“No surprises, huh?”
“Not unless something’s changed in the last few weeks.”
Just my life. It’s fallen apart. “Nothing that I know of.”
“By the way, congratulations on winning that harassment suit.”
“Thanks, sir. But personally, I’m glad that case is behind me.”
“I can understand that, especially with so much at stake,” Riley replied. “Where the public’s concerned, sexual harassment ranks right up there with abortion and child molestation. Those things can get them stirred up quicker than anything.”
Collier let out a sigh. “I was just doing my job.”
“That’s why you’re going to occupy a judge’s chamber. That case ended up actually helping you. I sat in on your closing argument, and it was pure genius. Believe me, that kind of news gets around to the right people.”
Collier felt both proud and humbled at the compliment. “You’re pushing all the right buttons today, Senator.”
“Good. That’s what I’m here for.”
“Dad will want to have a blowout to celebrate. I hope you’ll come.”
Senator Riley slapped him on the shoulder again. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world. You be sure and give that old codger my regards.”
“Be glad to.”
“And tell him next time he hits the course to give me a call.”
“I’ll do that, too.” Collier sobered. “So when will this all be official?”
“Details of the confirmation will follow. Meanwhile, celebrate. You’ve earned it.”
That conversation had taken place the previous week, and since then he’d barely had a moment to himself, which was a gift. He’d been able to keep his personal demons at bay, at least during the day.
First of all, he’d put the wheels in motion to get Tommy a new trial, but that hadn’t been necessary. After the D.A. looked at the new evidence, including Renee’s sworn testimony, Tommy had been released for time served.
Once that was out of the way, Collier had made good on his vow and fired Darwin Brewster. Although tempers had flared, Brewster had quickly come to the realization that he had run headfirst into a wall of steel. To try to implicate Mason would be futile.
“You’re a real bastard, Smith,” had been Brewster’s parting shot to him. “One of these days, I hope you get what’s coming to you.”
Although it was apparent Mason had not been happy with Tommy’s release, he’d kept his thoughts to himself, especially since events had quickly turned in his favor—the appointment and Jackson’s wedding.
As predicted, Mason had thrown a blowout party, basking in both his sons’ good fortunes. Jackson’s return to the firm had become official, and so had his plans to marry Haley. The appointment and the engagement had been announced and celebrated at the same time.
A great time seemed to have been had by all, including Lana, who was sporting a new, much younger man on her arm. Collier had been glad to see that. He wanted her to be happy.
The media had been at the party, as well, having a field day with the appointment, later filling the paper with article after article about how the hometown boy had made good.
The sad part was that he would have given it all up if he could have had Brittany.
Now, as a groan escaped him, Collier let his head fall back against the leather headrest. He couldn’t believe it had been just two weeks since he’d seen her. To him, it seemed a lifetime. There was now a hole in his chest where his heart had been.
Although the judgeship was something he’d wanted for himself as much as Mason, the victory was not nearly as sweet without Brittany.
Yet he kept up a good facade, hiding his broken heart, something that he’d never experienced before. He was dying without her. Nights were the worst. When he closed his eyes, he saw only Brittany, how she looked, how she smelled, how she tasted.
Another groan tore through his lips. For a couple of days after they had split, he’d stayed at home and gone on a drunken binge, trying to mend his heart with liquor. That had backfired. He’d merely added a broken head to his broken heart.
Soon he would be sworn in as a federal judge.
Suddenly Collier felt the urge to chuck it all—the bench, the firm, the town—and haul ass. But that wasn’t the answer. Brittany’s ghost would follow him. Would his heart ever heal? he wondered. Or would he have to endure this ache for the rest of his life?
He couldn’t take it.
“I thought you’d be gone by now. After all, it’s dark outside.”
Collier lifted his head and watched as his brother rolled his chair into the room. “It’s been so long since you’ve worked, big brother, you’ve forgotten how it is to burn the midnight oil.”
It felt damn good to be able to speak freely to Jackson. Gone were the moodiness and volatility. Now, with the promise of a new life on the horizon, he was the Jackson of old. Collier couldn’t have been happier or prouder.
Or more envious, God help him.
“Chalk that one up to you.” Jackson grinned. “But just so you’ll know, I won’t ever be burning the midnight oil again. I have better things to do.”
Collier’s lips twitched. “I just bet you do.”
“Wouldn’t hurt you to get laid, you know.” Jackson’s gaze was direct. “Maybe it’d improve your disposition.”
“That isn’t going to happen,” Collier said curtly. “Ever.”
Jackson frowned, though his tone was mild when he spoke. “That’s a long time, little brother.”
Wordlessly Collier got up and made his way around the desk, then perched on the edge, folding his arms across his chest.
“You look like hell,” Jackson said.
“I feel worse.”
Jackson sighed, then angled his head, his forehead creased. “Look, you didn’t end it with Brittany because of me, did you? Or Dad?”
Collier smirked. “I didn’t end it. She did.”
Jackson looked surprised. “Does she love you?”
“Said she did.”
“Then I don’t get it. Why would she do a thing like that?”
“For several reasons,” Collier responded in a weary voice.
“I’m listening.”
“Would you sit down at the table and share a meal with Tommy Rogers?”
Jackson was clearly taken aback. He stiffened, and his features darkened. “Not in this lifetime.”
“There you have it,” Collier said bitterly.
“And Dad—well, he’d croak.”
“She knows that, too.”
“Why the hell couldn’t you have fallen in love with Lana?”
Collier threw Jackson a fierce look.
“You’re right.” Jackson smiled. “Forget I said it.”
