Lawyer Up (8 page)

The intimate feel of the necklace resting lightly on her skin was arousing. Her flesh tingled along the entire length of the chain, making her hyperaware of the man next to her—their knees touching under the small table, the sexy sound of his hushed voice, the hungry look in his eyes.
It's just a token
, she reminded herself. That's what he had said.

But for the rest of the dinner, while they talked about everything and nothing, she was constantly aware of the necklace's slight weight, its presence there…and his eyes looking at the pendant resting just above her bosom. Her nipples zinged, tightened, every time she saw his eyes focused
there
. By the time dessert arrived, that private part of herself farther down was tingling too, and she was hot all over.

“Thank you again for supper and for this.” Beth touched the pendant.

“It's my pleasure. I can see how hard you're working to change your life. You deserve to celebrate.”

“Well, there's something I'd like to tell you. I've added another goal to my plan, and I hope you won't laugh or think it's stupid.”

Jon sat straighter. “Of course I won't. Please tell me.” He started to reach out for her hand resting on the table, but then pulled back and took another sip of his wine.

“Well, if I pass the GED—”

“You will!” Jon interrupted. “I know you will.”

“Okay, so
when
I pass the test, I'm thinking of trying to go to community college. You know, taking some night classes to see if maybe I can do it.”

Beth watched Jon closely to see if he would laugh, but instead his delighted smile thrilled her. “Of course you can do it. What a great idea.”

They talked for a while about it. Beth wasn't sure yet what she wanted to study, or if she'd even take it all the way to a bachelor's degree. “I know it will be difficult to work and go to school at the same time, but I'll take it slow and give it my best effort.”

“I know you will. I want to say that I'm…proud of you, but I…well, I guess I don't have any right to—”

“Of course you do,” she interrupted. “We're friends, so you have every right. Thank you.”

“I'm glad that you consider me a friend. My ex, Val, took most of our friends in the divorce. I really only have a couple of buddies.”

“You know I meant what I said. You shouldn't feel that you can't hang with your buddies because of me, even have them over. I've imposed in your life more than enough. I can make myself scarce.”

“Well, it would be nice to invite a couple guys over to watch football sometime, but you don't have to leave.”

“Please do! Anytime. And I'll make some terrific tailgating snacks.”

As Jon paid the bill, he reminded Beth that her court appearance was coming soon. “There are other ways to handle this first offense, but I'd like to get the entire thing expunged, if possible, and having you appear before a judge in person will help ensure that.”

“Oh…do you mean I'll have to talk to a judge…in court?”

“Don't worry. I'll practice with you. By the time you're there, you'll be totally ready. I won't let you do badly, I promise.”

Grateful for everything, she burst out, “Thank you, really, so much! I can't believe how nice you are. Are all lawyers like you? You're the first one I've ever met.”

Jon puffed up at her praise. “Thank you. I can't say we're all nice. You know that
I'm
not even
that
nice.” Then he smiled at her—a wide-open, admiring one that lit his face.

Beth barely heard Jon. She was struck once again by how his smile transformed him from nicely attractive to utterly gorgeous. She swallowed, remembering how it felt to be kissed by those smiling lips. She wondered then if he might be having similar thoughts. His eyes were glued to her mouth. Self-consciously, she licked her lips, and Jon sucked in a harsh breath. Dinner was over, and he rose to assist her to standing.

As they walked out, they paused for a moment at the railing's edge to look at the water glowing in the moonlight. The night was warm, but a cool ocean breeze brushed her skin. Again, Jon's strong hand rested on her lower back while they stood side by side quietly looking at the frothy waves. It was perhaps the most perfect, romantic moment in her entire life.

Beth glanced at Jon and shivered. He wasn't looking at the view at all, his focus entirely on her. He stared deep into her eyes before his gaze dropped to her mouth. Jon edged closer, leaning in, and Beth realized he was going to kiss her. She almost moaned aloud as desire swept through her. She tilted up, but then all her doubts rushed back.
Men
like
him
might
like
the
sex, but they don't fall for hicks from the sticks!
There would be no fairy-tale ending to this magical night. This was just lust, nothing more, to be followed by heartbreak…hers.

Without thinking, Beth jerked back infinitesimally. She hoped he didn't notice, but Jon's hand dropped immediately from her waist and he looked…hurt perhaps?

Beth needed to say something, to tell Jon that it wasn't him, that she really did care for him, but that would mean revealing that she wanted more than just a fling…and that would ruin everything. She kept her mouth closed. The silence was deafening.

