Justify My Love: An Interracial Romance (BWWM)

by Caine, Candy

  She sensed his appraisal and was dismayed to find her heart thumping for some reason. Annoyed with Scott for having made her feel uncomfortable, Marnie said icily, “You might say we had a run-in at the Laundromat.” She punctuated her statement with a cold glare.

  “What did he do, Marnie, steal a machine from you?” Frank asked, smiling.

  “I think I tied her panties in a knot.” Scott drawled his deep voice sending shivers through Marnie. Ignoring Scott’s blatantly sexist remark and the chuckles following it, Marnie asked in her most professional tone, “Did you call me in here for something specific, Frank? I’m due in court soon and need to prepare.”

  “I did. Take a seat.”

  Reluctantly, she sat down in the chair next to Scott Langley. Forced to still her anger and impatience, she hated every moment she had to remain in Frank’s office.

  “I would like you to take Scott under your wings for a few days. Start by showing him around the office.”

  Before Marine could object, Frank added, “I’d do it, but I have back-to back meetings.”

  “But I’m due in court, myself,” she protested.

  “I realize that. There’s plenty of time to show him around.”

  “And afterward?”

  “Take Scott to court with you. The exposure will do him good.”

  Refusing Frank was out of the question. It would serve no other purpose than to anger Frank—something she’d never do. Aside from being a partner of the firm and her immediate supervisor, he’d taken Marnie under his wing when she joined the firm and helped her hone her skills as a litigator. He’d always treated her as an equal, despite the fact she was a woman and a black one at that. As a result, she quickly grew to admire him and respected his opinions on most matters of law.

  However, there was another side of Frank that could be intimidating. When angered, he could easily be transformed into an angry bear and a difficult adversary. Standing 6’6” in his stocking feet, he was a big, beefy man packing about three hundred pounds on an already large frame.

  Marnie was stuck with Scott and not happy about it. She could feel the sexual magnetism that made him so self-confident and yet her senses seemed to heighten around him. Normally, she’d be repelled by his seductive look, but for some unexplained reason she felt flattered by it.

  What was it with this guy? He had inflamed her passion so negatively in the Laundromat and yet she still felt disturbed by him in other ways. She stilled her fluttering heart by reminding herself that her attraction toward this man was only physical. To think anything else would be most perilous. Though she’d acquiesced to squire the man about, she didn’t have to be happy about it and said through clenched teeth, “Let’s go, Langley.”

  “After you, Miz Davis,” Scott responded, bowing slightly and mockingly showing her to the door.

  Marnie felt quite put out and annoyed with herself for feeling this unwanted attraction toward the Wolf Man. Who’d guess that he’d clean up so well and look like a model for Esquire? Despite that fact, she cautioned and reminded herself, he was an arrogant, rude male chauvinist whom she had to babysit. Babysitting didn’t exactly fall under her job description, nor did it thrill her. Why did he have to be Frank’s godson, as well? If she had no choice in what she had to do, at least it would be done in the manner she wanted. As soon as she was out of earshot from Frank’s office, she began to lay down some ground rules.

  “Look—just try not to annoy anyone I introduce you to. And stay out of my way—“

  Scott interrupted, “If I had known who Frank was pawning me off on, I would have made some kind of excuse.”

  “Forget it. Frank’s right. We have to be professionals and try to act civil toward one another. I’ll forget your uncalled-for rude behavior last night—”

  “Now, just you wait a minute—”

  “Hold it! I see we’re not going to get anywhere if we continue to snipe at one another, so let’s keep our discussions limited to legal matters. Okay?” Marnie said, opting for peace.

  Scott was close enough to smell Marnie’s subtle perfume that reminded him of a field of wild flowers. He had the almost uncontrollable urge to lean into her, slowly unzip the suit of armor she had on and nuzzle her neck for a long, slow sniff. “With pleasure, ma’am.”

  The ma’am part had an unpleasant ring to it, but Marnie let it slide. Even so, she remained annoyed with Frank for saddling her with such extra baggage. For the next twenty minutes, she toured the entire office with Scott. She had to be blind not to see the reactions of the females to her charge. Fortunately, most of the women were sitting. That prevented them from tripping over their own tongues.

  “I have to get back to my office and prepare for court which I leave for in an hour. I think you’ve seen most of the office highlights. Do you have any questions?”

  Regarding her intently, and with a straight face, Scott asked, “Where can I get a cup of coffee?”

  Disconcerted by his piercing silver gaze, Marnie momentarily lost track of what he asked. Then she caught herself. “Ah…Debbie, my administrative assistant, will be delighted to prepare a cup for you.”

  Debbie’s desk was right outside Marnie’s office. There was an intercom hookup, but most of the time, the women spoke to each other face to face. Even though Debbie was only twenty-eight, she acted like a mother hen to Marnie. Tall, slim, and the reddest of hair, her freckled face wore a permanent smile. She was married to her childhood sweetheart, Fred. Not being able to have children, they’d put their name on every adoption waiting list. And that’s what they were now doing—waiting.

