Chapter 3

Sierra

STANDING IN FRONT OF THE tall office building, I dragged in deep breath after deep breath. Glancing down to my hands, I attempted to stop them from shaking.

Shit! The last thing I wanted was for Dodge to see how he affected me.

The valet pulled up and parked my Audio Q7 right in front of me as I stared off in the distance.

Dodge thinks I’m with Chris. Holy shit. Dodge thinks I’m dating Chris. Closing my eyes, I tried to figure out what that look on his face was when I mentioned heading to South Texas. For a moment he seemed jealous.

Nah . . . you’re dreaming, Sierra. No way Dodge is interested in you. Is he? Shit!

“Um . . . ma’am? Excuse me, ma’am?”

Snapping out of my thoughts, I turned to the young valet and handed him a twenty. “Thank you,” I mumbled.

Smiling, he nodded his head and said, “Thank you!”

Getting into my car, I closed my eyes and was taken back in time to the moment I first realized I was falling for Dodge Walker.

***

“Hey, Ryn, Sierra, how are you both doing?”

My heart began pounding the moment I looked up and saw Dodge standing in the Starbucks Ryn and I both practically lived in. Moving my eyes over his body, I slowly licked my lips. Damn he is good looking.

“Oh, hey there, Dodge. Have you always come to this Starbucks?” I asked as Dodge smiled at me and caused my stomach to drop.

Nodding his head, Dodge said, “Yes ma’am.”

Good lord, help me for this man was sex on two legs.

Leaning back in my chair, I raised my eyebrows and said, “Huh. I can’t believe I’ve never seen you here before.”

Dodge’s eyes lit up for a brief moment as he said, “Yeah, same here.”

Dodge glanced between Ryn and me before saying, “It’s good seeing you both. I’ve got a meeting I need to get to, see y’all later.”

Watching him walk away, I took everything in. Holy hell I’d love to wrap my legs around that man and have him take me to heaven and back. Reaching up, I wiped the corner of my lips. Wait. Was I drooling?

Glancing back to Ryn, she smiled and shook her head. “Oh my gosh, you have the hots for Dodge?”

Pulling my head back, I gave her a nervous laugh. “What?”

Pointing to me, Ryn laughed. “You practically undressed him as he walked out the door.”

Brushing Ryn off with my hand, I rolled my eyes and looked away as I attempted to control my beating heart. The last thing I needed was another man who loved to screw the women in my life.

***

Letting out a sigh, I dropped my head back against my headrest. Ugh. I hate men. I searched for Ryn’s number and hit dial as I pulled out onto Congress Avenue.

“Hey! How did you meeting with the lawyer go? Did you chew their asses out and tell them you wanted a new lawyer on the case?”

Swallowing hard, I chuckled. What are the fucking odds Dodge damn Walker would be my new lawyer? God hates me.

“I think it went well. The new lawyer seems to think we have a good chance. I’m worried he may let his dislike of me affect the case, though.”

Silence. “Huh? What do you mean? How do you know he doesn’t like you?”

Laughing, I said, “He’s told me a time or two.”

“Okay, Sierra, what in the hell are you talking about? What did you do to the poor guy?”

“Dodge, Ryn. Dodge is my new lawyer. Dodge for Christ’s sake!”

“Umm . . . Dodge?”

Rolling my eyes, I let out a frustrated moan. “Yes! Dodge. Well, wait, he goes by Aaron now.”

“Wow. I’m at a loss for words right now.”

Letting out a sarcastic chuckle, I said, “You? Imagine my surprise. I’m so fucked.”

“Oh, Sierra honey, Dodge will be an amazing lawyer for you. Y’all just have to put your personal feelings aside and focus on bringing your ex down.”

Gripping the steering wheel to settle my rattled nerves, I headed home to my small little house in Hyde Park. I loved that house. The moment I found out Robert was cheating, I moved out of our house and bought a three-bedroom, cottage-style house in my favorite neighborhood of Austin. Now the fucker was saying I used part of his money to buy it.

