The next day at work, Nicole handed Allison a couple of cases.

She hurried over, case files in hand, speaking a mile a minute, "This client wants to appeal. Their previouswyer just left, so it''s all yours now. The appeal deadline is looming, so you need to draft the appeal and get all the materials ready for the court today.

“And there''s this workers''p case. You''ll need to take the client for an injury assessment and a work capacity evaluation. Try to get that done today or tomorrow. Tomorrow''s Friday, so let''s not push it to next week."

Allison nodded repeatedly, taking the files. "Got it."

Jumping right into work with cases... Well, Oak Lake Law Firm really is the top firm in the city.

Being busy is no problem; more cases meanmissions and lots of experience to gain.

Allison touched base with the clients and skimmed through the evidence. These cases were quite the puzzle.

She set up a meeting with the client for the workers''p evaluation tomorrow. Today, she had to focus on getting that appeal filed.

By the time Allison wrapped up her tasks, it was already pitch ck outside. Her coworkers had left ages ago. She was thest one in the sprawling office.

Working sote meant she hadn''t even had time to grab dinner.

Allison straightened up her desk, turned off the lights, locked up, and headed out. Her apartment was just a ten-minute walk from the office, so she always walked to work.

That''s when Joshua called. "Allie, are you home yet?"

"Just got off work, on my way now."

“Did you have dinner?” Joshua asked.

"Not yet, no time. I was thinking of ordering takeout once I get home."

Joshua teased, “Ms. Allison, your delivery is en route."

"Really? Did you order takeout for me?"

Joshua''s voice was lighthearted, "Delivery guy Joshua is on his way."

Allisonughed. "You''re bringing me food?"

"Yep," Joshua''s tone was warm and soft. "I''ll be at your ce in about fifteen minutes.”

Fifteen minutes-perfect timing. It would take her about ten minutes to reach her building''s entrance. Joshua sure knew how to time things right.

In Allison''s mind, Joshua wasn''t the joking type. Calling himself a delivery guy was a far cry from his usual aloofness.

Recently, she noticed how Joshua seemed different from the distant guy she remembered.

The mood lifted with Joshua''s yful banter, and Allison joked back, "Have you got me under surveince? You know, invading privacy is against thew.”

Joshua''s deep voice was incredibly alluring. “So, are you going to arrest me? I''m at your disposal."

The way he said “at your disposal" in that slow, sultry tone had Allison blushing.

“Uh-hum,” she cleared her throat to hide her embarrassment, changing the topic, "Don''t chat while driving. It''s dangerous."

13:00

Joshua seemed to chuckle. "The driver is driving.”

Allison coughed embarrassingly. She chatted with Joshua all the way to her apartmentplex.

A sweet smile lingered on her lips, her voice bright, absorbed in the call, she didn''t notice the man standing under the tree at the entrance.

“Allison.” Shawn''s voice cut through the night, sending a chill down her spine.