She agreed to attend Phil’s birthday party with Ben—both were co-workers from Carvers Law Firm. She didn’t want to be here. She was more than content to stay home and study, but Tanya insisted, saying Christina should attempt to make friends. She sighed. Once she completed the bar exam and acquired a permanent position within the firm, she’d have plenty of time to socialize. Her career goals didn’t stop at part-time legal assistant. She wanted more and was determined to become a lawyer. Her endless studying and excellent grades would ensure her future.
From several feet away, she watched Ben schmooze one of the firm’s lawyers. He rested a hand on the man’s scrawny frame and frowned at something the lawyer said, as if engrossed in their conversation. Ben told Christina he attended staff gatherings as an opportunity to be noticed. She begged to differ. Ben had been an assistant lawyer for over a year and his sweet-talking hadn’t done much yet. Maybe if he applied himself to his studies like he did these parties, things would be different.
He waved through the crowd, but she shook her head, declining his invitation to join them. Ben was an okay guy, but just a friend. He blew her a kiss, which she returned with a roll of her eyes.
That’s when she saw him. Over Ben’s shoulder, he stared her way from across the room. Anyone in this field would be dense not to recognize Steven Mitchell. A professional achiever and master of litigation, Steven rose to the top faster than any lawyer in the firm’s history. His performance in the courtroom proved just how serious he considered his career.
Curiosity got the best of her. She often picked up the morning newspaper and flipped the pages, searching for the latest story on Steven. His legal brilliance intrigued her, and, if she were forced to admit the fact, his incredible handsome features sent a shiver down her spine. And she wasn’t the only one. Most ladies she knew would kill to have their phone number added to his little black book.
Steven held her gaze from across the room. Christina’s stomach flipped and her pulse raced. She blinked and turned, but from the corner of her eye, she watched as he made his way toward her through the crowd.
A busty blonde stroked his arm, and then pouted when her attention went unnoticed.
He walked with an air of confidence, devastatingly attractive in a tailored black pinstriped suit and starched white shirt. She deeply inhaled and stole another glance in his direction. The newspaper photographs didn’t come close to doing his effortless sex-appeal justice.
Steven was absolutely gorgeous. Well over six feet, and commanding, with brown hair swept back effortlessly from his forehead. His dark blue eyes, sensual lips, and chiseled jaw were enough to make her legs weak at the knees. He stopped beside her, so close she breathed his spicy wood scent.
“I don’t believe we’ve met.” His voice was deep. “Steven Mitchell.” He extended his hand.
“Christina Crawford.” Heat shot up her arm when he wrapped his fingers around hers.
“Ah, the new girl. I’ve heard a lot about you.” He smiled. “Your file is impressive.”
“Thank you.” Her pulse raced and her cheeks flushed with warmth.
He dropped his gaze to the tip of her black stilettos, lingering over the rise of her blouse, before locking onto her face again.
At the raw hunger she saw in his eyes, she gasped. Her heart pounded and goose bumps travelled up her arms. The man was completely intimidating—a stimulation she wasn’t accustomed to. She stomped her racing pulse. How dare his dark baby blues affect her so easily. Tugging, she pulled her hand from his grip.
“You’re very beautiful.” He continued to scrutinize her.
His blunt statement forced her to take a step back. The ego of this man. He really did think he was something. Searching for a clever response, she stood poised and pursed her lips. “You’re a bit forward, aren’t you?”
“I apologize. It’s just…well, I expected someone less attractive.”
Expected? She frowned. “Excuse me?”
“I didn’t think such beauty would come with those brains.” Steven ran a hand over his day-old stubble chin.
“Is that your idea of a compliment?”
Steven titled his head, his gaze riveted on her face. He nodded. “I get it now.”
“Dare I even ask?”
“Your game.”
“My game?” This guy is a nut case. “Mr. Mitchell, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She placed her empty glass on the nearby table. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to go.”
