Now, all she had to do was get through tomorrow’s meeting with Steven.
Chapter Three
After a restless night of haunting memories, Christina didn’t put seeing Steven at the top of her wish list. Today’s meeting didn’t even make the listing. She fluffed her hair and applied a fresh layer of caramel fudge lip-gloss.
She refused to show Steven anything but her best. Steven’s success had become front page news. The media treated him like a celebrity, covering even the social events he attended. She had read he used his opponent’s weaknesses to his advantage, his number one tactic in bringing the opposition to their knees.
While she avoided the columns about his personal life, she had difficulty turning a deaf ear to the ladies’ discussions in the office lunchroom. Steven’s female partners were a hot topic of debate. Even though Christina willed her feet to leave the room, she often lingered as her lunch heated in the microwave.
The ladies chattered about a particular woman one week, only to discuss a different one the next. Hardly surprising. Once a womanizer, always a rat. Steven’s scandalous reputation of discarding women before they got too close preceded him. The rumor mill recently claimed one woman—Rebecca Sharp, the owner of a cosmetic company—had him smitten. Christina didn’t need lunchtime gossip for that juicy titbit. The media snapped Steven and Rebecca’s picture on several occasions, reporting a serious relationship was in the works.
She shook her head, clearing her thoughts, and just in time as Stan knocked on her office door.
“Good morning. Ready for our meeting?”
She nodded, thankful they were attending the conference together. Stan’s presence would prevent her from reaching across the table and choking the life out of Steven.
Stan flipped through the file, nodding as he reviewed her notes. He retrieved a pen from his breast pocket to add a couple of his own.
The intercom buzzed and Christina lifted the receiver. “Yes, Jill.”
“Mr. Mitchell has arrived.”
“Thank you. Please show him to the boardroom.” She returned the handset to the cradle and leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. Christina glanced past Stan’s shoulder to her closed door. Just on the other side waited her worst nightmare. She sat for a moment, listening to her pulse pounding in her ears.
“Very good.” Stan glanced up and grinned. “Make him wait. I like your tactic.”
Oh, if Stan only knew.
Stan paused in the hallway, his hand resting on the half-closed door.
Christina gave a single nod before he pushed it open and stepped aside for her to enter.
Steven stood in front of an abstract painting, his back toward them. A tailored dark grey business suit hung perfectly from his broad shoulders, the charcoal pants seamless down the length of his long legs.
As if sensing their presence, he turned. His gaze locked on her.
Her stomach clenched, but she remained steady and held his stare. His thick hair showed signs of aging with hints of grey peppered throughout the brown waves she remembered. A day’s worth of stubble shadowed his chin. The inviting warmth in his dark blue eyes caused a tight knot to clench in her stomach. A muscle in his jaw twitched, and Christina swallowed a deep breath, struggling to get her fluttering pulse under control.
“Steven.” Stan stepped in the room and shook Steven’s outstretched hand. “It’s been a while.”
“Too long.” Steven smiled and returned his attention to her. “Christina, always a pleasure.” He offered his hand.
His statement sounded as though they were regular acquaintances. Damn him! And damn his handshake. But Stan would be suspicious if she didn’t acknowledge Steven’s greeting, so she played coy and held her hand across the dark cherry conference table, keeping a barrier between them.
Steven chuckled, clasping his fingers around hers.
She pulled, but he held tight, not letting her escape so easily. “Mr. Mitchell.” Christina jerked her hand from his, rocking back on the heels of her stilettos.
Eyebrows raised, Stan wore a curious stare.
Wonderful. The last thing she needed was for him to start asking questions. “Shall we get this meeting started?” She wiped her palm down her thigh, hoping to erase the tickle Steven’s touch left on her skin.
Even with the knife-cutting tension in the room, Stan leisurely sat on a leather swivel chair at the head of the table.
Steven, however, stared with raised brows. He continued his gaze down the length of her python print pencil skirt, over her bare tanned legs, and to her beige stilettos before making his way up to her lined jacket. A nod displayed his approval.
