Justice Falling

by Audrey Carlan

  “Zach, your Mommy needs you to wash up and get to the table for dinner.” He ran out of the room and to the bathroom.

  I ruffled Tanner’s hair, and he grinned. His Father’s big blue eyes shining happily as he put his hands around my neck. I cherished the small moments of time I had alone with my son each day. I lived for it. “Did you like work Mommy?” he asked with his sweet little Mickey Mouse, high-pitched voice.

  “Very much, baby. Thank you for asking. Did you have fun with Jin and Zach today?”

  He nodded enthusiastically. “I built you something today!” He ran to his small dresser and opened his “treasure box.” No one was allowed to go in it. I respected his need to have something that was his alone. Everyone needed boundaries, and I encouraged him. He put both his hands together almost as if he was praying. Then he came to me, put them right in front of my face, and slowly opened them.

  In his tiny palms was a beaded bracelet. It was all mismatched colors of red, green, yellow, blue, and purple. “It’s a rainbow for you to wear. So you can always have a rainbow. I built it for my Mommy. Do you like it?”

  I pushed back the tears from spilling and hugged him tight. “I love it so much. So much, Tan Man. Thank you.”

  “Will you wear it to work tomorrow?” His innocent eyes stared into mine. He bounced with excitement. I couldn’t say no even though I didn’t want to wear it to work. Someone could say something, notice it. His eyebrows knit together as he waited for my reply. “You don’t like it?”

  “Baby, I do. It’s just that work is …” His lip trembled, and it broke me. “Of course I’ll wear it to work.” I slipped it on my wrist, and he looked at it happily. “Fits perfectly. My very own rainbow. I love it.”

  “I love you, Mommy.”

  “I’ll always love you more Tan Man. I always love you more.”

  ***

  For the first time in what seemed like years, I was looking forward to a date. Not just a quick meal and a shag. Today was an actual, ‘get to know you’ type of outing. The last time I’d given the dating pool a shot was when I’d taken out business tycoon and billionaire Aspen Reynolds, now Aspen Jensen. I’d hounded her for a date thinking I could bed the pretty blonde with little effort, and found that in the end I was attracted to her cunning intellect, business mind, and genuine kindness. I couldn’t add her as one of the many notches on my bedpost. No, she was a classy bird, and when I’d kissed her at the end of the evening, we both laughed. She had come to the same conclusion. We were never going to be more than friends. A love connection just wasn’t there. And that was that.

  Since Collier and I’d entered the States, I’d done nothing but take a woman out with the sole purpose of taking her home for a quick fuck. It’s been my routine for the past five years, and recently I realized I’m bloody tired of it. The more I spend time around the Jensen’s and my brother and his girlfriend London, along with new friends Dean and Oliver, the more I realized how completely alone I was.

  Yesterday when I met the reticent receptionist, I hadn’t planned on feeling an instant connection. It was as if the air that surrounded her was calm, cool, and inviting, like a tropical breeze on a deserted island. Being near her not only ramped up my libido to embarrassing proportions, but I felt a sense of rightness in her presence. My lifestyle had been nothing but hard and fast negotiations, quick settlements, and meeting client after client. It got worse when my brother and business partner Collier almost died a few months ago. In his absence, I’d had to take on the brunt of our caseload at Stone, Walker, & Associates. Collier was now back full-time in the office and happier than ever. He’d moved in his girlfriend, London Kelley, the sister to our client and friend Aspen Jensen. Collier being back gave me the extra time I needed to pursue my own interests. Right now, all I was focused on was a tall, brown-haired beauty.

  I left the office in a rush ready to pick up Cami for our date. Hank Jensen’s receptionist. Christ on a cross the world was too small sometimes.

  When I arrived, she wasn’t at her desk. I glanced at the clock, and it read eleven fifty. I was early. And then I heard it. Her laughter. Cami had opened the door to Hank’s office and was smiling widely. Her shoulders shook in laughter at what I could only surmise was Hank on the other side of the door. I was not prepared for how insanely beautiful she was as she stood tall and graceful against the doorjamb. Her skirt today was a couple inches shorter than yesterday and had a flirty ruffle at the bottom. It hugged her thighs in a sexy, yet professional, way. The blouse she wore was silk and slid along the curve of her breasts giving me quite the side view. They were large, but it was obvious she tried to downplay them. I respected that about her.

