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  Driven to Date

  by

  Susan Hatler

  Driven to Date

  Copyright © 2014 by Susan Hatler

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  License Notes

  This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

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  Titles by Susan Hatler

  Kissed by the Bay Series

  Every Little Kiss

  The Perfect Kiss

  Just One Kiss

  The Sweetest Kiss

  A Christmas Kiss

  All About That Kiss

  Better Date than Never Series

  Love at First Date

  Truth or Date

  My Last Blind Date

  Save the Date

  A Twist of Date

  License to Date

  Driven to Date

  Up to Date

  Déjà Date

  Date and Dash

  Treasured Dreams Series

  An Unexpected Date

  An Unexpected Kiss

  An Unexpected Love

  An Unexpected Proposal

  An Unexpected Wedding

  An Unexpected Joy

  An Unexpected Baby

  Young Adult Novels

  Shaken

  See Me

  The Crush Dilemma

  Praise

  “Susan Hatler has a knack for writing books that draw me in from the very first page!”

  — Books Are Sanity!!! on Love at First Date

  “Ms. Hatler has a way of writing witty dialogue that makes you laugh-out-loud throughout her stories.”

  — Night Owl Reviews on Truth or Date

  “Seriously you guys, you have to pick this one up if you are a romantic at heart. Deliciously sweet.”

  — Getting Your Read On Reviews on My Last Blind Date

  “An Unexpected Date is a wonderful and perfect release to a stressful or crazy day.”

  — Cafè of Dreams Book Reviews

  “If you enjoy a YA Romance jam packed with adventure and the unknown. I would recommend this fantastic read.”

  — Tifferz Book Reviewz on Shaken

  Driven to Date

  by

  Susan Hatler

  Chapter One

  The last decade of my life had built up to this moment. As I stood outside the conference room, I had the strong urge to throw my arms in the air, jump as high as I could, and shout, “Go, me!” But, of course, I refrained. The partners were about to promote me to Managing Attorney of the Personal Injury Department, and doing the bunny hop in the hallway might be construed as poor leadership.

  Jill Parnell, Managing Attorney. Definitely had a nice ring to it. They may as well put my name on the letterhead now, because this promotion would be a virtual guarantee I’d make partner at Corbett, Gray, & Shaw. Roger Gray had assured me of that when he’d interviewed and hired me five years ago.

  Sure, there had been sacrifices to get to this point, and they flashed through my head like a slideshow: Missed parties in college and law school. Saturday nights at the office—too many to count. Aidan’s recent ultimatum that I slow down in my career or else.

  I chose “else.”

  Aidan and I’d had fun over the last eight months, but he knew when we met that I was driven in my career. For him to want me to change—to give up what had made me the independent, self-sufficient twenty-nine-year-old I was today—seemed wrong. Like I’d drop off the partner track because my boyfriend wanted me to go to the movies more often.

  I snorted at the thought. If only my mother would’ve had the good sense to ditch my dad thirty years go, then she wouldn’t have had to work her knuckles to the bone—literally, because she cleaned houses as her second job—funding his big adventures all her life. When I asked her last week, why she never got to go hike in the Andes—Dad was due back from South America today—she merely replied, “Someone has to pay the bills.”

  Exactly why I needed to make partner and secure my future. Aidan didn’t seem to get that, but he’d lasted eight months, which was longer than the rest of my boyfriends. None seemed willing to stand by a career woman. I didn’t cry over him dumping me, but I’d certainly been disappointed. Another casualty. Another sacrifice. But it was about to finally pay off.

  I knocked on the door, and entered to find all three partners seated at the oblong mahogany table. Stan Corbett had taken the head spot, Roger Gray sat to his right, and Jim Shaw was last.

  Stan gestured toward the empty chair next to Jim. “Please have a seat, Jill.”

  “Thank you.” I unbuttoned the jacket of my pantsuit, crossed my legs slowly, and willed myself to appear calm as a million volts of adrenaline shot through me.

  Stan poured himself a cup of coffee, then gestured for me to help myself. “We’ve asked you here today because, as you know, Charles Mansfield gave notice last week.”

  “Yes.” I nodded at Stan, who was actually not my favorite. Unfortunately, he was about to be my direct boss. Stan Corbett was a short, stout, want-to-be ladies man, and the partner who headed up the Personal Injury Department. Not someone I was eager to have lord over me, especially when Charlie had given me free reign (after my first year) to work independently on my cases. I poured myself a cup of coffee—black, no fluffy cream or sugar. “I heard Charlie’s starting his own law firm with Ethan Harrison.”

  The same Ethan, who was getting married at the Geoffries hotel here in downtown Sacramento tomorrow night. I made a mental note to pick up my black evening dress from the drycleaners at lunch. Truth be told, I had a jam-packed day scheduled, so I wished the partners would promote me so I could get on with it.

  Jim Shaw leaned back in his brown leather chair. “Jill, have I ever mentioned my nephew?”

  “Not that I recall.” My brows furrowed as I lifted my mug, took a sip of the hot, bitter liquid, then braced myself for the four crucial words: Congratulations on Managing Partner. Maybe I should act surprised. . . .

