A Legal Affair

Jamesville - 5

by

N. J. Walters

Dedication

To all the readers who have come to love the inhabitants of Jamesville as much as I have, thank you for your encouragement and support.

Thank you to my amazing husband, who continues to encourage me every single day of my life. I couldn’t do this without you.

And thank you to Heidi, my amazing editor, who keeps me on the straight and narrow. I appreciate all your hard work!

Chapter One

Gill Baron watched the laughing, twirling crowd on the dance floor, wondering how the hell he’d found himself at the wedding of two people he’d met only yesterday. He took a long pull from his beer before setting the bottle back down on the table in front of him, all the while scanning the room. It was an old habit. One he couldn’t break.

As a cop—retired cop, he reminded himself for at least the tenth time today—it was second nature for him to assess his surroundings and all the people in it. He was still having a hard time believing he’d actually done it, retired from the police force in Alabama after twenty years on the job.

But he’d seen enough. More than any person should have to see in a lifetime. If he closed his eyes, he could see their faces. The innocents he hadn’t been quick enough to save, or simply hadn’t been able to help. Their faces haunted his sleep. When they’d begun to haunt his waking hours, he’d known it was time for him to get out before his job consumed him.

He took solace in the fact that he had made a difference. The red-haired woman currently dancing with her adoring husband was proof of that. Shannon Brooker, now Shannon O’Rourke, was one of the people he’d helped, and he now considered both her and her husband, Patrick, good friends.

Gill still wasn’t quite sure why he’d come here. When he’d finished his last day on the job, he’d thrown some clothing in a suitcase, and headed out of Alabama. He’d kept driving, stopping whenever the whim struck him, with no destination in mind. Or so he’d thought until he’d reached the sign announcing the town of Jamesville several days later.

Sighing, he took another swallow of his warm beer. This was his first one and would probably be his last. He didn’t drink much, as it interfered with his ability to assess and react to any situation that might arise.

Shannon and Patrick had welcomed him into their home and introduced him to Patrick’s family. It was Patrick’s brother, Shamus, who was the groom at today’s wedding. He’d married Cyndi Marks in a simple ceremony a few hours earlier.

Life sure was funny sometimes.

They were a loud, boisterous bunch, but you could see the connection, the bonds between them. His only family was a sister who lived all the way out in California with her second husband. They rarely saw one another, but his sister was happy and settled, and that was good enough for him.

Now, if he could only figure out what he was going to do with the rest of his life, he’d be a happy man. He’d known he wanted, no needed a change. There were plenty of options for him to explore, but he’d put off making any definite plans. Since actually putting in his notice, he’d been restless. Uncertain. It wasn’t like him at all.

Patrick had invited him to stay for a while, and he planned on taking him up on the offer. Maybe a few days of rest and relaxation would clear his brain.

The three-piece band currently belting out a popular country song was actually quite good. He tapped his toe, keeping time as the six couples on the floor moved to the music.

Other folks milled around the room, snacking from the mouthwatering buffet that had been set up in the dining room.

The reception was being held at Stone Manor, the bride’s B & B. Barely open, the new bed and breakfast was a sight to behold. Filled with antiques, yet with no pretension.

The living room was large and formal, yet the way the room was arranged gave it an air of intimacy. The large stone hearth had a fire cheerfully crackling in it. There were sofas and chairs pushed against the walls to create a dancing area in the middle of the floor up at the far end. Down at the other end, there was a sitting area and some tables scattered around where people could set their food and drinks. It was currently filled with happy wedding guests, and one stranger, if he counted himself.

Gill sat right at the edge of the dance floor, near the middle section of the room, with a small, round table in front of him. His back was to the wall and he was close to one of the two entrances. There were about fifty other people surrounding him, all enjoying themselves. One woman in particular kept catching his eye. He’d noticed her during the wedding ceremony, and then later as she drifted through the buffet line. At the moment, she was ensconced in a chair almost directly across from him.

About five-six in height, she appeared taller, not only because she was wearing heels, but also because of the way she carried herself. She projected command and authority, but at the same time didn’t appear standoffish.

He leaned back in his chair, laid his foot across his knee and allowed himself to just watch her. She was wearing a long-sleeved black dress made of some soft-looking fabric that fell past her knees. The neckline wasn’t particularly low, but he could just see the slight swell of her breasts above it. The material clung to her body, accentuating the dip of her waist and the swell of her hips.

Gill felt his cock stir, which surprised him. It has been quite some time since he’d felt any interest in the opposite sex. His job hadn’t been conducive to long-term relationships—too many odd hours and too much he couldn’t, or wouldn’t, talk about.

Not that women were in short supply. Hell, he could find a willing woman in just about any downtown bar on a Friday or Saturday night. That would be fine if all he wanted was to get laid. But that kind of meaningless physical release hadn’t appealed to him in years.

His last relationship had ended after only six months. That was—he had to stop and think about it—over two years ago.

He didn’t miss her particularly, but he did miss the feel of turning over in bed at night and having a warm, soft, woman lying next to him. He missed sharing meals with another person and having someone there when he finally found his way home after a long day of work.

He was getting maudlin in his old age. At forty-two, he was still in the prime of his life. It had to be the wedding and the fact that he was at a crossroads in his life making him think about such things.

As if she could sense his interest, his mystery woman turned her head and stared right at him. His body responded immediately, making his pants even more uncomfortable than they had been. Her short black hair framed her face, with spiky bangs drifting across her forehead. Her features were well-defined with high cheekbones, a slightly pointed chin and a slender nose. Her lips weren’t overly plump, nor were they too thin. The deep colored lipstick she wore accentuated them and made him wonder what they’d taste like. He’d really like those lips touching him…everywhere.

Tiny gold earrings winked from her ears and a double strand of pearls wrapped around her neck and fell almost to her waist. Her stockings were sheer and her shoes were black and high-heeled, but not too high. Maybe three inches.

She raised a finely arched eyebrow in question and he almost smiled. There was such command behind that small gesture. He was curious to know what color her eyes were. It was hard to tell from this distance, but if he were a betting man, he’d say green.

Somehow, green eyes would suit her.

She’d come alone. He’d noticed that right away. And she wasn’t wearing a wedding ring. Not that that meant much nowadays. But she didn’t strike him as the type of woman who’d cheat on her man. There was too much pride in the set of her shoulders and her gaze was forthright and honest.

The last thing he needed to do was have a one-night stand with a local woman, and someone who his hosts obviously knew, or she wouldn’t be at the wedding. Still, his body disagreed with his assessment of the situation, his cock pressing hard against the zipper of his jeans, letting him know that it thought the idea of a one-night stand was just dandy.

Gill hadn’t been expecting to attend such a formal function while on holiday, and hadn’t packed any dress clothes. Thankfully, he’d brought along a sports coat and a few shirts so he wasn’t totally out of place among the tuxedoes and suits.

Why the hell he was worried about what he was wearing, he didn’t know. Obviously, he’d had too much to drink. He pushed his lone beer away and drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair.

As much as his mystery woman physically aroused him, Gill knew it wouldn’t be smart to pursue either the attraction or her. Maybe it was time for him to thank his hosts and head back to Patrick and Shannon’s place for the night.

He glanced at his watch. It was only ten o’clock and this party would probably go on for hours yet. When he looked back up, she was no longer sitting in her chair. With a sure, steady stride, she was headed directly for him.

Gill straightened in his seat and rose as she approached him. He felt his lips curve upward. He’d been right. Her eyes were green.

Alicia Flint sat on the edge of the crowd, toying with her glass of white wine as she watched her biggest client and good friend, Cyndi, dance with her new husband. The two of them were a perfect couple even though Shamus was almost ten years younger than Cyndi. Somehow, between them, the age difference didn’t matter.

Because of Cyndi’s past and her family’s history with the town, she was still somewhat of an outsider. Alicia could relate. Even though she’d been born and raised here, she felt as if she was somehow apart from the people of the town.

It was partly due to the fact that some of the older folks still had a hard time with a woman lawyer, even in this day and age. She had to keep her reputation spotless, and maintain dignity on all occasions or her small law practice would suffer. It was hard at times, but it was worth it.

While her work life was great, her social life sucked. Because of her position in the town, it wasn’t easy for her to even date. For some reason, she suspected she intimidated a lot of men in town. Whether it was her job or her personality, she wasn’t quite sure.

Either way, she spent most of her nights home alone.

What she did know for sure was she’d been feeling restless lately, reaching for her vibrator more and more in the evenings when she went to bed. But it wasn’t helping. She needed more than a battery-operated toy could give her.

What she needed was sex. The steady thrust of a thick, hard cock sliding in and out of her body. She wanted to feel the thick muscles of a male back flex and bunch beneath her hands as he fucked her. She wanted it all, the heat, the friction, the moans, and the earthy smells.

Alicia barely stifled a moan as she creamed her panties, the slow, warm trickle gliding down her slick folds. She could feel the heat between her thighs as they brushed together, and she suddenly wished she’d worn pantyhose instead of thigh-high stockings.

Her nipples were standing at attention, and she was thankful for the fact that her dress was black and the room was dimly lit. The bodice of the dress felt too tight, squeezing her breasts. She lifted her napkin and fanned her face lightly, bringing her attention back to the crowd and away from her fantasies.

They were useless anyway. There was no way she could indulge in an affair with a local. No matter how discreet she was word would leak out. Nothing remained secret for long in a small town. And she wasn’t the type of woman to have a one-night stand with a stranger. It was simply too dangerous in this day and age.

A shiver went down her spine and the hair on the back of her neck rose. Alicia glanced around the room, feeling someone watching her. It was him. She had no idea who he was, only that he’d arrived with Patrick and Shannon. He had to be some friend of the O’Rourke family, but she’d never laid eyes on him before.

He wasn’t the type of man a woman would forget.

Rugged was the first word that sprang to mind. There was a coiled strength, a restless energy about the man that drew her attention immediately.

His blond hair was short in the back, longer on top. It swept away from his face, revealing a crooked nose, full lips, a high forehead and intense eyes. She’d seen him standing next to Patrick earlier and guessed that he was around six feet tall, maybe a bit less, but he was strong. Wide shoulders and a broad chest, tapered down into a trim waist.

He was wearing a deep blue shirt and gray sports coat that fit him to perfection.

Unlike the other men in the room, he was wearing jeans instead of dress pants. They clung to his butt and muscular thighs like a second skin. She’d noticed both when she was waiting in line at the buffet table earlier.

Not wanting to appear too interested, she arched her brow in silent question. He didn’t smile, but she caught the flair of interest in his eyes and the slightest curve of his lips.

Oh, he was a handsome devil. It would be easy to fall under his sensual spell. And that wouldn’t do. Why not? a voice in her head demanded. She hadn’t been looking for a one-night stand, but the perfect opportunity for one was being laid in front of her. She hadn’t noticed a ring earlier, so he wasn’t married. Or likely wasn’t. She’d check that for certain before she did anything.

She stilled her thoughts. Ohmigod. She was contemplating a one-night stand with a complete stranger. Was she out of her mind?

No, the voice of reason in her head stated. Obviously, he was a friend of Patrick and Shannon’s. And as Patrick was the sheriff of Jamesville, it stood to reason that this man wasn’t a criminal. If he was here for the wedding, he’d probably leave tomorrow or the next day. There was no doubt that she was physically attracted to him, if the throbbing ache between her thighs was any indication.

In short, he was perfect.

He glanced at his watch and she knew he was thinking about leaving. He seemed on edge and had pushed his beer away from him. This was her one and only chance. She could let it slip away or she could grab it.

Alicia was on her feet before she even made the decision. Her mind might be questioning her actions, but her body knew what it wanted.

He straightened in his seat and then stood as she approached. His lips curved up in a sexy smile that made goose bumps break out on her skin. It was a smile of promise, of anticipation.

“Are you married?” She couldn’t believe she was asking that of a perfect stranger.

“No. You?” His deep voice skated over the nerve-endings in her body, making her tingle.

She shook her head and the heat level in his eyes kicked up another notch. Much more and she wouldn’t need to wear her coat home even though it was the first of March and there was snow on the ground.

She reached out her hand and he took it, his larger, stronger one closing over hers briefly before releasing it. “Come with me.” Her voice was thick with invitation. There was no doubting what she was asking.

Without question, he followed her from the room, his hand heavy and warm at the small of her back.

Chapter Two

Alicia stepped inside the front door of her cozy bungalow, turning on the light in the tiny foyer, all the while wondering if she’d completely lost her mind. She’d invited a stranger to her home. His black truck had trailed her sporty red car all the way to her house, keeping pace on the snow-covered roads. She’d kept glancing at her rearview mirror, wondering if he would change his mind and veer off at some point. She’d been half-afraid and half-wishing that he would.

She didn’t even know his name. Nor had she given him hers. This was a one-night stand between strangers, not the start of a meaningful relationship. Her stomach lurched at the thought. She’d never done anything like this before in her life. The only other men she’d slept with, she’d dated for quite a while and known well. The man hovering in the doorway behind her was totally unfamiliar.

“You okay?” Strong fingers closed over her shoulders, squeezing gently. She could feel the heat from his hands through the thick fabric of her wool coat.

“Yes.” His hands fell away as she took a step forward, depositing her handbag and keys on the table. The door closed behind her, the solid thunk sounding ominous and final.

Not turning around, she unzipped her boots and stepped out of them, placing them on the mat to dry. There was no sound of movement behind her. Curious, she turned to face her soon-to-be-lover. He was standing with his back against the door, ankles crossed, watching her, his eyebrows drawn together in a frown.

“Is something wrong?” She could hear the strain in her voice and wished she could be more blasé about the situation. But, when all was said and done, she was a woman from a small town who’d never indulged in this kind of activity before.

“You tell me.” She shivered as his voice made her nipples tighten. He had a marvelous voice, deep and commanding.

She shrugged. “I’ve never done anything like this before.”

His features softened and he pushed away from the door. “I don’t make a habit of doing this kind of thing either. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.”

Raising his hand, he cupped her cheek. “My name is…”

She placed her fingers over his lips, stopping him. “No names.” She almost moaned when his tongue flitted out to lick her fingertips. It was getting harder to breathe with each passing second. “Otherwise I’ll never be able to do this.”

Alicia could tell that he didn’t like her stipulation, but she needed the anonymity of the situation if this was going to work. If she knew his name, she’d start thinking about tomorrow and the day after. And right now, she didn’t want to think about anything else but the moment.

“Whatever you want.” He slid his hands down her neck, coming to rest on the top button of her coat. He was so much larger than her now that she was standing in her stockinged feet. Slowly, giving her time to change her mind, he slipped one button after another from its hole until her coat hung open. Sliding it from her shoulders, he folded it and laid it across the back of a chair.

“You next.” Boldly, she unbuttoned his sports coat. His chest was broad and hard beneath her fingertips as she rubbed them over the fabric of his shirt. She wondered what he looked like beneath it. Would his chest be smooth or would he have a sprinkling of hair?

He shrugged out of his coat and tossed it on top of hers. Not taking his eyes off her, he toed off his boots, kicking them aside. The silence was broken only by the sound of their breath and the low hum of the heater.

Alicia wanted to be bold, but she wasn’t quite sure what to do next. Should she offer him a drink? Should they talk for a while? Or should she lead him straight to her bedroom? The former seemed too stilted, the latter too bold.

“Don’t over think things.” She started, her gaze flying to his. He gave her a crooked smile. “I can practically hear the wheels in your brain turning.”

She didn’t know whether to take offense or be relieved she didn’t have to explain herself. When he hooked his arm around her waist and tugged her closer, she chose to be relieved. When his mouth came down to touch hers, she stopped thinking altogether.

His lips were firm and warm as they skimmed over hers. There was no pressure, no demand, just a kiss. Her hand slid up his arm to his shoulder as he pressed his lips against the corner of her mouth. She parted her lips on a gasp and his tongue snaked into her mouth for a quick taste before retreating.

Her breasts swelled and she pressed her thighs together to try and ease the ache low in her body. She dug her nails into his shoulders as she went up on her toes to deepen the contact between them. Her breasts brushed his chest; her belly grazed his groin. He was heavy and thick with need. That realization sent her arousal soaring.

Slipping her tongue past his lips, Alicia tasted him for the first time. Heat and beer and male all combined in a heady brew stronger than any alcoholic drink. He went straight to her head, making her forget all her doubts and concerns. They were strangers, yet not. Her body recognized his in some basic, primitive way.

This was meant to be.

He groaned as his arms tightened around her, pulling her more firmly against him.

She hooked her right leg over his hip, causing her dress to ride up over her thigh. Her lover shoved his hand beneath her dress, his palm firm against her nylon-covered leg. He paused when his hand hit bare flesh at the top of her thigh before sliding higher and cupping one firm globe of her behind.

She arched into him as his lips slanted over hers, feeling the heat of his arousal through the thick denim of his jeans. She whimpered as his hand slid down the crease of her ass and his fingers pressed against the crotch of her panties.

He lifted her suddenly, turning her so her back hit the wall. Alicia wrapped her legs around his waist, needing to be closer to him. Giving in to the urgency thrumming through her veins, she arched her body, grinding her pelvis into his. He tore his lips from hers, burying his face in the curve of her neck.

She gripped his hair, holding tight as he nipped and kissed her neck. He kept one arm beneath her butt, supporting her as his free hand roamed over her body, cupping first one breast and then the other. Her nipples were hard points of desire, demanding release from their confinement.

He tugged at the bodice of her dress. She heard the rip but didn’t care. All that mattered was that the neck of her dress parted as he yanked it down over the top of her arms, stopping when her breasts were exposed. The material was tight around her elbows, pinning them to her body.

Alicia whimpered when he fingered the lace of her bra, his thumb grazing her swollen nipples. “Hot red,” he whispered. “Very sexy.”

Her clothing might be conservative, but she loved sexy underwear and indulged her secret obsession. Now she was glad she’d donned the red lacy bra and matching bikini pants, even though she’d worn them strictly for her own enjoyment.

“Touch me,” she moaned when his fingers traced around her nipple, coming close, but never close enough.

He growled low in his throat as he pulled the fabric away, tucking the bra beneath her breasts so they were framed for him. Her double-strand of pearls got in his way, and he pushed them over her shoulder. Slowly, he circled one nipple, then the other, before rubbing them lightly with his forefinger. The delicate pressure was maddening, arousing her further, but never satisfying the ache growing within her.

