A Legal Affair
( Jamesville - 5 )
N. J. Walters
A night of secret passion could immerse this lawyer in red-hot gossip. Book 5 of the Jamesville series. Alicia Flint enjoys her community, her home, and her career as a lawyer. But since her livelihood depends on her spotless reputation, it's not easy to even date in this small town, much less take a lover. Then a chance encounter with a stranger at a friend's wedding tempts her to do something she's never done before-have a red-hot, one-night stand. The guy will be gone tomorrow; no one need ever know her delicious little secret. Gill Baron has come to Jamesville to visit friends and figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life. As a newly retired, burnt-out cop, he's not looking for love, but he won't say not to a night of no-strings sex with the seductive brunette. A night that leaves him wanting more. When she meets the investigator on her latest case, Alicia is shocked to come face-to-face with Mr. One-Night-Stand. Jamesville doesn't need another lawyer-related scandal to gossip about, but the truth is, she needs Gill's top-notch investigative skills. Their attraction is too deep to keep the town clueless of their affair forever. When Jamesville finds out, Alicia wonders if her reputation-and her relationship with Gill-will weather the storm. Warning, this title contains very explicit sex and lots of it
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 co
uld 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 nerv
e-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.
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