  “My nephew’s been heading up a big law firm in San Diego.” Jim cleared his throat, then leaned forward on his elbows. “Lucky for us, he’s decided to move back to his roots here in Sacramento. We’ve just hired him to take over for Charles Mansfield.”

  I choked on my coffee. “W-What did you say?”

  Jim handed me a small, white napkin. “My nephew will be the new Managing Attorney at Corbett, Gray, & Shaw.”

  My face went numb as I dabbed my mouth with the napkin. Had Jim just said they were giving my position to his nephew? I turned to the other two partners, pleading with my eyes that Jim was just exercising a sick sense of humor.

  “Managing Attorney is the number one position in the Personal Injury Departm
ent.” Roger Gray gave me a serious look. “But the number two position is vital as well.”

  “Excellent point, Roger.” Stan’s forehead wrinkled as he wiggled in his chair. “The Managing Attorney relies heavily on the number two. Teamwork’s everything.”

  Who gave a flying fig about the number two position? My shoulders tightened as I inwardly seethed over the five years I’d slaved at Corbett, Gray, & Shaw. Days. Nights. And all those weekends. For what? So they could hand my position to some new guy, just because he came from Jim’s gene pool?

  “It’s been a tough decision replacing Charles.” Stan leaned over the desk, his potbelly pressing against the table. “We needed someone who had the proper experience. A leader. Someone who could convince these Sacramento juries to loosen their purse strings.”

  “I see.” I kept my expression blank as I stared at my backstabbing boss. My trial skills were top notch and I always gave one-hundred and fifty percent. It was my turn to move up and Stan knew it. I felt eyes burning into the side of my head and gave a side-glance at Roger Gray. A look passed between us and I understood he wasn’t the one who’d sold me out.

  “Jury verdicts are everything in this business.” Jim smiled in a matter-of-fact way that annoyed me. “That’s what keeps the P.I. Department afloat.”

  My eyes narrowed. Like Jim knew squat about our department. He’d graduated from Podunk Law School, umpteen years ago, and had never gone to trial once. His role in this firm was schmoozing, drumming up new clients, and rubbing elbows with Sac County judges.

  “Even more important than trial skills is settlement negotiation.” I smoothed a non-existent wrinkle from my jacket sleeve, drawing out my statement until I had their full attention. If this nephew wasn’t a sealed deal, I could still land on top. Uncle Jim had said it himself. The bottom line was money. “The best way to conserve expenses is by resolving before trial. I’m sure you know I recently settled the Maxwell case.”

  “The six-figure medical malpractice suit.” Stan nodded. “You and Charles did a fine job on that one.”

  My jaw tightened. Charlie hadn’t touched that case. Sure, his name was on the file as Managing Attorney, but I’d handled that case from the in-take interview to depositing the settlement check. Territorial much? Me? Maybe a little. . . .

  “Yes, it was a terrific settlement.” Jim’s cell beeped and he checked the screen. “We’d better wrap things up since I need to take this. Thank you, everyone.”

  I opened my mouth—

  “I’ve got another meeting as well.” Stan stood, then followed Jim out of the conference room, leaving the door open.

  My chest went hollow, then my gaze shot to Roger. “That’s it?”

  “I’m sorry, Jill.” His expression was grave. “You’re very much appreciated around here and you’ll advance as soon as there’s another opportunity.”

  Yeah, unless Jim’s long lost cousin appeared. “When does Jim’s nephew start?”

  “Monday.” He let out a breath, then rose from his chair. “He’s a decent fellow. I’m sure you’ll get along famously.”

  I didn’t want to “get along” with him at all. I wanted my promotion. I’d earned it.

  Roger gave me a sympathetic smile that churned my stomach, then he left.

  Face still numb, I scanned the empty conference room wondering what my next move should be. Going down without a fight was one thing, but going down kicking and screaming would be pathetic. My goals had been road blocked by Jim’s freaking nephew. Possibly forever. Maybe I needed to move on from Corbett, Gray, & Shaw. But would it be wise to start at a new firm after I’d already invested five years?

  I needed to call someone for advice on how I should re-plan my life. But, who? Not Aidan, obviously. Not my mom or dad, because they had their own problems. As I racked my brain for a friend to unload on, it became rapidly apparent that I’d let my friendships dissipate over the years. Too busy working. Fat lot of good that had done me.

  My heart sank.

  Then I snapped my fingers, remembering Ethan’s fiancée, Kristen. She and I had met a handful of times at various lawyer functions and we ran into each other at the gym a couple weeks ago after Totally Fit’s six a.m. Zumba class. Kristen seemed smart, friendly, and had told me to call her anytime. As an added bonus, she was a trained marriage and family therapist, so surely she’d have good advice for me.

  I hurried back to my office, darts of pain shooting through me at every “congratulations” offered up by colleagues who assumed (like I had) the promotion would be mine. I pushed my office door shut, rummaged through my handbag, and found Kristen’s business card tucked neatly in a side pocket: Kristen Moore, Marriage & Family Counselor.