I hate him.

“Sierra? Are you even listening to me?”

“Yeah, sorry, Ryn. Hey, did you mention anything to Dodge about Chris and me?”

“What do you mean? Is there a you and Chris? Why didn’t I know about this! I mean, I know y’all got touchy feely there for a bit, but when did it become you and Chris? Oh. My. God. How could you not tell me?”

Sighing, I shook my head. Clearly Ryn hadn’t said anything. “There is no me and Chris. Holy hell, settle your ass down. My gosh, Ryn! Can we say freak out?”

“Oh. Okay, well so what do you mean then? What’s going on?”

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I said, “I don’t know. I told him I was heading to south Texas, and he immediately assumed I was heading down to see Chris.”

“Well . . . I mean . . . the last time Dodge saw you and Chris together, y’all were all over each other. You blatantly ignored Dodge and gave Chris all your attention.”

Sucking in a breath, I said, “I did not!”

“Um . . . yeah you did, Sierra.”

Knowing Ryn was right, I didn’t utter a word. I’d seen the way Dodge had been looking at me on more than one occasion. I wasn’t sure how to react so I focused on Chris. Chewing on my lip, I tried to figure out what to do. “Hey, speaking of coming down there, I think I’m going to have to pass.”

“What? Why? I wanted you to help shop for the house, Sierra. I was so hoping to have some girl time.”

Sighing, I pulled down the oak-lined street that led to my perfect little hideaway. “I know, but I think it’s best if I stay in town. I mean, Dodge is talking about bringing in an old friend who Robert is accusing me of having an affair with. Now is not the time to be leaving town.”

Hearing Ryn moan, my heart broke just a little. With Dodge being the new lawyer on my case, and the chance of me getting to see him more often now, I couldn’t think of a better reason to stay in Austin.

Oh Jesus. I’m pathetic.

“Fine, I understand. Maybe I can talk Lark and Azurdee into coming down.”

Smiling, I pulled into my driveway. I already was feeling better as I looked at the new geraniums I had planted along the sidewalk, in full bloom. “I bet she would love to get away and have a couple days relaxing and shopping with you.”

“Yeah, maybe. Hey, I’ve got to run, a client is calling. Talk to you soon, Sierra.”

“Okay. Tell Tristan hi and I’ll chat with ya soon.”

Stepping out of the car, I inhaled a deep breath. Even though I was in the middle of Austin, it still felt like I was far away from everything and everyone. Walking up to the door, I smiled as I thought about the nice hot bath I was fixin’ to soak in.

Finally getting my heart to calm down after my meeting with Dodge, I headed to the master bedroom after tossing my purse and keys on the coffee table.

“What I need is a nice long hot bath and to push Dodge, or Aaron, or whoever he is now, far from my mind.”

After pouring lavender into the hot running water, I headed back into the bedroom as I stripped out of my clothes. Grabbing my iPod, I walked back into the bathroom. Slowly slipping into the hot water, I slid down and sighed. My body instantly relaxed as I put my ear buds in and set my iPod down on the old stool I kept next to the tub.

Keeping my eyes closed, I let the heat of the water and the smell of the lavender completely take all my troubles away as I listened to Stoney LaRue sing in my ears. My body slowly began to relax as images of Dodge popped into my mind. I wasn’t sure how long I was in the tub, but when my body started to chill, I knew I had been sitting in there long enough. Pulling the plug, I stepped out of my claw-foot tub and grabbed a towel. Wrapping it around my body, I headed into my bedroom. Stopping dead in my tracks, I sucked in a breath as I looked at the red rose laying on my pillow. Spinning around, I quickly began going through my house. Walking up to the front door, I noticed it was still locked. Running into the kitchen, I checked the back door.

Locked.

My heart began pounding as I walked back to the bedroom; tears began streaming down my face as I stood and stared at the rose.

Someone had been in my house.

Wiping my tears away with my shaky hands, I walked to the side of my bed and grabbed the rose. Dropping the rose back onto the bed, Robert popped into my head.