He wrapped his fingers around her wrist. “You’re not fooling me. I’ve seen your type.”
She gasped, and then jerked her arm, but he held fast, preventing her escape.
Two gentlemen standing near the bar turned in their direction. Steven released her and raised his glass to them, smiling. The deep gold liquid splashed against the ice. The men toasted him in return before resuming their conversation.
Men! “Okay, I’ll bite.” She put a hand on her hip. “Just exactly what type am I, Mr. Mitchell?”
“Your marks are exceptional, I’ll acknowledge that much. But you’re climbing the ladder too fast.” His brows lowered and he paused, and then added. “I question your success. Do you want to be a lawyer so bad you’re willing to use your body?”
Christina wanted to slap the cynical smirk off his face. “You egotistical jerk!” She spent every ounce of professionalism keeping her voice low.
“Take my judgment as a compliment.” Steven’s gaze dallied over her curves. “You’re one fine looking lady. If you need help advancing, I’m willing to give you a boost.”
A sharp slap split the air. Conversations paused, heads turned in their direction, all eyes filled with disbelief over the pink stain growing on Steven’s cheek.
“I don’t know who you think you are, Mr. Mitchell, but don’t ever accuse me of sleeping my way to the top. My career means everything to me, though not at the expense of my pride.” Christina connected her shoulder hard against his muscled arm as she shoved past him. She stormed from the room, leaving a trail of sagging jaws behind.
Christina drove out of the parking lot and onto the busy downtown street. She turned on the exit toward home and released a breath of relief. That liberation didn’t last long as the car sputtered to a stop. She cursed and pounded a fist on the steering wheel. Of all nights, why had Tanya’s Ford Focus choose this one to die? Christina got out and slammed the door behind her. She opened the hood to survey the problem. Staring at the engine, she checked the spark plugs and valves, but no such luck. Her shoulders drooped. A perfect ending to a disastrous evening.
She leaned her elbows on the car, resting her chin in her hands. She never should have let Tanya talk her into going out. Her sister owed her big time for this. “Your head is always in those books,” Christina mimicked Tanya’s voice. “You need to go out and make some friends. Maybe you’ll meet a nice guy.”
“That worked out well, now didn’t it?” Christina cursed under her breath. How could she be so damn naïve, thinking Steven Mitchell would be interested in her? He was far from the gentleman she believed him to be. Rude and arrogant was more like it. She couldn’t understand why women fell at his feet. Okay, so he bore a resemblance to a god. “As long as he didn’t open his mouth.”
“Need help?”
Christina snapped upward, the top of her head connecting with the hood. “Ouch.” She rubbed a hand through her hair, peeking around the car. Oh, no. Mr. Suave with the big mouth. “No thanks, I’m fine.”
Steven stood inside the open driver’s door of a steel grey Jaguar, the engine purring so low she hadn’t heard him pull up.
She quickly bent, hoping he hadn’t spotted her. Please, please, leave. A door slammed and footsteps crunched along the road. Damn. She stepped away from the car and straightened.
“Oh, Ms. Crawford. A pleasure to see you again.” Steven patted his right cheek.
Is he here for payback? She couldn’t call for help because she had left her purse on the passenger s
eat. He leaned over the engine and she moved back slightly. Christina smiled at the thought of dropping the hood on his head.
“Everything is fine here.” He peeked through the driver’s side window. “You’re out of gas.”
“Shut up!” Christina shoved past him, her shoulder colliding with his. She opened the door and sat inside. “Damn it, Tanya!” She smacked a fist on the steering wheel. The fuel gauge pointed to E. She had been so wrapped up in her thoughts while driving, she hadn’t noticed.
“I’ll call my service station to fetch your vehicle.”
“No,” she quickly responded, banging her head on the roof as she backed out. She rubbed her head, feeling a lump. “Damn.”
Steven smiled.
