Chapter Two
Ethan and Kristen’s ceremony was beautiful. I usually don’t get choked up at weddings but the way Ethan had gazed into Kristen’s eyes, while he said his vows, had given me goose bumps. Unfortunately, we had assigned seating for the sit-down dinner, and my table was nowhere near Madison McKenzie’s.
After dinner, the matron-of-honor—a woman named Ellen—wept through her (very long) speech about how she’d known Kristen since their teen years and how she confirmed that her friend could not have found a more perfect match for her if she lived for a thousand years. Yes, she actually said a thousand years. I’m guessing she’d listened to that Christina Perri song one time too many. In Ellen’s defense, she appeared to be in her last trimester of pregnancy, and had to have insane amounts of hormones raging through her.
Personally, I preferred the best man’s speech—aka, sexy usher guy. He recited one anecdote from his law school days with Ethan (involving a professor’s car, a lot of beer, and even more toilet paper due to the low grade Ethan had received in Ethics), made a lovely comment about Kristen, then he toasted the couple’s future. Short and sweet.
“Cheers.” After I took a sip of bubbly, I turned back to my chatty dinner companion, Ginger, whose date had ditched her last minute for a guys’ road trip to Vegas.
“Why would you even consider going out with him again?” I asked. Normally I minded my own business, but I’d had two glasses of wine, a rather large sip of champagne, and I’d suffered through thirty minutes of Ginger listing Victor’s flaws. She seemed super sweet and deserved better.
“Because he’s fun.” Ginger brought her flute to her mouth, then set it back down. “Besides, what guy likes to attend weddings? They only come because we drag them.”
“Exactly.” I nodded. “So why waste your time with Victor when you could be doing something for you?”
She guffawed. “Because I’d like to get married some day and have kids. Our clocks are ticking, you know?”
“My clock only ticks for me.” I shrugged, then surveyed the room, finally spotting Madison McKenzie. She’d moved to a seat near the dance floor where the bridal party—which only included Ethan, Kristen, the best-man, and the emotional Ellen—swayed to You’ve Got a Friend by James Taylor. I turned to Ginger. “Would you excuse me?”
“Sure.” She nodded, then scooted toward her friend Gina, who was seated on her other side.
I refilled my champagne glass, then strode with purpose to Madison’s table and slipped into the empty seat next to her.
She glanced up at me, smiled, then turned back to watch the couples move to the music. “They’re perfect together, aren’t they?”
“Kristen and Ethan?” I followed her gaze over to them. “They seem very well matched.”
“And so in love. Watching them brings back memories of my own wedding last year. It’s too bad my husband’s out of town tonight. It would’ve been wonderful to reminisce.” Her expression turned wistful—so opposite of the sharp, aggressive way she handled herself in court. “Can you keep a secret, Jill?”
“Of course.” I edged forward in my seat, fascinated to know what piece of private legal info she was about to reveal.
Madison’s face broke out into a wide smile. “I’m pregnant.”
My mouth fell open. So not what I’d expected to hear, but I found myself smiling. Then, a moment later, I realized that pregnancy and an eventual birth meant that Madison would need reinforcements in her P.I. Department. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” Her laughter tinkled as the song ended and the DJ invited all couples out to the dance floor. “Now you know why I suggested we talk. I’m three months along and we need another lawyer in our department. But I’m very particular with who I have working for me. Is there a possibility you’d leave Corbett, Gray, & Shaw?”
Wanting to jump up and down, I refrained by taking a small sip of champagne as I considered my answer carefully. “I’m very loyal to the firm I work for, but if the right offer crossed my path, I’d certainly consider it.”
“That’s what I was hoping to hear.” She fixated on her wedding ring before glancing back to me. “I’m a firm believer that a happy home life creates an atmosphere to thrive in business.”
My forehead wrinkled. “How do you mean?”
She leaned back, elbow on her chair. “When I was younger—not that thirty-eight is over the hill, mind you—my entire focus was work. I had a list of goals, and was determined to achieve them according to my own deadlines. Turns out, I advanced in my career much faster than I’d planned.”
