WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN

by Bonnie K. Winn

  Luxurious, tastefully decorated, it once had been an important source of pride. Especially since she'd worked, sacrificing her personal life, to earn a salary that allowed her to live in such a showplace. Now that importance dimmed. Especially since the apartment seemed unbearably empty. Sterile, Dani had called it. She was right.

  Barbara forced herself to listen to her messages, noting them on the pad next to the phone. Then she turned off the lights as she retreated to the bedroom. The drapes were open. Her hands on the drawcord, she paused as she stared into the darkness. A longing shot through her as she thought of that night, how she could have changed things by simply saying yes.

  The view beneath her was far different from the sultry Texas night that had beckoned to a young, passionate couple. Then, the air had been thick with untold promise, unlike the crisp mountain air she now breathed. Billy had been high on life, taking her along with him. It was a ride she'd never intended to abandon, but destiny had dealt a different hand. Ah, Billy. What did happen to you?

  Destiny, Barbara thought with irony, remembering Dani's words. Resolutely she yanked the drapes closed, shutting away the magnificent view. As though the arrogant Kenneth Gerrard could ever be part of her destiny. Ken to her Barbie? She thought not. Not in this lifetime.

  * * *

  Bright and early Barbara sat perched in her chair at the plaintiff's table, scribbling furiously on the legal pad in front of her. Ignoring the sidelong looks from Kenneth Gerrard, she was back in form. Adrenaline raced through her veins at the scent of battle. Deciding after a restless night that he was simply using a tactic, albeit an effective one, to distract her, she'd armed herself with resolve. And she refused to give in to his captivating smile.

  Dani kept glancing at her in trepidation, then in grudging admiration, awarding her a thumbs-up for effectively dislodging one of Gerrard's better potential jurors without using one of her own strikes.

  The day wore on. At the lunch break Barbara and Dani slipped away before the approaching Gerrard could reach them. Congratulating herself on the move, Barbara affected the same maneuver on her return to the courtroom, neatly cutting off any communication he might have intended. But at the end of the day she wasn't quite so lucky. Turning from a conversation with her client, Barbara found herself staring into those stunning moss green eyes.

  "Miss Callister, if I didn't know better I'd think you were avoiding me."

  She smiled coolly. "Perhaps your first guess was right."

  His smile remained even; if anything, it grew a notch. "How about that drink? I'm still a stranger in a strange land."

  She opened her mouth to refuse when she met his eyes. There was something there, something she couldn't explain. But she was drawn to him, feeling her normal reserve fade as his gaze pulled her closer. She knew she shouldn't associate with him outside the courtroom – it violated the ethics she held in high regard, ones she'd never before considered compromising. Still she found herself agreeing. "Perhaps one drink." Then she rushed on with an explanation she wasn't sure was for his benefit or hers. "I'd be heartless if I let you try to navigate the weird Utah liquor laws alone. It takes a membership in a private club to get a drink." Her eyes finally met his again and she had that same feeling of being lost in their depths. Her voice skipped a note as her breath shortened. "And I happen to have a membership."

  If he was surprised at her turnaround he didn't show it. "Great." His smile broadened. "I can't think of a better guide."

  Plastering on a smile that she hoped hid the sudden quivering assaulting her insides, she walked with him through the marble halls of the courthouse, her heels clicking against the slick surface.

  His gaze traveled down to her seductively high heels. "You wear those ankle breakers every day?"

  She flushed unexpectedly while his eyes remained steady, appraising her long legs. "You always say whatever pops into your head?"

  "Most of the time." His smile deepened, that irrepressible dent in his cheek coming to life.

  She sucked in the unexpected feeling that smile caused, making her think of another time. Her memory nagged at her, but instead of concentrating, she tried instead to remember that this could only be a simple drink. Nothing more. "We can walk to the Hilton. There's a club on top with a great view of the city."

  Kenneth gestured to the unmatchable scenery. "From what I can see, there's a great view from everywhere here except the basements."

  Ignoring the magnificent backdrop of snow-capped mountains, she slanted a glance at him. "What were you doing in a basement?"

