Legal Attraction

by Jacquelin Thomas

  He wanted Marissa to spend the night with him, but he would not pressure her to do so. She had requested some movies to watch, so he made a mental note to pick them up. However, if Griffin had his way, they would spend the evening making love.

  * * *

  “Were you able to rent the movies I suggested?”

  They had just finished a meal of lobster scampi over linguini, grilled vegetables and hot, buttery rolls. For dessert, they shared chocolate-covered strawberries and nonalcoholic champagne.

  Griffin burst into a short laugh. “You didn’t make a suggestion—you told me what you wanted to see.”

  “You wanted to see them, too,” Marissa said as she moved into his open arms.

  Griffin held her snugly. “This feels so right to me,” he whispered. “I love you so much, sweetheart.”

  “I love you, too,” she whispered.

  Marissa buried her face against his throat.

  “What’s that smile for?” Griffin asked.

  “I’m really enjoying myself,” she confessed. “This has been a perfect day.”

  “You sound as if you’re surprised.”

  Marissa pulled away from him. “Not really. I just did not expect things to happen the way that they did.” She admired her engagement ring. She had taken it off when she’d returned to the office after lunch, but now she wore it proudly.

  Griffin laughed. “So, tomorrow we let everyone in on our secret.”

  “At least this one won’t break up my family,” Marissa said in a low voice.

  Griffin disappeared off to the kitchen and returned a few minutes later with two bottles of water. He handed one to Marissa, who smiled in gratitude.

  His smile stirred something within her. Marissa unscrewed the top of her water and took a quick sip. “I don’t know about you, Griffin, but I’m still trying to get used to the idea of us together like this.”

  Griffin started the DVD, then sat next to her on the sofa, saying, “I’ve heard pretty good reviews about this film.”

  The mere touch of Griffin’s hand against her own sent a warming shiver through her. She struggled to keep her mind on what he was saying. “I’m not so sure I’m interested in watching any movies tonight.”

  He glanced over at her.

  Their eyes met and held.

  Griffin broke the stare by asking, “Are you sure about this?”

  Instead of answering him with words, Marissa kissed him in response.

  A delicious heat warmed her body and she could barely conceal her desire for him. Griffin reached over, pulling her closer to him. “I find you incredibly beautiful.”

  When he kissed her again, Marissa’s senses reeled as if they short-circuited and made her knees tremble.

  Breaking their kiss, Marissa buried her face against Griffin’s throat; her trembling limbs clung to him helplessly. She was extremely conscious of where his warm flesh touched her.

  Griffin touched a finger to her chin and lifted her head up.

  “I never thought I could feel this way about anyone,” he confessed. “I tried to fight my feelings for you, but it was a losing battle. I surrender willingly to your love.”

  His finger brushed against her skin, moving back and forth, making it difficult for Marissa to think.

  “Griff, I fell in love with you shortly after we started working together. I just did not think that you felt the same way.”

  “I have always been told to stay away from workplace romances. When I became your mentor, Albert sat me down and had a long discussion about pursuing anything other than a professional relationship. He warned me to stay away from you.”

  “Especially since I am the boss’s daughter,” Marissa stated.

  Their gazes locked and each of them could see the desire mirrored in the other’s eyes.

  Griffin pulled her back into his arms. “Tonight this is just about you and me.”

  He kissed her again, lingering, savoring every moment.

  Marissa’s emotions whirled. Blood pounded in her brain, leapt from her heart.

  Without another word, Griffin picked her up and carried her into the bedroom.

  He undressed her in between kisses.

  Marissa wrapped her arms around him. “I love you, Griff.”

  He stared into her eyes. “I love you, too, sweetheart. More than I can ever put into words.”

  She stepped away from him, giving him a frontal view of her body. “Then show me,” she murmured softly.

  * * *

  Griffin watched Marissa as she slept, his heart overflowing with love. He resisted the urge to pinch himself. Seeing Marissa in his bed seemed almost too good to be true.

  I am a very lucky man.

  Marissa stirred but did not wake up.

  Griffin kissed her lightly on the cheek. She stirred once more, this time moaning softly.

  He lay down and placed a protective arm across her waist.

  Griffin did not fall asleep right away. He reveled in the way Marissa’s body felt against his own. They were a perfect fit. His body responded to the silky feel of her skin against his.

  He loved her deeply.

  Marissa snuggled against him, igniting a wave of desire within him. They had made love earlier, but he wanted to relive the passion they had shared once more.

  Griffin tried to recall if he had ever been as happy as he was now. No woman had ever made him feel the way that Marissa did—no relationship he’d ever had came close to what they shared.

  She turned in his arms.

  Griffin planted tiny kisses along her cheek and neck in an attempt to wake her up.

  Marissa moaned softly but did not open her eyes.

  He was not going to give up. Griffin continued his slow seduction.

  Her passion aroused, Marissa opened her eyes.

  They soon connected in a sensual dance that lovers did, the union igniting fireworks that they both experienced.

