Chapter 2
“Thank you, Katie.” I smile as I take the file from her hand. “I have no doubt Daly’ll try throwing his money around to get his way. He can forget it. I’m saving The Plantation.”
“I know you will. Now, how can I help?” Katie asks as she settles into the chair in front of my desk.
“Any word on who Daly’s using?”
“New guy, no information about him.” Katie grimaces.
“Why haven’t I heard of anyone new coming to town?” I spin my ring on my finger.
“I don’t understand why there’s no gossip around town. It’s as if it’s a ghost,” she says, pressing her lips into a thin line.
“I’m sure someone knows him.” As my anxiety grows, I bounce my knee. “Daly’s not gonna go with a nobody.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” She studies me. “So what’s the strategy?”
“A damn good argument.” I shrug. “And prayers this asshole is arrogant.”
“Why arrogant?” She cocks her brow.
“Know-it-alls tend to not know it all.” I smirk. “Small town courts frown upon big city arrogance.”
“So true.” Katie winks.
“And I have a letter from the town council asking for a postponement.”
“That should carry some weight.” She nods her agreement.
“It’ll definitely buy us some time, and hopefully, we can get the building registered.”
“Sounds good.” She stands. “By the way, you’re supposed to be at the crisis center by five.” Her eyes dart to the clock and back to mine. “It’s ten ‘til.”
“Ughh, I’m leaving.” I jump from my seat, grabbing my things before hurrying to the door. “Can you message Maisyn?”
“Doing it now. Be careful!” Katie yells as I rush out the door.
Tossing my briefcase into the backseat, I slide behind the wheel of my nineteen-eighty Jeep Wrangler. It was my granddad’s, and I love it. Most girls wouldn’t think of driving it, especially an attorney, but it’s me. I drive toward the crisis center with tomorrow’s case on my mind.
I usually change my clothes, but there’s no time today.
My black pencil skirt and blush blouse will have to do.
I prefer to dress in jeans and a t-shirt while here.
My opinion, people would rather talk to someone who looks like they understand, rather than someone who appears to not have a problem in the world.
I whip into the first spot I can find and rush through the back door. “Hey. Sorry I’m late,” I murmur, but before I can get too far, I’m brought up short by a gorgeous man. The tall, blond god takes my breath away. And when his piercing blue eyes meet mine, my panties melt. Damn.
“Hi.” He offers his hand. “I’m Walker, Maisyn’s friend.”
Our hands meet, and a current races through me. My lips part as I drag in a much-needed breath of air, as I wrap my hand around his. The other hand rubs the back of my neck, soothing the hairs standing on end.
“I’m… ummm, Reese,” I stutter, my body quivering from the contact.
“Reese,” he repeats, as if burning it to memory.
I flush watching it roll off his lips. We stand there, connected. Unmoving as we gaze at one another.
“Reese!” Maisyn yells, startling me. I pull my hand free, and Walker shoves his hand in the pocket of his tight black jeans. My eyes dart to his. They’re bluer than the ocean’s deepest point.
Walker smiles, and I swoon. Damn. I wasn’t expecting this. He’s dressed in all black. His t-shirt stretches across his broad chest with a ball cap pulled down low. I gather myself enough to acknowledge Maisyn.
“Hey.” I glance at her. “Hi.”
“Hello.” She looks from me to Walker with a smile. “So I see you’ve met.”
“Just.” Walker smiles at me again, and I brace myself. “We exchanged names.”
“Yes. I’m Reese,” I say again, trying not to roll my eyes at my ridiculous reaction to him.
“You are and you’re both attorneys,” Maisyn adds.
“Oh, you’re an attorney. Good, I could use the help.” I hold my breath in hopes of calming myself down.
“Great, I’m here to help with anything I can,” he tells me.
Well then, start with me. I most definitely volunteer.
Maisyn interrupts my wandering thoughts. “I’m sure Reese can tell you what to do.”
Oh, yeah. Reese can tell you what to do. I bite my lip as the ideas run rampant. Maisyn bumps my shoulder. I shift my gaze to her, and she inclines her head at Walker. “Yeah, let’s grab a room and get down to business. Get on with business.” I step past Walker, wincing at my faux pas.
I flip the light on in the first room and step aside to allow him in the room, but instead, I run straight into him. Walker’s hands grasp my shoulders as he holds me to his chest. Heat radiates through my back and into my belly, stirring butterflies.
“I gotcha.” Walker’s voice is low, making my belly tighten deliciously.
“Sorry,” I say, hesitating as I pull away. “Let me bring you up to date on what we offer.”
“Maisyn gave me the basics. Families needing legal advice and sometimes representation with separation and divorce,” he says, sitting on the opposite side of the table.