“Thank you again for supper,” she murmured. What else could she say that wouldn't open her heart to rejection?

“No problem,” Jon returned, but he didn't sound anything like the happy or carefree guy from earlier.

They drove home not saying much. Beth didn't find the silence oppressive, although Jon was clearly lost in thought. She regretted any hurt she'd inflicted, but it was probably fleeting. He probably wasn't even thinking about it anymore. For Jon, it was just fun sex, while for her—no matter how much she denied it—their relationship meant so much more. The pain when he ultimately moved on to someone from his own circle would be too much.

Beth wasn't prepared to risk that sort of pain unless what she had with him was real love, and what could possibly be real about a bond founded on the belief—no matter how brief—that she was a whore? For that matter, she wondered if Jon could ever see her as more than his charity case, which wasn't how she envisioned lasting love. Beth decided to focus on her goals while enjoying the moment. That way, she would have no regrets when they ultimately separated at some point in the future.

CRIMINAL INTENT

During the following week, both of them resolutely ignored what had happened at the restaurant. They still had sex regularly, but a little of the sparkle seemed to be gone. On the surface, everything seemed fine, but inside Jon had been hurt by her rejection. It reminded him of some of the shock and betrayal he'd felt when his wife rejected him, feelings that he had lived with for way too long. He shrugged the chip away before it could settle on his shoulder again, but his growing attachment to Beth was making him feel unstable.

I'm getting in too deep!
But Jon liked having her around too much to risk her leaving by pressuring her with his too-strong, too-fast need for some sort of commitment. So he just kept his mouth shut and hoped she would begin to return his affection.

At her repeated urging, Jon took Beth up on her suggestion and invited a couple of acquaintances over to watch a college football game on the weekend. It was time to make new post-Val friends. Beth offered to make snacks for them, but he told her that she should study and he'd pick up beer and order pizzas. That Saturday, Beth cleaned the apartment until it gleamed.

“The place looks great,” Jon said. “Are you sure you don't want to join us? I've told the guys that you're my housekeeper so they don't know that we're…” He let it trail off. What were they exactly?

Beth responded, “That's okay, really. If it's all right with you, I'll just study in the bedroom. The test is just around the corner. But you have fun and we'll both be happy.”

A few minutes later the two men arrived, and they seemed eager to meet Beth. “This is Randy, a lawyer at my firm, and Tony, a new buddy from my health club.” Both men reached out to shake her hand, although Tony seemed a little unsteady on his feet, like he'd already started to party before arriving. “I'm pleased to introduce you to Beth Sikes, a friend and currently my housekeeper.”

They moved to the living room, and Tony slurred, “Sooo, you're really just friends?” directing the question to Jon. He looked at Tony strangely but nodded yes.

“I've ordered pizza, and in the meantime, I'll get the beers from the fridge,” Jon announced.

As he walked away, he heard Tony say, “Beth, why don't you sit next to me.” Glancing back and seeing Tony sloppily patting the spot next to him on the sofa, Jon stiffened, but he told himself it was nothing more than a friendly gesture, however annoying it was that Tony had shown up slightly blitzed.

He heard Beth respond, “That's okay. I need to study, but thanks anyway. I'll just grab a beer and leave you guys to enjoy the game.”

Jon came back and handed everyone a bottle, and the three guys watched as Beth headed down the hall.

“So she's just your housekeeper?” asked Tony.

“The place looks great,” interjected Randy. “Better than I've seen it, anyway. Almost looks like a home now.”

“Thanks. I owe it all to Beth—and she's a great cook too.”

Then Randy inquired, “So that's who you're defending pro bono? That's Bethi-Ann, the woman arrested for prostitution? You never mentioned how gorgeous she is.”

Jon instantly regretted that the news had leaked out at the firm about his pro bono project. It was common for them to be talked about among colleagues, but Jon realized he should have requested secrecy when he had informed his mentor weeks ago.

“She really is a fox with those huge jugs,” added Tony appreciatively. “Wow! I can't fucking believe you have a real live hooker living in your own home. That's some cool shit!”

Angry, Jon said, “Tony! Don't talk like that about her. Beth is not nor ever was a prostitute. And she's really trying to change and improve her life.”

“Well, at least tell me that you've sampled the goods. If I was you, I'd be all over that.” Tony aimed a crude hand gesture at the bedroom.