She tried to pull her arms free of her dress, but they were trapped. Frustrated, she tilted her head back against the wall and thrust her breasts higher. “Use your mouth.”

Never had she been so demanding or vocal about what she wanted. Something about this man and the situation was freeing a part of her that she’d never shared with anyone else.

He hitched her higher against the wall, bringing his face close to her breasts. She sucked in a breath as he lapped at one nipple and then blew softly.

“Oh, yesss…” she groaned. Tightening her ankles around his waist, Alicia rubbed her pelvis against him. Her pussy throbbed as her inner walls contracted hard. She was so close.

“Come for me.” He suckled one nipple hard while lightly pinching the other between his thumb and forefinger. Her hips continued to jerk as she rode his hard shaft. The friction between their clothing was maddening, her panty-covered clit brushing against the hard ridge of his jeans.

She closed her eyes and sank into the sensations, allowing them to take her where she wanted to be. Her lover continued to pleasure her nonstop and she took what he offered freely. He ground his erection against her pussy at exactly the right angle. Her scalp tightened and lights exploded behind her eyes as she came.

Her body jerked as she screamed her pleasure. He didn’t stop, but continued to touch her and taste her until she could take no more.

“Enough,” she gasped and then moaned again as he gradually slowed. When he released her breast, his mouth made a deep sucking sound as her nipple popped free.

Alicia managed to open her eyes a crack. She’d had orgasms before, but never anything like this. This was…incredible was the only word that came to mind. Maybe when she recovered she’d be able to think more clearly. Right now, she was happy to float in a haze of contentment.

Her lover’s hair was tousled, a lock falling on to his forehead, making him look even sexier. His lips were moist from sucking on her breasts. His eyes—a deep steel-blue—

seemed to darken as she watched him.

“You okay?”

“Hmmm.” That was the best she could manage at the moment.

He chuckled, the low, satisfied sound sending goose bumps over her arms. “I’ll take that as a yes.” Slowly, he shifted away from her and her legs slid down his thighs and landed on the floor with a thump. If he hadn’t been holding her she would have slid right down the wall to land in a heap on the floor.

Alicia realized she was standing there with her dress pinned around her waist and her breasts fully exposed. She started to struggle with the dress.

“Let me help.” He tugged the dress down instead of up and it puddled around her feet, leaving her wearing pearls, thigh-high stockings, red lace bikini pants and her bra, which was exposing more than it concealed.

She should have felt awkward, but she didn’t. With his eyes glowing with desire, she felt sensual. Powerful.

“Put your shoes on. I want to see you in those sexy high heels.”

Unable to refuse him, Alicia managed to snag her purse and dig out her shoes. He took them from her, went down on one knee in front of her and lifted one foot at a time, slipping them on.

He stood back and studied her. “Oh, yeah. Perfect.”

Her back arched naturally to accommodate the heels, thrusting her pelvis forward.

The crotch of her panties was soaked with her juices and she could feel the dampness on her inner thighs.

“Those stockings are incredibly hot.” He traced his finger over the lace at the top before brushing her inner thigh. “You’re wet for me, aren’t you?” He didn’t wait for an answer, but slid a finger beneath the elastic band of her panties and found out for himself.

“Definitely wet and hot.” He pulled his finger away and sucked on it. “Sweet and spicy all at once.”

Alicia just stared. She’d never met a man so blatantly sexual in her life. Even though she’d just had an incredible orgasm, she was aroused again.

He smiled as he tweaked her nipples, making her body quiver with need. “It’s your choice. What will it be? Do I put my boots on and leave or will you take me to your bedroom?”

For Alicia there was no choice. If she didn’t finish this, she’d always have regrets.

Reaching out, she took his hand in hers. “Follow me.”

Gill let out the breath he’d been holding. If she’d asked him to leave, he would have done so, but not without regrets. He’d never met a woman who appealed to him as much as his mystery woman. She responded to his every touch, his every caress. It was an incredible turn-on.

She wouldn’t tell him her name, not yet at any rate. But he would find out who she was. There hadn’t been that many people at the wedding. It would be a simple process of elimination to determine who she was. Besides which, he now knew where she lived.

His mystery lady was a fascinating mixture of contradictions. Beneath the conservative dress beat the heart of a sensual woman. Her choice in lingerie told him that much. She might not show it to the rest of the world, but she was letting him into her secret realm. At least for one night.

His body tightened at the thought of only having one night with her. He had a feeling that if he spent every night for the rest of his life with her, he’d never have enough. That thought almost stopped him in his tracks. This wasn’t about forever. This was about now.

He hadn’t had sex in so long, he was making more of this then he should. This was two responsible adults slaking their sexual needs.

End of story.

Too bad he didn’t quite believe himself.

He’d think about it later. Right now, he had a beautiful woman leading him into her bedroom. He kept one eye on her full, firm ass as he followed. It was barely covered by the lacy scrap of fabric that passed as underwear and the twin globes moved up and down with every step she took. The high heels made her legs look even longer.

She released his hand and turned on a bedside lamp. The light was dim, but more than enough for him to see her. The walls were a creamy yellow, the comforter on the bed was green. She bent over, pulling the covers down, exposing crisp white sheets.

Gill had the overwhelming urge to rip away her panties and take her just like that, with her legs spread and her hands on the bed. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

If he didn’t get control of himself this would be over before it even started. His balls were so tight they were ready to explode. It wouldn’t take much for him to come.

His clothing felt way too tight and confining. Opening his eyes, he watched her as he unbuttoned his shirt. Yanking it off, he tossed it on a chair in the corner. His socks followed. Reaching into his jeans pocket, he opened his wallet and pulled out a condom, tossing it on the bedside table. He was damned lucky he had one. It had been a long time since he’d needed one, but he prided himself on being prepared for any situation.

Returning his wallet to his back pocket, he shucked his jeans and dropped them to the floor. He stopped before he pulled off his boxers and glanced at her in question.

She nodded and he pushed them down and off, letting her look her fill. Her throat rippled as she swallowed and her lips parted as she licked her lips. There was no mistaking the signs. She wanted him.

He went to her side and undid her bra, dropping it to the floor. She was fidgeting with her pearls, rolling them back and forth between her fingers. Gill gently pried them loose and pulled them over her head. He had plans for those pearls.

“Up on the bed.”

She nodded, climbing on top of the covers. Gill laid the pearls aside and reached for one shoe and gently tugged it off before kissing her instep. Then he did the same with the other shoe.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, he started at her ankles, running his hands over her legs, only stopping when he reached the top of her stockings. “We’ll leave these on for now.” Anticipation thrummed through him as he imagined rolling those silky stockings down her long lovely legs, one inch at a time. He’d get to it…eventually.

“All right,” she whispered.

He picked up the pearls, holding an end in each hand. Pulling them taut, he rolled them over her stomach. She jerked and sucked in a breath before relaxing. Continuing upward, he ran them over firm breasts, making sure they touched her sensitive nipples as well.

She groaned, her eyes almost closing. Her legs sprawled open and her breathing quickened.

“You like that, don’t you?”

“Yes.” She licked her lips. “Do it again.”

“With pleasure.” This time, he framed her breasts with the pearls, rolling a length of the strand over her distended nipples. Her moan of pleasure was music to his ears. His cock jerked and liquid seeped from the tip.

She wrapped her hand around his erection and he thought it might be over for him then and there. But it felt too good for him to pull away. She sat up, dislodging the pearls.

They slithered down into her lap as she slid her hand over his length from base to tip, measuring him, learning his shape.

“Lie down.” She pointed to the mattress beside her.

Gill lowered himself to the bed, hoping he could withstand whatever sensual torture she had in mind for him. When she picked up the pearls he broke out into a sweat.

She wrapped them around his cock, gently pulling back and forth, letting the strand tighten as it moved up and down his length. Gill gritted his teeth to keep from spilling his seed. Damn, he’d never felt anything quite like this in his life.

She smiled, a siren’s smile, as she continued to slide the pearls over him. When she lowered her head, he almost stopped breathing. Her breath was warm on the crown of his shaft. He swallowed hard to keep from begging her to continue. He had to feel her mouth on him.

Then it was there, soft and wet and giving as she sucked the bulbous head past her lips and into the warm cavern of her mouth. He arched his hips, encouraging her to take more. And she did. Her mouth lowered over his shaft before returning to the tip.

She continued to roll the pearls over his sensitive flesh as her mouth pleasured him.

Gill stood it for as long as he could, wanting to prolong the pleasure, but knowing he couldn’t last long.

“No more,” he growled, pulling her away. Her mouth released him with a wet sucking noise that made him crazy. “I want to be inside you when I come.”

Alicia watched as he untangled the pearls from his shaft and grabbed the condom from the bedside table. Tearing it open, he quickly sheathed himself. Then he turned back to her.

There was a barely restrained sense of power and urgency surrounding him. His shoulders were slick, his face unreadable. She licked her lips, tasting his essence. He tasted slightly salty and musky.

“Give me your hands.”

“Why?”

One corner of his mouth quirked up. “Trust me.”

Did she trust him? Surprisingly enough, she did. She stretched out one hand and he captured it, placing a kiss in the center of her palm before slipping the pearls over it and wrapping them around several times.

“The other one,” he prompted.

She knew what he wanted to do and rather than frightening her, the idea excited her.

Her chest rose and fell with each breath she took and a shiver raced down her spine as she gave him her other hand. He twined the pearls around it and then around both her hands until the long strand bound them.

He helped her to lie down, sliding a pillow under her behind. “Comfortable?”

Was she? Physically, yes. Emotionally, not so much. She was showing this man, this stranger, more trust than she had any other man she’d known. He watched her, his dark eyes never wavering from her face. She knew then that he wouldn’t proceed unless she gave the okay. That small fact reassured her. “Yes.”

He smiled then, a real smile, and it changed his face. Oh, it didn’t soften it much.

That would be impossible, given his harsh features. But his eyes filled with heat and she could see the stark need that he’d kept hidden from her until now.

Clasping her bound hands in his, he raised them over her head. The movement thrust her breasts upward. His chest brushed her nipples as he leaned over her. She bit her bottom lip to keep from moaning aloud. What was it about this man that kept her poised on the edge of orgasm?

He trailed his hands over the sensitive flesh of her inner arms and down her sides.

When he reached the band of her panties, he hooked his fingers in the lace-covered elastic and pulled them slowly down her legs and off. Then he brought the lacey fabric to his face and breathed deeply. “You smell hot and delicious.”

She could feel her cheeks getting hot. No man had ever talked to her in such a sexual fashion, but she liked it. Her sex felt empty and needy and she knew that only he could satisfy the ache within her.

His tossed her panties aside and reached for the top of one of her stockings. Slowly, he rolled it down her thigh, his lips caressing the skin he exposed. The silk stocking slid over her knee and down her calf, before being whisked away. Then he did the same with the other one.

It was incredibly arousing to have her hands bound over her head. She knew she could get free if she truly wanted to. But there was a sense of freedom involved as well.

She was captive to his whims, her legs spread wide, a sexual feast for him to indulge in.

She’d never played these sorts of games before, but she was quickly discovering that with this man she enjoyed them. With him, there were no preconceived ideas about who and what she was. They were simply a man and a woman doing whatever they wanted to do. The only stipulation was that it had to be something they both enjoyed.

She wanted to call him by name. Almost asked him then and there what it was. But she stopped herself at the last second. She was the one who’d said this was a one-night stand. She couldn’t change the rules this late in the game.

He sprawled between her thighs, his thumbs parting her as he simply stared. “You are beautiful. So pink, so wet. So damn perfect.”

She believed him. The honesty and wonder in his voice was too real to be anything but the truth. Before she could respond, he leaned inward. She sucked in a deep breath and then groaned as his tongue traced the slick folds of her sex. Up one side and down the other, he didn’t miss a spot.

Her hips jerked upward. Her breathing was getting quicker and shallower by the second. He circled her clit with his tongue before flattening it over the nub of nerves.

Alicia cried out as liquid heat flooded her lower body. She was so close to coming again.

“Oh, yes,” she moaned as he fitted two thick fingers inside her, pushing past the natural resistance of her body.

“Come for me again,” he whispered as he blew on her heated flesh. His fingers slowly pulled back to the edge of her opening before thrusting inward again.

“Close,” she gasped, pumping her hips in rhythm with his fingers.

His warm lips closed around her clit and sucked. Alicia felt as if her head was going to explode. Her nipples were painfully tight, her body stretched to endurance. One more thrust of his fingers was all it took.

Her entire body convulsed as she screamed. Her lover pulled his fingers away and reared up on his knees. Gripping her hips in his hands, he fitted himself to her opening and plunged deep.

The sensation bordered on painful. He was a large man and she hadn’t had a lover in quite a long time. But it felt good too. Amazingly good. Her inner muscles stretched, accommodating him. Accepting him.

“I can’t wait.” His voice seemed to come from far away, but she sensed the desperation behind it.

“Okay,” she managed to get out as he pulled back and plunged forward again. It was as if her orgasm hadn’t ended. Ripples of pleasure cascaded over her, sucking her into a sexual vortex.

She loved the way he filled her, stretching her further than she’d ever been before.

Eagerly, she opened herself, wanting everything he could give her. Waves of sensation engulfed her as her inner muscles rippled yet again.

Lowering her hands, Alicia reached for him. He was on his knees between her spread thighs, his eyes closed and head thrown back. The cords of his neck were pulled tight as he roared his release.

His cock jerked inside her and she knew he was coming. His hands tightened almost painfully around her waist as he thrust twice more before slumping forward, burying his face between her breasts.

Contentment and exhaustion flooded over her, as she lay there, covered mostly by his large body. She played with his hair, letting it sift through her fingers. Finally, the chill of the room began to seep into her bones now that the heat of arousal was cooling.

He stirred, sitting back on his heels. “You okay?” he asked as he withdrew from her body, taking care to keep the condom in place since he was only semi-erect now.

“Yeah. You?” She tugged at the covers, but it wasn’t easy with her hands still bound.

He took her hands and gently unwound the pearls, tossing them on the bedside table, before tucking her under the covers. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

“First door on the right.” She knew he was looking for the bathroom.

He nodded and padded from the room.

Alicia wasn’t sure what to do now. The enormity of what she’d just done washed over her. She sucked in a deep breath to calm herself. Her nostrils filled with the scent of sex permeating the room. She’d had two orgasms, not counting the first one in the foyer.

Or was it one long orgasm she’d just experienced? She wasn’t certain.

Burying her face in her pillow, she tried to think logically. She’d had a one-night stand. So what? She was an adult. She could do anything she wanted to do. They’d been responsible and used a condom. She didn’t have to worry about disease or pregnancy.

But that wasn’t what was bothering her most. She didn’t want to admit it to herself, but she was already more deeply involved than was smart. He was leaving, for heaven’s sake. Probably in a day or two. Once he left here tonight, she’d probably never see him again.

The thought depressed her.

She heard him coming and tensed. Would he get dressed and leave? He turned off the light, plunging the room into darkness. Alicia blinked several times to help her vision adjust. The mattress shifted as he climbed into bed beside her, pulling her into his arms.

Relief filled her when she realized their time together wasn’t quite done yet.

They didn’t talk, just lay there in the dark. He held her close and she rested her head in the crook of his arm, her hand on his chest.

She must have dozed, but something had awakened her. She lay silently, wondering what it was. That was when she realized he was no longer beside her.

Clothing rustled. He was getting dressed. She didn’t speak. Didn’t know what to say.

She feigned sleep when she felt him approaching the bed. His lips touched her forehead and she heard him sigh. Then he was gone.

She listened, following his footsteps to the foyer. She knew when he put on his boots and coat. The door opened and closed quietly. She could hear the sound of her own breathing above the quiet hum of the heaters. The house felt empty. Lonely.

Alicia rolled over. The bed was still warm where he’d been. She buried her face in the pillow, breathing in his scent—musky male and sandalwood soap. She ignored the first tear as it rolled down her cheek. Closing her eyes, she willed herself to sleep.

Chapter Three

“Jim is not going down without a fight.” Alicia sat across from her client and childhood friend, Elizabeth Brown, who was in the midst of a nasty divorce and custody battle. She hadn’t wanted to call this early morning meeting in her office, but she’d had no choice.

The sitting area in her office might be cozy, but there was no getting away from the fact that this was a lawyer’s office and an official meeting. Jonah Sutter sat next to his sister on the chocolate-colored sofa, looking large and protective as he gently clasped Elizabeth’s hand in his.

Alicia took a deep breath and delivered her bad news. “He’s implying that you’re mentally unstable. But more than that, he’s claiming that you’re not a fit mother for Susie.” Alicia knew that Elizabeth’s six-year-old daughter was the joy of her life and that there was nothing to Jim’s claims.

“That’s crazy,” Jonah protested, leaning forward. “The man is an abusive liar.

Everyone who knows him knows he’s got a hair-trigger temper.” Frustration and anger rolled off the man in waves.

“I know.” Alicia stayed calm, knowing that she had to for her client’s sake. Jim Brown was evil, plain and simple. Professionally, she couldn’t wait to get in court and tear the man’s arguments apart.

She turned her attention to Elizabeth, who sat silently, her eyes averted. This was not the bright-eyed, exuberant girl she’d known in grade school. Life hadn’t been easy for Elizabeth, and it was going to get worse before it got better.

“What do you suggest?” Elizabeth raised her head. She was pale but composed.

“I think we need to hire an investigator to talk to some of Susie’s teachers, your doctor, as well as friends and neighbors. We need more than hearsay to build a case against Jim.” Alicia hated to distress Elizabeth further, but there was no choice. “We talked about this. The fact that you’ve covered up his abuse over the years, lied to your doctors and never filed a complaint with the police, will make this process much harder.”

It had been several weeks since they’d discussed the possibility of having to hire a private investigator. They might not need to call people as witnesses, but Alicia didn’t want to take any chances.

Elizabeth twisted her fingers together in her lap, her voice barely a whisper. “I want to keep Susie out of this.”

“Unfortunately, that’s not possible. The court will appoint a trained counselor to question Susie. They need to know about her relationship with her father and what she saw in your household.” Alicia wished it didn’t have to be that way, but it did.