“Yeah and discretion is a must considering we work with many domestic violence victims.”
“You do?” His brows narrow.
“Yes.” I sit down, opening the case log. “Is that a problem?”
“No, not at all.” His tone is short and clipped.
“We have six in need of orders of protection.”
“All right. Want to split them and get to work?” Walker steeples his fingers. What’s up with his tone?
“Do you have any other questions?”
“No.” His brows fall low over his eyes. “No, but I get the feeling you do.”
I press my lips into a thin line and bounce my knee. “I feel like I’m missing something.”
“Your instincts are off.” He stares at me, and I flush. I’m not sure if he’s making me flush or my blood pressure is rising at his arrogance.
“I don’t think so.” I square my shoulders. “You’re holding back.”
“Am I?” He smirks as he appraises me.
“Apparently.” I look him in the eye. “Must be a novelty.”
“What’s that?” He cocks a brow in confidence.
“Being wrong.” I stand. “You better get used to it if you plan to stick around.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” He curls his top lip into a smirk.
“Well then, let’s get to it.” I pull out a few cases, pausing before handing them over to him. “I need to ask, have you ever worked with domestic violence victims?”
“I have, but not in a setting like this.” He hesitates. “I’ll give the utmost respect while doing my best for everyone. If there’s ever a time I feel I need help, I’ll give you a heads up.”
“Hey, y’all. I’m sorry to interrupt, but everyone’s waiting,” Maisyn says from the door.
“All right.” I glance from Walker to Maisyn. “Perfect.” I stand, pausing to look over my shoulder. “And you’re a licensed attorney, correct?”
He chuckles. “I am. I know Lea and One Woods personally.”
“Why am I not surprised?” I shake my head. Of course, he does. “Last room on the left.” I point to the door.
“Thank you.” He smiles at me, making me shiver after a warm flush travels through me. Dammit, stop it. He’s obviously an egotistical ass. Which all too often turns out to be my first pick.
The evening passes quickly. By the time I’m done, the building is quiet. Everyone is either gone or settled in for the night. I pass the sign-in desk to let them know I’m leaving.
“I’m calling it a night,” I say, tired.
“Sure thing, Miss Morgan,” Latifa says. “You have a good night.”
“Thank you, Latifa.” I turn toward the door when Lou calls to me.
“Wait up, Miss Morgan. I’ll walk you to your car. It’s dark out.”
“Thank you.” I keep forgetting where I am for whatever reason. Although the neighborhood is good, this is a crisis center and who knows what could be waiting in the dark.
A million things run through my mind on my drive home. Tomorrow’s hearing on the historical site, my clients at the shelter, and Walker. He’s so handsome. It’s been such a long time since anyone even registered on my radar.
I stumble through my front door, ready to fall into bed. I need to read over my case but decide to get up early. I set the clock and strip my clothes. In the shower, the water runs hot, relieving tension as the water slides over my body
I don’t even take the time to dry my hair. I crawl under the cover and close my eyes. Sleep is never a problem for me. It finds me a willing participant. As darkness builds, my thoughts stray to Walker, the perfection of man, who did more for my libido than I’ve had in years.
“Don’t go breakin’ my heart. I won’t go breakin’ your heart.”
I slap the snooze button on my alarm, although the classic song makes me grin. I make a sleepy mental note to switch the channels on my radio.
“Ugh , I need to get up.” I rub my palms into my eyes. “I gotta kick Daly’s ass today.” I roll out of bed and pass the bathroom to start my coffee. No latte frappe-my-ass stuff either. Give it to me black and strong. I’m going to need it for today.
I grab my liquid jolt for the day and dig in preparing for court. White dress pants and a black blouse with crochet neck looks to be my power attire for the day. Feminine, yet fierce. Fierce because I may puke before the day is over.
I pull out my phone on the way to my Jeep. I need to update Katie, giving her a few directives for the day. “Coastal Family Law.”
“Good morning, Katie.”
“Good morning, Reese. Are you ready?” Katie asks.
“Yes. Just checking in to see if there are any new proposals.”
“No,” she answers in a clipped tone.
“I didn’t think there would be but wanted to ask.” I shove my keys into the ignition. “I’ll be in after court. Fingers crossed.”
“You’ve got this.” Katie’s words are encouraging, but doubt consumes me.
“Hope so.” I hesitate. “But just in case, pray his lawyer is an ass.”
Katie giggles. “Done. Please text me as soon as possible.”
“Will do.” I end the call, starting my Jeep and saying to myself, “Let’s kick some ass.”
On my way to town, I go over the details a hundred times. It makes perfect sense to me why we should win this case, but you never know how a judge will see it. I circle the block for ten minutes until I find a spot to park. Great. I’m going to be late.