A smile flirted with Collier’s lips, only to quickly fade as he stared off into space, his chest feeling as though it was going to cave in.
“Look, I was out of line when I said what I did earlier, if it makes any difference.”
Collier faced him again but didn’t say anything.
“While I wouldn’t want that hoodlum at my table, I’d tolerate him if that’s what it’d take to wipe that desperate look off your face.” Jackson paused. “Now Dad, he’s a different matter. I can’t speak for him.”
“It doesn’t matter what he thinks. As for you, thanks for saying that. It means a lot.”
“Haley would have my hide if I didn’t relent.”
“There are other reasons why she…we aren’t together. She doesn’t think she would ever fit into my world.”
“That’s crazy.”
“Not when you think about it and know where she’s coming from. She lives in a trailer, goes to school and works two jobs, one of which is waiting on tables in a diner.”
“Damn,” Jackson muttered.
“Even though losing her is killing me, I have to admire her. She had a chance to have every material thing she’s ever wanted, and she turned it down.”
“Are
you going to let her get by with that?”
Collier gave Jackson a blank stare. “I don’t follow you.”
“If she loves you, then there has to be a way to work through those stupid problems.”
“I’d give up the judgeship for her, Jackson,” Collier said in a bleak tone.
“Man, that’s heavy-duty stuff.”
“I mean it. That’s how much I love her.”
“Then if I were you, I’d camp on her doorstep until she came to her senses.”
“You would?”
“In a New York minute.”
Collier massaged his neck. “I don’t know.”
“You think about it. I’m betting you’ll know then. Meanwhile, I’m outta here.”
“Me, too,” Collier said absently, his mind stuck on what Jackson had said.
A short time later, at his condo, he was still mulling over that conversation while pacing the floor, feeling like those fire ants were loose in his gut again. Should he really camp on her doorstep? What did he have to lose?
He bit down on his lower lip until he tasted the blood. That was when he heard the doorbell chime. He cursed; the last thing he wanted was company.
Yet he strode to the door and muttered, “Yeah?”
“Collier, it’s…me. Brittany.”
When he opened the door and stood larger than life in front of her, Brittany lost all ability to speak. Instead she just stared at him, hoping he could see the pain and remorse in her eyes.
“I’m so sorry,” she finally whispered. “And I love you so much.”
“I love you more,” he rasped, grabbing her and holding her so tightly against his chest that she had difficulty breathing. Then, between groans, he nipped at her lips, her throat, his mouth leaving a trail of hot moisture wherever it landed.
She felt his erection press into her stomach. Boldly, she reached between them, into his sweatpants, and surrounded him with her hand.
“I can’t wait,” Collier rasped, jerking her slacks and panties down simultaneously. Once her legs were locked around his waist, he guided his shaft inside her.
Two hard thrusts and moans later, they clung to each other, giving in to the orgasms wracking their bodies.
“Taking you like this seems to have become a habit,” he whispered, his breath warm and labored against her ear.
With him still inside her, she smiled at him, placed her palms on either side of his face and gave him a hard kiss, opting for some wild, out-of-control tonsil hockey. “A habit I hope you won’t break.”
“God, Brittany,” he said in a crazed tone. “I love you.”
That was when she felt him come back to life inside her. However, this time he managed to make it to the bed before his juices once again mixed with hers.
Finally, too spent to do anything but cuddle, they lay there for the longest time. Then, feeling him brush a damp strand of hair off her forehead, she raised her eyes to meet his.
“Does this mean you’ll marry me?” he asked.
“If you still want me,” she said in a halting voice.
His eyes burned into hers. “Only for the rest of my life.”
“Oh, Collier, I was such a fool,” she cried. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me, and I almost let you go.”
“Shh, don’t beat up on yourself, my darling. You’re here now, and that’s what counts. And this time I’m not going to let you go.”
“Thank God,” she whispered, kissing his chin, then snuggling back against him.
“What about Tommy?”
Lifting her head, she told him what had transpired between her and her brother. “It was after that confrontation that I realized how big a price I’d paid for him, and he didn’t even appreciate it.”
“He will, after we get him some counseling.”
Her eyes widened. “You’d do that?”
“Would you like me to?”
“Oh, yes, though I’m not sure he’ll do it.”
“Then we’ll go to Plan B.”
“Which is?”
“I’m not sure yet, but we’ll think of something.”
She smiled inwardly, then said, “I don’t deserve you, Collier Smith.”
“Oh, yes, you do—and much more.”
“What about your family?” She couldn’t mask the catch in her voice.
“Dad’ll either come around or he won’t. That’s his choice. And Jackson—hell, he and Haley are all for us getting together.”
“Maybe we could have a double wedding.”
His features darkened. “To hell with that. I don’t want to wait. I intend to marry you now.”
“That’s fine with me. The thought of a big blowout wedding isn’t something that appeals to me anyway.” Brittany fell silent for a moment, then said, “What about the appointment?”
She felt him stiffen, and her heart faltered. She would be crushed if he chose the appointment over her.
“If my being a judge is going to make you unhappy or uncomfortable, I can stay with the firm and continue to practice law.”
“That’s crazy. I don’t intend to stop going to school. Obtaining my degree is my dream, and I won’t give it up. How could I expect you to give up yours?”
“Brittany, Brittany,” he crooned, leaning down and licking one nipple, then the other, before raising his head and saying, “I’ll love you always.”
“Me, too,” she whispered breathlessly, smiling through her tears. “Always.”
ISBN: 978-1-4603-0629-1
LIKE SILK
Copyright © 2002 by Mary Lynn Baxter.
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All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention.
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