“Is it really necessary?” She could see the pleading in Elizabeth’s eyes and knew her client would do anything to keep her daughter out of this mess as much as possible.

Alicia sighed, knowing that what she was about to say would hurt her friend.

“Ordinarily, I’d say no. But this is not an ordinary situation. Jim can be an incredibly charming man when he puts his mind to it. His position on the Jamesville town council, and as a respected businessman, gives him credibility. He’s active in the community and has a lot of friends.”

“Unlike me.” Elizabeth’s chin tilted up and Alicia could see a spark of fire in her friend’s eyes.

“That’s not your fault,” Jonah muttered. “That bastard would barely allow you out of the house.”

Alicia knew that Jonah was angry with himself for not seeing his sister’s plight sooner. He’d moved away from Jamesville when he was still in his teens, only returning a few months ago when their father was killed in a car accident. He’d had no idea his sister had been living with mental and physical abuse all these years. No one had known the severity of the situation. But guilt and anger weren’t what Elizabeth needed now. Right now, she needed action.

Elizabeth nodded, picking at a thread dangling from the hem of her blouse. “I understand. Even though I grew up here, most folks don’t know me much anymore.” She dropped the fabric she was shredding with her fingers. “That needs to change.”

“Just the fact that you’re getting out more is a good thing.” That was a plus as far as Alicia was concerned, but they still had to be cautious. She didn’t want Jim Brown getting anywhere near her client.

The only thing in their favor was that Elizabeth and Susie were now living with Jonah. She had no idea what he’d been doing the past fifteen years or so, but he was one tough-looking sonofabitch. Alicia only hoped this situation was resolved without more violence. Jim’s position in the community was important to him and she was hoping that the need to protect that would win out over his need to hurt Elizabeth further. Only time would tell.

“I think it’s better to cover all our bases.” Alicia got up from her chair and perched on the ottoman in front of Elizabeth, touching her friend on the shoulder. “It probably won’t be necessary, but I’d rather be prepared in case his lawyers decide to get nasty.”

“Okay. What do I do?”

Alicia sat back on the leather ottoman. “You don’t do anything. That’s what you have me for. I have a meeting with the sheriff in an hour’s time. I figured he can point me in the direction of a good investigator.”

“Good.” Elizabeth stood and held out her hand. “I’m not sure how I’ll repay you for this, but I will.”

Alicia ignored the outstretched hand as she came to her feet, hugging her friend instead. “I hated to have to call you in to my office today, but time is getting short. The court date isn’t too far off.”

Jonah held out his hand. “Thanks for everything. Just send your bill to me and I’ll make sure you get paid.”

Alicia shook his hand. “I appreciate the offer, but I intend to make Jim pay for the court costs. There’s also a little thing called child support and alimony. When I’m through with him, he’ll wish he’d meekly signed the divorce and custody papers we offered him at the beginning of this process.” It might not be professional, but she couldn’t wait to hit Jim where it would hurt him the most—his reputation and his wallet.

There wasn’t enough evidence to get a criminal conviction. She’d settle for the next best thing.

Elizabeth gathered her purse and coat. “If that’s everything, we’ll be on our way. I don’t like leaving Susie with a sitter, even Miss Saunders.”

Personally, Alicia thought it was a good move to have the elderly woman baby-sit Susie. As a pillar of the community, and the sheriff’s secretary, everyone in town knew and respected Miss Saunders. Jim would have to be completely insane to try and snatch Susie, but Alicia didn’t want to take any chances. For now, Elizabeth had custody of their daughter, and if Alicia had her way, that’s exactly how it was going to stay.

“We’re done. If anything changes, I’ll call.” Alicia ushered Elizabeth and Jonah from her office. Bypassing the cozy seating area, she strode back to the desk and plopped down in her comfortable chair. With that nasty piece of business behind her, she rubbed her eyes and rolled her shoulders, trying to shake off the lethargy that threatened to swamp her. Glancing at her watch, she groaned. There wasn’t enough time for her to get into any work before she had to leave and meet the sheriff.

She hadn’t slept well again last night and had overslept this morning. As a result, she’d missed breakfast. Her stomach chose that moment to growl a reminder. She’d spent hours tossing and turning and remembering every touch, every moan, every moment of her night of sexual pleasure. Her fingers tingled at the memory of his thick muscles, bunching and rippling as he plunged into her over and over, bringing her to release.

She shivered and rubbed her hands over her arms. If she hurried, she could stop at Jessie’s Diner for coffee and some breakfast before she had to meet the sheriff.

Determined to put her mystery lover out of her mind, she grabbed her coat and purse and strode out of her office. “Millie, I’m off to Jessie’s before I meet with Sheriff O’Rourke. You can reach me on my cell phone if you need me.”

Her receptionist just smiled and nodded, not even pausing her typing. “No problem.

You don’t have another client scheduled until after lunch.”

Alicia hurried down the steps and out the door of the building. The cold March air stole her breath at first as she strode down the sidewalk. She buried her hands in her pocket and flipped up her collar, wishing she’d brought a hat. But it wasn’t that far. That was the thing about having an office in the downtown section of Jamesville—everything was close. Jessie’s Diner was only a five-minute walk and the sheriff’s office was practically across the street from there. She not only saved on gas, but she got some exercise too.

In spite of the cold, people were out and about, and several of them said hello as they passed. She’d grown up in Jamesville and knew most folks by name. The place was growing, but it was still a small town at heart.

The bell over the door tinkled merrily as she pushed her way into Jessie’s. It was crowded, but not full. The murmur of voices and the clink of glassware and silverware filled the place. Bypassing the counter and the smattering of tables, Alicia unbuttoned her wool coat, making her way toward a booth in the corner. The smell of coffee tickled her nose and made her stomach growl. She tossed her coat onto the booth seat and slid in beside it.

Shannon O’Rourke bustled up to the table with a pot of coffee in hand, her order pad sticking out the pocket of her apron emblazoned with the restaurant’s logo. “Coffee?”

She didn’t wait, but picked up one of the clean mugs on the table and started to pour.

“Bless you,” Alicia replied as she plucked out the laminated menu from behind the metal napkin dispenser. Not that she needed a menu. She’d eaten at Jessie’s for so many years she knew the menu by heart.

Shannon laughed. “That kind of a morning, is it?”

“It certainly feels like a Monday.” Alicia had a headache brewing and was feeling totally out of sorts, and she knew it all had to do with the man she’d met the other night.

That just wasn’t acceptable. She’d never allowed anything or anyone to interfere with her plans or her work and she wasn’t about to start now.

“I hear you.” Shannon pulled out her order pad. “The pancakes are especially good this morning. Aunt Jessie was in the mood for blueberry pancakes, so that’s the special with a side of bacon.”

“Sold.” Alicia ignored the sensible voice in her head that warned her she’d have to add an extra fifteen minutes to her workout tonight to pay for the calorie-laden breakfast.

But she didn’t care. Pancakes were exactly what she wanted. “With maple syrup.”

Shannon laughed. “Of course.”

The bell over the door tinkled again and Shannon glanced toward it. Her entire face lit up. Alicia looked over, not surprised to see Shannon’s husband Patrick walking through the door. But it was the man behind Patrick who made her heart skip a beat. It couldn’t be. She blinked, but he was still there. Her mystery lover.

Her palms began to sweat as he headed in her direction, the sheriff leading the way.

Her heart was pounding. She realized he was staring intently at her, but she couldn’t tell from his expression what he was thinking. Alicia picked up her mug and took a fortifying sip. The coffee was hot and stung her mouth.

“Hey, honey.” Shannon leaned up and kissed her husband. “Hey, Gill.”

The name filled Alicia’s brain. Gill. His name was Gill. She realized she was sitting there like an idiot while the sheriff said her name again. “I’m sorry.” She offered a small smile. “I was lost in my thoughts. It’s been that kind of a morning.”

Patrick smiled. “No problem.” He turned to the man beside him. “This is Gill Baron, a friend of ours. Gill, this is Alicia Flint, one of the town’s best lawyers.”

Gill stared down at her, his expression inscrutable. “We met at the wedding, although I didn’t catch your name there.”

She liked the sound of his name. It was strong and solid. Just like the man. Alicia swallowed hard, wishing she’d foregone her impulse for breakfast. She was just grateful her hand wasn’t shaking as she held it out to him. “I remember.” His eyes narrowed and she could see the barely banked heat simmering there. Oh lord, did she remember.

His fingers closed around hers and squeezed gently. The heat from his hand seemed to slide up her arm and down through her body, pooling in her breasts and between her thighs.

Patrick cleared his voice. “I know we’re supposed to have a meeting in a bit, but is it something we could take care of now? I’m double-booked this morning and am supposed to be meeting the mayor and city council at the same time.”

Somehow Alicia found her voice. “That’s not a problem, Sheriff. Please, join me for breakfast. Both of you.” She didn’t know why she’d extended the invitation to include Gill, but it was too late to withdraw it now.

He slid into the booth across from her and Alicia enjoyed herself just watching him as Shannon poured more coffee and took both men’s orders for breakfast. Gill was just as compelling as she remembered. His broad shoulders filled out the leather jacket he was wearing over a crisp white shirt. There was a faint five-o’clock shadow on his jaw, indicating that he hadn’t bothered to shave this morning. It made him appear even more ruggedly handsome.

He cocked an eyebrow and she could feel her cheeks heating when she realized she was blatantly staring. What was wrong with her? This man made the confident thirty-seven-year old woman disappear. Instead, she felt uncertain and awkward—more like a teenage girl with a crush.

The only thing to do was brazen it out. Raising her own eyebrow in question, she picked up her mug and took a sip, being careful not to burn herself this time. The corners of Gill’s mouth turned up in a smile so devastating, she almost forgot to breathe. She turned to the sheriff, who was patiently waiting.

“I needed to ask you about hiring an investigator to do some work for me.” She lowered her voice so no one around them could hear them. “It’s about the Brown case.”

Domestic violence was never pretty, but it was a hot button with the sheriff because of his wife’s past. Elizabeth Brown might not have filed an official complaint with the sheriff’s office, but Alicia had already filled Patrick in on the details of the case. She believed in being prepared in case any unpleasantness arose down the road.

Patrick’s eyes narrowed as he took a swallow of coffee, cradling his mug in his hands. “Ordinarily, I’d suggest one of my deputies. A lot of them don’t mind extra work.

But we’re low on manpower as it is. A lot of my men are out with the flu. Can it wait a while?”

She frowned and shook her head. “No. This is something that needs to be taken care of quickly. I’d hoped to hire someone local, but I can go outside if I have to.”

Gill cleared his throat. “I can do it.”

“What?” Alicia blurted. Oh this wouldn’t do. How could she work with this man when all she wanted to do was jump his bones?

“That’s a great idea.” Patrick leaned back as Shannon deposited their plates in front of them. “Thanks, honey.” He dropped a quick kiss on her cheek before she headed off to serve other customers.

Alicia’s stomach churned and she knew she’d never be able to eat the pancakes and bacon she’d been so looking forward to. Her stomach was tied up in too many knots due to the man watching her with those incredibly stormy blue eyes. She was also tired and distracted as a result of her sleepless night, which was something else she could blame on Gill Baron.

“Patrick can vouch for me.” Gill picked up his fork and took a bite of his pancakes.

He chewed and swallowed before continuing. “I just retired after twenty years on the police force in Birmingham, and I’m on an extended vacation. I’m more than capable of handling any kind of investigation you need.”

Alicia didn’t know what to say. Personally, she wanted to say no. This man was a threat to her peace of mind. Professionally, she knew she had to say yes. She needed this work done and her client deserved the best she could give her. “Okay.”

She tried her best to ignore the little jump her heart gave and the happiness flowing through her veins at the thought of spending more time with Gill. Her emotions were all over the place.

To give herself time to compose her wits, she made herself sample the pancakes in front of her. They were delicious and she took her time, chewing carefully as she went over the logistics in her mind. They really wouldn’t have to spend too much time in each other’s company. All she needed were his reports. She had to be professional about this.

Even if it killed her.

“What do you need?” Gill asked.

Now that was a loaded question. She needed more than one night with him. She needed to spend hours in bed with him, running her hands over his incredible body.

Touching him, tasting him, while he did the same with her. But she couldn’t. He wasn’t here to stay and she couldn’t risk a public affair, not if she wanted to maintain her position in this town. Jamesville was small and very conservative. A one-night fling she could get away with, but an ongoing affair was something she couldn’t risk.

Alicia tugged at the cuffs on her blouse and steadied herself, desperately trying to ignore the tightening of her breasts and the ache low in her body. She leaned forward slightly so she wouldn’t be overheard. Not that anyone seemed to be paying them any attention, but she wanted to be careful all the same. “I need you to interview some people in town, and maybe locate a few who’ve moved away. This is a very sensitive case.”

Now that she thought about it, having an outsider who didn’t know Jim Brown at all was probably a plus.

Gill nodded. “No problem. I can go back to your office with you and get all the particulars. I’m sure the Jamesville Sheriff’s Department will let me use their facilities.”

He looked at Patrick who nodded. “Whatever you need”

As quick as that it was settled. Whether she liked it or not, Gill Baron was now working for her. She ignored the voice at the back of her brain that whispered this was an opportunity to spend more time with him.

She was a professional woman in a conservative town. It had been hard enough establishing a legal practice as a woman, and she wasn’t about to jeopardize it for anyone. No matter how attracted she was to him. As it was, if he let slip about what had happened the other night her reputation would take a serious hit.

The town had just had its faith shaken in the legal system with the allegations against the prominent lawyer, Elijah Harris. She’d had her share of new clients due to the fallout, as had the other two practices in town. She could lose them just as easily if her reputation came into question.

It wasn’t fair, but life seldom was. She’d have to put aside her personal feelings and be professional. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d sacrificed something for her career.

But never had it been so difficult.

They finished breakfast in record time, filling the silence with social chatter. When they were done, Patrick reached into his pocket for money, but Alicia stopped him. “My treat. Think of it as a breakfast meeting.”

The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled. “Thanks. Just don’t let my wife know that a pretty woman bought me breakfast.”

Shannon came up beside him and poked him in the ribs. “I heard that.” She smiled at Alicia. “Can I get you anything else?”

Alicia laughed at their byplay. “No, I’m good. Gill?” She was proud at how level and normal her voice sounded.

He just shook his head. “I’m fine. I’d rather get to work.”

“Certainly.” Grabbing her purse, she fished out enough money to cover their tab and handed it to Shannon. “Breakfast was wonderful, as always. Give my best to Jessie.”

“I will.” Shannon hurried off to the counter to serve another customer.

Patrick stood, zipping his jacket. “If you need anything, just give me a shout.”

“I will.” Alicia slipped her wallet back into her bag. “Thanks.”

He turned toward Gill. “I’ll catch you later.” The sheriff headed for the door, his mind obviously already on other matters.

Alicia pulled on her coat and buttoned it, all the while aware of the large male waiting patiently beside her. Her body remembered him all too well and she could feel her panties getting damp. Hooking her bag over her shoulder, she took a deep breath.

“Ready?”

“I’m more than ready.” His voice was low and intimate and had goose bumps skittering down her arms. She whirled to face him, but his expression was bland. She must have imagined the sensual undertones in his voice.

Striding to the door, she didn’t have to look behind to know that he was following her. She could sense him matching her step for step. He held the door and the two of them stepped out into the cold together.

Chapter Four

Gill could hardly believe his good fortune. He’d spent most of the past two days wondering how he was going to uncover the identity of his mystery woman without giving away too much information, and she’d all but landed in his lap. He’d spent the rest of the time trying to talk himself out of searching for her at all.

He’d even considered packing up his stuff and leaving Jamesville. In the end, he couldn’t make himself go. Not yet. Not until he’d at least talked to the woman who filled his thoughts practically every waking minute.

No doubt about it, Alicia Flint had him tied up in knots. He wasn’t certain he liked the idea, but he didn’t seem to have much choice in the matter. He was old enough and experienced enough to know that the immediate connection between them was special and much more than a one-night stand.

He walked down the sidewalk by her side, waiting for her to speak. She looked great.

Even better than he remembered. Her cheeks were red with the cold, her lips were rosy and her black hair was tousled in the sharp wind that blew. He frowned, wondering if her ears were cold. She should be wearing a hat. It was bitter.

Her hands were stuck in the pockets of her black coat and her purse bounced against her side as she strode past the stores and businesses on Main Street.

“Your office far?” He probably should have offered to drive them. He wasn’t exactly dressed for Maine in March. If he stuck around for a while, he was going to have to buy himself a warmer jacket. His leather one was great for Alabama, but not much protection against this kind of frigid wind.

Alicia glanced at him and shook her head. “Not far.” She sounded slightly breathless, the air around her face forming a thin cloud as she spoke. She kept walking, her boots scrunching on the light coating of snow that covered the ground.

He wanted to wrap his arm around her to help keep her warm, but he didn’t think she’d appreciate the gesture. The vibes she was giving off were sending him mixed messages. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked alongside Alicia, letting her set the pace.

It was obvious she hadn’t wanted to acknowledge the fact that they already knew each other in front of the sheriff. That was fine with him. For now. But he’d also seen the way her pupils had dilated and she’d licked her lips. She might want to hide it, but Alicia was still attracted to him.

Gill’s entire body tightened and his erection stirred. There was something about Alicia that excited him, physically and intellectually. She’d be a challenge, in and out of bed. Of that he was certain.

He wasn’t surprised to learn that she was a lawyer. They hadn’t spent much time together, but he’d sensed she had a keen mind. They came to a halt in front of an old, stone building that had obviously been renovated into offices.

As if she could read his thoughts, she sent him a polite smile as she tugged the door open. “It used to be a dry goods shop at the turn of the century. It’s a great building.”

Gill grabbed the door and ushered her inside. The heat hit them immediately, making him realize just how cold he was.

“There’s a real estate office and an insurance broker on this floor.” Alicia started up a wide, oak staircase.

Gill was hot on her heels as she continued to chatter. He realized suddenly that he made her nervous. That could be a good thing or it could be bad. He wasn’t quite sure yet.

“I share this floor with a marriage counselor and an accountant”. She waved her hand down the hallway at the top of the stairs. “This is my office.”