Covering my mouth, I fell onto my bed and began sobbing. Oh my god. Oh my god, he was in my house! Robert was in my house.

Sitting up, I wiped my tears away shook my head and tried to calm myself down. “No. You will not make me afraid to be in my own home. I will not let you.”

Quickly getting up, I made my way to the dresser and grabbed panties, a T-shirt, and sweatpants. Getting dressed as fast as I could, I grabbed the rose and headed to my car. I wasn’t sure if I should even be doing this, but he was the only person I knew to turn to.

Before heading over to my car, I lifted the lid to my trash can and threw the rose away. Getting in my car, I attempted to control my shaking hands. Reaching to turn my car on, I jumped when my phone started ringing. Picking it up, it was an unknown number.

Taking in a deep breath, I said, “Hello?”

“What are you doing, Sierra?”

My body tensed and I instantly began sweating as my heart dropped to my stomach.

“R-Robert? How in the hell did you get in my house?”

Robert let out a small chuckle. “Sierra, please. We both know I’m capable of getting to you if I want to. But, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Is this your latest tactic, Robert? Trying to scare me? It won’t work. You’re never going to win and you will never lay a hand on me again. I swear.”

“Is that a threat, Sierra? Are you threatening my life, sweetheart?”

Closing my eyes, I shook my head. “Why, darling, I would never threaten your life. Remember, if I wanted to, I’d have your ass sitting in jail for hitting me. Do you remember that night . . . sweetheart?”

Robert let out a laugh that ran through my body like a thousand pins were poking me.

“A moment of weakness on my part. I already told you I was drunk and not thinking straight. I didn’t call to talk about that unfortunate night.”

Letting out a gruff laugh, I said, “We have nothing to talk about, Robert. All communication will now be going through my lawyer.”

Robert let out a loud laugh. “Sierra, you do realize by changing lawyers, it’s not going to help your case. He isn’t going to be able to help you. At all.”

Swallowing hard, I closed my eyes. “He is going to be able to help me, Robert, and I promise you, he won’t let you near me ever again.”

Jumping when I heard something crashing in the background, I let out a small scream. “Fuck him, Sierra. You are mine, do you understand that? You think you can do better than me, you damn whore? I was the best thing that ever happened to you.”

Covering my mouth with my hand, I attempted to hold back my sobs. Why is he doing this? What happened to the man I fell in love with and married?

Taking the phone away from my ear, I dragged in a few breaths to calm myself down. Placing the phone back against my ear, I concentrated on speaking clearly.

“Robert, you bore me with your childish actions. The only person in this scenario who is a whore is my ex-friend who was shacking up with a married man. I suggest you stop calling me, and if you ever set foot in my house again . . . I will kill you. And Robert? That is not a threat . . . that’s a promise.”

Pulling my phone back, I hit End and let my tears fall as I looked for Dodge’s number. Oh. My. God. Robert is having me followed. He’s breaking into my house and having me followed. What in the hell is going on with him?

“Hello?”

All I could hear were people talking and what sounded like a band playing in the background. Then I heard a female voice, “Aaron, let’s dance again!”

My heart slammed against my chest as I realized Dodge must be out on a date. Shit. Attempting to keep my voice from cracking, I failed big time. “Dodge? Umm . . . sorry . . . is now a bad time to talk to you?”

“Sierra? No! Wait, give me two seconds to get outside so I can hear better.”

Smiling slightly, I liked the idea he would stop in the middle of a date to take my call.

Taking in a deep breath, I waited for Dodge to start talking again. Dropping my head back on the headrest, I let out a frustrated moan. This was stupid to be calling Dodge first. I should be calling my father. But Dodge did tell me if I got anything from Robert to send it his way. So I was doing the right thing . . . I think.

The moment the music stopped, Dodge started speaking again. “What’s wrong?”

You’ve got this, Sierra. You are not a pussy. Taking in a deep breath, I tried to talk. “You said . . . um . . . to call you if . . .”