  "Research," he replied briefly, confidently.

  Wishing she could dismiss his impressive reputation, she managed an equally confident smile. "Luckily I devoted my time to research before the trial."

  His smile matched hers. "I never stop digging."

  Deciding it would be easier to spar with a think tank group captain, she settled for increasing the pace, annoyed when his long legs effortlessly matched hers.

  As they walked, she watched her city through his observant eyes. His gaze took in the passing scenery of tree-lined streets filled with rich architecture, a mix of buildings steeped in history, complementing those that had been built to beckon the future.

  Too soon they reached the Hilton, walked through the lobby and reached a bank of elevators that could take them to the Club at the Top. They stepped into the elevator and watched as the doors began to slide closed. Suddenly a middle-aged man stuck his shoulder in the elevator opening, causing the doors to bounce open again. He entered breathlessly, pulling his laughing wife in behind him.

  "Hi, folks!" the man greeted them as he placed a plump arm around his wife's waist. "Salt Lake's a great place, isn't it?" he asked with all the enthusiasm of a tourist out on the town.

  Barbara nodded politely, but Kenneth demurred. "Haven't seen much of the city yet."

  The man looked knowingly at his wife and then they both grinned at Kenneth and Barbara. "If you haven't seen the sights that means you've been locked up in the hotel. Yep, you two must be newlyweds. Brings back a lot of great memories."

  Barbara nearly choked on the laughter bubbling in her throat. Now that was a classic misunderstanding. Glancing at Kenneth she was surprised to see an indiscernible, almost haunted expression cross his face before his smile eased into place. It tugged at something deep inside, but she was distracted as the doors whooshed open at the club level.

  "Good luck to you both," the man offered before the doors shut again.

  Kenneth acknowledged the comment with a curt nod, guiding Barbara into the club. Once seated, they both looked out at the incredible view as sunset swamped the sky, rendering a purple-and-blush-colored palette that contrasted dramatically with the crimson border blending into the towering mountains. It was a sight that never failed to move her. Yet now she was drawn more to the man seated across from her. One whose eyes hadn't left her face for a moment. Even when the drinks came.

  He didn't make her nervous. It was something else. A sensation she couldn't define. The same one that had drawn her to momentarily disregard the most important case of her career. Some would argue that a civil suit that involved corporate issues, rather than criminal ones, was not a matter of life or death. But gaining success in a law firm told a different story. And this win could cinch her success.

  With a little finesse perhaps she'd discover what he'd been digging for in the courthouse records.

  But he surprised her again. "Isn't this place a little stuffy for you?"

  "How do you know I'm not in my element?" she returned, glancing around at the sedate crowd. It was a good place to bring clients. While it lacked a lot of style, it was a safe, dependable place.

  An inexplicable twinkle brightened his expression. "Why don't we go somewhere else and find out?"

  Dropping a bill on the table, he swept her out of the club before she could protest, leaving their drinks barely touched. Merging into the crowd that pressed into the elevator, they were soon on g
round level and headed for the exterior doors when it occurred to Barbara that she hadn't agreed.

  But then they were back on the sidewalk, the blush of dusk coloring the sweet-smelling air. When they passed a growing crowd on a street that had been roped off, he brightened perceptibly.

  Kenneth leaned over to a young man who held a clipboard in his hand, someone presumably connected to the commotion filling the street. "What's going on?"

  The bearded, long-haired youth glanced at them from beneath little round glasses. "It's a shoot. For Halloween VII."

  "A movie shoot?" Barbara echoed, knowing how many movies were filmed in Salt Lake, yet not expecting to stumble into the middle of a production.

  The young man glanced at his clipboard. "Yep. And we need lots of extras." He looked dubiously at their clothing, ending his perusal with Kenneth. "Real GQ, man. But I'm desperate, could be a great contrast. You two interested?"

  Barbara was shaking her head, but Kenneth grabbed her hand and pulled her forward. Stunned by the contact, the familiar thrill that raced through her at his touch, Barbara didn't protest until she saw that she was in direct view of the cameras. "Oh, no. I didn't work off the better part of my anatomy becoming one of the most respected attorneys in town to be seen in some horror show!"