He could hear the underlying pride in her voice and smiled. The door in front of them had her name etched discreetly on the glass with her occupation just below. It looked classy. Much like the lady herself. He pulled the door open and she shot him a warm gaze from beneath her lashes as she passed in front of him. Her body brushed against his, making his muscles tighten and his cock stir. He followed her, catching a whiff of her perfume.

An older woman sat at a desk, busily typing. She looked up, offering a gracious smile. Her eyes widened when they landed on Gill, but she just offered a polite hello before turning to Alicia.

“There are two messages for you.” She hesitated, casting another quick glance at Gill. “Are you still meeting the sheriff this morning?”

Alicia unbuttoned her coat and took the two notes from her receptionist. “Change of plans. I ran into the sheriff at Jessie’s. This is Gill Baron. He’ll be doing some work for us.” She turned to him. “Gill, this is Millie Anderson.”

“Ma’am.” He nodded.

“Mr. Baron.”

“Please, call me Gill.”

“We’ll be in my office.” Alicia glanced at her watch. “Unless it’s important, take a message if anyone calls. We shouldn’t be too long.”

Gill had the feeling she’d have him out of here quickly if she had her way. He on the other hand, was in no particular hurry. His lips quirked upward. If she thought she was going to give him the bum’s rush, she was mistaken. This was his chance to get to know her better and he was going to take full advantage of it.

Alicia led him into her office. It was bright and cheerful, yet professional. Filing cabinets and bookcases filled one wall. Her desk was substantial and made of oak, if he wasn’t mistaken. Two comfortable chairs were angled in front of it. Off to the side was a sitting area with a comfortable sofa, chairs and an ottoman. Classy and cozy.

She hung her coat on a heavy wooden coat rack just inside the door. Straitening her skirt, she strode behind the desk. Gill unzipped his jacket and removed it, tossing it over the back of one of the chairs.

“Have a seat. Please.” She tucked her purse in a drawer in her desk and pulled a file out of the stack that sat beside her computer.

Gill lowered himself into the chair closest to her, kicked out his long legs and clasped his hands on his stomach. He waited. If there was one thing he’d learned in all his years as a cop, it was that most people didn’t like silence. They would talk just to fill it, sometimes offering you more information than if you asked direct questions.

A sense of contentment washed over him as he sat watching her organize her thoughts and paperwork. It was such an unusual feeling that it took him a minute to figure out exactly what it was. In his former profession, he’d gotten used to dealing with stress and irritation until they’d become the only emotions he experienced on a daily basis. Right now, he felt neither. It was strange, but good. He’d definitely made the right decision in coming to Jamesville. The pace of life was a heck of a lot slower than the city.

Alicia sat forward, all business. Her green eyes landed on him and he caught a gleam of heat before it was buried under a mask of politeness. She cleared her throat. “The case I’m working on is pretty straight forward, but I want to have all my bases covered in case it gets nasty.”

“Of course.”

“Needless to say, everything I tell you is confidential.” She straightened her notes, making the paper crackle.

“Absolutely.” He tipped his head to one side. The sun chose that moment to break free of the clouds and a ray shot in through the window, illuminating Alicia. She reminded him more of a fairy queen than a lawyer. She looked as if she’d be just as comfortable sitting on some forest throne, giving directions to her faithful warriors, as she did sitting behind her desk.

Man, he was losing it. He’d never waxed poetic in his life. It felt strange, yet somehow right. He shook his head and forced himself to listen as she went over the particulars of the case. Or at least as much of it as he needed to be aware of.

The blouse she was wearing this morning matched her eyes. The v-neck was discreet, yet his gaze was drawn again and again to the slight expanse of skin exposed at her neckline. The material draped loosely over her breasts, yet he knew how firm and full they were. Gill wondered if she was wearing a sexy bra beneath it. Maybe. But then again, even if she wore plain white cotton, she’d be sexy. Her pants were tailored and looked expensive even to his masculine eye, as were the low-heeled leather boots she wore.

He realized she’d stopped talking. He’d gotten distracted by Alicia once again. If he didn’t pay attention, she’d fire him before he even started.

“So, you want me to talk to these folks and get statements from them.” He reached over and took the sheet she offered him. It contained a list of names, occupations and last known addresses.

“Yes.” Alicia tapped her pen against the blotter, stopping suddenly as if realizing what she was doing. “This is a very sensitive case. My client is divorcing a prominent member of the community.”

“Messy.”

“Yes.” Alicia shoved her fingers through her hair before rubbing the back of her neck.

Gill wanted to rub it for her, maybe nibble on her nape. She looked tired.

“And it’s going to get messier. She’s suing for full custody of their daughter. Her husband abused her for years, but she kept silent about it, hiding it. She’s finally gotten the courage to leave him.”

All thought of seduction fled and he sat up straight. The thought of any woman being abused set him on edge. “How bad?”

“Bad enough.” Alicia shook her head. “I’m not sure she would have left him if her brother hadn’t moved back to town. Her husband, Jim, is a bully, but he’s a charismatic bastard who has half the town almost convinced that Elizabeth is mentally unstable and an unfit mother.”

“Don’t worry. I know how to ferret out information from people. I’ll get you what you need.”

She took out an official form, laying it on the desk in front of him. “Keep track of whatever hours you spend working on this. I’ll make sure you get paid.”

Irritation filled him. He wanted to be more to her than just the hired help. He folded the paper and tucked it into his back pocket. “It shouldn’t be any problem, even with the people who don’t live here any longer. It may take me a bit longer, but I’ll find them.”

He stood and so did she. Gill could see the dismissal in her eyes. He wasn’t having any of it.

“I’ve dreamed of you the past two nights.” He wanted a reaction out of her and he got it. Her face paled, then turned red. Sauntering around the side of the desk, he came to a halt just in front of her.

She tipped back her head so she was looking straight at him. “This is not a good idea.”

“Probably not,” he agreed, but that small fact wasn’t going to stop him. He cupped the back of her head with his palm and leaned down. Their lips met. Alicia kept her mouth closed and held herself stiff, but she didn’t push him away. He was a patient man, and continued his quiet assault on her senses.

He licked at her lips, remembering her unique taste. Memories of that mouth licking and sucking at his body made his temperature rise. He clasped her shoulder with his free hand, urging her closer.

Alicia moaned and the sound shot straight to his groin. His balls pulled tight against his body as his cock lengthened and thickened. Her mouth parted and her tongue darted out to touch his lips. He kept the pressure light, encouraging her to take what she wanted.

He could feel her quivering. Sense her indecision. He wanted to drag her up against him and grind his pelvis against hers. Instead, he waited, gradually deepening the kiss.

Their tongues tangled, breath mingling as they rediscovered one another. When her breasts grazed his chest, he almost howled with pleasure.

What the heck was she doing? Alicia couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. Passion was making her lose all common sense. There was no other explanation for her actions. She shouldn’t encourage him. She couldn’t afford to have an affair with Gill, but oh, how she longed to.

She’d never met a man who could make her body sing like he could. A simple touch from Gill was as good as an hour’s foreplay from another man. She was a chocoholic and he was the finest dark chocolate available. He was addictive and too much of him wasn’t good for her.

He was working for her. She needed his expertise with this case. Alicia had always made it a policy never to mix work with pleasure. She’d watched other colleagues try it over the years and it never worked out well. There were always problems.

“We can’t,” she gasped as he broke away and kissed his way down her jawline and neck.

“Sure we can,” he whispered. “We’re both adults.” He captured her earlobe between his teeth and nipped gently. Alicia shivered. “And we want each other.”

She couldn’t argue with him when his tongue was tracing the sensitive whorl of her ear. His strong fingers slid down the back of her head to her nape, holding her in place as he nibbled on her earlobe. Dampness gathered between her thighs, making her squirm.

She wanted him to stop. She wanted him to never stop.

She was being torn apart. Two halves of a whole—one sensible, one passionate—

both warring for control. Her knees threatened to give out and she grabbed his shoulders for support. Big mistake. Her fingers curled into him. His muscles were thick and heavy.

He was so solid she wanted to lean on him if only for a moment.

His skin, so warm and firm was almost within her reach. She tugged at the fabric of his shirt, pulling it from his waistband and slipping her hands beneath. Her fingers played over the expanse of muscle beneath. The crisp hair in the center of his chest tickled her palm. He groaned when her thumb flicked his flat nipple.

Alarm bells went off in her brain. She couldn’t do this. She was in her office for heaven’s sake. What if someone walked in on them?

Sliding her fingers from beneath his shirt, she placed both hands on his chest and pushed. He went easily, stepping away from her. His blond hair was tousled and his eyes practically seared her with their heat. She was no longer cold from the walk in the chilly air. In fact, she felt as if she’d stepped into a sauna.

She licked her lips and tried to catch her breath. His gaze slid from her face and landed on her chest. Alicia didn’t need to look down to know that her nipples were visible through the silk of her blouse. She raked a hand through her hair and tried to gather her defenses. Better late than never.

“I’m sorry. As I said, that was a mistake.” She held up her hand before he could speak. “Hear me out.” He nodded, tucking in his shirt where she’d tugged it out of the waistband of his jeans. There was no mistaking the heavy erection outlined against his zipper. She forced her gaze away.

“I work in this town. You’re just passing through.” Alicia tried to figure out the best way to phrase this without sounding like a prude or a hypocrite. “The other night was wonderful, but it was just one night. This is a conservative town and I can’t risk my reputation on a fling.”

His lips tightened and his shoulders tensed. Alicia stood her ground, straightening her spine.

“Let me get this straight,” his low voice rumbled. “It’s okay to risk your reputation for a one-night stand, but not a relationship.”

“We don’t have a relationship.”

He reached out his hand and stroked the curve of her cheek with his thumb. It took all her strength not to lean into the soft caress.

“Yes, we do,” he countered. “All you have to do is admit it.”

“Gill,” she began. “I…” How could she admit to the man that she really liked him, but needed to stay away from him for that very reason? He was just passing through and she had her reputation, and her heart, to protect.

“Stop worrying.” Leaning down, he brushed a quick kiss across her lips. “Everything will work itself out.”

She couldn’t stop herself from touching her mouth with her fingers. She could still feel his warmth. Taste him on her lips.

Gill strode back to the chair and grabbed his jacket, pulling it on as he made his way to the door. “I should have a preliminary report for you by dinner time. Do you want me to pick up something to eat or will you?”

Alicia shook her head. “You can just call me.”

He stopped, one hand on the door, and pinned her with a steely gaze. “Ignoring it won’t make it go away. We need to discuss it. We can either do it here, in a public restaurant, or in private.”

She chewed on her bottom lip. He was right. What could one evening hurt? It was just dinner. Right? She could handle him and the passion that flared between them. She was an adult. They were both adults.

Decision made, she gave him a crisp nod. “I’ll be home by six.”

He smiled then and her heart sped up. “I’ll bring dinner.” She watched as he left, taking most of the energy in the room with him.

She stood there staring at the door until Millie buzzed her to let her know she had a call from a client. Shaking off the sensual lethargy that surrounded her, she straightened her blouse and cleared her voice before picking up the receiver. “Good morning, Jack.

What can I do for you today?”

Chapter Five

Six o’clock sharp, the doorbell rang. Alicia straightened her cream-colored cardigan as she headed to the door. She’d changed the moment she’d come home, tugging off the blouse and sexy green bra beneath it and replacing it with plain cotton and a sweater. The slippery fabric of her blouse had been sensual torture all afternoon. Every time she moved, it slithered over her sensitive skin, reminding her of Gill and what they’d done in her office.

It had been a long day.

She took a deep breath, gathering her control before she tugged the door open. Gill filled the doorway, his masculine presence almost overwhelming her. He was still dressed in jeans and his leather coat, the wind whipping the ends of his hair around. In his hands, he clutched a brown paper bag.

Stepping back, she held the door open. He’d been here before, but this felt different.

This time they’d share a meal and talk. The passion was still there between them, simmering just beneath the surface, but tonight there was more. Much more.

“I brought Chinese food.” He held up the bag as he entered.

Alicia closed the door, shutting out the cold and the rest of the world. “Chinese is fine.”

“I wasn’t sure what you’d like so I got a selection.”

She took the bag from him and headed to the kitchen. My, how polite they both were. A far cry from the other night. Shaking off the memory, Alicia laid the bag on the table and pulled down two plates. She could hear Gill in the hallway and from the sounds of things, knew he was pulling off his boots and hanging up his coat.

Yanking open a drawer, she pulled out two forks and knives. There were probably chopsticks in the bag, but her hands were trembling so much, she’d probably drop half her food if she tried to use them.

Strong arms came around her, making her jump. He’d been so quiet she hadn’t heard him coming up behind her.

“Stop worrying.” He placed a soft kiss on her nape. She shivered. That had always been a particularly sensitive spot for her.

“Easy for you to say,” she muttered. After all, there was nothing at stake for him. He could walk away with no repercussions, while she’d be left trying to salvage her reputation if word of their affair got out. Not that she was having an affair with him. Her head dropped forward as his lips skimmed her neck. Her toes curled in her leather loafers and her fingers dug into the edge of the countertop, the cutlery falling to the floor with a clatter.

“No,” he murmured. “It’s not easy for me to say when all I want to do is strip you naked, bend you over the table and fuck you until you scream with pleasure.”

He was seducing her with words alone. Her plain cotton panties were damp and her nipples were standing at attention.

His hand flattened on her stomach and she could feel the heat through her sweater.

“I want to feel your hot pussy clamping down on my cock and squeezing it tight as you come.” His hand angled upward until it was just grazing the curve of her breast.

It was getting harder to breathe. She wanted him to touch her. Her body was humming and she was shocked to realize that she was very close to coming. Her inner muscles were tightening and relaxing in a reflexive rhythm. One touch of his hand on her breast was probably all it would take.

Gill’s arms fell away from her. She felt cold as the air rushed in to fill the void.

Alicia forced herself to release the edge of the counter and turned slowly, leaning on it for support. Her legs felt as if they were made of jelly. “Why?”

He didn’t misunderstand her. He knew she wanted to know why he stopped.

“Because, when we come together I want it to be mutual, not because you gave into passion like we did the other night.” His jaw was tight and a muscle under his right eye twitched. “This time you’ll know what you’re getting into and it will be a conscious choice.”

He’d surprised her once again. Most men would have been all too ready to take advantage of the situation and get her into bed. But Gill wanted more from her. That gave her pause. She knew that she was physically attracted to him, but she was finding a lot more to like with every moment she spent with him.

She’d called the sheriff this afternoon and asked him pointblank about Gill. Patrick had filled her in on Gill’s twenty-year career as a police officer, as well as the fact that he’d helped save Shannon from her abusive ex-husband. He also had two college degrees. The degree in criminal justice was no big surprise, but the one in counseling was. No doubt about it, Gill Baron was one of the good guys.

He bent down and retrieved the fallen cutlery, tossing it in the sink. Without saying a word, he pulled out the drawer next to her, dug out some more forks and knives and laid them on the table. He opened the bag and began to distribute white boxes on the table.

Alicia sighed and gave into the inevitable. Gill was right. Whatever happened, it would be a mutual decision. Right now, all she had to do was enjoy dinner with the man.

One step at a time.

Pulling down two glasses, she filled them with water. She thought about the bottle of cabernet sauvignon she had chilling in the refrigerator, but she needed her wits about her tonight.

She placed the water glasses on the table and Gill held out her chair as she sat down.

“Thank you,” she automatically replied, charmed by the gesture.

He joined her, taking the chair across from her, and they both helped themselves to the food. Alicia selected some of the vegetable chow mein, a helping of chicken fried rice and a small amount of the sweet and sour chicken. Gill piled honey garlic ribs and some of the chicken on his plate, along with a mound of the rice and a pile of chow mein. He unwrapped two spring rolls and placed one on the corner of her plate.

“So, did you get started on the list this afternoon?” She needed to talk about something. Anything to get her mind off the low-level arousal still thrumming through her body. Scooping up a forkful of the delicious-looking rice, she started to eat.

Gill finished chewing his mouthful of food. She watched the strong column of his throat move as he swallowed. Damn, the man even looked sexy while he ate. That just seemed wrong somehow.

He laid his fork on the corner of his plate and reached into his back pocket, pulling out a small notebook. “I talked to a few of Brown’s friends. No help there.”

Alicia nodded as she chewed. That wasn’t exactly a big surprise.

“I did locate a former employee, a woman who used to be the receptionist at Brown’s real estate firm.”

She laid her fork by the side of her plate. “Why would you want to talk to her?”

Alicia didn’t even know who the woman was. Her name wasn’t on the list she’d given Gill earlier.

He gave her a grim smile. “Because bastards like that tend to stray. I thought she might be a likely candidate as an ex-girlfriend. Even if she weren’t, she would have been in a position to see things, maybe overhear things. Plus, she doesn’t depend on him for her livelihood any longer. Kate Thomas is happily living in New York now and she had quite a bit to say about Jim Brown.”

“Tell me.” From the look in Gill’s eyes, she knew it was going to be good.

He reached out and took a sip of water, placing the glass back down on the table.

“Apparently, he likes his sex on the rough side.”

“Oh my God.”

“Yeah. Not only that, she overheard him many times yelling at his wife over the phone. It’s not enough, but it’s a start.”

“And a good one.” Pleased, she stabbed her fork into a chicken ball and popped it into her mouth.

Gill flipped his notebook closed, sliding it back into his pocket. “She’s more than willing to testify if it comes to that. I had Patrick take her statement over the phone this afternoon. Once it’s typed up, he’s going to mail it to her so she can sign it.” Gill shook his head. A lock of hair fell across his brow and he pushed it aside. “I got the feeling she’d love the opportunity to tell everyone just what a bastard Jim Brown is.”

Alicia chuckled.

“In the meantime, I’ve got calls out trying to connect with four people on the list, including the daughter’s teacher. It’s only a matter of time.”

“Good.” She wanted this wrapped up as soon as possible for Elizabeth’s sake.

Picking up her glass, she took a sip of water. “Will you be leaving then?” She needed to know the answer. Had to know what she was dealing with before she made any decisions about what was going to happen between them.

“I don’t know.” He forked up a piece of chicken and popped it in his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. “I’m at a crossroads in my life right now. I left police work because I got tired of too many bad guys getting away on technicalities.”

