lydia's sudden yell. "What the hell was that for?"

"We've been trying to talk to you for five minutes but you were too caught up in your own thoughts," Underhill explains apologetically.

"That's not like you, Alec, what's up? What did that guy say to you?" Lydia asks.

I frown at the way she says "that guy". I know she's having a bad day—I don't know why, but I know her well enough to recognize her moods—but that doesn't excuse rudeness.

"Sorry," I say distractedly, and pull my phone off the waistband of Magnus' pants to check the time. Sometimes I hate having the old-fashioned clip for my phone, but there are times like this it is a blessing as there is no way I could squeeze anything else into these pants.

I flip open my phone and... it's dead. Of course. I need to get a watch. Or a new phone. I mentally roll my eyes at myself for my petty complaints.

"What time is it?" I ask.

Lydia sighs in frustration and turns around in her seat in a huff.

"It's 6:54" Underhill responses. "But really, what's wrong?"

I take a deep breath and look out the window at the moving traffic and darkening sky. I debate telling them because they are my co-workers and I'm not sure how publicized Magnus wants this to be. But they also are my friends and I trust them to keep this between us, at least for the moment.

"Magnus asked me out," I say quietly. I can't help the smile that spreads across my face at saying the words out loud. I can see it in the reflection of the window as the evening light is fading.

I work at Santiago's at 10pm. I mentally start rearranging my timetable to make up for these lost hours of work. Though they don't feel lost, I feel like I've gained so much more than I ever have doing work. Even as I reorganize my week's schedule I keep thinking of him. I cannot help but feel glad to miss out on a few hours of sleep if it means spending more time with him.

"Wow, Alec, that's great! I could definitely see and feel the chemistry between you too even just in that short time," Underhill says enthusiastically as he shoulder-checks before switching lanes. "Also, I assume you are heading to the office, Alec?"

"Really?" I say with wonder, replaying the last few hours in my head. "Oh and yes, please, if you could drop me off at the office, that would be great."

"So did you respond to him?" Lydia asks tightly.

"Yeah, I agreed to go out on a date with him." That stupid smile is back on my face. "We haven't arranged a time or place yet, but hopefully we will soon."