  Debbie heard them approach and looked up. Seeing Scott increased the size of her usual smile, which immediately irritated Marnie. Couldn’t other women see below the veneer? What good is the cake if only the icing is tasty?

  Realizing that Scott wasn’t a client, Debbie asked, “And who’s this?”

  “Scott Langley, this is Debbie Stroub. Scott is Frank’s godson. He’ll be spending some time with us.”

  Instantly, turning on a thousand-watt smile, Scott gave Debbie a charming, butter-wouldn’t-melt-in-his-mouth hello, which completely disarmed the redhead and nearly turned Marnie’s stomach. Was she the only rational woman left who could see how transparent this guy really was?

  To bring Debbie back to reality and this space-time continuum, Marnie said, “Scott would like some coffee, please.”

  Nodding, Debbie asked, behaving as if it were sacred information, “How do you take your coffee, Scott?”

  “Black, no sugar.”

  A real man, Marnie thought, disparagingly as she led him into her office. Who’s he trying to impress? Damn! Why did everything he say totally annoy her?

  “Terrific office,” Scott said, interrupting her thoughts.

  “Hmm?”

  “You have a terrific office.”

  “Yes. It does have a great view of the side of the building next door,” she quipped.

  However, even without a great view, it was a nice, airy office. Was he eying it for himself? Well, if he thought she’d give it up so easily, he had another thing coming to him. She’d paid her dues and worked hard to get this office. Being Frank’s godson, would Scott have to work as hard? No, she wasn’t being fair to Frank. He’d make Scott work just as hard as everyone else. Then as an afterthought, wouldn’t he?

  “What type of case are you representing in court?” Scott sauntered over to the leather couch against the far wall and eased down gracefully. The man moves like a panther, Marnie thought.

  “It’s a complicated custody case. We’re representing the mother,” Marnie said, extending him a folder that held a copy of the case file.

  Debbie walked in and, being thoughtful as usual, handed each of them a cup of coffee. They thanked her and she went back to her desk, but not before throwing a speculative look at them. Of course Marnie caught the appraising look and wanted to throttle her. Debbie was an inveterate matchmaker.

  Scott began to peruse the
case file. Seated at her desk, Marnie watched him surreptitiously, wondering what really made him tick. Certainly he seemed sharp and was probably ambitious, yet she sensed there was something else hidden beneath that cool, polished exterior. A sort of dangerous fire that he kept tamped down. The women on the juries would love him. Half would want to mother him, while the other half would want to jump his bones.

  Sex appeal played a huge part in how a jury responded to a lawyer. An opposing ADA—Assistant District Attorney—had once accused her of using her sexuality to sway the men on the jury. Fresh out of law school, she had no idea where he was coming from until she sat back and analyzed what had transpired in court. He had been right—to a certain extent. When she stood up and walked in front of the jury, she felt the eyes of all the men following her every movement. Of course, she had to factor in the ADA’s spitefulness as well for the remark. Aside from winning the case, Marnie had probably hurt his feelings by refusing to go out with him several months before when he’d asked not once but twice. However, he’d opened her eyes to the bottom line. The jury always responded more favorably to attractive counsel.

  Watching Scott from beneath lowered eyelids, Marnie found herself recalling how his muscles rippled under the ragged, tight t-shirt he wore in the Laundromat and she imagined him filling out the skimpy, black silk briefs that were among the underwear she’d placed on the table. Realizing what she was doing, she quickly reversed the direction of her thoughts back toward the Reynolds case and glanced at the clock.

  “Come on. We can discuss the case in the car,” she said, retrieving the file and slipping it into her briefcase.

  During the short ride to court, Marnie gave a brief explanation of her handling of the case. At the courthouse she introduced Scott to her client, Marie Reynolds, who managed to look even more nervous and timid than the day before. The poor woman had deep, dark pockets under her eyes and appeared so fragile that a strong gust of wind could blow her over. Tastefully dressed in a black suit that hung from her body, Marnie knew a loss would most likely destroy her and had vowed to do whatever she could to prevent that from happening. They walked into the courtroom to wait for the arrival of the judge.

  A few minutes later, the bailiff called out, “All rise. The court of the Honorable William T. Nesbitt is now in session.”

  Scott, who was seated next to Marnie on the other side, rose at the same time as she did and their shoulders touched briefly. Marnie felt a sensual jolt. He’d turned toward her, a surprised look on his handsome face, and she wondered if he’d felt something, as well. Why was she so attracted to him when she didn’t even really like him? She was already in a relationship and didn’t have to complicate things. Because of these conflicting feelings, Marnie was at first a little nervous having Scott there to observe her, but as soon as things got underway, she focused on the case and quickly forgot about him. The proceedings went along smoothly until the court adjourned for lunch.