  His gaze dropped appreciatively to that exact part of her anatomy as he ignored the rest of her protest. "And when was the last time you shed that veneer, Miss Callister?" His voice turned mockingly persuasive. "Think of the boost it'll give your image. Being on film, lots of exposure."

  "I am thinking of my image," she muttered, while breathing in the growing feel of the crowd.

  Excitement pumped through the air, a combination of the unexpected and the youthfulness of those participating. Glancing around, Barbara realized they were the only ones there not under thirty. But Kenneth didn't seem to mind, instead pulling her closer to the center of the action.

  Surprisingly she felt a lift. It had been forever since she'd let herself be drawn into the moment just for the fun of it.

  "Okay, I need a couple kissing in this scene. Some of those extras." The director pivoted, his gaze coming to rest on Kenneth and Barbara. "You two. Perfect. No one would expect you. Not in those getups."

  Before Barbara could think or react, Kenneth pulled her close, fitting his lips to hers, devouring her in a kiss that was in no way just for show. His mustache tickled her skin, his breath stole hers. Broad shouldered, his muscular chest met the feeble resistance of her silk blouse. Gasping for air, for sanity, Barbara couldn't resist the assault of his mouth on hers as though it hungered for more than she could give.

  "Cut! Cut!"

  The shout finally penetrated their fogged senses. Breaking apart, both of them looked into the disgusted face of the director who stood with hands on hips before tossing his arms skyward.

  "That was just great. But you could have waited till we started filming!"

  Barbara wished suddenly for special effects to make her disappear as the crowd around them erupted in uncontrollable laughter. The giggles traveled like a lightweight cloak, brushing aside the intensity of their kiss. Reluctantly she met Kenneth's eyes, saw the grin lurking there and surrendered to the laughter coating the night, realizing it had been too long. Far too long since she'd let herself do something so silly. Once it had been the better part of her personality; now it was a rarity.

  Then it struck her. Caught up in matching wits, then lips, she had played right into his hands. Catching his eye, she saw his smile broaden knowingly. And vowed to knock that cocky grin into the next century.

  "You may have made me forget my principles for one night, Gerrard, but it ends right here." Spotting a taxi across the street, she waved her arm to signal the cabbie and briskly walked away from the roped-off area.

  Kenneth strolled easily beside her, his smile deepening, those unique eyes of his seeming to swallow her. "Oh, but you're wrong, Counselor. I've just begun."

  Before she could protest, he swept them both into the taxi, leaning toward the driver in a friendly manner. "We're looking for someplace different." Kenneth gestured at the Hilton across the street. "Nothing like the Club at the Top. Got any suggestions?"

  The driver, a youngish man whose T-shirt read Sundance U.S. Film Festival, flashed a wide grin. "You got it." Accelerating rapidly, the taxi wove through the still-busy streets. Within a short time he pulled to a stop in front of an old, but well-maintained building. The marquee advertised a variety of touring rock groups and Barbara was surprised to recognize one from her college days.

  "Look, I don't have time—" Barbara began, but Kenneth cut her off as he thanked the driver.

  "This looks great, just what I had in mind." He gestured to the man's T-shirt. "You work at the film festival?"

  "No, man. Just lucky enough to drive around the famous when they get here. The festival's here every January – it's Robert Redford's big deal."

  Kenneth handed the driver the fare plus a generous tip.

  The driver's smile broadened. "Hope you two like the club."

  Kenneth answered him with a jaunty wave. "It's got to be an improvement on where we've been." Barbara scowled at him, yet she didn't want to make a scene in front of the driver. Her habits as an attorney were too deeply ingrained and they included always maintaining her sense of decorum.

  Kenneth closed the car door and pulled her next to him, shattering that very decorum as he reached up to pull the pins from her hair. He slipped them into his jacket pocket, then eyed her outfit with a critical gaze.

  Self-consciously she straightened her shoulders. "Something wrong?"