Jon wanted to tell him to fuck off.
Beth
is
mine!
But he and Beth had mutually agreed to keep their sexual relationship a secret. “No, we're just friends.” To make sure they believed him, especially Randy who might take gossip back to the firm, Jon added, “She sleeps on the couch and does all the cooking and cleaning to pay her room and board.”

Then Randy asked, “Honestly, she sleeps right here?” He patted the couch he was sitting on reverently. “I wouldn't be able to stand it. Don't you at least fantasize about screwing her?”

Jon's ingrained honesty got the better of him and he paused…too long. Randy and Tony hooted with raucous laughter.

“Of course not,” Jon jumped in, but the guys saw it for the lie that it was. Both daydreams and real memories haunted his days at work when he was separated from Beth, the need to sink deep inside her plaguing him to distraction at times.

“Jon, didn't you once tell me that your ex-wife, Val, was a cold fish?” asked Randy.

Jon nodded, wondering where this was going.

“Wouldn't you like to do it, just once, with a woman who's willing to do whatever you want, however you want it? I do, but that's something that requires one to pay to play, which I would never do, of course. Anyway, that's my fantasy and—”

“Ha,” Tony interrupted. “That's every guy's dream. Jon, you can't tell me that you wouldn't like it too.”

“Well…sure. I'd have to be dead not to have such fantasies.” Jon glanced down the hallway to where Beth was behind closed doors.

“Aha. You gave yourself away, man. She's a hottie that I'd do in a minute. You should go for it. Offer her some incentive…of the green kind.”

“She's my client, for fuck's sake!” Livid, Jon added, “And let me repeat, Beth's not a prostitute. Now stop before she hears you.” Jon was angry with them for their crude comments, but he silently acknowledged that he was to blame too. He wished again that he'd asked Al to keep the nature of his pro bono assignment a secret.

Both Tony and Randy mumbled something apologetic and turned their attention to the game, cheering when their side scored a touchdown. When they were on their second beer, Jon realized he should have bought more than a six-pack. Randy offered to run to the liquor store down the street for more before the pizzas arrived.

Tony said, “Next round's on me,” after Randy departed.

Just then, the internal buzzer sounded. Jon answered, guessing the pizza deliveryman was downstairs. “I'll be right back,” Jon told Tony. “I have to go get it. They don't like letting deliverymen upstairs where they can shove flyers under everyone's doors.”

“Sure. Thanks. I'll keep track of the plays for you.”

“Beth,” Jon called through the bedroom door. “I'll be back in five minutes.” He grabbed his key and hurried out the door.

* * *

Beth looked up at the sound of Jon's voice, but she'd been concentrating so hard that she didn't hear what he said. After finishing the math problem, she got up to ask what Jon wanted. Emerging from the bedroom, she halted when she saw only Tony on the couch. His eyes swerved from the game to her, and Beth suddenly regretted the tight-fitting T-shirt and shorts she wore.

He openly ogled her from head to toe before locking his gaze on her breasts. He'd seemed like a normal enough guy when Jon introduced them. Similar in age to Jon—probably mid-thirties—but less fit with a budding beer gut. Still, Beth hadn't liked the way Tony openly looked her over while Jon was in the kitchen. Now his leer was positively debased.

“Where are Jon and Randy?” she asked uneasily.

“Oh, they went out for a while…so we could have some
pri…va…cee
,” Tony slurred, smirking.

Beth noted all the empty beer bottles. Then Tony stood up, wobbling slightly, and she could see a pronounced bulge in his jeans.

“No, really. Where are they?”

“Went out to get beer and pizzas,” Tony warbled as he started toward her.

“I only came out for a Coke.” Beth hurried toward the kitchen, but Tony followed her into the small space.

“Hey, Bethi-Ann, I think Jon wanted us to have a moment alone so we could make arrangements for later.”

“What do you mean…arrangements? And I go by Beth now,” she replied, turning to face him. Tony blocked her exit from the kitchen.

Forgetting about the Coke, Beth tried to sidle around him, but his hand snaked out and grabbed her arm. “Don't leave so quickly,
Bethi-Ann
.” By the way Tony drawled it out, it was clear it wasn't a mistake. “I bet Jon would like you to earn some easy money so you can pay him back,” he slurred. Then, unexpectedly, Tony yanked her against his body. She could feel his erection pressing into her hip.

“He would never—” Beth started to move away, but Tony pulled her back to him.

