Judged By You (Judge Me Series)

by Patricia Voois

  “I’ll get it.” Nicole said walking to the door.

  Damon grabbed my hand and kissed my knuckles, lifting his brow as he did so. I leaned forward as he dropped my hand and kissed the corner of his mouth before brushing my lips gently along his.

  “Carter somebody-a-rather is at the door.” Nicole said suddenly standing next to me.

  “Oh shit.” I jumped up from the table.

  “Who is he Savannah?” Nicole asked with a worried look on her face.

  “Lawyer.” I mouthed at her walking towards the door.

  I opened the door to see Carter standing outside. I was taken aback by how handsome he looked; he was in grey suit pants and a white button up shirt.

  “Good morning Savannah.” He extended his hand towards me.

  “Good morning Carter.” I took his hand in mind and shook it gently.

  “Are you ready to go?” He asked with a smile.

  “I forgot all about you coming, but let me just say good bye to my friends. Please come in.” I said opening up the door and gesturing towards to the open door.

  He smiled and gestured for me to go first; I walked in to find everyone’s eyes on me. Carter came in and started to take his shoes off.

  “Oh leave them on it's fine,” I said walking towards the kitchen. “Would you like a coffee?”

  I didn’t receive a response at first, but then he said “no thank you”.

  “Who’s the outfit Sav?” Derek yelled out. Carter was standing right there, and I’m sure he wasn’t deaf.

  “This is carter Graham. He is taking care of Rob’s business while he is gone. Carter this is Nicole my housemate, Derek; Stephens best friend, angel is Derek’s girlfriend and Damon…. My…. Friend.” I pointed to everyone as I introduced them. Damon had a concerned look on his face. Nicole and angel just waved and said “hi” in response.

  I looked back at Carter, his manner was exactly the same. Before I could ask what was going on, Derek got up from the table and came to shake hands with Carter.

  “I’m Derek. I hope you’re good at your job.” Derek said in a bitter tone.

  “I am good at my job, and I know the case extremely well. I have done my research.” Carter said in an all but professional approach. Derek grunted and walked away.

  “Carter.” Damon said in mostly a protest.

  “Damon.” carter said in the same tone. Must be a lawyer rival thing I thought to myself.

  “I will just get my bag, and we can go.” I said to carter. I walked towards the stairs, and I caught Damon’s eye. I leaned my head towards the bedroom to signal “follow me” he caught my drift because he got up from the table and followed me.

  “I’m sorry I forgot to tell you about carter. He is coming with me this morning to meet Stephen and ask him a few questions, it totally slipped my mind.” I said wrapping my arms around his neck. He grabbed my waist and leaned in to give me a hasty kiss on the lips.

  “That’s fine. I have to run to the office anyway, but I would like to see you this evening. I will come and get you…. Say around five?”

  “Looking forward to it.” I said leaning in to kiss his soft luscious lips.

  My tongue coaxed his, and before I knew we were moving towards the bed. Damon sat on the edge of the bed, and I straddled his hips. I knew now was not the time, but I couldn’t stop myself, I wanted him. I kissed his neck, throat and mouth while my hands worked his buttons of his shirt undone. I looked at his bare chest; it was hard and hot under my hands.

  “We really shouldn’t be doing this. You have someone waiting for you.” Damon said between passionate kisses.

  I could feel erection against my jeans pressing against me. He wanted this just as much as I did. But he had a point. I rested my forehead against his and took a deep breath. I needed to get myself together and get out of here. I leaned back and started buttoning up his shirt, only fair since I was the one who undid it in the first place. I looked at his handsome face, a smile splayed it. He was undeniably striking, sexy and confident.

  “I have to go, see you tonight.” I said leaning in to give him one last kiss.