His enjoyment only irritated her more. She collected her purse, locked the door, and slammed it. “I don’t want to trouble you. I’ll take care of it.”
“It’s the least I can do, after acting like a heel earlier.” He pulled his cell from his breast pocket and pressed the buttons.
She was annoyed by the speed of his fingers. “Thank you.” Giving in, Christina leaned against the car and glanced at the road, the trees—anywhere but him. “You don’t have to stay. I’ll wait for the service truck.” Her voice cut through the stillness of the deserted highway.
“And leave you stranded? Not a chance.” He crossed his arms over his large chest. “That’s quite a swing you have.”
“What?” She frowned at the overconfident swine, his handsome face highlighted by the beam of the street light.
Eyebrow lifted, he probed the inside of his cheek with his tongue.
“Oh…well, you deserved it.”
“Agreed.” He nodded. “I behaved like a jerk, and I apologize. I hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me?”
What game was he playing now? Patience slipping, Christina rubbed her arms to reduce the tension weighing her shoulders. “I’m sure you have some place you’d rather be. I’ll be fine.”
“Why don’t we grab a coffee? There’s a café not far from here. I’ll take you home afterwards.”
“No, thank you.” She kicked a pebble with the tip of her shoe. “I’d better stay with my sister’s car.”
An auto service truck squealed to a stop beside them, and a cloud of grey smoke shot out from the exhaust.
“That was fast.” She breathed a sigh of relief.
“Money talks.” Steven winked from over his shoulder as he approached the truck. He spoke to the man behind the wheel then handed him a business card and a few bills. The guy nodded. Steven then moved aside as the driver pulled ahead and backed up to her car. “My auto service will tow your car to a station and fill the tank, then transport it to your house once he’s done. I just need the keys and address.” He held out a hand.
She wasn’t sure if the hairs on her arms were standing because of the cool night’s air, her irritation by Steven’s take-charge attitude, or the thought of being alone with him. “That’s not necessary. I don’t want to trouble you further. I’ll go with the tow truck guy.”
A balding man jumped from the truck. He wore a grease-stained T-shirt stretching over his round belly and jeans shredded at the knees. He glanced her way and lifted his brows, giving her the once-over.
“Look, Christina, I was a complete jerk earlier. Let me make it up to you. A cup of coffee, that’s all I’m asking.” He made a cross over his chest. “I promise to behave.”
Great, her choices were Mr. Greasy Ogling Man, or Mr. Ego All-attitude Man and his captivating dark blue eyes. Did she have a choice? She sighed, handed Steven her keys, and rambled off the address.
He spoke briefly to the service guy and caught up to her beside his Jaguar. He swung open the passenger door, waving a hand toward the black leather seat.
Glancing between him and his car, she hesitated. Christina didn’t know which to fear more.
“I won’t bite…unless you want me to,” he whispered close to her ear.
His breath was warm on her skin. A quiver of excitement ran through her body. “Coffee, that’s all you’re getting from me.”
Steven laughed. “You haven’t been listening to office gossip? They’re rumors. I don’t sleep with every woman I go out with.” He ran the back of his finger down her cheek.
Heat rushed down her spine. Damn. How was she supposed to sit calmly at a café when his mere touch made her insides melt?
Avoiding his gaze, she slid onto the passenger seat. She stared through the front window, fixing her attention on the taillights of her sister’s car as the tow truck hoisted it up the ramp.
Steven shifted in next to her, and the engine purred to life.
Expecting him to pull from the curb, she breathed deeply, but the car didn’t move. She turned to face him.
His dark baby blues focused on her. He reached out and seized her wrist, stopping her as she leaned toward the door.
Her heart pounded hard in her chest as he grazed his fingers along her arm, over her shoulder, and up the length of her neck. Christina bit her bottom lip.
“I’m honored by your trust.” His brow rose.
Her breath caught in her throat. “Why would you possibly think I trust you?”