  Glancing up to make sure I’d shut my office door—my head was spinning right now—I picked up the handset, and punched Kristen’s number into the desk phone. My heart thumped against my ribcage and a knot formed in my stomach as I listened to ring after ring.

  “Hello?”

  “Kristen?” My stomach churned. “This is Jill Parnell.”

  Long pause. “Ethan’s friend. The lawyer.”

  “Yes.” My eyes burned as I pictured my tunnel vision the last five years and the brick wall I’d slammed into. I dropped my head into my hand. “Can we meet? I-I have an enormous problem and, for the first time in my life, I don’t know what to do.”

  Nausea crept up my throat as I waited to hear if Kristen would help me as a friend or if I needed to schedule an actual therapy appointment.

  I didn’t have to wait long.

  “Absolutely.” Her voice was firm. “I’m at the final fitting for my wedding dress right now. Can you meet me downtown at two o’clock tomorrow? Or, do you need me today?”

  “Tomorrow works,” I said, then jotted down the address she gave me. “And Kristen? Thank you.”

  I hung up the phone, stared at the files on my desk, and hoped Kristen would have good advice. Otherwise, how would I ever stomach working for the man who’d snatched my promotion out from under me?

  ****

  At two in the afternoon on Saturday, I collapsed into the chair at Innovation, Kristen’s hair salon. “How is cutting my hair going to get me my promotion?”

  “It won’t.” Kristen glanced at me from the chair to my right as her hair stylist snapped a trendy silver smock around her neck. “I just figured you could use a change.”

  I raised one shoulder. “Okay, but I usually pull my hair back into a ponytail.”

  “I’ve noticed.” Kristen eyed my brown hair critically. “You should wear it down more. Have some fun with it. I’m thinking highlights, too. Do you have time for that, Carmen?”

  “You saved my marriage, Kristen.” The short-haired brunette winked at her. “I’ll always make time for you.”

  Kristen smiled as her own hair stylist transformed a lock of Kristen’s deep, red hair into a perfect ringlet. “I checked the guest list and you’re not bringing a date to my wedding tonight?”

  “No.” I shook my head. “My boyfriend and I broke up last month. So, I’m going solo.”

  Carmen held my head in place, picked up a black comb, then ran it through my long locks that currently hung six inches below my shoulders. Soon it would be gone, just like my promotion. . . .

  Carmen held out a sample sheet of various highlight shades and pointed to the gold strands in the middle. “I recommend this color for your skin tone.”

  Kristen nodded in agreement.

  “Sure,” I said, even though this seemed like a waste of time. Highlighted hair would not get Jim’s thieving nephew to abandon my Managing Attorney position.

  “Why did you and your boyfriend break-up?” Kristen asked.

  I took a deep breath, remembering Aidan’s final straw. “Aidan wanted me to go to the movies with him, but I had a brief due.”

  Kristen nodded slightly as if assessing, and her stylist dropped another ringlet softly against her cheek. “I take it this wasn’t the first time you’d put work
ahead of him?”

  “How did you know?” I said, then rolled my eyes. “Dumb question. You’re a trained counselor.”

  She winked at me.

  I watched Carmen stir the concoction she’d poured into a bowl, and the pungent fumes from the blue gunk burned my nostrils. Ick. “My career’s important to me. Aidan should’ve understood.”

  “And love isn’t important to you, Jill?”

  My nose immediately wrinkled. “Love is an abstract feeling used by romance writers to sell books.”

  Kristen raised her brow.

  “I’m sorry.” I let out a small laugh. “I shouldn’t say that to a woman getting married in four hours.”

  “Say it if you mean it.” The corners of her mouth turned up. “Believe it or not, I felt the same way you do not so long ago. My work had been my priority, too. Then I met Ethan and everything changed—for the better. You and I aren’t so different.”

  I was instantly reminded of my meeting with the partners yesterday. “Except that you didn’t have your promotion stolen from you.”

  Carmen sectioned my hair, brushed the pungent goop on my strands, then wrapped tinfoil around them.

  “True.” Kristen’s brows came together. “Not much you can do about nepotism.”

  My shoulders slumped at Kristen’s unhelpful take on my trauma. “I was hoping you’d know which direction I should pursue now. I’d planned to enjoy my career at that firm, but obviously that’s shot. I need a new plan.”

  I’d always been the woman with a plan and my life had always gone according to it. Mentally, I pictured the old crinkled list of goals I’d created after high school and carried in my purse:

  #1–Graduate college at 21 (Done!)

  #2–Graduate law school at 24 (Done!)

  #3-Obtain job at well-established firm (Done!)

  #4-Purchase house at 26 (Done!)

  #5-Managing Position at 29

  #6-Partner at 35 (33, if possible)

  I always achieved my goals and wasn’t equipped to deal with failure. I had to make a new plan. That’s all there was to it. Life without an impeccably mapped out strategy was like pleading a case naked in front of a jury. Actually, I felt naked now. No, worse than naked. I felt vulnerable. Like my life had no purpose.