  Afterward, Griffin continued to hold her close as they slept, satiated from the fulfillment of desire.

  Griffin smiled. “I love you, baby.” He couldn’t stop proclaiming his feelings for her. It was as if a dam of emotion had broken inside him.

  She reached over and took his hand in hers. “I love you, too.”

  Chapter 20

  Griffin and Marissa awoke to the news that Houston Douglas had been arrested in Costa Rica and was awaiting extradition.

  Stunned, she turned to Griffin. “Did you know anything about this?”

  “No, but this is the break we needed,” Griffin said as he sprinted out of bed. He picked up his cell phone and placed a call to Jake.

  “Turn on your TV,” he said when Jake answered on the other end. “Man, you are not going to believe this.”

  Marissa was careful not to make any noise, as she did not want her brother to know that she had spent the night with Griffin. They were planning to tell her family about their relationship later today.

  She padded quietly across the floor to the bathroom. She showered while Griffin and Jake discussed strategy.

  He was off the phone when she walked out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel. “Do you need my help with anything?” she asked.

  Griffin kissed her. “We might.”

  He walked into the bathroom. “I’ll be out in a few minutes.”

  By the time he’d showered, Marissa was dressed.

  “I’ll head to the office,” she told him. “Call me if you need anything. I’ll try to come to the courthouse this afternoon.”

  He pulled her gently into his arms. “Hey, last night was beautiful. I didn’t want to let you leave here without my saying that. I love you.”

  Marissa smiled. “I love you, too, Griff.”

 
; When she arrived at the office, the media were out in full force. Houston’s arrest was the talk of the town. According to the reports that were coming into the firm, Houston had confessed to being the one who defrauded all of Blaine Morton’s clients. He told the feds that Morton had nothing to do with the fraud.

  Marissa called Jillian. “Can you come to my office for a minute? I have something to tell you.”

  She pulled her ring out of her purse and slipped it on her finger.

  Her sister showed up a few minutes later. She sat down in a chair and asked, “Where were you last night?”

  “I stayed with Griffin.”

  “Why am I not surprised?” Jillian said with a grin. “I take it that he said the L-word.”

  Marissa held up her hand, displaying the engagement ring. “Yes, he said the L-word, but not only that. Griffin proposed and I accepted. We are getting married.”

  Jillian grinned. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for you.”

  “We’re going to tell Mom and Dad later tonight,” Marissa stated. “Not about the engagement just yet, but that we’re dating.”

  “First the news with Houston and now this. It’s turning into an interesting day all around.”

  “Why do you think Houston decided to come forward?” Marissa asked.

  “I heard that he has cancer and it’s stage four. He wants to come home and be with his family. I guess he figures he’s not going to live long enough to go to trial.”

  “Maybe Morton’s trial will end soon.”

  Jillian agreed. “In view of all that’s happened, I’m sure Jake and Griff will ask for a dismissal of all charges against Blaine Morton.”

  By the time Marissa prepared to leave the office and head over to the courthouse, news came in that Houston would be on a plane that evening. He was returning to the States to face charges.

  She and Jillian rushed over to the courthouse to join her brothers.

  Griffin, Jake and Blaine Morton were standing on the steps talking with the media.

  “It’s over,” Marissa said.

  “The charges have been dropped,” Jillian surmised. “We won.”

  They moved in closer to listen to the press conference.

  “Houston Douglas is on a plane right now headed back here to be formally charged. He confessed that he acted alone and that our client is yet another victim,” Griffin announced.

  Marissa met Griffin’s eyes and smiled. She was so proud of him and the way that he handled the media. He was a natural, she decided. He had found his calling.

  He smiled back.

  After the press conference, she and Jillian joined Griffin and Jake.

  “Good job,” Jillian told them. “It’s too bad that Harper didn’t hang around to see this. Does anybody know where he is? I tried calling his cell, but it just goes to voice mail.”

  Marissa cleared her throat awkwardly. “I think he’s taking some much-needed time off. He could be burned out.”

  The conversation turned back to Blaine Morton.

  “I hope that he can find a way to move on with his life now that this is over,” Jillian said. “This whole ordeal looks like it’s taken its toll on Morton.”

  “Unfortunately, there is no way to repair the damage that was done to so many of these victims, including Blaine Morton,” Griffin said. “From all news accounts, Houston Douglas has been given a death sentence.”

  When they arrived back at the firm, Jacob ushered the associates into the conference room. Frank and Albert were already seated at the table.

  “Good job,” Jacob said. “Houston’s confession and return only made things easier for us, but we were still victorious. Jake and Griff presented a strong case and I believe we would have won regardless.”

  Everyone around the table agreed.

  After the meeting, Marissa rose to her feet and prepared to leave the room, but Jacob stopped her.

  “I noticed that you did not come home last night. You and this young man must be getting pretty serious.”

  “We are,” Griffin said from behind her.

