Chapter 4

Stephanie sighed softly and lifted her eyes from the huge flat screen monitor. She removed her black rimmed glasses and laid them down in front of her. Her large mahogany desk was littered with green cardboard files and sheets of scattered paper. It looked totally disorganised but she knew exactly where everything was. Two empty Diet Coke tins and a sandwich wrapper were nestled in between. She had quickly gulped down lunch while she prepared for a custody battle for a six year old girl. She was due in court first thing tomorrow morning but already she could see the case being deferred. The social worker's report still had to be submitted and as usual they were running late. In fact she had no chance in hell of getting it today despite her latest desperate plea to the guy handling the case, Brian Wilkins. He was being a stubborn bastard as per usual. Things were either on his time or no time at all.

Rubbing at her forehead wearily, Stephanie glanced over at the large window in her more than generous office. The Boston skyline shone magnificently through the glass. The low afternoon sun hid behind the rooftops of the high rise buildings covering them in a pink and orange glow. The coloured sky was beginning to darken outside and it cast the room in faint shadows. It looked so breathtakingly pretty out there and she loved watching the sunset. The way it lit up the entire city made it seem enchanting and romantic, not that she would know anything about romance of course. Especially not nowadays.

Pushing back her chair, Stephanie got to her feet feeling the sudden urge for a cappuccino. She was tired and in need of a major caffeine boost. Maybe she would even have a muffin too. She had a feeling she would be here for a few hours longer. It would be ages before she actually got the chance to grab any dinner.

Her bare soles sunk into the soft plush carpet before they searched around for her chunky heeled red shoes. Her toes sought them out underneath her desk. She always kicked them off when she was working alone in the office. It was habit she had gotten into over the years and it was surprising how much it relaxed her. Stephanie's fingers gripped the wooden edge to balance her as she slid her feet into the soft leather. She grabbed her matching Gucci handbag sitting by the leg of her desk. It was her one real extravagance in life. Well that and she loved shoes. Her entire closet was filled with boxes of all kind of footwear and she had the bags to go with them of course. Everyone knew they were the essential accessories of any outfit. Besides a girl had to try and look her best at all times.

Sliding the strap of her bag over her shoulder, Stephanie made her way into the busy main office. She smiled at Eve, her secretary who was taking a phone call. She mouthed to her she would be back in five. Eve grinned and nodded her head. Stephanie acknowledged a few of her colleagues as she made her way to the elevators. They all had cell phones stuck to their ears as they paced around the floor of the office. It seemed everyone loved to talk around here. No doubt they would be overcharging their poor clients for the phone call. It was definitely a cut throat business practicing law but she wouldn't have it any other way. In fact she thrived on the ruthless environment. It definitely felt empowering to her. God knows she had to be tough as nails to get any sort of recognition for her work. She was at a serious disadvantage being only one of two women who worked at the most successful law firm in the city. It seemed you had to have a dick to get anywhere or be anyone around here.

Her hand smacked against the button summoning the elevator. The square plastic lit up a bright luminous green. Stephanie waited patiently and glanced towards the reception tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. That was when she saw him sitting with his back partially turned to her.

Stunned by his presence, Stephanie stood staring at him in disbelief. It was that guy Paul. She knew straight away it was him. There was no mistaking the long blonde strands or the massive shoulders they rested upon. The question was what the hell was he doing here and dressed in a dark navy suit nonetheless. She'd never seen him in this office before. Maybe he was one of their brand new clients. Or just maybe he had come to see her.

Stephanie mentally gave herself a shake. Now she was being absolutely ridiculous. Why on earth would he do that? They didn't even really know one another and besides, she'd rejected his lame advances at the party Friday night. He knew she wasn't into him although she still couldn't forget the butterflies she had felt when he had whispered huskily into her ear that night. No one had affected her that way in a long time but then again she had been drinking. She wasn't exactly of sound mind at the time. He was nothing but an arrogant prick anyway. He probably acted like he was God's gift to anything with breasts. It was a pity though. Paul was a really handsome guy and sexy as hell to boot. Even she could admit that despite her loathing for him and unfortunately it seemed to be a prerequisite for men these days. If he looked gorgeous, you knew he would be a total bastard. She had learned that from her own personal, painful experience.