  “Thanks, Mr. Jensen. I’m going to take lunch in a few minutes. Did you need anything before I leave?” She still hadn’t noticed me.

  “Hank!” I heard my mate roar, clearly annoyed that she called him Mr. Jensen. I watched as she leaned her long frame against the door, presenting me her backside. She wore those sexy-as-sin stiletto shoes again. They were black and tall. My gaze slid from the tip of one spike along her dainty-looking ankle up her shapely calf, and then had to muffle a groan when that same leg came up and caressed the other one the way I wanted to. It was easy to imagine those long legs wrapped around my body, those shag me spikes digging into the tender skin of my arse as I impaled her against the nearest wall.

  My prick hardened painfully in my trousers. Feeling something for a woman I had just met was incredibly unusual. Not being able to control my body’s impulses made me feel like a randy teenager. I couldn’t quite wrap my head around what was different about her, but I was determined to find out.

  Cami turned around and gasped, her gaze meeting mine. “You came?” Her tone held a sense of wonder.

  I stood and tucked my hands into my pockets making sure to give myself a bit of extra room in the groin. This one frightened easily, and I didn’t want to scare the poor thing off by presenting her with a stiffy.

  “I said I would.” Her gaze scanned my form, taking in the dark suit I wore. She opened her mouth, and then closed it. A hand came up to her chest. I wondered if her heart beat quickened because I affected her. I hoped so. “Are you ready to go?”

  “Well, I really hadn’t thought you would come.” Cami looked away and down. “Sometimes men say things, but never follow through and I--”

  “I’m not like those men, Precious.” Her gaze shot to mine as I moved to stand only a couple feet away. “I always follow through.” I touched the strands of a loose lock of silky hair. She had it pulled back, and one stubborn lock that was shorter than the rest fell freely to dangle along her curved chin. I leaned really close, but not enough to touch her. She stiffened as I let my breath billow along her ear. Her scent was unusual. A mix of watermelon and baby lotion. Did she smell like that everywhere? Delicious.

  I took a step forward letting the heat of my body encroach on her space. She sighed, and tilted her head offering the long white column of her neck. It would be so easy to take that offering. Instead, I moved slowly as to not startle her, and leaned my cheek against hers. “I follow through in all things. I never leave a woman wanting,” I whispered, dragging my cheek against hers in the lightest of caresses.

  As I pulled away, I noticed her eyes were closed. She took a breath, and licked her lips. I had to bite mine to stifle the urge to steal a taste of her berry-red mouth.

  “Shall we?” I asked, tucking her hand into the crook of my arm.

  She looked reticent, but, instead of pushing back, she lifted her shoulders and rounded them back letting out a long breath. “Let me just grab my purse.”

  I tugged her toward the exit. “You won’t need it.”

  She stopped. “I have to have my phone on me at all times just in case…” She looked wildly behind us as if scoping out her escape.

  “In case of what, Precious? You have to call for help?” With one quick turn of my hips, I pressed her form against the glass with the force of my body alone.
She moaned, and her eyes widened when I centered my erection against her belly. I wanted her to know exactly what she was doing to me. I set both hands on either side of her head, caging her like a wild animal. “I assure you. These hands are used only for pleasure.” I showed them to her then slid one palm from the line of her chin down her neck to settle at the hollow where neck and shoulder connected. I wanted to peel back the layers of her shirt, sink my teeth into her pale skin, and mark her there.

  “I just…I’d feel more comfortable having my purse and phone.” She sounded breathy and strained.

  I caressed the side of her face. She held my gaze then looked away. Direct eye contact made her uncomfortable. “Eyes, Cami.” Those cat-like orbs focused on me. “Get your purse. I’m famished.” Taking a couple steps back, she scurried around me and pulled a tiny purse from her desk drawer. It couldn’t possibly have held more than a phone and wallet. I was used to women who carried around a duffle bag full of God only knew what.