  He cocked his head and appraised her until she felt a warm flush building in her cheeks.

  "What?" she asked in exasperation.

  He reached over to the neat bow tied at the neck of her blouse. "If this thing could just go."

  She glanced down at her tasteful, but conservative blouse. Unconsciously her hands rose to that same bit of material. "I don't know what you mean."

  Without asking her permission, he untied the bow and tucked the material into the bodice of her blouse, creating slim-lined lapels. "Better."

  Glancing down, Barbara saw that he'd also created a vee for her cleavage. Swallowing, she considered just how prudish it would look to return the material back to its bow.

  Not giving her time to decide, he tugged her toward the door, paid the cover charge and then pulled her inside. "Look, Kenneth, I never agreed–"

  A wild burst of music cut off her words. The throbbing of the drums rocked the room, set the rhythm for the other musicians in the group. It was a wild, hot sound, one that had her body yearning to sway to the beat. As though sensing her desire, Kenneth held out his hand in invitation.

  The music beckoned, as did the exciting man who stood beside her. Maybe just one dance…

  Sound swirled around them, enveloping them, beguiling them. It was just supposed to be a dance, she reminded herself as Kenneth's hands drifted toward her waist. Their hips rotated to the same beat, their eyes connected and Barbara could believe for a moment that their blood sang to the same pulse.

  When that song ended, another began, one that told of Bogey and Bacall, of a love that couldn't end. Another lifetime ago, the song had been hers and Billy's. Now, instead, her hand was in Kenneth's as he pulled her close to sway to the softer song.

  Mesmerized, she met his eyes. "This was a very special song to me," she confessed.

  A shadow crossed his features, then he drew her close again.

  It seemed as though she'd traveled a galaxy away from her normal life. Known as Calculating Callister, she didn't allow much time for frivolity, still less for mind-numbing music that made her want to bend into a handsome man's arms. Even if that handsome man was opposing counsel.

  Like a bucket of cold water, the thought struck her, roused her from the spell he'd spun. What was she thinking? Every moral fiber of her being throbbed with the realization that what she was doing was wrong
. Very wrong.

  Shakily she pulled away from Kenneth and wove her way through the crowd and out the door. Outside, she took a huge gulp of the bracing night air as she told the doorman she needed a taxi. But Kenneth was only seconds behind her.

  "Something wrong, Barbara?" he asked in concern.

  She turned on him with a vengeance. "You know exactly what's wrong. I can't see you outside of the courtroom. Not for drinks, or movie filming or dancing…"

  Their eyes met in the charged moonlight as the taxi swooshed to the sidewalk. As she broke their gaze, Kenneth opened the door for her. Barely settled inside, she felt the pressure of his hands as they caught hers through the open window. Then he stepped away. The taxi driver accelerated, leaving Kenneth to fade into the darkness.

  Barbara stared at her hands, still feeling the warmth, wondering about the tingle, trying to diffuse the corresponding wave of feeling that swamped her body. There was something about this man, something familiar yet confusing. Twisting backward, she tried to see Kenneth, but he had disappeared, leaving only a pool of questions in his wake.

  * * *

  Chapter 2

  «^»

  Barbara was ready. Kenneth wasn't going to take her by surprise again. Like a general with troops in line, battle plan drawn, she entered the courtroom and walked confidently to the plaintiff's table.

  And stopped still in surprise.

  A single yellow rose decorated the surface. Not the typical blood-red, but rather a color that immediately made her think of her home state of Texas. Unable to resist, she picked up the delicate, fine-stemmed flower and inhaled deeply. It smelled as sweet as it looked.

  The time-honored gesture touched a chord somewhere deep inside. One that she'd put on hold for years. Resolve was quickly melting and Barbara knew she needed some quick reinforcing. Even so, she glanced at the defendant's table. Kenneth met her gaze with a wink and a jaunty wave. Part of her wanted to return the gestures; another part remembered that he was the opposition. She settled for a nod and a restrained smile. His eyebrows rose as though he'd guessed her first inclination.