Damn him! “Mr. Mitchell.” Christina disciplined her voice to remain calm. She waved a hand toward a chair. “Shall we?”
Steven sat, unfastening the top button of his jacket. “There’s no need for formalities, Christina. We’re hardly strangers.”
Swine! She envisioned the heel of her shoe imbedded in his forehead. Instead, she gripped the file folder tightly in her hands.
“You two have met?” Stan faced Steven, frowning.
Great! Now she had to deal with Stan’s questions. “We—”
“Yes.” Steven offered, preventing Christina from supplying an excuse. “We worked together several years ago.”
Stan turned to her, frowning. “I don’t recall you mentioning working with Steven.”
Were they here to discuss the past or this bloody case? She slapped the folder on the table. “I was with Carvers Law Firm a short time while completing my degree. Not long enough to be relevant on a resume.” She flashed Steven an icy stare—a forewarning not to push her. His dark baby blues were hard to avoid.
The smug twist on his lips faded. “So, Stan.” Steven faced the older gentleman. “Don’t tell me you’re handling the case. I’ll suggest a settlement now, rather than challenge you.”
Stan laughed. “I’m a silent partner today. But I advise you to reconcile quickly.” He tipped his head toward Christina. “She’s the best divorce attorney in town, and I have no doubt she will wipe the floor with you.”
Steven’s gaze shifted back. “I’ve heard Christina’s tough to beat, and I’m ready for anything she throws my way.”
Think again. Pulling a four-inch heel out of your forehead might not be that easy.
A soft knock on the door halted their conversation.
Stan glanced over his shoulder. “Come in.”
Jill poked her head around the corner. She glanced at Steven and her cheeks flushed. “My apologies for interrupting. Stan, your assistant just rang my desk. The verdict came in on the Ward case. The jury is due in court within the hour.”
Christina faced Steven. Sure enough, he was displaying one of his infamous smiles at Jill. That rat could even charm the socks off a happily married woman.
Stan stood, excusing himself. “I’ll leave you two to settle this. Good to see you again, Steven.”
“Give your lovely wife my regards.” Steven stood and shook Stan’s hand.
Pushing from the table, Christina smoothed the wrinkles from her skirt as she stood. She walked Stan to the door, ransacking her brain for a logical reason that would convince him not to leave her alone with this miserable excuse of a man.
“Don’t let him intimidate you,” Stan whispered. “You can handle him.”
Heart pounding in her chest, she closed the door behind him. Wearing her best business face, she returned to this disastrous meeting and sat. Christina drew in a deep breath, and a measure of control was restored. She picked up her pen and flipped open the case file. “So, according to these documents, your client is contesting the divorce?”
Steven reached across the table and snatched the pen from her hand. “What’s the rush, Christina? We haven’t seen each other in years. There’s a lot of catching up to do.”
She clenched her teeth together, barely parting her lips as she spoke. “We have nothing but this case to discuss.”
“Co
me on, don’t be like that.” He leaned back in his chair, frowning. “You’re not still holding a grudge, are you? What happened was so long ago. I hoped we could start fresh, as friends.”
“Are you freaking serious?” She glared an icy stare. Forget a slow death by high heel. She’d get more pleasure strangling him with her bare hands. “You accused me of misconduct, had me fired, and now you want to be friends?” Her heart thumped a rapid beat in her ears. “You’re out of your mind.”
A heavy silence filled the room. Steven stared down at the table, flicking the tip of her pen with his thumb. “You look fantastic,” he finally whispered.
“Go to hell.” Christina couldn’t believe his nerve. Did he think she would fall for his act? Those dark captivating blue eyes wouldn’t sway her, not this time. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
She cleared her throat and pushed away from the table. “If you don’t want to discuss this case, then we’re done here.” She stood, holding the file on its end like a shield.