  “Ready?” I asked with a grin.

  Again she looked down and walked toward me. When she reached my side, I used one finger to tip her chin up. It irked me that she felt compelled to look down. “You’re so beautiful. I feel remiss in not saying so earlier.” A lovely blush stole across her face, and a small smile split her red lips.

  “Thank you.”

  I cupped the side of her neck, and petted her pretty cheek. “I think I’ll tell you every day that you’re beautiful just so I can see that blush paint your pale skin.” She took a deep breath, and closed her eyes.

  “Let’s go, Precious.”

  Chapter 3

  We walked silently side-by-side down the long city block. I was nervous going out to lunch with a man like Nate. Truth be told, any man would scare me. It had been so long. As if he sensed my hesitance and insecurity, his hand grasped mine. He tilted his head to the side and watched me. Maybe to see if I’d pull away? I wouldn’t. Couldn’t. It was the single connection I needed to feel calm and more at peace with going on my first date in…well, my first date ever.

  I looked at the busy patrons as we walked hand-in-hand down the city block towards “The Place.” Nate’s warm palm against mine felt nice, right somehow, and the silence surrounding us completely comfortable. Neither of us felt the need to fill the space with inane conversation. When he mentioned he was taking me to one of the hottest eateries in town, I had to control my desire to squeal. The Place, as it was simply named, was a hip, trendy restaurant that masqueraded as affordable but was really anything but. I’d never been able to afford it, and I didn’t think the general population could either. It was where the elite of New York City enjoyed lunch.

  Once, Hank sent me to the restaurant to pick up lunch for him and his wife. The workers fawned all over the fact I was picking up lunch for the Aspen Reynolds. Of course I knew her as Mrs. Jensen by then. The chatty steward made a point to gush on and on about how lovely she was. I agreed with him, of course. Hank’s wife was insanely beautiful and undeniably smart. None of that mattered to me. When she introduced herself as Hank’s fiancé back when I started work at Jensen Construction, she was kind and down to earth. Nothing like the obscenely rich socialite people claimed her to be in those horrid magazines.

  It was humbling to know that even when you had more money than could possibly be spent, you still were compelled to wear a mask. Aspen ’Reynolds’--not ’Jensen’--was all business, powerful, able to cut you down to size if you so much as crossed her. I knew Aspen Jensen, the polite, loving, intelligent wife of my equally charming and down to earth boss, Hank Jensen. People were just people. We all had our problems, and roles we were expected to play in life. I liked Aspen even more when I realized that she shared her true self with me. She didn’t feel compelled to put on an act. Unfortunately, I wish could offer the same in return. There was a side to my life I hid and wasn’t planning on revealing. Ever.

  Nate led me to a seat near an open window. This section of the restaurant had an indoor/outdoor feel. Technically we sat inside, but our table butted up against a huge window that opened out onto a garden where others were happily enjoying their meal. The sun’s rays sprinkled through the trees, and the sounds of the city were drowned out by the piped in music. It felt incredibly serene for the busy lunch hour.

  “This okay, love?” Nate asked, and helped push my chair in.

  “It’s wonderful, thank you.”

  When the waiter arrived, Nate ordered water and something he called a “Charcuterie” plate as he handed the waiter the menus we hadn’t opened. I was disappointed for a moment. I was looking forward to pouring over the menu until he added, “I wanted to get right down to getting to know you.” It was really sweet and fit the alpha male side he’d presented yesterday and today.

  “There really isn’t much to know.” I shrugged, and placed my hands demurely in my lap. I’d never been to such an expensive place. I wanted desperately to fit in. Sometimes I thought I failed miserably. My clothes were secondhand, and my dwindling pitiful bank account could attest to my lack of success.

  “Start at the beginning.” His blue eyes sparkled. I found it hard to look away. “Tell me about your name. Where did Cami come from? It’s rather uncommon. Did your Mum and Dad have a reason for it?”