“That happens.” She picked up her spring roll and nibbled on a corner.

“Too much.” He leaned back in his chair. “I’m not blaming the courts or the lawyers, not exclusively anyway.”

“That’s good to know,” she retorted.

He held up his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, I know some great folks who are lawyers, present company included,” he teased before his tone turned serious again. “The cops are sometimes at fault too, not following proper procedure. Then there are the lawmakers and the overcrowded prisons that let violent offenders out early.”

“Like what happened with Shannon O’Rourke when she first came back to Jamesville.”

“And my sister.”

Alicia could hear the pain in his voice. “Your sister?” She knew this wasn’t going to be good.

“Yeah, Janet’s first husband beat her.” He pushed away from the table and walked to the window. It was dark outside. She could see his reflection in the glass, see the anguish etched on his face.

He whirled around. “She didn’t tell me. I’m her brother and a cop and she didn’t tell me.”

Alicia had worked with her share of abused women during her work terms from law school. “She was probably too ashamed to tell you.” It was a sad fact that many abused women felt as if it was their fault it was happening.

“I know that.” He shoved his hand through his hair. “Now, at any rate. I found out when she ended up in the emergency room. One of the other guys on the force was there following up on an accident victim and he saw her. He’d met her at my place at a summer barbeque. He called me.”

He sat back down in his chair and closed his eyes. Waves of grief emanated from him as he relived the memory. “Lying in her hospital bed, she tried to deny it. But I’d seen too much domestic abuse to be fooled.”

“What happened?” Unable to stand his torment any longer, she stood and went to his side. Wrapping her arm around his shoulder, she hugged him.

Gill leaned into her, his head resting on her chest. “I called a woman I knew who ran a local shelter and got her to come in and talk to Janet. She eventually pressed charges and he was put away. It took some time, but she got counseling and met a great guy.

They married and moved to California. Janet needed to be as far away from the memories as she could get.”

“What happened to her ex?”

Gill gave a laugh, but there was no humor in it. “Sometimes justice is rough. He died in prison. Pissed off the wrong guy and got knifed.”

Alicia shuddered. So much violence.

Gill pulled away and stared up at her. “Sorry about that. Didn’t mean to get so intense.”

“That’s okay.” Actually, she was pleased that he’d shared with her.

“What about you? Any dark secrets from your past?”

She thought about sitting down again, but he had his arm wrapped around her waist.

It felt amazingly right to stand here beside him.

She chuckled. “I had an incredibly normal life. My father is businessman and a former mayor of Jamesville, and my mother was a stay-at-home mom. I went to school 52

here and then went away for college and law school. I worked with a firm in Portland for a couple of years and then came back home to open my own practice.”

“No marriage?”

Alicia shook her head. “No. Two serious relationships, but they didn’t work out.”

She shrugged, trying to act like it didn’t bother her, but it did.

The first relationship had been with a fellow student while she was in college. It had been intense and emotional, filled with fights and make-up sex. He’d been a philosophy major and she’d been headed to law school. It had lasted one tumultuous year before she’d had enough and broken it off.

The second relationship was one that had developed between her and a local man when she’d returned home to start her own law practice. She’d been older, and she’d hoped, wiser.

Darren had been the real estate agent who’d shown her the house she eventually purchased. They’d dated exclusively for months. The entire town had expected them to marry. Deep down, so had she. When he’d announced he was moving away to “find himself” she’d been devastated.

The whole town had looked at her with pity for months after, whispering behind their hands whenever she walked into a public place. It had taken her quite some time to overcome that humiliation and put the entire incident behind her. It was hard to believe that was ten years ago. Where had the time gone?

She’d always wanted a family of her own, but at thirty-seven, it looked as if that dream would elude her. She had her own business, a job she enjoyed, good friends, her own home and her family close by. That was a lot more than some folks had. “How about you? You ever tie the knot?”

Gill shook his head. “Nope. Lived with a woman once, but it didn’t last. Long hours of work and job stress killed it. I heard she eventually married a banker.”

“Seems like neither of us has been lucky in love.”

“Maybe the time just hasn’t been right.” His voice was low, rough.

“Maybe.” She managed to get the word out though her mouth had gone dry.

“Alicia.” His arm tightened around her and his hand curved around her hipbone. “I want you.” His fingers hovered just above her pubic bone. “But only if you’re sure.”

The time of decision was upon her and she wasn’t ready. He hadn’t told her what his plans for the future were yet. But she wasn’t sure that mattered any longer. She wanted him. Wanted to explore what was between them for as long as he was here.

She was old enough and experienced enough to know there was the potential of something special between them. She could feel it. The only question that remained was if she was bold enough and brave enough to take the chance to explore it.

And what happens if someone finds out? the prudent part of her brain asked. She’d do what she’d always done. She’d deal with it. She’d been sensible her whole life, never making waves. This was something she wanted for herself. She wasn’t old, but she wasn’t getting any younger either. Opportunities like this, and a man like Gill, didn’t come along every day. Not in a town the size of Jamesville.

“Yes.”

His entire body tensed as he stared up at her. “Are you certain?”

She smiled at him then. “No, I’m not certain. This could be a mistake. For both of us.

But what I do know is that I’ll always have regrets if I don’t.”

“Alicia,” he began.

She placed her fingers over his lips. “No. The time for talking is done.” Taking the lead, she cupped his face in her hands, tilting it up as she leaned down. She brushed his lips with hers. They tasted tangy, like the sauce on the ribs. But underlying it was the taste of Gill, hot and male. It was the best thing she’d ever tasted in her life and she wanted more.

Gill slid his hand beneath her cardigan, letting his fingers trace the long line of her spine before sliding around to the front to cup her breasts and give them a squeeze. Alicia had a moment to regret removing the sexy green bra and replacing it with white cotton before his hands slid away.

Holding her waist, he shoved his chair back and guided her until she was standing in front of him. He pulled her forward so that she straddled his lap. Her mound came in contact with his erection and she moaned, rubbing herself against him.

His laugh was tinged with masculine satisfaction as he began to unbutton her sweater. It was open to her waist before she knew it. Gill traced his finger around the outline of her nipples, one at a time. The cotton was smooth and thin, but it was still a barrier between them.

“Take off my bra.”

He tweaked her nipple with his thumb and forefinger, making her jump. Leaning forward, he captured the cotton-covered nub in his mouth and sucked. Alicia shoved her fingers through his hair, anchoring him to her. He pressed his tongue against the tip, teasing it through the fabric.

She arched her hips, pressing her mound against his shaft. Even through their clothing, she could feel the heat brewing between them. Her panties were wet now and cream slid from her core.

“Gill,” she groaned as she began to tug on his shirt, dragging its tail from the waistband of his jeans.

He reared back, breathing hard. His eyes were like the ocean before a storm, so dark, roiling with unspoken emotions. Grabbing a handful of his shirt, he yanked it over his head. Several buttons didn’t survive the assault and pinged off the wall before falling to the floor.

The light sprinkling of hair in the center of his chest only served to accentuate his masculinity. Not that he needed it. His abs were rock-hard. A thin line of hair bisected them and disappeared inside the waistband of his jeans.

Gill slid her sweater down her arms, and she helped him pull it away. He slid his fingers over the edge of her bra. “You look amazing. Silk, satin or cotton. It doesn’t matter.” There was no mistaking the admiration in his voice as he unhooked the front closure and pushed the skimpy covering away.

Her breasts were about average in size, but they were firm and high. Alicia sucked in a breath when he cupped them in his large hands.

“Remember what I said earlier?” His thumb grazed over her nipple, sending a bolt of desire down to her core.

“Yes,” she hissed. Oh lord, did she remember. She could picture herself bent over the table with him standing behind her, thrusting over and over again.

“If you want to stop, say so now.” He trailed a finger down the center of her stomach, dipping into her belly button before reaching the button of her jeans.

Her skin felt incredibly sensitive, each stroke of his finger a sensual delight. Leaning inward, she rubbed her breasts against his chest. She liked the sensation so much she did it again.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” he half laughed, half groaned.

“Oh, yes.” She practically whimpered with relief when he opened the button of her jeans and pulled down the zipper. The rasping sound made her groan. His fingers followed the path of the zipper, pushed past the band of her panties and found her core, hot and moist.

“You’re so wet.” She could hear the wonder and anticipation in his voice.

“You’re so hard,” she countered. Getting busy, she opened his jeans and pushed his boxers out of the way. His cock sprang free and she wrapped her hand around it.

Gill groaned when she squeezed. She loved this part of him. The skin of his shaft was almost hot to the touch, soft, yet hard, at the same time. The blue veins were pulsing heavily, an indication of his desire. The bulbous head was wet and she rubbed her thumb across it, spreading the moisture over the top. As she did so, more pearly fluid seeped from the slit.

He retaliated by working two thick fingers into her. Her inner muscles protested at first and then relaxed around him. She squirmed, trying to get him deeper. He hooked his fingers upward as he dragged them back to her opening, hitting her sweet spot.

Her entire body clenched as she cried out.

Gill swore and surged to his feet, taking her with him. Alicia hit the table, struggling for balance as he yanked her jeans down around her knees. He turned her so she was facing away from him.

“Lean forward and support yourself on your hands.”

Naked from the knees up, she did just that. She had to shove his plate out of her way.

It hit his glass, toppling it. Water spilled everywhere.

“Hurry.” She bent over, pushing her behind toward him. She heard the rip of a foil packet and then his hands were on her, spreading her ass cheeks wide as the tip of his shaft probed for entry.

“Spread your legs.”

With her jeans around her knees, she didn’t have much mobility, but she pushed them as far apart as she was able. Gill penetrated her, pressing inward, slowly but steadily. Because of the tight angle, he seemed even bigger. If she hadn’t already been so turned on, it would have been a lot harder, if not impossible for her to take him this way.

“Okay?” His voice sounded deeper than usual. Rougher.

“Yes,” She flattened her palms against the table, sucking in a breath as he shifted back, pulling almost all the way out before sinking back inside her again. “So good.”

His pace picked up slowly, gradually getting faster and faster. She met him stroke for stroke, pushing her behind toward him as he stroked forward. The slap of their skin seemed loud in the otherwise quiet room. The refrigerator hummed and the heater cut on.

The sounds of their soft moans almost drowned out the mundane noises.

“So tight.” His voice shook and his hands gripped her hips, holding her in place. He increased the speed and depth of his thrusts with each stroke, thrusting harder and faster.

The table shook. Cutlery clanked, falling off plates and skidding across the table.

The box of rice went over the side and onto the floor. Still, Alicia held on.

Gill wrapped one arm around her, cupping her breast and teasing her nipple. His other hand slid between her thighs to lightly brush her clit. Alicia came undone.

Tipping her head back, she cried out. Her body shook uncontrollably. Her pussy clenched tight, squeezing him. He yelled as he came, his pelvis grinding into her behind.

His fingers continued to stroke her, prolonging her orgasm. Pleasure flooded her veins, followed by a sensation of well-being as she rode out the storm in his arms.

Her hand skidded and she slipped. Gill barely managed to catch her, almost coming down on top of her. Alicia cried out, then started to giggle. She could only imagine what they looked like, both of them almost naked, going headfirst into the remains of their Chinese food.

Gill’s chest was quivering, the vibrations of his barely contained laughter seeping into her back. He pulled her upright and carefully slid from her. Her laugh turned into a groan before turning back to a laugh again. She couldn’t help herself. A sense of happiness settled over her. Gill had given her that.

Alicia felt the tug on her jeans and realized that while she was laughing like a loon, Gill had hitched up his jeans and was now trying to do the same for her. She took over the chore, leaning on the edge of the table for support.

Giving her a lopsided grin, he grabbed a couple of paper napkins from the table and disposed of the condom, quickly dropping it in the garbage before fastening his jeans.

His expression was lighter than she’d seen before. Not as serious. She realized she was grinning too, not at all like her usual staid self. Shaking her head, she surveyed the table. It was a mess, half the food was on the floor, but she didn’t care. She felt young and carefree and full of life.

Gill grabbed her, planting a hard kiss on her lips, while sneaking in for a quick squeeze of her breast. “Let’s clean up this mess and continue in the bedroom.”

“Best idea I’ve heard all day.”

Chapter Six

It was strange to wake up with a man in her bed, his strong arm draped over her, his hand resting on her belly. Cozy. That’s the word she was searching for. It was cozy and warm and she didn’t want to move. Only the fact that she had to work today, had appointments she couldn’t change, made her grope for the side of the bed.

Gill wrapped his arm around her, pulling her back toward him. Neither of them spoke as he grabbed a condom and sheathed himself before slipping easily inside her.

Alicia was sore from the night before, but didn’t want to stop. He rocked them gently, their bodies undulating to a slow, but steady rhythm. Unlike their lovemaking from the night before, which had been intense and passionate, this was slow and sensual, but no less mind-shattering.

Her breath hitched and she sighed as her nipples tightened. Alicia felt no rush, no sense of impatience. She simply rode the soft waves of pleasure until her orgasm washed over her.

Gill tightened his arm around her, emitting a soft groan as he came. Alicia snuggled closer, content to just lie in his arms until the alarm went off on her radio, reminding her that she had to work.

She managed to crawl out of bed and drag herself into the shower, and was almost finished when Gill joined her.

“Good morning,” he rumbled, dropping a quick kiss on her mouth before he grabbed the soap and began to wash.

She tasted barely suppressed passion on his lips, but knew she was too sore for them to make love again. Plus, it was a bit disconcerting to be sharing a shower with him. It was a new experience for her, but one she thought she could get used to.

She finished rinsing her hair and stepped out of the shower, leaving him standing beneath the hot spray. She quickly blew her hair dry, applied her makeup and dressed, choosing a burgundy suit out of the closet this morning. The pants were wool and warm, and she wore a cream-colored turtleneck beneath the jacket. It wasn’t much, she acknowledged ruefully, but it was her professional armor.

Her normal staid self disappeared whenever Gill was around, leaving a carefree woman in her place. It left her feeling uncomfortable and slightly vulnerable, and she’d need all her confidence this morning. They had to talk before either of them left the house.

Alicia still could barely wrap her head around the fact that Gill had made love to her two more times after they’d cleaned up the mess and made it to her bed last evening. She smiled and shook her head.

As she made her way to the kitchen, she wondered what she was going to feed Gill for breakfast. Removing her jacket, she tossed it over the back of a chair before pushing up the sleeves of her sweater.

Coffee was the first order of the day. Grabbing the carafe, she filled it with water and poured it into the coffeemaker. She spooned coffee into the paper filter before flicking on the switch. The machine began to gurgle almost immediately.

Satisfied, she opened the refrigerator door and rummaged around, pulling out some vegetables. She dug out the chopping board, and then began to dice fresh green bell peppers and mushrooms for an omelet. As she worked, she could hear Gill in the bedroom getting dressed.

The knife she was using to chop vegetables came to rest against the cutting board as she stared out the window.

No doubt about it, Gill Baron was great for her sex drive. She’d had no idea that sex could be so intense or so fun until she’d met him. All her other relationships paled in comparison.

That was what scared her the most. Gill could hurt her. Not physically. Never that.

But emotionally was a whole other story. Oh, he wouldn’t mean to, but it was inevitable.

The fact that she’d slept with him last night proved that she was already emotionally involved with him. And that wasn’t good.

Gill wasn’t here permanently. He was just passing through, and whenever he was ready, he’d leave. In the meantime, Alicia had not only her heart to worry about, but also her reputation. It might seem foolish to someone from a big city, but the success of her business not only depended on her skill as a lawyer, but in keeping her reputation spotless as well. This was a conservative town where a lot of folks still weren’t comfortable with a female lawyer.

Whatever the reality of the situation, the underlying truth was she wanted to be with him, wanted to spend whatever time they could together, for however long he was in Jamesville. What a tangled state of affairs.

She sighed, watching a lone robin settle in the tree branches. Snow clung to the bark, but the little bird didn’t seem to mind as it pecked at the seeds in the birdfeeder.

Sometimes she wished she were like that little bird—free. But reality waited just outside the door and she couldn’t stay tucked away inside her home forever.

Strong arms slid around her waist and she leaned back against his chest.

“You’re deep in thought this morning.” His sleep-roughened voice was deeper than usual and it sent shivers all the way to her toes. His fingers absently traced the waistband of her pants.

“I was just watching the bird.” Determined to get through this, she stepped closer to the counter and began to chop the rest of the mushrooms.

Gill sighed and dropped a kiss on the top of her head before stepping away.

“Anything I can do to help?”

“You can pour the coffee if you’d like.” The pot she’d started had finished brewing.

She hadn’t slept much last night and was going to need the caffeine boost to get through the day. She tried not to think about why she’d hadn’t slept, but heated memories slipped into her brain, teasing her.

Gill opened the cupboard door and took down two mugs. The fact that he knew where to find them was almost startling. But he’d helped her with the dishes last night, drying them all and stacking them away while she’d mopped the remains of their dinner from the floor.

She broke eggs into a bowl and beat them as he poured coffee. He looked so strong, so masculine as he went about the mundane chore. His shirtsleeves were turned back several times, revealing his muscular forearms. His hair was still damp from the shower and a lone lock fell against his forehead.

He looked right at home in her kitchen, as if he belonged here. Alicia dumped the vegetables into the egg mixture, added some milk, and a dash of salt and pepper before stirring vigorously.

Gill took a sip of his coffee and she watched the thick column of his neck as he swallowed. Her inner muscles clenched. Boy, she had it bad if watching him drink coffee could turn her on.

“You want sugar or milk in yours?” He laid his mug aside and reached for the other one.

She nodded. “One sugar, please.” God, how awkward did she sound? She could feel the tension mounting inside her.

Still, Gill acted as if nothing was wrong. He added some sugar and stirred before handing her the mug of steaming coffee. She took it gingerly, making sure their fingers didn’t touch. Just having him this close to her was already making her sweat.

“Do you want me to make the toast?”

“Sure. That would be great.” Gulping a mouthful of coffee, Alicia almost choked on it. She coughed as Gill thumped her on the back several times. She held up her hands.

“I’m okay,” she managed to get out between coughs.