“If you believed the rumors from the office.” Steven’s tone grew low and husky. “You wouldn’t be sitting in my car.” He chuckled, putting the Jag in gear and pulled away from the curb.
Christina gripped her purse, calming her erratic breaths. She cursed herself for not replying with a flippant comment. He had nerve. She’d give him that.
****
Mistake number one.
Instead of insisting Steven drive her home, Christina allowed him to take her to a small downtown café. They snagged the last table by the window, overlooking the waterfront.
Refusing to let her pay, he ordered black coffee for himself and a cappuccino for her.
To her surprise, she had a lot of fun. He had a droll sense of humor, and she quickly grew comfortable. They discussed everything from schooling to careers, and even argued about politics. He assured her the rumors concerning his womanizing were completely false. She couldn’t help but laugh when he claimed his charm got him into trouble.
They talked for hours, stopping every so often to watch the ferry dock. When Christina turned her attention back to Steven, she found him staring, and her heart skipped a beat.
They didn’t leave until nearly two in the morning, and as promised, he drove her home and walked her to the door. He leaned in for a kiss and she laughed, purposely turning her head so his lips landed on her cheek.
This late night was the first of many she and Steven shared. Since they worked in different departments at the firm, their budding friendship was easily kept secret. She would often agree to meet him after hours, sometimes at the café, or at a restaurant their co-workers didn’t frequent. She convinced herself they weren’t hiding, just being discreet.
Tanya had guessed Christina was seeing someone and grilled her for information.
Christina told her sister that she and Steven were merely friends. Which had been completely the truth, until that night.
Only one week into receiving Steven’s teasing good night kisses on the cheek, Christina made mistake number two.
Chapter Seven
Mistake number two.
Enjoying Steven’s kisses.
One week after they met, Christina hesitated for a split second before not turning her head when Steven leaned in to kiss her goodnight.
He lifted his brows, even slightly backed away before his mouth touched hers. His hesitance didn’t last long.
She spotted a devilish grin just as he descended over her lips a second time. From that intoxicating moment, she anticipated what would eventually come next.
Their dinners became rushed, nothing more than a stepping-stone until they found a secluded place to be alone. He barely shifted the gear into Park before he’d pull her into his arms and smother her with kisses until they were both panting
for air. Another week of such encounters and she couldn’t take much more. What was once fun and teasing soon filled her with passion and a throbbing need.
She could tell Steven had grown just as anxious when three weeks after their first coffee at the café, he invited her to his condo for a home-cooked dinner. She declined, concerned over what the evening might hold. His reassurance that his intentions were honorable only heightened her unease. Fearing her own intent just as much, Christina went anyway, dressing in a lace-paneled bustier and matching panties under a royal blue, sleeveless dress clinging to every curve of her body.
Butterflies danced in her stomach as she rode the elevator twenty floors to Steven’s condo. He invited her into a heaven of romance. Not even in the many dreams she had of their first night together had she ever imagined the intimate setting he created tonight. Dim lighting glowed through the room, and soft music drifted gently in the background. Flickering candles decorated every surface. A lace-covered table sat in front of an enormous dining room window, complete with crystal wine glasses and a centerpiece of red roses. Her stomach fluttered like a dance of two butterflies.
Steven served seared salmon in a silky honeyed pomegranate sauce, wilted greens, and rice that were all paradise to her taste buds. But the food wasn’t the only thing steaming at the table. Every time he leaned forward in his chair, piercing her with his warm blue eyes, her pulse soared and her stomach knotted. She bantered with him while they cleaned up in the kitchen, and joined him in the living room for an after-dinner drink.
“Do all the ladies you entertain at home get such special treatment?” Damn! The words were out before she could retract them. She didn’t want him seeing her insecurity, her jealousy of the women in his past.
He paused before handing her a glass of Merlot.
“I’m sorry.” Heat rose over her cheeks. “What I meant to say is your place looks great and dinner was amazing.”
Law Of Attraction Page 5