Okay, so I’d expected a more enthusiastic reaction.
“I know you said we should keep the professional and personal separate, but the situation has changed.”
“I know, but what about your firm? Have you talked to your partners?”
“I informed them, yes. They weren’t thrilled, for the same reasons your previous lawyer gave you. I don’t really give a damn. Why are you hesitating? Why didn’t you even ask me to be your lawyer?” My voice was harsh, but I was a little pissed that she hadn’t even considered it.
My heart was racing as I considered all possibilities. The lawyer in me wondered if she didn’t trust my abilities. The man in me was fearing that she wanted to keep the lines between professional and personal intact because her feelings didn’t run as deep as mine did.
“It’s a risky move for you, Carter. I didn’t think it would be fair to ask you.”
She started twiddling her thumbs in her lap.
“I’m offering.”
“I’ve just....” She trailed off and took a deep breath before continuing. “No one outside of my family has ever wanted to put themselves on the line like this for me.”
“Val, I want to fight for you. I want to win this for you. Just say yes.”
She nodded, and I released a breath, leaning closer, feathering my lips over hers.
“Should we start right away?” she asked.
“No. I’ll wake up early tomorrow and look over all the documents. But tonight, I want you to forget about everything, okay?”
“Okay. Thank you for taking the case. And for being here for me.”
“This is my place. Next to you. For the good and the bad. It’s not all going to be smooth sailing, but you can count on me through all the ups and downs. I promise you can count on me.”
“Thank you.”
Her voice was a little shaky, as if she feared the idea just as much as she wanted it. I understood her perfectly. We’d both been through the wringer before, and it had ended up in either heartbreak or disappointment, or both.
“So, how are you going to make me forget about everything?”
“You mean my natural charm isn’t enough?” I wiggled my eyebrows at her.
She grinned. “I don’t know. I think you should up your game.”
“I see. Are you sure you can take it?”
I slid a hand under her skirt, placing it midthigh. Her eyes flared, and she licked her lips.
“Hmm... maybe I shouldn’t trust such a devious man after all. Your mind is always wandering into dirty territory.”
I tilted my head. “Not this time.”
“Really? What’s your hand doing under my skirt, then?”
“The first step in helping you relax. That’s on the agenda tonight.”
“No, no. I owe you some quality relaxation time.” She narrowed her eyes playfully. “In fact, I know what would make both of us relax.”
“Care to share?”
“Nah, I think I’ll torment you for a while.”
I promptly attacked, withdrawing my hand from under her skirt and leaning closer. She leaned back at my abrupt approach, balancing herself on her hands. I saw my opening then and tickled her armpits.