Totally mortified, Alicia turned back to the stove and began to cook the omelet. She poured the entire mixture in a large skillet and let it bubble and sizzle. When the edges were brown, she flipped it. Gill worked quietly in the background. She heard the pop of the toaster, the scrape of the knife across the bread as he buttered it, and the clink of glass as he put the plates on the table.

By the time she cut the omelet in half and scooped it up onto their plates, she had herself under control again. She had no idea why she was so nervous around Gill. No, that wasn’t quite true. He made her nervous because he knew her better than anyone else did in this town. He’d seen past the competent, business-like façade to the diehard romantic beneath.

She placed the pan back on the stove before sliding into her chair. Gill had everything else already there, including her mug of coffee and a small glass of orange juice.

“Thanks for breakfast. This is great.” Gill cut a piece of the omelet and popped it in his mouth.

“You’re welcome.” She busied herself with her own meal, making herself eat. She was sure it tasted good, but it felt like sawdust in her mouth.

Silence surrounded them, neither of them interested in polite chatter. Alicia ate as much as she could manage, and then pushed her plate away.

As if he’d been waiting for her signal, Gill laid his fork across his plate and leaned back in his chair. “Want to tell me what’s going on this morning?”

Alicia felt her hackles rising. “What do you mean?” Immediately, she felt foolish for all but jumping down his throat. He’d only asked her a simple question, and there was no doubt that she wasn’t herself this morning.

Gill sat forward, reached across the table and took her hand in his. Her smaller hand was almost lost in his, yet his grip wasn’t tight at all. The man was very aware of his own strength. “I know something is bothering you this morning, sugar. You want to tell me what it is?” His gaze searched her face as if hoping to find the answers there.

Normally, Alicia didn’t like it when a man called her by some pet name. But the way Gill called her “sugar” made her insides flutter. He made it sound sexy.

She forced herself to pull her hand away from his, clasping her fingers together at her waist. It was either that or she’d probably reach out to him whether she wanted to or not. Gill made a mockery of her self-control.

“I’m not sure last night was a good idea. But…” She continued when he started to interrupt. “It happened and I’m glad it did.” There was no way she could lie about that.

“The fact still remains that an affair could hurt my reputation. This isn’t the big city and the community’s faith has already been shaken by one lawyer.”

“What we’re doing isn’t criminal or illegal.” She could hear the tension in Gill’s voice. His steel-blue eyes were cold and forbidding.

“No, it’s not.” She picked up her mug and took a sip before carefully placing it back on the table. “However, that won’t matter to some folks.”

“So what are you suggesting?” Gill crossed his arms across his chest and glared.

“And don’t even think of telling me you don’t want to see me again, because I won’t believe it. Not after last night.”

“No,” she agreed. “That would be an insult to both of us.” Alicia licked her lips, her mouth dry. She resisted the urge to reach for her coffee mug again. “The only way this will work is if we keep it quiet.”

Gill uncrossed his arms and shifted in his chair, his eyes never leaving her face.

“What exactly do you mean?”

“We need to act professionally outside these walls. If we’re having an affair, we need to keep it quiet.”

“Do you really think that’s possible?”

She closed her eyes and shoved all her doubts aside. “I don’t know.” Her eyes flew open when she heard his chair being shoved back. Gill loomed over her, hands on his hips.

“I understand what you’re saying. Really, I do.” He shoved his fingers through his hair, leaving some of it sticking out to the sides. “But I think that you’re making too much of it. This isn’t the dark ages. Your personal life has nothing to do with your professional one.”

“You’d think so, wouldn’t you?” Alicia knew the gamble she was taking even if Gill didn’t. She was risking everything she’d spent years building by being with him. But it was worth the risk. Even though their relationship wouldn’t last long, it was worth it. Gill made her feel more alive inside than she’d felt in years. She hadn’t realized just how dead she’d felt until they’d spent that night together after leaving the wedding. With him, she was more herself than she’d ever been with any other man.

“If you want to keep this private between us, that’s fine. For now.” He reached down and pulled her out of her chair, his hands warm and sure on her shoulders.

She appreciated that he wasn’t dismissing her concerns, but was trying to understand. Alicia was simply being realistic. Gill didn’t live here and she did. He’d be leaving eventually and she’d be left to deal with the aftermath. It would be hard enough to see him go without having to deal with professional problems on top of it.

“So we agree.”

“Whatever you want, sugar.” Gill slid his hand down her back, pulling her closer.

She could feel his erection nestling against her stomach. His other hand cupped her neck, his thumb pushing her chin upward. “Whatever you want,” he repeated as he leaned down to kiss her.

Gill’s body was vibrating with barely suppressed emotion. He didn’t know if he wanted to hug Alicia or shake her. He settled for kissing her. Their lips met and the familiar fire shot through him. This woman was his, no doubt about it. Her every move, every touch, set his body on fire, but she did so much more. Alicia made him long for things he’d never had—a home, a family, a tomorrow. He thought he’d lost his need for those things years ago. His career as a big city cop had left him empty inside. Since coming to Jamesville and meeting her, that had changed.

Gill found himself thinking how nice it would be to have a house instead of an apartment. A place to really live instead of one that was meant to store his clothing and give him a place to sleep in between shifts at work.

When he’d awoken with Alicia in his arms this morning, he’d felt complete for the first time in his adult life, as if he’d been simply waiting all these years to find her.

Making love to her this morning had rocked the foundations of his world. Last night had been about sex and need. This morning had been about caring and connection.

God help him, he was already half in love with her. And what was he going to do about that?

His musings were interrupted when Alicia deepened their kiss, pressing her tongue past his lips. He groaned, his hand sliding down to cup her ass. She had a fine ass. A first-class ass. He palmed the mound, squeezing gently. She moaned and his cock jerked in response. Damn, he was as hot as an eighteen-year-old boy around her.

He forced himself to pull back. Alicia had to get to work and if she were late, she’d worry and maybe even start to question their relationship. He wasn’t pleased that she wanted to keep their relationship a secret, but it was a starting point. With enough time and effort, he’d be able to make her forget all about her worries. At least he hoped so.

Gill peppered kisses on her mouth and across her jaw. She was wearing a turtleneck sweater, which made it harder for him to get at her neck. It was probably just as well anyway. If he got started on her neck, they’d probably end up back in bed, or on the kitchen floor. He groaned as his balls tightened.

“Alicia.” He took a step back. “As much as I’d like to continue, didn’t you say you had an early meeting this morning?”

She appeared dazed for a moment, her lips were moist and red, her green eyes slightly glazed. Shaking herself, she wiped a shaky hand over her forehead. “I do.” She glanced at her watch. “I have to leave in five minutes if I’m going to make it.”

“You go and finish getting ready. I’ll take care of the kitchen.”

Alicia looked as if she wanted to say something, but changed her mind. Whirling around, she grabbed her jacket from the back of her chair and hurried from the kitchen.

The moment she was out of sight, Gill reached down and adjusted himself, trying to ease the ache in his groin.

Swearing under his breath, he gathered the plates, scraping the remaining food into the garbage before piling them in the sink. He took one last mouthful of coffee before regretfully pouring the rest of it down the drain. He’d get another cup just as soon as he got back to Patrick’s place.

That was another problem. He didn’t think Patrick would question where he was last night, but the man wasn’t stupid. It was only a matter of time before he figured it out.

Shannon, on the other hand, would probably start flinging questions at him the moment he walked through the door. He smiled as he filled the sink with soapy water. It was good to have friends.

By the time Alicia returned, he’d made quick work of their few dishes, leaving them to drain in the dish rack.

“I’m really sorry about this.” She checked her purse and grabbed her cell phone from the charger.

“No problem.” He followed her to the foyer, and pulled on his boots and coat. He grabbed her wool coat and held it for her, sliding it over her arms.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

“You’re welcome.” He kissed the top of her head. He wanted to do a heck of a lot more than that, but restrained himself. “I’ll see you tonight?”

She chewed on her lip and nodded. “Pull your truck into the garage. I’ll give you the remote.”

Gill nodded and Alicia visibly relaxed. He hated sneaking around. They weren’t doing anything wrong. He understood her mind-set about the situation, even though he felt she was overreacting. Still, he’d agreed to do things her way. For a while anyway.

They stepped outside and Alicia locked the door, her gaze darting to her neighbors’

homes. It was still fairly early and there didn’t seem to be anyone around. Alicia’s small home was situated at the end of a dead-end street, providing her with a certain amount of privacy. Still, if any of her neighbors looked out their window, they would see the two of them leaving together.

Gill might not have spent his adult life in a small town, but he’d grown up in one. If there was one thing he knew for certain, it was that secrets like this were almost impossible to keep. He’d do his best and hope that Alicia would eventually become comfortable with the fact that they were in a relationship, and would no longer care who knew about it.

She walked ahead of him, her boots tapping against the stone path as she hurried to the driveway. Gill followed her to her snappy red car, which was parked alongside his truck. The sporty vehicle and its hot color suited her. It was just another sign of the passionate woman hidden beneath the staid façade.

She unlocked her door and slid into her car. Gill waited patiently until she was settled before leaning closer. “Have a good day.” He thought about kissing her, but didn’t want to push his luck. She looked nervous enough as it was. Closing the door, he headed toward his truck and slid behind the wheel.

Alicia backed out of the driveway and started down the road. Putting his truck in gear, he followed her down the quiet street. She didn’t look back, didn’t wave or toot her horn as she headed to the downtown section of Jamesville. Annoyed, Gill took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He had to give her time to get used to the fact that they were in a relationship. Turning left at the next intersection, he headed toward Patrick and Shannon’s place.

Chapter Seven

Alicia sat at her desk, pen clutched in her fingers, trying to concentrate on the paperwork in front of her. But the documents blurred, fading from sight as her thoughts drifted back over the past week.

She and Gill had easily fallen into a routine of sorts, with Gill coming over in the evenings, making certain to pull his truck into the garage. They’d cook supper, share their day, watch television or movies and generally enjoy one another’s company.

Some of his clothing found their way into her dresser drawers and his shaving kit now sat on the vanity in her bathroom. For a woman who’d lived alone her entire adult life, it was strange, but nice. Several times she’d caught herself staring at his toothbrush resting next to hers in the holder.

The sex ranged from the raunchy to the sweet, with everything in between. He’d kiss her awake in the morning and they’d share breakfast before they’d both leave to begin their day.

Alicia was surprised by how much they had in common, but there were enough differences between them to make things interesting. Cooking with a man was a strange experience. It was something she’d never actually done before. Gill was a decent cook, but more than that, he was fun in the kitchen. He’d chop and dice and grate anything she put in front of them while they chatted. It was homey.

Her stomach clenched as she tossed her pen aside and sat back in her desk chair, staring out the window at the streets of Jamesville. It was still early, not quite ten o’clock, but Main Street was full with people bustling about, taking care of their business. As much as the smallness of the place drove her crazy sometimes, there was no place she’d rather be. It was home, pure and simple.

She was content with her life here, if not blissfully happy. At one point in time, she’d wanted more, but she’d settled. She certainly wasn’t complaining. She had a lot to be thankful for—her career, her family and her friends. She was healthy and owned her own home. Her thoughts tapered off. In spite of all her good fortune, she’d always felt that something was missing. Being with Gill reminded her just what that elusive something was.

Living with Gill felt right. As if an empty spot in her life had been filled to overflowing. It felt good to come home at the end of the day and have someone to share it with, someone to care how her day had gone. Alicia wrapped her arms around herself, feeling chilled in spite of the heat kicking out of the heater behind her.

She tried not to think about the day he would pack up and leave town, but it flitted into her mind more and more as time went on. He was still ostensibly visiting with Patrick and Shannon, but he couldn’t stay there indefinitely. Plus they had to be wondering just where he was spending his nights.

Gill had just about finished his investigative work for her. He’d tracked down everyone on her list. He’d also dug up a few witnesses she never would have found on her own. With the statements he’d gotten from various people, including Susie’s teacher, Elizabeth Brown should have no trouble obtaining full custody of her daughter. Alicia also hoped that Jim Brown wouldn’t contest the divorce when he found out just how much ammunition they had against him. Brown was a man who valued his reputation, and a long, drawn-out divorce would drag his name through the mud. He could say what he wanted about Elizabeth, but in the end, he’d lose. Score another one for the good guys.

The phone rang and her heart skipped a beat before picking up speed. Gill usually called her in the morning. She’d given him her direct line so he could bypass Millie.

“Good morning, Alicia speaking.” She kept her voice low and modulated, but her heart was jumping.

“Good morning, dear.”

It was her mother. Alicia tried not to let her disappointment show. “Hi, Mom. What can I do for you this morning?”

There was a slight hesitation at the other end of the line. Alicia could picture her mother’s face. Crystal Flint had a way of pursing her lips and pausing just before she launched into a lecture.

“I haven’t heard from you all week.” There was a slight tinge of accusation in her mother’s voice, but Alicia heard the concern as well. She knew her parents loved her, but they did have certain expectations. One of which was that she should call them several times a week. Her mother also took every opportunity to point out the fact that Alicia wasn’t married yet, wasn’t even dating anyone. Most of her mother’s friends already had grandchildren. Alicia knew that her mother wanted to be a grandmother, but with the way things were going, that didn’t look likely.

“I know.” She picked up her pen and tapped it absently against the file she’d been working on. “I’ve been really busy this week working on a case.”

“The one with the Sutter girl.”

Only her mother would call a grown woman a girl. “It’s the Brown case, Mom. And you know I can’t talk about it.”

Her mother harrumphed and went on. “I was talking to Betty last night.” Betty Ellis was her mother’s best friend.

“How is Betty?”

“She’s fine, but she’d heard some news that was slightly disturbing.”

“Oh?” Alicia asked absently as she glanced at her schedule. She couldn’t talk to her mom much longer as she had a client due in ten minutes.

“Yes. She’d heard from Clara over at the beauty parlor, who heard it from Mrs.

Haskins, that there’s been a strange truck leaving your driveway every morning.”

Alicia stilled and closed her eyes. The coffee she’d had in place of breakfast this morning churned in her belly. She’d known this would happen. In fact, she’d been waiting for it. She’d hoped no one would find out, but she was realistic enough to know that would be almost impossible. The gossip line was alive and well in Jamesville.

She took a deep breath. “I’m thirty-seven years old, Mom,” she began.

Her mother gasped. “Oh, Alicia.” Her voice was laced with disappointment. “Tell me it’s not true.”

Her mother was adept at playing the guilt card and for most of Alicia’s life it had worked, mostly because the things at stake didn’t really matter much to her. This was different.

Alicia couldn’t tell her mother what she wanted to hear, nor would she lie to her, but she wasn’t ready to talk about her relationship with Gill just yet either. “Is that all, Mom?

Because I have a client coming in a few minutes.”

“We’ll talk about this later.”

“No, we won’t,” she said decisively. “This is my life and if I chose to have an affair that’s my business. I’m a grown woman.” Alicia almost said that she was a grown woman with needs, but she figured that might be too much for her mother to take. Her mother was very old-fashioned in many ways.

She meant well, Alicia reminded herself. It was just hard for her to view her only child as an adult. Because Alicia didn’t have any brothers or sisters, her mother had made her the center of her life. It hadn’t been easy on either of them as she’d grown to adulthood.

Taking another deep breath, she let it out slowly, reaching for the calm composure that served her well in the courtroom. “Look, Mom, I really can’t talk now, but if you want I’ll call you later tonight.”

“That’s fine, dear.” She could hear the relief in her mother’s voice. She knew her mother believed that everything was back under control and that Alicia would do what her parents wished. She didn’t want to hurt them, but this time she was doing what she wanted. After all these years, she deserved it.

“Bye.” She slowly hung up the phone. If her mother knew, then the rumor was all over town. Picking up the phone again, she dialed Gill’s cell phone. He picked up on the third ring. “We need to talk.”

“What’s wrong?” Just the sound of his voice steadied her. This was right, no matter what the consequences.

“Nothing life or death. Where are you?”

“I’m just heading into Jessie’s.”

Alicia glanced at her watch. “I’ve got a client in a few minutes. Can you wait for me? I shouldn’t be more than a half hour or so.”

“No problem,” his low voice rumbled. “You sure you’re okay, sugar?”

Her lips turned up at the endearment. “I am now.”

“I could come over there if you needed me.” His offer warmed her heart. She knew he wouldn’t think anything of dropping what he was doing and coming to her office if he thought she needed him.

“No, but thanks. See you in a while.”

“I’ll be here.”

She hung up her phone just as Millie buzzed her from the outer office.

Gill was slightly concerned as he pulled open the door to Jessie’s and went inside.

Alicia’s voice had been strained and he could hear the worry there. He’d wanted to turn around, stalk to her office, pull her into his arms and demand to know what was wrong.

Intellectually, he knew she was a mature, strong woman, more than capable enough of taking care of her own problems, but that didn’t matter. She was his woman and he wanted to protect her and care for her.

Being a sensitive, modern guy was a bitch some days.

As always, the hominess of Jessie’s hit him as he entered. The smell of fresh coffee filled the air, along with the aroma of the breakfast rush, which was just over. It was the sort of smell that only a diner had—bacon grease, eggs, toast and pancakes with a sprinkle of caffeine. It didn’t sound appetizing, but it was.

His stomach growled, reminding him he’d missed breakfast this morning. He’d awoken this morning to find Alicia shimmying down his body, her lips and tongue doing incredible things to certain parts of his anatomy. They’d barely had time to shower before Alicia had to race out the door. His cock stirred at the memory.

Smiling to himself, he made a quick survey of the room. There were four men sitting at the counter, two tables were filled and three of the booths had people sitting in them.

Shannon and another waitress bustled around the room, pouring coffee, taking orders and serving meals. He knew that Jessie was probably in the kitchen herself.

Shannon smiled and motioned him to a booth, following him with a coffee pot clutched in her hand. He’d managed to avoid her for the most part this past week. She was up and gone to work by the time he got home from Alicia’s place in the morning and he made certain he’d left the house by the time she got home in the evening. Not that he was avoiding her exactly. But he didn’t want to answer her questions.

Patrick had looked at him the first morning he’d come home, cocked his eyebrow, and shaken his head. “I don’t want to know. As long as she’s not married, I don’t care.

But just remember that this is a small town and folks will talk.”