I nodded, admiring this woman more with each passing second.
“But I got burned out.” She raised a finger. “When I met my husband, I learned to enjoy my downtime, which replenished my mind and gave me more strength in my career. Does that make sense?”
No. “Yes.”
Her face relaxed. “I’ve seen you in action, Jill. I already know you’re smart and experienced. But I’d like to bring an attorney into my department who can thrive for the long haul. Now, tell me more about yourself. Are you seeing someone special?”
“Absolutely,” I said, wishing for the first time that I’d gone to the movies with Aidan. “He’s wonderful, supportive of my career, and creates that sort of balance in my life that I need.”
“He sounds perfect.” She touched my arm. “I’d love to hear more about him. What’s he like?”
Uh, oh. She wanted details about my mythical man? Hmm. . . “He’s successful, responsible, and great with finances.” Unlike my dad who focused on playing, leaving my mom with the brunt of the financial responsibilities. “He likes me the way I am, and is there for me whenever I need him.”
Madison bobbed her head enthusiastically, and seemed to be eating this up. “Maybe it’s just hormones, but it thrills me to be surrounded by happiness right now. Where is this awesome guy? He wasn’t sitting with you during the ceremony.”
“That’s because he was in the wedding.” I winked, playing along. Then I remembered Ethan only had one groomsman, and there’s no way the sexy best man fit my fictional boyfriend’s personality. Whatever. It’s not like she’d want to meet him.
“I’d love to meet him.” Madison squeezed my arm. “What’s his name?”
My eyes bulged, and I shot to my feet. “I just remembered something. My boyfriend, um, wanted me to find him after the bridal party dance. So, I’d better go do that. I’ll be right back.”
Panicking as I strode away, I searched for the best man. Not with Ethan and Ellen, who were going from table to table. Not on the dance floor. Then I spotted him at the bar, and speared in his direction.
Stopping behind the best man and the guy he was talking to, I tapped him on the shoulder. Both men turned around to face me.
Taking a deep breath, I gave him a determined look. “I need you to be my boyfriend for ten minutes.”
The best man’s friend smirked. “That’s about Ryan’s attention span with women, anyway.”
Ryan smacked his friend in the arm before he stood, then met my eyes. “I’m all yours.”
“Lovely,” I said, hoping this Ryan guy hadn’t knocked back too many drinks. I needed him presentable. “We’ll make this quick.”
He fell in line beside me as we hurried toward the dance floor. “Shouldn’t I know your name?” he asked.
“It’s Jill.” I tossed him a quick glance, then gazed up at him in an adoring way in case Madison was watching. “I’m going to introduce you to someone important, and I just need you to play along. Pretend we’re in love. Yada yada.”
His eyes trailed down my body then back up again. “Not a problem.”
“Good.” I slipped my arm through his, saying a quick prayer that he wouldn’t blow this. Madison caught my eye as we approached. “Madison, I’d like to introduce you to my boyfriend, Ryan.”
She rose to her feet, holding her hand out. “Nice to meet you, Ryan. Jill says wonderful things about you.”
He shook her
hand. “Very nice to meet you, as well.”
“So.” She beamed at both of us. “How did you two meet?”
Ryan turned toward me, then trailed his fingers down my bare arm, making me shiver. “You tell her, buttercup.”
“Okay, pookie.” I slipped my arm around his (solid) waist, then thought of his best man’s speech. “We met through Ethan.” Yes, good one. “He and Kristen set us up, thinking we’d be perfect together, and they were right.”
Simple, sweet, and no details I’d have to remember.
“So beautiful.” Madison clasped her hands together, then nodded toward the dance floor as Lost in Love by Air Supply came on. “My husband and I love this song. You two have to go dance to it. I insist.”
Dance? I was hoping she’d talk shop with me. “Ryan’s busy with best man duties.”
“I can always make time for Air Supply, shnookie.” He nodded at Madison, then led me toward the dance floor, spun me around in one smooth move, and pulled me close to him. “Think she bought us?”
“I don’t know.” I glanced over at Madison who watched us as if assessing. “Hold me closer just in case. Act like you can’t get enough of me.”