“Sierra, did Robert do something? Did he call you or text you again?”

“He was . . . well, I mean I think he was in my house, Dodge.”

The line remained silent for a few seconds. “Where are you?”

“Sitting in my car in my driveway.”

Dodge covered up the phone and said something to someone in a muffled voice. “Sierra?”

“Yeah?” I hated how weak my voice sounded.

“Meet me at Hyde Park Bar and Grill in fifteen minutes.”

He’s leaving his date? For me? Holy hell, pull yourself together, Sierra. You’re his client for Christ’s sake and that’s it. It didn’t matter that I had fantasized many a lonely night about Dodge’s lips or his hands moving over my body.

“Dodge, are you sure? I don’t want to interrupt anything; I mean if you’re on a date or something. I can call my father and we can wait until tomorrow to talk.”

“No, Sierra. I want to talk to you now. If your ex is breaking into your house, it can’t wait until tomorrow to talk. Karen will understand.”

Karen? Who in the hell is Karen? Balling my fists, I fought the urge to pound this girl’s face into the ground.

“Sierra? Are you still there?”

Closing my eyes, I let out a small breath as I whispered, “Yes, I’ll meet you at Hyde Park Bar and Grill.”

Fifteen minutes later, I walked in the restaurant and looked around. Dodge wasn’t there yet so I made my way over to the bar.

Sitting down, I smiled as the bartender approached me. “Hey there, beautiful.”

“Flattery will for sure get you at least a smile,” I said with a purr. Laughing, he wiped the bar down in front of me.

“What will you have?”

“She’ll take a water, she’s driving.”

The hairs on my body rose as I slowly looked over my shoulder to see Robert standing there.

“W-what in the hell are you doing? Following me now, Robert? Is my life that interesting to you?”

I was stunned by how calm I sounded, when really my heart was beating so incredibly fast I was sure Robert would hear it.

Robert sat down as the bartender handed me a bottle of water. “Excuse me, I’ll take a lemon drop please.”

Glancing at Robert quickly, I looked back to the bartender, laughed, and said, “Hello? He’s not my father and the last I checked I was twenty-one and able to order my own drinks. I’ll have a lemon drop. Please.”

Smiling and giving me a wink, the bartender said, “Yes ma’am. One lemon drop coming up.”

Pushing the water over to Robert, I slowly took in a deep breath as I smirked and said, “What’s wrong, Robert? Feeling bored with Lisa’s pussy power tonight?”

Clinching his jaws together, Robert closed his eyes and shook his head before opening them and glaring at me. “Let’s stop making this difficult and sign the damn paperwork my lawyer sent your lawyer and we can move on.” Lifting his hand up, he brushed the back of his hand down my face as I quickly jerked away.

“Do not touch me, asshat.”

Leaning in closer to me, Robert placed his lips up to my ear. “Now now, Sierra. You damn well know how your spunky attitude turns me on. I believe you told me once my touch lit your body on fire.”

Pulling my head back, I gave him my best smile. “That was before I was touched by a real man.”

Robert’s eyes turned black as he grabbed my leg and began to squeeze it. Holding my smile firmly in place, I tilted my head and bit down on my lower lip. Not because I liked him touching me, but because I was fighting like hell not to show he was hurting me.

“Who have you been fucking, Sierra?”

Attempting to talk, I fought like hell to keep my voice from shaking. “Wouldn’t you like to know? According to you, Robert, it’s Jeremy.”

Robert was about to say something when he was quickly jerked back. “Excuse me, if you wish to speak to my client, you’ll have to communicate through your attorney who will in turn contact me.”

Letting out the breath I was holding, I closed my eyes and thanked God quickly that Dodge showed up when he did.

“Who might you be? Her fuck-buddy?” Robert said as he glared at Dodge.

Dodge smiled that smile that made my insides melt and my lower body explode with desire.

Leaning in closer, Dodge said, “I’m her lawyer. When my client calls me after hours to tell me the husband she is legally separated from has broken into her house, I come running.”

Robert let out a gruff laugh as he looked Dodge up and down. “New lawyer or not, I’ll get what I want. And as far as breaking into her house, you’re delusional. I have no idea what you’re talking about. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to call my lawyer; we need to get our game plan together to win this case against my cheating wife.”

Dodge practically had steam coming from his ears as he leaned in closer. “I wouldn’t count on it, asshole.”

Robert turned to me and said, “Got yourself a real professional lawyer there, baby. I’ll be seeing you around, Sierra.”

Smirking, I grabbed my lemon drop as I said, “I highly doubt that. Tell Lisa I said hey.”

Robert glared at me, and if looks could kill, I’d be flat on my ass right now. Turning on his heels, Robert left. Slumping a bit in my chair, I closed my eyes and counted to ten. I couldn’t talk just yet, or I would sound like a baby. Finally opening my eyes, I smiled at Dodge and said, “Thank you so much for co—”

And that’s when I saw her. Dodge’s date. Who also happened to be the receptionist at Dodge’s law firm. Oh my God. He brought her with him? He didn’t leave his date for me. Looking away, I felt the tears building in my eyes. How stupid am I? Digging my nails into my hand, I plastered on a fake smile. Reaching into my purse, I pulled out a twenty and threw it onto the bar.

My eyes traveled to the brunette standing in front of me. She had her hand wrapped around Dodge’s arm and was smiling like she knew something I didn’t.

Bitch.

Standing up, I cleared my throat as I looked into Dodge’s eyes and shook my head. “Why am I not surprised? The receptionist huh? Seems to be the common thing with men.”

The brunette’s smile faded some as she looked at Dodge. Rolling my eyes, I pushed past them as I whispered under my breath, “Fucking men.”

I began walking toward the exit as fast as I could. Dodge called out my name as I practically began to run. “Sierra! Sierra, wait.” Holding up my hand, I made it out the door and to my car. Quickly opening the door, I tried to get in before Dodge caught up to me.

“Sierra, please stop for a second,” Dodge said as he slammed my car door shut.

Feeling as if I would break down in tears, I looked away. “Dodge, just let me go. I’ve had a hell of a day, and now I need to find a hotel because I’m scared to death my crazy-ass husband is going to walk into my house at any moment.”

“Sierra, let me just explain. Karen and I were just—”

Letting out a sarcastic laugh, I held up my hands and said, “It’s your personal life, sport, and you’re free to do what you want with it.” Anger quickly filled my body as I looked back at him. “How foolish of me to think you would actually be going over my case this evening like you said.” Slowly shaking my head, I continued, “The only thing you were going over was the brunette’s body. I guess it makes no difference, does it?”

“What?” Dodge asked frustrated.

“Whether you’re a bartender or a lawyer, you still like having fun with the girls. Is this a rebound fuck, Dodge? Maybe just one of the girls in the office you’re fucking.” Holding my hands up, I shook my head. “Right, listen it’s none of my business.”

Pushing him away, I attempted to open the door. “I do have a personal life, Sierra.”

Nodding my head, I whispered, “Yep, you sure do. I’ll be requesting a new lawyer first thing tomorrow.”

Dodge grabbed me and spun me around. “What? I don’t think so. You can’t dump me just because you see me with another woman. You haven’t even given me a chance on your case. What I do in my spare time is my business.”

Smiling, I shrugged my shoulders. “Call me sentimental, but men sleeping with their receptionists kind of turns my stomach. You know . . . brings back bad memories. I think this time I’ll ask for a female lawyer.”

Dodge pressed me against my car and got closer to me. “The fuck you will. My father gave me this case, and I fully intend to win it and prove to him I’m a good lawyer. I will not let our personal relationship get in the way. You’re my client and nothing more.”

The moment the words were out of his mouth I felt like it was the last blow my heart could take. My body slumped as I fought to hold back the tears. There was one thing I never wanted another man to see ever again, and that was the hurt they caused. I knew the moment Dodge sucked in a breath he had seen my moment of weakness.

The single tear rolling down my face.