Steven held up a hand. “Please sit. I’m sorry. I just…” He fiddled with the pen. “I thought I could keep this strictly professional, but seeing you again brings back a lot of memories. We were good together, before…”
“Before you cast me aside like a piece of trash.” Tears stung her eyes. “I despise you. There are no fond memories or tender moments. I can’t stand to be in this room with you.”
His blank expression boosted her scrambling emotions. She wanted her words to sting. A sense of triumph washed over her, giving her the confidence to continue. “Now, if that’s enough reminiscing for you?” She pulled out her chair and sat, stealing the pen from his fingers. “I’d like to be done with this case before lunch.”
Steven sighed. “Fine.” He lifted his briefcase from the table and pulled out a file.
Whether he was satisfied with tormenting her or she got through that thick head of his, she wasn’t sure.
Steven glanced over his documents with a poker face.
His unreadable expression made her nervous. His focus had shifted. Now Steven was all about business, forcing her to make the next move.
He glanced up from his papers and waited.
“Your client has a clause to add to the petition of divorce?” Her voice wavered.
“One pending issue needs to be addressed.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Fraser discussed each detail at length. My understanding is they came to a mutual agreement.”
“My client has changed his mind. The divorce will go through without further delay.” Steven paused. “Your client just has to grant him custody of the children.”
“You’re joking.” Christina had a hunch this case wouldn’t be easy, but she thought the fuss would be about finances.
“Mr. Fraser wants full custody of their two children.” He raised a brow. “I assure you he is fully prepared to fight.”
Christina had only spoken to Gwen Fraser for the first time this morning, yet she got the unmistakable impression Gwen was a loving and devoted mother. She had boasted about her children during their telephone conversation, and protecting them was Gwen’s main priority throughout this divorce. “Request denied. I have a signed document by Mr. Fraser granting complete parental custody to his wife.” Christina tapped her finger on the folder.
“He was under duress at the time.”
She rolled her eyes at Steven’s weak attempt to disregard the documented proof. “His signature makes it binding.”
“I’ll contest its validity.” Steven rose from the chair and tossed his files in his briefcase. “Christina, I suggest you convince your client to grant the amendment. If she contests the settlement, she’ll walk away with nothing.”
A light went on inside Christina’s head. This case reeked of a down-and-dirty fight. The exact drama Steven thrived on. And the icing on the cake would be to pull her into the chaos. Well, that was not happening.
Muscles drawn tight, she closed her folder and pushed back her chair. “Mrs. Fraser and I will see you in court. My office will contact you with the date and time.”
“Don’t fight me, Christina.” Steven’s stride was quick and stopped beside her. “I always get what I want,” he whispered.
Her heart pounded in her chest. His breath was a warm caress against her cheek. Christina stepped aside and opened the door, waving him through.
Steven flashed a devious smile over his shoulder and sauntered toward the elevator.
Damn him. Her grip tightened on the file. I always get what I want. What did that sarcastic comment mean? He was talking about the case, right? Christina didn’t know for sure.
Chapter Four
After the disastrous meeting with Steven, Christina arranged an urgent conference with her client, Gwen Fraser. She anticipated Gwen would be devastated by the news of a custody battle over the children, so Christina spent an hour trying to calm her client.
“I agreed to joint custody. He’s their father and I want the kids to spend time with him,” Gwen sobbed, dabbing at her cheeks with a tissue. “Why is Brent doing this? They need me. I’m their mother! Please tell me you can make this go away.”
“I assured your husband’s lawyer we intend to fight. In most cases, the judge grants custody to the mother. However, your husband has chosen a lawyer who is merciless.” Christina didn’t want to give Gwen false hope. No point sugar-coating an impending fight. “I know from experience how ruthless Mr. Mitchell can be. But I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you don’t lose your children. I will not let them win.”