“If you insist.” He tightened his arms around me, then nuzzled my neck in a way that sent tingles down my spine. “How am I doing?”
“Not bad.” My breath caught, and I had the strong urge to nuzzle his neck. Focus. I peeked over his shoulder at Madison. “I’m not sure she’s convinced.”
My shoulders tightened as we swayed to the soft music.
“Why are you so tense?” He ran his hands over my shoulders, fingers pressing into my knotted muscles. “This woman’s opinion that important to you?”
“Yes.” I closed my eyes, savoring the way he kneaded my muscles. “Her opinion can make or break my life.”
“Nobody holds that much power over you.” His words contradicted my entire goal. “Your life is as you make it.”
A small mocking laugh escaped. “That’s what I used to think, too. Until I slaved at this law firm downtown for five years then, yesterday, one of the partners tells me he’s hiring his nephew to be Managing Attorney instead of me.”
The stunned look he gave me said everything.
“See?” I shook my head, then raised my shoulders. “I did everything right and some thief snatched my promotion out from under me—all because he shared the same DNA as my boss. Worst day of my life.”
He paused a moment, squeezing me close. “I’m sorry that happened to you.”
I stared up into his hazel eyes, and was surprised to see he seemed sincere. “Thank you.”
The song ended and he spun me around, then pulled me back to him as another ballad started. “How can this woman, Madison, help you?”
I glanced over at Madison. “She’s a partner at another law firm and is looking to bring in an attorney to help with her cases while she’s on leave.”
He nodded in understanding. “Where do I fit in, buttercup?”
My mouth spread into a smile, and I snaked my arms around his neck. “She thinks attorneys with a supportive significant other will thrive better in the office.”
He raised his brows. “You told me earlier you were waiting for your date to arrive. Why not introduce him to Madison?”
I shrugged. “My boyfriend and I broke-up last month.”
“I find it hard to imagine any man would let you go.” The corner of his mouth turned up and his arms tightened around me. “Why did you lie to me about having a date tonight?”
Tilting my head, I peered up into his sexy hazel eyes as delicious as the champagne I’d been sipping earlier. “Because I know what you’re about, Ryan. And I’m not interested.”
A crease appeared between his brows. “What do you think I’m about?”
I brushed my thumb along his cheekbone. “I believe your friend called it a ten-minute attention span with women.”
“You believed that?” He smirked, then lifted me off the ground, and spun me in a circle.
I squealed, landing on my feet again. “That meant to distract me from your playboy ways?”
He nuzzled my cheek again. “Did it work?”
I curled into him as his lips brushed the sensitive spot below my ear, making me shiver all the way to my stilettos. “Mmm . . . maybe a little.”
“Good.” Chuckling, he pulled back, then brushed my hair away from my face. His expression turned serious. “I really am sorry about what happened with your job yesterday.”
A warm feeling rolled over me. Maybe it was his thoughtful words, or the bubbly I’d had earlier, or just his all around sexy appeal. . . Suddenly, I blurted, “Kiss me.”
Without needing any more instruction, he wove his fingers into my hair, and bent toward me. His lips met mine, hungry, and needing. Electric darts shot through me and my mouth opened obediently as he tasted, searched, and explored.
A spiraling sensation rolled through me as his mouth claimed mine over and over as if he couldn’t get enough. All air left my lungs as I pressed myself against him, feeling like everyone in the ballroom had slipped away and there was no reception at all. No job I needed to claim. Just Ryan, me, and these delicious kisses that tickled me everywhere.
Loud thumping music blasted around us as a fast song came on, jerking me out of my lusciously heated fog. I (reluctantly) pulled away, lifted my lashes, and gazed into his heavy-lidded eyes. “Thanks, Ryan. If that doesn’t convince Madison McKenzie, then nothing will.”
Lips swollen, I gave him a farewell smile, then turned and walked away.
* * *
“You deserved that job.” Valerie Jacobs stood in my office Monday morning, hands on her hips, wearing a tight button-up shirt tucked into her slacks. “I’m outraged for you.”