  I got off him and straightened myself in the mirror. Everything was still in place, even though I had a throb between my thighs. I looked at Damon in the mirror; he was staring at me…… I smiled and went towards the door, but Damon jumped in front of me, grabbing my hand. I looked at his hand covering mine, then up to his face. He took a step towards me grabbed my chin with his free hand. I closed my eyes, his lips brushed over mine before he kissed me. Softly. The kiss was short but sweet. I opened my eyes, and Damon was staring at me with that familiar expression, he looked deep in thought.

  “I have to go get some work done. I will call.” Damon said before he kissed my cheek and left me standing in my room…..I was confused.

  I stood there for a few minutes to collect my thoughts. What just happened? I heard Nicole, angel and Derek say good bye to Damon. Nicole was thanking him for his support last night, and Derek said he would catch up with him later for a drink. What happened when I “passed out?”

  “Where did everyone go?” I asked a little pissed off.

  “Nicole went that way, and the others walked out the door.” carter said, firstly pointing to Nicole’s room and then to the door.

  “Let’s go.” I said putting a smile on my face. I was all but happy;

  The morning played out in my mind. Something was up with Damon, and I had no idea what it was. I missed him. I did have feelings for him, he made me feel safe, was excellent company, the most influential people in my life liked him….. Well Stephen hasn’t met him yet. I frowned at that thought, would Stephen like him? Damon also makes me forget, he replaces the pain with happiness. It was a little unsettling, someone I had only known a short time to make me feel that way.

  “You’re very quiet.” Carter spoke softly.

  “I have a lot on my mind, sorry.” I turned to look at him when I spoke. He was undeniably attractive but not as handsome as Damon. I turned away and smiled at the thought. I traced my fingers along my lips, remembering how good he made me feel.

  “How long have you and Damon been seeing each other?” Carter asked with a curious tone.

  “Not long at all, a few weeks. We aren’t actually seeing each other.” After I said it, I felt sick. I was not some woman who shared a bed with anyone, and when I was questioned like this is made me feel like I was.

  “Savannah, I….. It doesn’t matter.” He trailed off.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked curious at his tone.

  But he waved me off with a smile. It barely touched the sides. I smiled back and sat looking out the window.

  We arrived a short time later and headed inside. Going through security was the worst part; I used to carry my bag in, but learnt soon not too. Security officers just empty the contents out onto a table for everyone to see, and it was horrible, my “girly” products on display for everyone to see. Now I just had to take anything metal off, thank goodness I didn’t have any piercings.

  Once we got through security, we headed to the visiting room and straight away Stephen spotted me. The smile on his face was thrilling to see.

  “Hey Sav.” He hugged me so tight I couldn’t breathe.

  “Hey yourself.” It felt good to hold him. I missed him in my everyday life.

  “You look like crap.” Stephen said with a grin.

  “Wine.” Summed it up pretty well.

  I pulled away and introduced Carter and Stephen.

  “Stephen this is carter, he is taking care of Rob’s work while he is away.” Carter extended his hand…………… Stephen didn’t take it.

  “Stephen.” I warned him with my angry voice.

  “It’s okay Savannah.” Carter said dropping his hand.

  I looked up to the ceiling and sighing. Could my day get any worse?

  We all sat down and carter quickly explained what he knew and what he required from me and Stephen. He had asked Stephen if he wanted
to add anything to my statement and the information that he already had. But Stephen shook his head. I was hoping he wasn’t going to be difficult, our family knew rob exceedingly well, and I think this was a shock for Stephen. Most of the time I spent looking at my brothers face, I was looking forward to having him back in my life in a few months’ time. I certainly hoped Carter kept his word and got him out of this place. After an hour of talking, visiting was almost over.

  “I will keep in touch with your officers Stephen, so if you have any questions we can set up an appointment.” Carter said packing his paper work back into leather brief case.

  Stephen nodded; I came around and pulled him into an embrace, which he returned. God, I missed him.

  “I will give you two a minute. Stephen nice to meet you, savannah I will meet you outside.” Carter said before walking away.

  “I don’t like him.” Stephen whispered in my ear.