Gill hadn’t offered any information, but he’d taken what Patrick said to heart, which was why he was parking in Alicia’s garage and trying to be as inconspicuous as possible when he left her place each morning. It rankled, but he hoped to change it given time.

And speaking of time, it looked as if his had just run out.

“I missed you again this morning,” Shannon began as she grabbed one of the clean mugs from the table and began to fill it.

“Thanks,” he offered, gingerly taking the mug from her.

“That all you’re going to say?” She frowned, looking more amused than perturbed.

“Yup.”

Shannon laughed, placing the pot on the table to keep from spilling any of the coffee.

She shook her head, but quickly sobered. “It’s none of my business where you’re spending your nights, but I’m worried.” She chewed on her bottom lip.

Gill hated to worry her. Shannon had had more than her share of hardships and concerns. “Look. I promise I’m fine. I’m not doing anything illegal. Your husband would kick my butt if I did.”

She chuckled. “That never crossed my mind.” She glanced around at the other customers and leaned in closer. “People have been talking.”

“People usually do. Nothing you can do to stop them.” He took a mouthful of coffee and swallowed. It hit his empty stomach, making it growl, but he ignored the complaints.

He had a bad feeling about this, considering his quick call from Alicia. “What exactly are they saying?”

Shannon picked at the fabric of her apron and shrugged.

Gill reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. “Tell me.”

She pushed her long braid over her shoulder and squared her shoulders. “It’s about…”

A loud male voice interrupted her. “What’s this I hear about you and young Alicia?

Any truth to the rumors, boy?” An old man doddered up to the table. Every head in the place turned to watch them.

Gill straightened in his seat, but forced himself to remain relaxed. Shannon grabbed her coffee pot and eased out of the way. “Now, Burt,” she began.

“Don’t you ‘now, Burt’ me, missy.” The old man stopped when he reached Gill’s table. “People are whispering, so we might as well talk about it. Get it out in the air so to speak. Doesn’t do anyone any good to listen to gossip. It’s time to get the facts.” He squinted down at Gill and waited.

Gill knew who the man was. Burt Banner was in his eighties, if he was a day, and respected by one and all in the community. Patrick had pointed the man out to him his first day in town. “Would you care to sit down?”

Burt laughed. “At my age sitting is always good, but then the rest of the folks in the diner wouldn’t hear and they’d hurt themselves straining their ears.” His voice rose near the end and some folks turned away, pretending to be concentrating on their meal. Other people didn’t even bother to pretend they weren’t listening.

Gill paused. He’d thought that the old man had approached him because he wanted to cause trouble, but that wasn’t the case at all. He could see the intelligence and the knowing glint in the older man’s eyes. Burt knew that people were talking, and this was a way for Gill to control exactly what they were talking about. Smart.

He leaned back, resting his arm across the back of the bench seat. “What exactly would you like to know?”

Respect and approval flashed in Burt’s face before he raised his hand and scratched his jaw. “Well now, are you seeing our gal, Alicia?”

“Yes. Alicia and I are seeing one another. I’m doing some work for her.” You could hear a pin drop in the place as everyone listened. No one wanted to miss a word so they could recount the tale to their friends and family later.

Burt squinted. “You a lawyer too?”

“No.” Gill shook his head. He might not be a lawyer, but thanks to years of going to night school, he did have two college degrees. One in criminal justice, and a second one in counseling, which he’d just finished before he left the force. “I’m an investigator. I just retired from the police force down in Alabama.”

Burt’s head wagged up and down. “So you’re a cop.”

Gill almost laughed as Burt went about establishing his credibility and his reputation with the townspeople. “Twenty years.”

“Well then. There’s nothing to be concerned about, is there? You wouldn’t do anything untoward, would you? A working relationship, you say?”

Someone snorted and a female voice filled the room. “If staying all night, every night, is working. Alicia Flint is having an affair.”

The bell tinkled over the door as the woman was speaking. Gill felt his stomach drop as Alicia froze in the doorway, her face pale as snow, the accusation still ringing in the air. This was just what she’d feared.

Even though he wanted to jump up and go to her, he made himself remain seated.

This was her chance to deny all the rumors, to deny their relationship if she wanted. He realized that she was right. Her reputation was at stake. Everyone in the diner was watching. Some of the folks looked amused, while others sat with pinched features and condemnation in their eyes.

“Clara Jenkins!” Burt roared.

Alicia straightened her spine and strode right up to Clara’s table. “That’s all right, Burt. I can handle this.”

She leaned down, planting her hands on the table. They were bare. Once again, she’d forgotten her gloves. Gill hoped her hands weren’t cold. He was like everyone else in the place, unable to look away from the scene unfolding in front of him.

“What exactly do you want to know, Clara?” She didn’t give the younger woman time to speak, but kept on going. “That I’m actually having an affair? That I’m sleeping with a man?” She straightened and took in the room in one sweeping glance. “Is that what all of you want to know?”

No one moved.

Alicia snorted. “I’m thirty-seven-years old, I operate my own law practice, own a house, pay my taxes on time and abide by the law. What I do in my own home is my business.”

“Not when you’re in such a prominent position,” Clara brazened out. “Why, if you’ll sneak around having an affair who knows what other sneaky things you might do?”

Gill couldn’t believe that some people were actually nodding. But they were mostly older folks, who had grown up with a much stricter set of values when it came to relationships outside of marriage.

“Is that so?” Alicia questioned, her tone mild, almost amused.

Gill almost pitied Clara as Alicia glared down at her. His woman was spitting fire.

She was hell on wheels when she got started. He’d never felt prouder of her.

Alicia spread her arms wide. “I thought I was being discreet, not sneaking around.

I’m having a relationship with a man.” She turned on her heel and stalked toward his table.

He stood as she approached, aching with the need to hold her in his arms.

“This man.” She turned back to the crowd, not even stopping for a breath. She held them all spellbound, her voice projecting easily without her having to raise it. “He’s healthy, single and a damn good man. I’m proud to be in a relationship with him.”

Gill couldn’t resist any longer, he moved to stand behind her, glaring at the crowd over her head. Most of them had the good grace to glance sheepishly away. All except Clara, who just glowered at them.

“Any more questions?” Alicia raised an eyebrow and fanned her gaze over the people.

One gray-haired man stood up and shook his head. “I don’t hold with affairs outside marriage. I just lost one lawyer because of underhanded dealings. I need to feel as if I can trust my lawyer.”

Alicia shook her head. “We’re two single people in a relationship, Don. That has nothing to do with trust or honesty. But if you feel that way I’ll have Millie transfer your records to the lawyer of your choice. Just contact my office and let me know where to send them. And that goes for anyone else. If you’ve suddenly decided I’m not honest and trustworthy, then I don’t want your business. Contact my office and we’ll forward your records wherever you want them to go.”

Burt ambled forward and extended his hand to her. “I won’t be taking my business anywhere else. You’ve always done a good job for me. Besides, Gill seems to be a fine young man. He’s a friend of the sheriff, isn’t he?”

“Yes, he is.” Shannon stepped forward. “Gill saved my life. You all know what I went through with my ex-husband. That’s no secret in this town. Gill Baron saved my life back in Alabama and was responsible for putting my ex in jail. I won’t hear anything bad about him.”

Gill was stunned and touched by Shannon’s courage. It wasn’t easy for her to talk about her past and certainly in such a public setting. “Shannon,” he began, but she ignored him as she turned to Alicia.

“Can I get you some coffee, Alicia? Maybe some breakfast?”

“That’s a great idea, Shannon.” He knew enough about human nature to know that if he and Alicia left the diner, most people would see it as an admission of guilt and remain suspicious and skeptical. However, that opinion could possibly change if the two of them sat here and ate as though they didn’t have a care in the world, as if they had nothing to hide. And while he wanted to take Alicia off somewhere they could be alone, he knew they had to stay. “Sugar?” he whispered in her ear. It was ultimately her choice.

He felt some of the tension drain from her body. “Breakfast would be nice.” She kept her voice steady, but he could hear the underlying strain.

Ignoring the rest of the folks, many of whom were already lined up at the counter to pay their bills so they could leave and spread the gossip, Gill slid Alicia’s coat from her and then seated her across from him.

Burt stopped long enough to squeeze Alicia’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. You might lose a few fools, but you might gain just as many new clients.”

Alicia gave a sharp laugh. “You may be right about that, Burt.”

Shannon poured more coffee and took their orders. Gill smiled at her. “Thanks for your support earlier.”

She shrugged. “It’s the least I could do after everything you’ve done for me.” She turned to Alicia. “This will all blow over in a few weeks. You know how these things go.”

Alicia smiled and waited until Shannon left before meeting his gaze. She looked tired, her face strained. “My meeting was cancelled so I got here faster than I thought I would.”

“What happened this morning? Why did you want to talk to me?” He figured it had to be better than the scene that had just played itself out.

She picked up her coffee and sipped, carefully placing the mug back in front of her.

“I had a call from my mother this morning.”

Oh shit. Gill felt like banging his head against the table. Just when he’d thought it couldn’t get worse.

Chapter Eight

Alicia’s head still felt like it was whirling an hour later when she let herself and Gill into her home. She’d already contacted Millie and told her to reschedule all her appointments for the rest of the day. She’d also had to explain that possibly quite a few of their clients might be requesting their files be transferred to one of the two other law firms in town.

Millie had been indignant on her behalf. Alicia could still hear her secretary’s “why those sanctimonious idiots” ringing in her ears. The support had felt good though. It was nice to see that not everyone thought she was a scarlet woman.

It was amusing, really. She’d never thought of herself as a femme fatale before. It sounded so mysterious, so exotic. Not at all like the boring, bland woman she’d allowed herself to become these past ten years. She rubbed her forehead as the tension behind her eyes increased.

Gill closed the door, shutting the world outside, and reached for her coat. “Why don’t you take something for your headache? I’ll make you some tea.”

“That would be nice.” She hauled off her boots and padded to the bedroom. She wanted to change out of her business attire and into something more comfortable.

“I can take the day off if I want to,” she muttered as she stripped off her clothing and hung it in the closet. “I’m the boss, after all.” She paused and stared at the clothing hanging there. Suit after suit seemed to mock her. Granted, many of them were in vibrant colors and they were all tailored well, but they were still suits.

“But you are a suit,” she mocked as she grabbed an old pair of faded jeans and tugged them on. “You’re a lawyer.” She wrapped her arms around herself, fighting back a chill that had nothing to do with the cold. She was a lawyer and she loved it. If she couldn’t work at her chosen profession any longer, it would be a devastating blow.

“Don’t borrow trouble.” She grabbed a cherry-red sweater and pulled it over her head. The bright color made her feel better and the soft wool helped to fight back the chill. She grabbed a pair of thick socks from the drawer and tugged them on, wiggling her toes as the warmth started to seep back into them.

She could hear Gill puttering around in the kitchen as she padded back down the hall. She stopped long enough to turn up the heat before joining him. The time had come to lay all her cards on the table. She’d never been a coward, and she didn’t plan to start being one now.

Straightening her shoulders, she strode into the kitchen, coming to a halt just inside the door. Gill stood with both hands pressed against the counter, staring out the window.

Her heart sped up. No matter how many times she saw him, she was always struck by what an incredibly masculine picture he made.

His jeans hugged his legs and butt like a second skin. His shoulders were wide, stretching the seams of the long-sleeved, chocolate brown pullover he was wearing. The color contrasted nicely with his blond hair, which barely brushed the collar of his shirt.

His face was in profile, highlighting the rugged features—the hard jaw, the slightly battered nose and his high forehead. He wasn’t handsome in the traditional sense, but the man had charisma. He drew her like a moth to a flame. Unable to stay away any longer, she stepped into the room.

He hadn’t given her any indication he’d known she was watching him, but his shoulder muscles stiffened slightly before he turned to face her. He’d known she was there all along. Of course, he did, she reminded herself. The man was a cop. She’d noticed that he always seemed to be aware of his surroundings. She imagined that was as automatic to him as breathing after so many years.

“Sit down. The kettle is almost boiled.”

Alicia tried to read what he was thinking, but it was next to impossible. He’d appeared very relaxed back at the diner, but she’d sensed his underlying anger with the situation. He’d gone quiet when she’d related the tense conversation she’d had on the phone with her mother. She wondered if this was the beginning of the end. Would he decide that now was the time for him to pack his bags and leave town?

She tensed at the thought. Her head throbbed, reminding her that she’d forgotten to take anything for her headache. It was just as well. Pain medication made her sleepy and right now she needed all her senses about her. She’d have her tea and they’d talk. After that, she’d worry about her pounding head.

Why would he stay? He had no ties here. All his friends, the life he’d known for the past twenty years was back in Alabama. His sister, his only real family, was in California.

He’d told her one night that his parents had died in a car crash more than fifteen years ago and he wasn’t close to the smattering of cousins, aunts and uncles that remained.

She’d started this affair, knowing it would end sooner rather than later. His job for her was basically done. There was no reason for him to have to endure any more scenes like he had this morning at Jessie’s. It was a reminder of just what life could be like sometimes in a small town, and it wasn’t always pretty. After having his personal life dragged out in front of everyone, Alicia wouldn’t be surprised if it hadn’t turned him against small-town living and sent him fleeing back to the city. At this point, she wouldn’t blame him.

Gill poured water into a mug on the counter and placed the kettle back on the stove.

He plucked a napkin from the holder on the counter and picked up the mug, placing both on the table in front of her.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Alicia decided it was up to her to begin. “I know I started this…” she waved her hand toward him and then back at herself, “…thing between us.”

The corners of his lips twitched. “Thing?”

“You know what I mean.” She glared at him. “This one-night stand, this affair or whatever you want to call it.”

His face sobered. “How about a relationship?”

“Fine. I started this relationship when I approached you at Shamus and Cyndi’s wedding.”

“I don’t remember putting up much of a fight.” His voice had lowered into the tone she thought of as his bedroom voice. It made her stomach flutter and her skin heat. She tried to ignore it.

“That’s not what I mean and you know it.” Why was he being obtuse about this?

“What do you mean, sugar?”

She closed her eyes briefly and swallowed hard as his tone gentled. The two of them sitting at the table, just talking, was such an intimate moment that she had to blink back tears. Her emotions were close to the surface, but she shoved them back down. She’d get through this no matter what. She wouldn’t give in to tears. She’d gone into this affair with her eyes open. In fact, she was the one who had insisted on keeping it a clandestine affair.

“I knew you wouldn’t be here for long.” Her voice was low and husky with unshed tears. She cleared her throat, taking a sip of tea before continuing. “But I was attracted to you. More attracted than I’d ever been to any other man. Even though I knew better, I thought I could have an affair with you, take what I want and not get hurt.”

“Alicia—”

“No, let me finish.” She stared at him, beseeching him to let her finish this while she still could. “Please.”

He nodded, but she could feel the barely suppressed energy vibrating from him. His body was tense, coiled for action. He held himself still, like a predator waiting to pounce.

She shook her head, amused at her own train of thought. Gill was a civilized man, not a barbarian.

Although the way he was staring at her was anything but civilized, and her body responded immediately. The tips of her nipples hardened, elongating into tight points that pushed at the cups of her bra. Her sex clenched tight, awash with cream that dampened her panties.

Taking a deep breath, she forged onward. “This was an affair, plain and simple. I knew you wouldn’t be staying.” She wrapped her hands around her mug, feeling the warmth seep into her palms. “This has gotten out of hand. You didn’t sign up for a public inquisition or to have your honor and integrity questioned. Your job for me is done. You probably want to leave as quickly as possible, and that’s most likely the best thing to do.”

Alicia didn’t look at him. Couldn’t look at him. She hadn’t thought she was a coward, but had discovered that she was. She couldn’t watch him walk away from her.

Her stomach clenched and she bit her lip to keep from crying.

“Are you done?” he asked, his voice soft, yet firm.

She nodded, still refusing to look at him.

“That’s bullshit. All of it.”

Her head snapped up. Anger whipped through her. “Bullshit?” She’d just poured her heart out to him and that’s all he had to say. “Bullshit!”

“Yes. Bullshit.” He stood up so suddenly the chair tipped over, falling to the floor.

Putting his hands on the table, he leaned forward until their noses were almost touching.

As she watched, his nostrils flared and his lips flattened. “I never asked for a one-night stand or an affair. That was what you wanted.”

She came to her feet slowly, flattening her hands on the table so that the tips of their fingertips were almost touching. “Then what do you want?”

“You,” he growled. Grabbing her by the shoulders, he practically dragged her around the corner of the table and into his arms. Her mug went flying, tea spilling everywhere, but she didn’t care. Their lips met. Clinging. Tasting.

“I don’t know why I want you so damn much,” he muttered as he peppered her face with kisses. “You’re stubborn and opinionated and too blind to see what’s right in front of you.”

She returned his kisses, desperate to touch any part of him she could reach. Her lips coasted over his strong jaw, his slightly crooked nose and his firm chin. “You’re no prize yourself.” She tunneled her fingers into his hair. “You’re stubborn and opinionated too.

And just so damned male.”

He chuckled and then groaned as she hitched her legs around his hips, crossing her ankles at the small of his back. She did it without thought, knowing he wouldn’t let her fall. Her mound brushed against the hard bulge in his jeans. It felt so good, she did it again, this time intentionally. Heat flooded her lower body.

Gill positioned his hands beneath her thighs, holding her steady. He nibbled and nipped at her neck, working his way steadily toward her ear.

“If I’m so bad, why are you still here?” she gasped as he flicked his tongue over the curve of her ear.

“Don’t you know, sugar?” He stilled, his entire body going motionless. “I love you.”

Now it was her turn to freeze. Somehow, she got her lips to work even though they felt as numb as the rest of her. “What did you say?”

Keeping his arms wrapped around her, he turned and pushed her back against the wall. Her breasts were pressed against his chest, her sex against his. It felt natural and right. Perfect.

Using his lower body to keep her upright, he leaned back slightly, clasping her face between his palms. “I said I love you. I know it’s quick, but I’m old enough to know my own feelings. I love your mind, your sense of justice, your sense of humor, the way you see the world around you. I love waking up in the middle of the night and feeling you wrapped in my arms. I love showering with you in the morning, and starting our day together. I love knowing you’re thinking about me during the day, the way I’m thinking about you.” Gill rubbed his thumbs over her flushed cheeks. “I love hearing your voice when I come through your front door at the end of the day.” He kissed her softly, gently.