“I appreciate the thought.” I turned back to my yellow pad, dismissing my colleague. Valerie was a good attorney, but she was an avid gossiper and I wasn’t about to give her any ammunition.
“Ten minutes until we meet Jim’s nephew.” Valerie sighed. “I hope he’s as easy to work for as Charlie.”
I doubted it. “We’ll find out shortly.”
“Again, real sorry about the non-promotion.” Valerie fluttered her manicured nails in my direction. “Toodles.”
I dropped my pencil on the desk. Valerie was the fourth person in under an hour to come by my office and extend their condolences for my dead career. One more sympathy crack and I’d scream. It ranked as fun as attending my own wake.
Sarah Carlton strode purposefully into my office, dropped the weekend mail into my in-box, then her face brightened. “Love your new ‘do!”
“Thanks.” I’d spent an hour in front of the mirror this morning, experimenting with my short, blunt cut before settling on wearing my hair down with a zig-zag part. A major difference from the one-minute knot I usually wore at the nape of my neck.
“The highlights give a nice lift to your eyes.” Sarah ran a hand through her silky brown locks as if considering adding highlights herself.
I tucked my hair behind my ear, suppressing a smile. A compliment from Sarah was a major coup. Not only was she the world’s best assistant, but she also had impeccable taste. My career may be in the toilet, but at least I looked good.
Sarah turned to leave.
“Can you shut the door on your way out?” I picked up the black receiver, ready to punch in my parents’ phone number, and deliver the awful news: Your daughter got hosed.
“Sure thing.” But Sarah backed away from the door, turned, then leaned over my desk. She looked at me conspiratorially. “Can I just tell you how awful I think it is that they didn’t promote you? It’s obvious to everyone and their mother you deserved that position.”
“Thanks,” I said, pressing my lips together. I appreciated the loyalty, but each sympathetic remark stung like a dagger stabbing my heart. “I’ll see you in the conference room.”
Where we’d get to meet the new Managing Attorney. Talk about painful.
&nbs
p; When Sarah closed the door, I set the receiver back down, then stared at the bronzed Lady on my desk, who held the Scales of Justice. I fingered the eight-inch statue—my most treasured possession. It had been a gift from my mom and dad when I’d graduated law school. I’d been so proud at achieving my goal.
Friday was the first time I’d failed.
Your life is as you make it. Ryan’s words from Saturday night echoed through my head, and I couldn’t help wishing they were actually true. His passionate kiss had replayed in my mind repeatedly, as well. A delicious moment, but indulging again would not be helpful to my current situation. I’d proved to Madison that I had her vision of the perfect personal life, and she’d told me she’d call me this week. End of story.
So why couldn’t I stop thinking about him? Remembering the feel of his hot mouth against mine, I shivered. A man never occupied my thoughts like this, and it was more than a little disconcerting. My cataclysmic career failure was clearly wreaking havoc on my emotions.
Turning my attention back to the Lady, I dropped several paper clips onto the left scale she held. One, lost promotion. Clank. Two, five wasted years. Clank. Three, thinking about sexy Ryan and his kisses. Clank. As the left plate descended, the right side rose—totally symbolic of my life since Friday. Wasted time weighing heavily on the left. This was a visual of what Kristen had said: My life was completely unbalanced.
What else had Kristen said? Oh, right. I needed to get a life. What did that mean anyway?
I sighed. Wanting to scratch something off my list before the big meeting, I dialed my parents’ house. The phone rang, then clicked, and my stomach knotted.
“Ted Parnell here.”
“Hi, Dad.” I faked the enthusiasm in my voice. “How was your trip?”
“Great, Ace.” He sounded happy to hear from me. “How does it feel to run your own department?”
My shoulders slumped. Why had I been so quick to brag about the promotion? “Actually, that’s the reason I’m calling . . .”
“Want some tips from your old man? Huh, Ace?” He chuckled. “I’m proud of you, but don’t forget to make some time for fun. That’s my tip.”
Lucky 7 Bad Boys Contemporary Romance Boxed Set Page 77