Based on the curious stare she got from Gwen, Christina shouldn’t have announced that declaration to her client. Unfortunately, this case meant more to Christina than just a custody battle. Steven had made it personal, and she wouldn’t let history repeat itself. Her heart wasn’t invested this time, and her resentment toward him would fuel the fire to win.
****
Christina stepped off the elevator and spotted Vince lounging in a chair.
He sat slouched, his long legs crossed at the ankle, listening to Jill chatter on about something. He stood as Christina approached and followed her into her office. “By the look on your face, I assume it didn’t go well.”
“Awful. Right from the beginning.” She tossed her briefcase on the desk with a thud. “Are you hungry? I have to write up the plaintiff’s complaint and prepare a rebuttal, but I’m running on empty. I need food before I can think straight.”
Vince lectured her on her terrible eating habits, until she waved him off. He threw a disapproving glare over his shoulder as he left the office and headed to the café across the street.
Christina started the docket. She had it completed when he returned with their food. She stacked the papers neatly together and placed them in a folder, before popping a crouton in her mouth. In a brief description, she updated Vince on the proceedings.
“Mitchell is quite a snake.” Vince bit hard onto his cold-cut sandwich.
She’d already told him how Steven single-handedly had her fired from Carvers Firm, but he didn’t know about her personal history with the charismatic lawyer.
“I’ve never met anyone as…oh, what’s the point. I’m sure he gets great satisfaction causing me grief. As if he hasn’t done enough already.” Christina shoved a forkful of parmesan-topped romaine lettuce from her Caesar salad into her mouth. She held up her fork, chewed, and swallowed. “Can we not talk about Steven anymore? I just want to get on a plane and escape from this horrible day.”
“If it’s any consolation, I’ll miss you.” With the flick of his wrist, Vince tossed his sandwich wrapper toward the garbage can. He missed, picked it up, and tried again. Another loss. By the fourth time, the crinkled paper hit the rim and fell inside the hoop.
Christina laughed. “I wish I could bottle you up and take you along. You always cheer me up, even when that’s the last thing on my mind. Are you sure you can’t get away?”
“I’d love to, but I’m work
ing this weekend. I have tons of digging to do on one of Joseph’s criminal cases. It’s pretty trashy…you know, the kind I thrive on.” Eyebrows waggling, Vince chuckled.
“Basketball might not be your thing, but you’d make an illustrious spy.” Christina tossed her empty container toward the trashcan, smirking at Vince when the plastic tumbled in on the first try.
Jill poked her head around the corner of the open doorway. “They just rang me from the airport. The company jet is ready when you are. Shall I call a taxi?”
“Yes, thank you.” Christina handed Jill the Fraser folder. “Can you make copies for Stan?”
Jill nodded and left the room.
Vince joined Christina by the window. They stared down to the street below. The busy rush of traffic made her crave this weekend even more.
He put his arm around her shoulders, squeezing gently. “A few days with your sister are just what the doctor ordered.”
The guy said the nicest things. Christina leaned her head on his chest. “I sure hope so.”
Jill returned with the file and placed it in Christina’s briefcase. “Copies made and the taxi is on its way.” She fetched Christina’s upright carry-on from the closet, snapping the handle in place.
Vince wrapped his arms around Christina in a tight embrace. “Relax and have some fun.”
“I’ll try.” She stepped back and smiled warmly, flicking his scruffy blond bangs from his forehead with her finger.
“Promise me you’ll enjoy yourself?”
“I second that,” Jill added from the doorway.
Smiling, Christina shook her head. “What am I to do with the two of you?”
Jill pulled Christina’s coat from the door hook and held it out. “The question is, what would you do without us?”
“Amen.” Vince chuckled. “And don’t give this case another thought. I’ll help you kick Mitchell’s butt when you return.”
Christina nodded, glancing between her co-worker and assistant. She knew her two friends well enough to spot their concerned looks. Their frowning brows and tight pressed lips told her they could see behind her façade. Her tired eyes and forced smile didn’t go unnoticed by these two.
Law Of Attraction Page 3