“I love you, Alicia.”

Never in all her years had she ever heard anything so romantic. She’d never expected a declaration of love, let alone one so eloquent or beautiful. “Oh, Gill,” she breathed.

“This is the part where you tell me that you love me back.”

She could sense the unease behind the bravado and realized that he had no idea how she truly felt about him. Her lips parted. She leaned forward. “Gill,” she began.

And then the phone rang.

Alicia jumped and Gill swore. It rang the second time and he offered her a wry smile. “Answer or ignore it?”

The answering machine kicked in and her quick message was played. After the tone came a voice all too familiar.

“Alicia, I know you’re there. Millie told me you’d gone home. If you don’t answer, I’m coming over there.”

Alicia sighed. “It’s my mother.” She unhooked her legs and slowly slid down Gill’s body. “Hold my place?”

He nodded, slowly lowering his arms from around her. She grabbed the phone before her mother hung up and made good on her threat. “Mom.”

Her mother began to babble incoherently, and Alicia held the phone away from her ear for a moment before attempting to speak. “Mom, calm down.”

The chatter stopped and she heard her mother take a breath. “I heard that the fact you’re having an affair is all over town and that clients are leaving your practice in droves.”

Alicia’s stomach dropped, but she ignored it. “I think that droves is a bit too dramatic, Mom. I might lose one or two clients, but that’s it. I can always get more. I’ve worked hard in this town and my reputation can weather this.” As she said it, she realized that she truly believed it. “Besides which, I still have several large clients who won’t leave my practice.”

Now that she was truly thinking logically about it, Cyndi O’Rourke’s account alone was huge for her practice, and she knew without a doubt that Cyndi wouldn’t pull her business just because of Gill. If anything, Cyndi was likely to cheer the fact that Alicia had a lover. Her long years of work would speak for itself with the community. Yes, there would be some problems, but nothing she couldn’t handle. She felt her worries about her law practice slip away.

“But you’ve worked so hard to have a place in the community.” Alicia could hear the concern in her mother’s voice.

“Mom, I still have a place in the community.” She’d built her business from scratch and could do it again if it came to that, although she didn’t think it would. She had faith in herself and her abilities. “Maybe even more than I realized before.”

“But to risk it all for some man!” her mother wailed.

“He’s not just any man.” Alicia paused and stared at Gill, who had wiped up the spilled tea and now stood beside her patiently waiting. She had a sudden sense that he would always stand beside her if she’d let him. Now that the moment was at hand, all her old fears seemed silly and immature. “I love him, Mom.”

She sensed the flood of relief as he pulled her into his arms. She leaned against his chest and sighed with relief. His muscles tensed and then relaxed. She could hear the heavy, reassuring thud of his heart beneath her ear. This is where she belonged.

Her mother had gone silent. “Mom, are you still there?”

“Are you sure, Alicia?”

“More certain than I’ve ever been about anything in my life.” And she wasn’t just saying the words. She truly felt it right to the marrow of her bones.

“You’ll bring him to supper to meet me and your father?” She could picture her mother already planning what she would serve and what china she would put on the table.

Being proper was very important to Crystal Flint. She and her mother might be very different in the way they viewed life, but Alicia never doubted that her mother loved her.

Alicia smiled. It wouldn’t take Gill long to get her family’s stamp of approval. Not that he needed it, but she wanted her family to get along with him. She had no idea where their relationship would go from here. It was enough for now that she loved him and he loved her.

“I’ve got to go, but I’ll call you later.”

“Alicia,” her mother paused. “I only want what’s best for you. I don’t want you to be hurt.” That was her mother’s way of letting her know she cared and Alicia felt the last of her tension seep out of her body.

“That’s what I want too. Talk to you later.” She hung up the phone and turned to face Gill. She felt strangely light, almost buoyant. “Now, where were we?”

“You were about to tell me how much you loved me.” His voice was thick with emotion.

“I was, wasn’t I?” She took his face between her palms, feeling the slight scratch of scruff on his chin. She met his gaze and saw her love reflected in his steel-blue eyes. “I love you, Gill Baron. No matter what happens, no matter what comes of it. I don’t care what anyone else thinks about our relationship. All that matters is us.”

“Alicia,” he groaned as he buried his face in the curve of her neck. He leaned down and grasped her bottom and lifted her. She tucked her legs around his waist, and wrapped her arms around his neck, as he started walking toward the bedroom. She couldn’t wait to make love with him.

Chapter Nine

Gill kept his face buried in Alicia’s neck, inhaling her sweet, seductive fragrance as he carried her to their room. He no longer thought of it as just hers. He’d put his stamp on the place in the short time he’d been here. Some of his clothes were in the drawers, his shaving kit was in her bathroom, his shirts hung in the closet alongside her blouses and the book he was reading rested on the nightstand. He felt more at home here then he did in the apartment he’d lived in for the past ten years in Alabama.

Alicia signified home.

He kicked the door shut behind him, and made his way quickly to the bed. He had to get her naked, to touch her soft skin, to taste her intoxicating cream, to claim her as his.

She touched his face and tugged lightly on his hair. “Are you okay?”

Was he okay? He was overwhelmed by the emotions churning inside him. He’d never expected to feel this way about anyone, but somehow with Alicia, it was the most natural thing in the world. “Yeah, sugar. Everything is perfect.” Or at least it would be when he buried himself deep in her body.

With more haste than finesse, he placed her on the bed and stripped her jeans from her body. She lifted her butt and wiggled to help him slide the denim down her legs. He yanked off her socks, tossing them aside. Lifting one of her legs, he placed a kiss on the inside of her ankle, against the curve of her knee and then on the inside of her thigh. He inhaled deeply, breathing in her unique scent. She smelled of flowers and honey and hope.

Alicia didn’t wait for him. She yanked her top over her head, and then reached for him. Grabbing him by the shoulders, she pulled him close, plastering her lips against his.

Their tongues entwined, their breath mingled as he tasted the sweetness of her lips.

She pushed him away and started tugging on his sweater. He ripped it over his head, eager to feel his flesh against hers. He couldn’t get enough of her. As always, she wore the most enticing lingerie. This set was a deep purple that made her pale skin glow.

He thumbed her nipples through the stretchy purple lace. The hard tips were outlined against the fragile fabric. She moaned and stretched out on the bed, trailing her fingers down his chest. Her nails gently scraped against his belly as they dipped just inside the waistband of his jeans.

“You have on way too much clothing.” She batted her eyelashes playfully at him, making him laugh. She’d been relaxed in bed before, but never quite this playful. It was as if she’d dropped the final barrier between them and was sharing all of herself with him for the first time.

“Not for long,” he growled as he unsnapped his jeans and skinned them down his legs, taking his underwear at the same time. He made quick work of his socks and then rolled on top of her, covering her with his naked body.

He loved the way she felt beneath him. Her curves conformed to his body, cradling it against her. She parted her legs and his cock nestled perfectly against her panty-clad mound. Propping himself up on his forearms, he stared down at her.

Alicia’s face was flushed, her eyelids partially closed. Her green eyes looked deep and mysterious, filled with womanly secrets. Her lips were slightly parted and damp from their kisses. Unable to resist, he leaned down and traced his tongue across the bottom lip, then the top one. “Delicious.”

“Don’t tease, Gill,” she gasped, hooking her legs around him, pulling him closer into the cradle of her hips. “Not now.”

Gill’s control was precariously balanced at the moment. He wanted to take hours to savor every inch of her, but his body was clamoring for him to claim her. Now. His balls ached they felt so full as they pulled tight to his body. His erection throbbed as blood rushed to that part of his body. But more than that, he needed the emotional bond that existed between them when they made love. “I can’t wait any longer,” he groaned when her nimble fingers sifted through his chest hair and tugged gently on his nipples.

“I don’t want you to wait.”

Gill reared back, grabbed the waistband of her panties and tugged. Alicia pulled her legs up toward her chest, allowing him to strip her underwear away, while giving him an unrestricted view of her slick, pink folds. “You’re so beautiful.” He reached out and stroked his finger over her, capturing some of her cream. He brought his finger to his mouth and sucked.

“Gill.” He could hear the frustration in her voice as she grabbed his arm and dragged him closer.

“Your bra,” he muttered. He found the clasp, thankful it was in the front. One quick twist of his wrist and the cups fell away, leaving her luscious breasts bare. He dipped his head and swiped his tongue over each tight, pink crown before kissing a trail down her soft belly.

He shifted lower, and Alicia spread her legs in silent invitation. Her pubic hair was as black as the hair on her head, and just as soft. He stroked his hand over the springy curls before seeking her heat.

He touched her slick folds and groaned, every muscle in his body tensing in anticipation. She was so wet, so ready for him. Holding her open with one hand, he used his lips and tongue to taste every inch of her. Her clitoris was distended and he lapped at the tiny bud of nerves before flattening his tongue against it.

“Harder,” she groaned as she thumped one foot against the mattress.

Gill felt like his head might explode, he was so intoxicated by her taste and her openness with him. “I want to be inside you.”

“Yes,” she readily agreed, wiggling her hips and digging her nails into his shoulders.

He rolled off her and yanked open the bedside drawer, practically pulling it out of the table. Grabbing one of the condoms he’d stashed there, he ripped open the packet and sheathed himself. The tip of his cock was seeping and it was almost painful to roll the condom down his shaft. When he was done, he flung himself onto his back, reaching for her with both hands. “Ride me.”

Gill’s strong hands wrapped around her hips, urging her to straddle him. Alicia shrugged out of her bra and let it fall away. She didn’t want anything between them. Not anymore.

She couldn’t believe how foolish she’d been to think what they had between them was nothing more than an affair. In truth, she’d been half-afraid to believe it was more.

She’d used her job as an excuse, but she’d actually been protecting herself and her emotions. Yes, she’d probably lose some business over this. Jamesville was a small town, after all, but Gill was more than worth it. What they shared was worth everything.

A lock of his blond hair was stuck to his forehead and his shoulders were slick with sweat. His chest was rising and falling rapidly. She could sense his urgency, but his hands were gentle as he guided her over him. Her heart swelling with emotion, she gripped him in her hand and lowered herself onto his shaft.

As always, she was amazed by how much he stretched her, filling her until she thought she couldn’t take any more, but she always did. Inch by inch, she continued to take him inside her.

They’d made love many times in the past week, in many different ways, but none of those times had felt like this. This was more than just sex. This was making love in the truest sense of the words.

Gill’s hands slid up her torso until they cupped her breasts, his thumbs playing over her swollen nipples. Her inner muscles contracted, taking him even deeper. She paused and stared deep into his amazing steel-blue eyes. “I love you.”

Passion and emotion deepened the color of his eyes. He arched his hips, pushing the last of his cock inside her. “I love you too.”

She braced her hands on his chest and started to move. She started out slow, but gained speed with each downward plunge. She couldn’t wait and she sensed that Gill was on the edge too. He squeezed her breasts, teasing her nipples as she rode him hard, lifting until only the tip of his shaft was inside her before slamming back down again.

He slid one of his hands down between her thighs and found her clitoris, rubbing gently. Her climax struck, fast and furious, and she cried out his name. She arched her back, pushing harder, not wanting to stop. Heat exploded from her core, encompassing her entire body. Her inner muscles trembled before clutching hard around his shaft.

Gill rolled to one side, keeping his arms locked around her. By the time she realized what was happening, she was flat on her back and he had his arms hooked beneath her legs, holding her wide open as he pounded into her.

She cried out again as a second orgasm hit her. She gripped the sheets in her fingers, hanging on for dear life, riding out another wave of pleasure. Gill shouted his release, and she felt his cock rippling inside her. His hips bucked several more times as he emptied himself into the condom. His arms slid away and her legs fell back onto the bed. Gill collapsed on top of her, but managed to shift to one side so he didn’t crush her.

She was content to lie there and let the remnants of pleasure slip through her. Her breathing slowed, gradually going back to normal. She shivered, and only then noticed the cold for the first time. They’d never actually made it into the bed. They were sprawled on top with the comforter and sheets bunched beneath them.

Gill raised his head and smiled at her. He rubbed his nose against hers before planting a quick kiss on the tip. He eased out of her, taking care with the condom. Rolling to his feet, he disappeared in the direction of the bathroom.

Although it took an effort, Alicia managed to wiggle herself beneath the covers, heaving a contented sigh as her chilled skin began to warm again. Gill returned to the room and slipped into bed beside her, pulling her into his arms.

“We need to talk.” He tenderly tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, letting his fingers trail down her neck. The motion relaxed her even as his words made her shoulders tense. She forced herself to relax.

“I thought we’d covered everything.” She didn’t want to talk. Not now. She wanted to just enjoy the glow.

“Not even close.” Gill sat up in bed until his back was resting against the headboard.

Without hesitation, he pulled her into his arms so that she was cradled against his chest.

She toyed with his chest hair. “What is there left to discuss? You love me. I love you. And we’ll see what happens from here.”

He shook his head. “See that’s where we differ. I already know what I want to happen from here.”

It was startling to realize that she wasn’t tense anymore. Whatever happened, she had faith that they’d handle it—together. Such a simple word, but not one she’d ever used before in her personal life. She’d always been alone. “What do you want?” She was truly curious to know.

He continued to stroke the curve of her neck, his fingers playing with the hair at her nape. “I want to move to Jamesville.” He let his hand slide across until he was cupping her cheek. “I want to wake up with you in the morning and go to bed with you each night.”

Her heart leapt with joy. “You’re moving to Jamesville?”

“Yes.”

“What will you do? I mean, I know you’re a retired cop. Will you go to work for the Jamesville Sheriff’s department or the State Police?”

Gill shook his head. “I’ve seen enough of the law from that side of things.” He picked up her hand and toyed with her fingers. “You know I’ve got a couple of degrees.”

She nodded. “Patrick told me when I asked him about you.”

“He told me that you’d checked me out.” One corner of his mouth turned up in a grin. “I knew from the start you were smart.”

“What can I say? A girl can’t be too careful.” She batted her eyelashes playfully.

Gill laughed, just as she’d hoped. “Honestly, I’d like to counsel victims of abuse, women and children. Maybe advocate for them in some capacity. I know how the law works and think I can help them. Maybe help out the local shelter, if there is one. Offer self-defense courses to women. That kind of thing.” He twined their fingers together, palm-to-palm, giving a light squeeze before releasing her hand. “I’ve worked hard my entire life, but I’ve never had an extravagant lifestyle. The bulk of my paychecks were banked and invested. Plus, I’ve got a pension after twenty years on the force.” He shrugged. “I’ve got time to figure things out.”

Alicia wrapped her arms around him and hugged him as tight as she could. She didn’t want him to see the tears that filled her eyes. She’d always known he was a very special man, but he continued to surprise her. “You’d be wonderful doing any of those things.”

“Or all of them.”

She laughed and released him. “Or all of them.”

He brought one of her hands to his lips and kissed each finger in turn. “I know this is too soon, but I’m just putting it out there as something for you to think about.” Gill angled her so that she was looking straight at him. “I want to marry you.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “You don’t have to marry me, Gill. My reputation can withstand our being together.” The last reason she wanted to be married was out of a sense of guilt or honor. Gill was an honorable man with his own code of ethics. He wouldn’t worry about himself, but he would worry about her reputation and her livelihood.

He shook his head and gave her a gentle smile. Once again, she was lost. Having him look at her as if she was the center of his world made her insides melt.

“I know I don’t have to marry you, sugar. I want to. I thought you’d take pity on me and make me an honest man. We can have a long engagement if you’re not sure.” He smoothed a lock of damp hair from her forehead. “I don’t mind waiting. I’ve waited for you my entire life, Alicia.” His voice grew huskier with each word he spoke. “I’ll wait for you forever if that’s what it takes.”

“Yes,” she blurted out.

He stilled. “Yes, what?

“Yes, I’ll marry you. Yes, I love you. Just yes.” Flinging her arms, around him, she began to laugh. Gill hugged her so tight, she could barely breathe, but who needed to breathe anyway? She was in love.

Gill met her lips as she reached out to kiss him. Their bodies melded together and he shifted, lowering her to the mattress. She smiled even as they continued to kiss. There were plenty of details to be worked out, but none of that mattered. There would be time enough for that later.

Much later.

Alicia wrapped her arms around him, remembering all the years of loneliness. They were behind her now. They’d been worth it, if only because they’d brought this man to her.

Gill eased his lips from hers. “Do you need to go back to work today?”

She grinned back at him. “The boss gave me the day off.”

“That so?” He felt an answering smile cover his face.

She nodded solemnly. “To celebrate my engagement.”

Gill swore and leaned over the side of the bed, dragging his jeans close. How could he have forgotten? He dug into the pocket and pulled out a small box. “I bought this yesterday just in case.” He felt awkward as he held out the box with the ring. He’d spent hours searching for the perfect ring for Alicia. He was only getting engaged once in his life and wanted to do it right. “If you don’t like it, we can exchange it.”

Nestled inside the box was a brilliant emerald, surrounded by diamonds. Tears welled in her eyes and began to slip down her cheeks.

Immediately concerned, Gill tugged her closer. “It’s okay, sugar. I bought it because it reminded me of your eyes. We can take it back.” He should have known better than to try and pick out the ring without her. That kind of thing was important to a woman.

“Don’t you dare.” She swiped at her eyes and held out her hand. “It’s perfect.”

He eyed her questioningly. “Those are happy tears?”

She nodded and wagged her hand. He pulled the ring out of the box and slipped it over her finger. It fit perfectly.

She held her hand out in front of her, turning it one way and then another, admiring the ring. “I can’t believe you bought a ring. You must have been pretty sure of yourself.”

He shook his head. “No sure. Just hopeful.”

Another tear spilled slowly down her cheek. “Thank you.”

Gill used his thumbs to wipe away her tears. “No, thank you. Thank you for giving me everything I’d ever dreamed for, but never thought I’d find.”

When he’d come to Jamesville, he’d hoped to find some peace of mind. Instead, he’d found so much more. He’d found a home.

Their lips met and he deepened the kiss, determined to love her until she screamed with pleasure. He smiled in anticipation. It was going to be a long afternoon.

Content

A Legal Affair
Jamesville - 5
by
N. J. Walters

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine