Unable to Resist by Cassie Graham

wrapped around my body outside his office, steadying me, my breath hitched. Moving the escaped hair from my face, I found his bright, playful eyes staring back at me.
    In that instant, my heart ached. It begged and pleaded to beat out of my chest and into his hands.
    It was already his, and he couldn’t even have it.
    This is not good.
    Moving to the back of the death box, aka the elevator, I rest my head on the wall. How did I get myself into this predicament?
    I just need to put my feelings aside. There’s no other option. I have to revert back to the time in my life before Duane.
    Was that really only a couple days ago? How is that possible?
    No, it doesn’t matter. He’s my lawyer. I need to keep my heart at a distance.
    Says the woman who just confessed that her heart was his.
    The elevator dings, releasing me, and I leave the building behind me.
    I take my time returning, giving myself some time to think—or not think. The radio plays, giving my brain a short respite. When I pull into the parking lot, I feel slightly more level.
    Stepping into the shop, Mia and Liv are tending to customers. Things seem so normal.
    It’s crazy to think my life seems to be spiraling while everyone else’s goes on without a hint of knowledge that things are crumbling around me.
    I guess that’s how life is. I’m probably just as oblivious. Living in my own little world while others go through hell and back. Humans are so damn selfish sometimes.
    Note to self: Try to be more aware of others. Everyone is suffering in some way or another.
    I’m greeted with smiles from Liv and Mia when they see me. Subtly, I gesture for them to follow me to the kitchen. Once we are out of earshot of the customers, I unload.
    “I have to go to Arizona,” I say, my eyes on my cell phone, “in three hours.”
    They look at each other and then back at me.
    “I guess they brought suspects in this morning, and one claims to know who I am. He refuses to talk to anyone but me.”
    Liv steps forward, placing her hand on my arm. “Holy shit, are you okay? You know you don’t have to worry about the shop. We’ll be fine.”
    I nod my head. “I know. I’m—I don’t know. Confused? I guess. But I have no other choice. I need to find some closure.”
    Mia comes on the other side of me and wraps her arm around Liv and I. “It’s going to be okay. Are you really going alone? You hate heights. Is it really a good idea? Maybe you can drive?”
    I snort. I didn’t even think about being miles above the ground. It’s a little too late now to back out, though. And I seriously don’t want to anticipate how long it’ll take me to get to Arizona from here by car.
    “I’ll be okay. Duane is actually going with me.”
    Both of their arms drop and they step away to look at me. They must think I’ve gone crazy. It’s actually not far from the truth.
    I shrug a shoulder. “He’s my lawyer. He needs to be there to represent me.”
    Liv scoffs. “You can’t fool us, Daniels. We know you have other motives.”
    If only.
    “No, really, it’s not like that,” I protest.
    “What do you mean?” Mia asks.
    “I can’t jeopardize his career just because I have feelings for him. It has to stay professional.” Maybe the more I say it out loud; I’ll begin to believe it.
    Liv doesn’t look impressed. “It doesn’t have to be serious. You clearly like him. He seems to like you, just have some sex.”
    “Profound.” I look at her and shake my head.
    She tries to look innocent. “What?”
    “It can’t just be casual sex with him, Liv. I really feel something for him. I can’t explain it. I don’t want him unless I can have all of him.”
    I can’t budge on my decision. If I’m going to do anything, I need all of him. More than that, I want him to be mine. I want to selfishly claim him.
    “Alright, alright, I get it.” She backs off with her arms up in surrender.
    “It’s fine. I just really don’t want to think about it. I need to go pack.