“Why do you think Jon left us alone together? You're one hot-shit piece of ass, girl!” He grinned sloppily at her, appearing to think he'd given her a great compliment.

Beth jerked away, but Tony hauled her back. “What's your price per hour?”

“I'm not a prostitute, and I know Jon didn't tell you I was,” she cried out, struggling now.

“We both know he just said that to defend your honor, but, see, I don't have a thing against whores… In fact, I like them.” Tony's arms slid around her waist, holding Beth against him while he ground his hard bulge against her ass.

Beth shuddered, stifling her angry retort. He was Jon's friend. “Let go of me!” she ordered.

“Come on, Bethi-Ann, you are working your ass off here cleaning and cooking. I'll give you real money for a little leisure time on your back.” He chuckled. “How about a little taste so I'll know what I'm paying for?” He kissed the back of her neck, making her skin crawl. Then his hand latched on to one of her breasts. Beth gasped at the intrusion and tried to push his hand off her body.

“
No! Stop
!
” Beth struggled to free herself and it quickly evolved into a tug-of-war, but Tony was much stronger. Beth was jerked back against him as his hand slid up under her top.

“Look, slut, you owe your benefactor a lot of money, and since Jon's a lawyer, he can't be privy to anything illegal. But he knows how much you need cash, and I'm safe and clean. It'll be quick, easy money. Well…maybe not that quick,” he chortled as he pinched her nipple hard under the top. Beth jerked in response, but his hold was too strong to break free.

“Wow! You've got amazing knockers!”

Beth was verging on hysteria. She tried in vain to pull away. Now both angry and alarmed, she jabbed her elbow into his gut hard, and his grip loosened. She managed to slide to arm's length but not break free. “Let go of me!”

“You like it rough, huh?” Tony grunted. “Stop fighting me, bitch. You'll have a good time. There's no reason you shouldn't get your rocks off too. Hey, if you're a real good girl, I might even indulge in a little muff diving,” he added, sounding as if he were generosity incarnate.

As Beth continued to struggle, panting and panic-stricken, Tony flipped her toward him and pulled her into a clinch. “Now I want me that taste.” He held her head in a vise grip, and his lips descended onto hers. Beth pushed with all her strength and managed to turn her head. His mouth landed on her neck, and she continued to yell at him to stop.

Then, suddenly, the apartment door flew open, and Beth saw Randy and Jon in the doorway, stunned expressions on their faces.

“
What
the
fuck
!
” Jon yelled, dropping the pizzas and stomping toward them.

Tony relaxed his grip slightly and Beth ceased struggling in stunned surprise. Her face turned red when she saw how Jon was staring at the two of them locked in an embrace. She was both mortified and alarmed that he'd misunderstood.

“No problemo, Jon,” Tony replied. “You may not want her services, but I do. Come with me, Bethi. I'll make it worth your while.”

“
Tony
!
” Jon yelled, reaching them. “Take your damn hands off her, you fucking asshole.”

Tony finally let go, and Beth lurched toward Jon, hurtling into his arms.

“I should knock your fucking teeth out,” he threatened Tony. Then Jon gently placed Beth behind him so that he was between her and Tony.

“No, Jon! Don't fight him!” she cried, pulling on him with all her strength.

Through gritted teeth, Jon ordered, “Get the hell out of my home, and I hope to hell I never lay eyes on you again.”

Tony walked out to the hallway. “Hey, man, what's the big deal? You didn't want her anyway.”

Jon slammed the door on Tony's face, still holding Beth wrapped in his arms.

Randy muttered, “Hey, shit! I'm sorry about this mess. I'll put the pizza and beer on the table, but I think maybe I should go.”

Beth didn't look at the other man—she just wanted to bury herself in Jon and forget the world. She heard Jon thank Randy, and the apartment door open and shut again.

She pulled back to look at Jon. “I was afraid you wouldn't believe me. Afraid you'd think I wanted…” She shuddered.

Jon led her to the living room. “Beth, I'm sorry. Never in a million years would I have thought he'd do anything like that. I promise you…”

“Tony said you left on purpose so you wouldn't be privy to illegal solicitation. That you wanted me to…” Beth couldn't look at him.

“What?”
Jon grabbed her shoulders. Reluctantly, Beth raised her gaze to look at him. Sincerity blazed from his eyes.

“I don't know what that asshole said, but I promise you I never, ever told them that you were for sale, never even hinted at it. I didn't even tell them about your arrest, but unfortunately it became public record at the firm. I should have been more careful, and I apologize.”