  “I don’t know.” His eyebrows knit together. Trying to change the subject of why I didn’t know where my own name originated from, I went another direction. “It’s actually short for Camille. That’s my birth name.”

  “Camille is lovely. I rather like Camille. Unique. Just like the woman.” Nate winked, and I felt myself flush with heat.

  “Thank you.”

  “And your Mum and Dad? Where are they now? Here in the city?” He asked with a twinkle in his lovely green blue eyes. I loved how he used the word “Mum” instead of “Mom”, but really didn’t want to get into the specifics of the fact I didn’t have one.

  Avoiding my past was going to be harder than I thought. Not that there was anything of great interest or importance. I was a nobody. He’d figure that out and move on to the next hot ticket. Which would be better for me. Easier. I wasn’t the kind of girl you took home to your family.

  “I don’t know my parents. I grew up in foster care. I was placed in one home or another as far back as I can remember.”

  “Does that mean you don’t have any siblings?” His tone was kind and made me want to share with him.

  I shrugged. “I guess it’s possible. Sometimes I lay awake at night and think about the fact that I may not be alone. I could have a brother or sister somewhere.” He smiled, and put his chin into his palm while leaning against the table.

  “Siblings aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, you know?” His smile showed an adorable dimple on one cheek almost hidden by the dark swath of hair from his goatee and mustache. My heart sped up as I studied his face. Men like him graced the covers of magazines and dated perfect model types whose biggest worry was whether their handbag matched their outfit. I was not that girl. Yet, here he sat at a table with me. For how long? Once he knew about Tanner and about my other job, he’d be gone as fast as my first love. Tyler -- the man that screwed me over in more ways than one.

  “You sound like you speak from experience.”

  He nodded. “I do. You’ve met my brother, Collier Stone.”

  “That’s right! The little mix-up.” I looked down at my hands, regretting the accusatory way I’d spoken to him yesterday.

  Nate’s finger tipped my chin up. “Eyes, Precious. I like to watch your eye color change as I speak to you. It’s mesmerizing.” Once more, my face heated. “You’re so lovely when you blush,” he whispered over the table.

  The waiter took that moment to return with a variety of nibbles that ended up being an array of meats, cheese and fruit. “I hope my choice is okay,” Nate said. There was enough to feed an army but in dainty little plates with multi-colored dips that I assumed were mustard or honey. “Shall I explain them to you?” Nate had obviously ordered
this before.

  I shook my head and smiled at him. “I like surprises. There are so few in life.” I picked up a slice of salami, added a square of white cheese, dipped it lightly into the first saucer, and then took a bite. Sharp cheese coupled with the tang of the mustard and salt from the meat mingled with each other to provide a scrumptious pairing. I licked my fingers and nodded. “You should try that combination. Here, let me make you one.” I danced in my seat a bit, excited at finding a good mix on my first try.

  As I put the trio together, it dawned on me that Nate wasn’t speaking. I looked up and found him watching me intently. His eyes blazed with a heat so hot I could almost feel it across the table. “What?” I asked sounding more breathy than I intended. The man just did something to me.

  “I like watching you. You’re incredibly beautiful, Camille.” He said my name in a way I’d never heard before; soft, sensual and filled with desire. I took a deep breath, licked my lips, and then held out the offering to him. Instead of taking it, he leaned forward and took the morsel into his mouth letting his lips graze the tips of my fingers. The bolt that rippled through me at that miniscule touch shifted up my arm spreading through every limb, awakening something that I thought was long gone. “You were right. Meat, cheese, and you…bloody delicious.”

  My skin burned. “So, tell me more about your brother?”

  “Brother and sisters,” he corrected and my eyes widened. Wow. That’s a lot of family. “One half-brother, Collier, which you’ve met.” I nodded remembering keenly the blonde God-like man that handled a lot of our legal needs. Collier Stone was another stunning man. Long, lean, with a perfect structure. He had blonde layered hair, chocolate brown eyes, and was deeply in love with Aspen’s sister, London Kelley. “My sisters are Emma and Ella. Emma works for Collier and me as the office administrator. Ella is married and lives back home in London with her husband and son.”