  “He’s going to help you Stephen, I don’t care if you don’t like him.” I said a harshly.

  “What happened to your boyfriend the lawyer?” Stephen pulled away and looked at me.

  “He’s not my boyfriend……. And Rob arranged Carter, so that’s who is going to help you, whether you like it or not.” I said looking away. Tears were approaching, and I didn’t like it.

  “Derek said you two were close. I thought you might get him on our team.” Stephen said turning me to look at him.

  I didn’t say anything.

  “You haven’t told him why I’m here.” Stephen said letting me go, and slowly backing away.

  “Stephen….. I…..”

  “See you Savannah.” Stephen said walking away.

  I wanted to protect myself, and Stephen. I don’t want pity, and I wanted to keep certain things to myself. Who was I kidding; I had no idea what I was doing. I’m sure Stephen thinks I’m too embarrassed to have my “friend” help. I walked away. I needed to go back to bed, and wake up to a new day. So far today has been a nightmare, I felt sick….. And hungry. I walked towards the bathrooms, I had to get it together, and I had tears running down my cheeks. I ran to the nearest stall and sunk to the ground, resting my back against the closed door. I needed to get myself together.

  I met Carter outside. He was on the phone, and I didn’t want to disrupt him, so I headed towards the car to wait. I was wiping tears from my eyes when I walked past him. Once they started I couldn’t get them to stop. Carter ended his phone call and came towards me with a frown, he wrapped his arms around me and held me…….. The tears continued to fall…… he said nothing.

  I cried on his shoulder for as long as it took to stop, maybe ten minutes Then I pulled it together and got in the car. Carter told me he would take me for lunch before he took me home, I couldn’t disagree because I was starving. Carter didn’t mention the “breakdown” I had outside the prison that housed my brother, which was a blessing. I already felt stupid, but I also felt a lot better. Over lunch, we talked about my brother Carter asked about my parents, and I had no issues telling him about their death, and if we had any other family around to help us. Carter was pleasant company, I opened up to him about my life and told him about my feelings about college, he told me to follow my instincts and do what I think was right for me, “College will always be there, you have to think about the here and now…. What do you need more?” He said. That statement hung in my mind.

  “Is there is Mrs Graham.” I asked, but then immediately had no idea why I asked that.

  “No, no Mrs Graham….. Almost was once.” He said taking a sip of his beer.

  “Almost, that’s pretty serious…… sorry… for what ever happened between you two.” I didn’t know what else to say.

  “It’s okay, I’m glad it happened before and not after the wedding…… she broke my heart.” Carter said, he was staring at his beer bottle.

  I didn’t know what to say after that. I had stepped into unfamiliar territory and wasn’t sure on how to react. I took another sip of my latte, thinking about something else to come up with.

  “So do you know Damon?” I asked.

  “Damon and I have known each other since forever. He and I grew up together; his family and my family were extremely close friends. But things, changed and we haven’t spoken in three years. I thought I saw a ghost this morning.” Carter said his voice barely audible.

  I couldn’t believe this. I mean, I only asked because lawyers are like councilmen. They know of the enemy, and that’s all I thought this was.

  “What changed?” I couldn’t preclude the question.

  “Savannah, we certainly shouldn’t be talking about it. If you really want to know… talk to Damon.” Carter said, and I knew that was the end of discussion.

  Conversation fizzled out soon after that, and carter told me he had some work to do at the office. Carter dropped me off and said he would stay in touch, he wanted me to come into the office once he had gone through a few more things, I agreed.

  ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

  Nicole was sitting on the porch when I arrived home; obviously she had been working out. I don’t know where she finds the strength sometimes.

  “Good afternoon.” Nicole said in a bitter tone.

  “Afternoon. Been working out?” I ask, sitting down next to her on the step.

  “Sure have. It is almost four in the afternoon Where have you been?” She said eyeing me suspiciously. Great Interrogation time.