The elevator door pinged open. Stephanie was about to leave but hesitated. For some reason, she just had to know why he was here. Licking her lips, she crossed the short space to the seated area. The elderly woman sitting next to him got up and left. Stephanie noticed her heading towards the bathrooms as she stood in front of Paul. He was still absorbed in some article he was reading. Or maybe he was just admiring the pictures of the motoring magazine in his hand. Men and their damn cars!

She immediately felt her demeanour shift as she watched him. She didn't know why but her defences were up. She had felt that way around him the couple of times she had met him. Paul had the knack of getting under her skin somehow. He knew it though and seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. Stephanie deliberately cleared her throat to grab his attention. It worked as Paul glanced up from his magazine. A slow smile crept across his face. His brown eyes were surprised and curious.

"You know this is like some fucked up version of Groundhog Day. Every day I wake up to find you popping up somewhere else in my life." she stated.

"Stephanie McMahon. We meet yet again." Paul paused for a second before grinning at her widely. "And can I say you're looking beautiful today."

He winked as he let his brown eyes run over her dark grey wool business suit. Stephanie wore a white shirt underneath with the buttons loose to her cleavage. A string of red beads hung around her neck. She looked every bit the professional but yet she was still amazingly hot. Her hair was straight and fell softly over her shoulders. Her make up was light and subtle.

"Don't even think about it." she warned.

"What?" Paul laughed. "I can't even pay you a compliment?"

Stephanie scowled. "No. Not when you use it as an opportunity to try and check me out." She adjusted the leather strap of her handbag as she shifted her feet on the carpet and flicked her hair over her shoulder.

"You know you're pretty full of yourself." smirked Paul as he rested back in the black cushioned chair. He tossed his magazine to the side and crossed his arms over his chest as he chomped on a piece of gum. It made him appear more smug than usual if that was even possible. But yet there was something incredibly sexy about it too. Stephanie quickly pushed aside that thought. She obviously needed serious help for even thinking that way.

"Look, are you stalking me or something?" she blurted out to him.

Paul snorted in surprise as he shook his head. "I hate to burst your bubble toots but I'm actually here on business."

"Oh." she said simply and blushed. Of course he wasn't stalking her. Why the hell had she said that? She cleared her throat once more as she tried to remain cool and composed. "And what kind of business is that?"

"Well I need some legal advice."

Stephanie raised her eyebrows and her blue eyes went wide. "So you've got yourself into a spot of trouble, huh? What kind of trouble?"

"You seem awfully interested." smiled Paul as he uncrossed his arms. He stood up from the chair causing Stephanie to take a step back. Her eyes were level with the smooth skin of his chest exposed by the open collar of his pale blue shirt. She swallowed thickly and tilted her head upwards. She found herself looking deeply into his pair of amazing brown eyes.

"Does the idea of me being a bad boy appeal to you, Stephanie?"

She quickly shook her head as she silently cursed him under her breath. He was a cocky bastard that was for sure. "Well that would be impossible being you don't appeal to me at all." she retorted.

"You just keep telling yourself that. You might believe it one day." he laughed.

Paul lifted his wrist and quickly checked his watch. His appointment time had been and gone half an hour ago. He usually hated being kept waiting yet he was prepared to tolerate it. Why not when he could mix business with pleasure? He'd be lying if he said he didn't know Stephanie worked here yet having to come here today was a total co-incidence. There were some major problems getting some draft construction plans approved. But by the looks of things it wouldn't get solved today not if the opposing company's attorney didn't get his ass in gear. But then again it meant he had the chance to talk with Stephanie. Over a week had passed and he still hadn't managed to make any progress. She was a tough one to crack but she would be all the sweeter when he did.

"So what are the chances of you actually getting incarcerated then?"

"Not as high as you'd like." smiled Paul.

"Anything less than a life sentence would be sorely disappointing to me."

"Ha ha. That's very funny." Paul shook his head in amusement. "You know should watch what you say to people. They might get the impression that you dislike them."