  Marissa turned around. “Griff…”

  He walked up and stood beside her. “Marissa and I have been seeing each other, sir.”

  Jacob eyed them both for a moment before smiling. “I had a feeling that it was you, Griff. I’ve seen the looks you two exchange when you think no one’s paying attention.”

  “Really?” Marissa asked. “Why didn’t you say something?”

  “I figured you’d tell me when you were ready.”

  “We wanted to see how things progressed between us,” Marissa explained. “Griff was ready to go public earlier, but I wouldn’t let him.” She did not want to tell her father about their engagement just yet. Marissa wanted her dad to get used to seeing them together first.

  She explained this to Griffin when they left the conference room.

  “Another secret,” he said.

  “It’s not like that, Griff. I just don’t want to spring all of this on them at one time.”

  “I’m sure they can handle it.”

  Marissa folded her arms across her chest. “I don’t want to argue with you, Griffin. It’s been a great day for you and I don’t want to ruin it. Can we at least wait until after the charity ball? We will tell them about the baby and our engagement. Okay?”

  Griffin gave a reluctant nod.

  “Are you mad at me?” Marissa asked.

  “No, I’m not. I guess I’m just ready to share our news with the world.”

  “The ball is only a few days away,” Marissa said. “We can tell them the day after. I give you my word.”

  * * *

  The associates decided to go out for drinks after the workday ended. They wanted to celebrate.

  Griffin and Marissa sat down at a nearby booth.

  Jake walked over. “Is there something I should know?” he asked. “You two sure seem cozy.”

  Marissa met Griffin’s gaze and smiled.

  “Your sister and I are dating,” Griffin announced.

  “How long has this been going on?”

  “For a while,” Griffin responded. “I fell in love with Marissa shortly after we met.”

  “But we didn’t act on our feelings until a few months ago,” Marissa contributed. “So yes…we are a couple.”

  “Does Dad know?”

  Marissa glanced up at her brother. “He knows. We told him earlier. Griff and I see no reason to keep our relationship a secret any longer.”

  “Well, all I’ll say is that you had better not hurt my sister.”

  “I have no intention of ever hurting Marissa.”

  Several of the associates were dancing to the music.

  Griffin took her hand in his. “Want to dance?”

  Marissa shook her head. “Not right now. I just want to sit right here with you.”

  When she snuggled in close, Griff asked, “When do you want to get married? Before or after the baby comes?”

  “Before,” she replied. “I don’t want a huge fancy wedding.”

  “What do you want?”

  “Something small. I’d like a very intimate and romantic ceremony.”

  Marissa noticed that several of their coworkers were watching them from a distance.

  Obviously Griffin noticed it, too. “I have a feeling that we are going to be the topic of the watercooler gossip tomorrow,” he said.

  Marissa nodded in agreement. “You know…we could give them something to really talk about.”

  He grinned. “What do you have in mind?”

  “Kiss me.”

  Her words brought a smile to his lips.

  Griffin did as Marissa requested.

  A few of the associates looked
shocked, but others did not.

  Marcus and Anthony navigated over to the booth. “I guess that kiss was your way of announcing that you two are involved,” Marcus said.

  “Can’t say that I’m real surprised,” Anthony told them. “I knew my sister had feelings for you.”

  It was Marissa’s turn to look surprised. “I was that obvious?”

  “No,” Griffin said. “I wasn’t always so sure.”

  Jillian joined them, saying, “C’mon, let’s party. We’re supposed to be celebrating.”

  Marcus took her by the hand. “Let’s show them how we do it, sis.” They headed to the dance floor.

  Griffin and Marissa joined them.

  When the song ended, Marissa led him off the dance floor. They sat down and watched their coworkers laughing and having a good time.

  “What do you suppose Blaine Morton is doing right now?” she asked Griffin.

  “I don’t know. His whole life has changed, so maybe he is trying to pick up the pieces. He wants to try and save his marriage.”

  Shortly after nine, Marissa and Griffin decided to call it a night.

  “Are you coming over?” he asked.

  “Not tonight,” she said. “I’m sure Daddy’s told Mother about us. I think I should go home.”

  “I’m going to miss holding you in my arms.”

  She gazed at him lovingly. “Me, too.”

  After a long kiss good-night, Marissa made her way home.

  Jeanette met her practically at the door. “Your father told me about you and Griffin. I think it’s wonderful. He’s a nice young man and he has a great future with the firm.”

  “I’m glad you approve, Mother.”

  “Why were you keeping your relationship a secret? You and Griffin have nothing to hide.”

  “We just wanted to keep it between us for a while,” Marissa explained.

  “You have always been so secretive,” Jeanette said.

  Marissa chewed her bottom lip to keep from responding. Her mother was one to talk—she was keeping an explosive secret.

  After a moment, she said, “I’m just private, Mother.”

  “It wasn’t a criticism, dear.”

  Marissa changed the subject. “Did Daddy tell you what happened today?”