  “I went to visit Stephen. Then Carter offered to take me to lunch, and we got talking.” I said not making eye contact with her. I had no idea where this was going, but I don’t think I liked it.

  “You went to lunch with Stephens’s lawyer. What are you doing Savannah?”

  “What do you mean by that Nicole?”

  “You know exactly what I mean. Damon likes you, and you like him…. Well at least that’s what you were telling me the other night, and here you are going out to lunch with the lawyer. Damon took you to bed last night, and was here first thing this morning to make sure you were okay, the way he looks at you says everything. You need to grow up Savannah and work out what you want.” Nicole said harshly.

  “Excuse me. It was just lunch, not a date. And it’s none of your business anyway.” That was it; I got up and left Nicole sitting on the front stairs. I was not in the mood for her judgement or hormones, whatever she blamed her outburst on this time. I felt a little guilty about the Damon thing. I did like him, I just didn’t think he felt the same way, I mean he did say all we were was “fun”. That hurt just a little. I needed to call him, and ask him about carter, I just hoped he wanted to talk about it and that whatever it was, didn’t ruin whatever it was that I had with him.

  I went straight to my room and got my cell phone out. I had no missed calls or messages. I felt a twinge of disappointment, but I put that aside I was calling Damon. The phone rang once, twice, three times I was just about to hang up when he answered.

  “Hello,” He said out of breath.

  “Hey.” I wondered why.

  “Savannah I was just thinking about you.”

  “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” I asked sweetly.

  “Ah… just hold on would you.” Damon said. I could hear muffled voices, but couldn’t make out anything that was being said. After a minute, he returned.

  “Sorry about that.”

  “If you’re busy…..” I trailed off.

  “I am a little busy, but…. It’s nothing serious.” He said casually.

  “Carter told me about you and him being childhood friends.” I hoped I wasn’t digging a hole.

  “Ah. You called me to talk about carter and my old friendship.” He said.

  “No… well yes… but I… listen Damon, I don’t know what’s going on here……” I laid on my bed and closed my eyes waiting for a response. Holding my breath.

  “I don’t want to talk about carter Savannah. I was a little upset that you didn’t tell me that he was on your brother’s case, but you don’t tell me mu
ch about that, so I guess I can’t comment.” He said. I could hear a voice in the back ground, it was highly distracting.

  “I’m sorry Damon.” I didn’t see our conversation going this way at all.

  “I have to go Savannah; I have some business to take care of. I will see you later okay.” Than he was gone.

  Seriously. End of conversation……. I closed my eyes and begged unconsciousness to take me, and prayed I woke up feeling better, and that everything stopped hurting. Even if it was just for a little while.

  Chapter 9

  “Just five more minutes, I’m dreaming.”

  Kisses showered my face, in and my and in reality. I opened my eyes to find Damon lying next to me with a smirk on his face. I growled and threw my hands over my face. I was genuinely having a good dream, it involved him, but I would never admit it. I have to admit I am not the most charming person to wake.

  “Here I was worried you’d be pissed that I was late, and you’re not even out of bed.” He said with humour in his voice.

  I sat up suddenly and looked at the clock on the wall which told me it was six thirty.

  “Holy shit, I just laid down for a moment when I got off the phone to you and nodded off,” I turned to see him propped up his elbow studying me. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s OK I’m late anyway, and was thinking that we could stay in tonight. I bought Chinese for dinner.” He reached out and pulled me down, so I way lying next to him.

  Damon leaned towards me and studied my face, his hand caressing my face. Slowly he leaned his face towards mine, our lips brushing lightly against each other’s. It was intimate, soft, and beautiful. I grabbed his head, entwining my fingers in his hair and made him kiss me harder. I opened my mouth to allow him access and enjoyed the feel of his tongue against mine. Without breaking our contact Damon shifted, so he was laying on top on me, his hips between mine. I could feel his impressive length straining against his jeans.