"Yet you still won't take the hint." she smiled.

"That's because deep down I know you actually like me despite your protests to the contrary."

Stephanie pressed her lips tightly together and shook her head at him. "You're delusional. You know that, don't you?"

"Oh I don't think so."

Paul lightly grabbed hold of Stephanie's arm and guided her towards the far corner of the waiting area. She glared at him incredulously trying to ignore the way her body tingled at his touch. It was probably static or something like that. Yes, that was probably it.

"Why are you manhandling me?" she hissed as she yanked her arm away from him.

Paul chuckled as he leaned down towards her ear. Stephanie breathed in sharply. He smelled absolutely incredible. His cologne was fresh and masculine. She could also detect the mint on his breath. Really, it had to be illegal for one person to smell this good.

"See the nice girl on the reception desk?"

Stephanie glanced over at Gemma who was trying to appear busy as she looked over in their direction. She had an almost dreamy expression on her face as her eyes settled on Paul. What was it with this guy anyway? Why did women find him so appealing? Even Natasha had been raving about him to her at the weekend. Apparently he was one of the sweetest men walking the face of this planet. Stephanie thought her friend was totally crazy. The man was a fucking Neanderthal.

"Well, she's been listening in on our conversation. I thought you might want a little more privacy."

Stephanie swallowed thickly. She could feel his warm breath on the side of her face and her knees lightly trembled at his deep, hushed tone. As her stomach flipped wildly, she somehow managed to maintain her cool exterior. Damn him and damn her body for betraying her.

"After all I'm sure you're the type of woman that keeps her personal life private." Paul concluded.

Stephanie took a step away from him in order to try and keep some space between them. It was hard to think with him standing so close to her. Plus, honestly, she had been in grave danger of sniffing at his neck. She was becoming totally pathetic. Licking her lips, she met his amused grin. "And what makes you assume you're anything to do with my personal life?"

"I'm not. You're right. But I plan on changing that though."

"Why?" she asked suspiciously.

"Well you are a very beautiful and smart woman, Stephanie. Not to mention you're pretty feisty." His brown eyes twinkled at her. "I happen to like the fact that you are a challenge to me." he admitted.

Stephanie shrugged her shoulders as she tried her best to act casual. "Well it's just a pity I'm not interested in you."

"You are. You just won't admit it to yourself." Paul replied confidently.

Stephanie found herself bristling in annoyance at his arrogance. What a smug dick! "And what makes you so sure of that?" she hissed loudly at him.

She noticed Gemma's head lift and look over at them from behind her desk. Stephanie tugged on Paul's arm turning them away from her. He smiled at her widely.

"Because I'm starting to realise something about you. You know, I think you like to be pursued. In fact I think it secretly turns you on."

Stephanie's mouth opened wide as she shook her head vehemently. "You are unbelievable. In fact, I can't even believe I am having this conversation with you."

Feeling slightly flustered by the whole encounter, she turned to walk away. Paul's hand firmly held her arm stopping her. She whipped her head round to glare at him. What the hell was this guy's problem? He obviously couldn't handle rejection.

"Look, just agree to go out with me and we can stop all of this."

"No."

"I'll just keep coming back until you do." he warned.

"You're wasting your time. My answer will still be the same."

Paul's lips upturned into a small smile as he took a step closer to her. His big brown eyes looked deeply into hers as he lowered his face towards her. Their noses were only millimetres apart as his warm breath danced across her skin and for a second she almost forgot to breathe.

"We'll see." he said simply lingering for a moment.

Stephanie could feel her heart hammering in her chest. Paul's fingers trailed lightly down her arm when he finally stepped back and let her go. She stood there frozen, her mind in a daze as she watched him check his watch and frown.

"I'm going to have to reschedule my appointment. I've got another meeting across town."

Stephanie swallowed thickly and nodded her head in acknowledgment. She was still struggling to think properly.

"So I guess I'll see you around, Stephanie."

She gave a small smile and watched him walk towards the reception desk. Paul had only taken a couple of steps before he turned back round. He smirked at her widely as he flipped her a wink.

"And you can bet that on that."