  Lunch was used more for strategic planning than nourishment. Marnie took her client to lunch along with Scott. He seemed to be impressed with her handling of the case so far and asked some pertinent questions. When Marie excused herself to go to the Ladies’ room, he surprised Marnie further.

  “You really seem to have a handle on things and look impressive in front of the judge, whose eyes appear to be glued to you. Your choice in wearing that suit was a good one. It fits like a glove.”

  “I didn’t wear it for that reason, but if I have his attention, then he’ll be listening to what I have to say.”

  “Maybe.”

  His remark caught her off guard, but she wasn’t going to go there. She was uneasily reminded of the ADA’s sexist remark. On the other hand she found herself surprisingly pleased that Scott was noticing her.

  Marnie’s napkin slid off her lap and fell to the floor. Both she and Scott bent to retrieve it, their hands colliding. A brief shiver rippled through her.

  Scott felt his hand tingle as if hit by a spark of electricity. Disconcerted, he kept his face and voice expressionless as he retrieved the napkin. “Here you go,” he said handing it to her. “How long before we have to go back?”

  “Oh, we have time.” Despite herself, Marnie sounded breathless.

  Back in court after the long break, Marnie won a few more vital points. If things continued as well as they were going, the case would be over in a matter of days. She felt wonderful and decided not to let anything spoil her euphoria, which included further verbal jousting with Scott.

  On the ride back to the office Scott surprised her once again by saying, “You were sensational in there. You had the judge hanging on to your every word, believing the father was self-destructive and abusive.”

  “You think?”

  “Every word.”

  “Why, thank you, Scott.”

  “I can see why Frank feels the way he does about you.”

  Marnie was now becoming uncomfortable. Such praise coming from him seemed so uncharacteristic of her first impression of him and began to set off warning bells in her head making her wary. She began to wonder if the man she encountered the other night in the Laundromat had been his evil twin brother. After all, hadn’t Scott been pleasant and charming at lunch, as well?

  She thanked him and together they walked back into the fifteen-floor glass-encased building that housed the law firm of Conway, Jones and Freed. Frank had gone for the day, so a few minutes later Scott found himself knocking on Marnie’s door. Poking his head in, he asked, “Want some company? I’ll go away if you’re busy.”

  “No. It’s okay,” she replied smiling. “Come on in. I was merely preparing the documents I might need for court tomorrow. Want some coffee?”

  “Only if Debbie makes it.”

  “Are you insinuating that I can’t make coffee?” she teased.

  “No, not at all. I’d rather spend what little time there’s left of the day to talk.”

  “You’re a charmer, Langley.”

  “I certainly hope so.”

  “Scott, can I ask you a personal question?”

  “Yes, I’m single and very available. Or have I mentioned that already?”

  “Thanks for the info, but that wasn’t the question.”

  “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”

  “You’re trying, all right.”

  “Seriously, what would you like to know?” He said, removing a trace of lint from his pants.

  “How Frank came to be your godfather?”

  Scott smiled warmly. “Now that’s an easy question. My dad met Frank in the rice paddies of Vietnam. They bonded coming from the same state. During a skirmish, my dad saved Frank’s life and they remained friends after the war.”

  “So your father is the man standing next to Frank holding the rifle in the picture hanging in his office?”

  “Uh-huh. When the war was over, Dad tried to get Frank to join him in the construction business he was going to start. Unfortunately, Frank hated working with his hands and chose to go to law school instead. Even so, the two managed to stay in touch. The next ten years saw them both marrying and starting families. Dad’s business blossomed and Frank was hired by Conway, Jones and Freed. The rest, as they say, is history.”

  She nodded. “Is your dad still alive?”

  Scott shook his head. “When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, everything went south quickly. Watching her suffer was the worst thing I’d ever experienced. The disease spread rapidly and the doctors were unable to contain it.”

  “How old were you?”

  Scott shifted in his seat. “Twelve.”

  “Must have been really tough for you being so young.”

  “You could never imagine how tough. When Mom died, Dad wanted to follow her into her grave. If it hadn’t been for Frank and his wife, Louise, I would have been an orphan. Dad began to look for answers at the bottom of whiskey bottles. Frank and Louise took care of me while Dad got himself straightened out.”

  Marnie nodded and sippe
d her coffee.

  “After Dad stopped drinking, he met a younger woman and married her. Unfortunately, she split on him and left him a very bitter man.” Glancing down at his watch, Scott ended the conversation by saying, “I’ve probably bored you to death already.”

  “No, not at all. Learning about my family—now that would be classified as boring.”

  “Not so. What might be uninteresting to you could be very interesting to someone like me.”

  “Doubt it.”

  “Try me.”

  “I have a brother, who’s a computer tech, and a sister, who lives with my parents. My dad’s a fire protection engineer.”

  “What’s that?”

  “He designs sprinkler heads to be installed in buildings.”

  “Oh, in case of fire…gotcha.”

  “Told you it was thrilling information.”

  He held up his hands. “Okay, you win that round. I’ll get going and let you finish your work.”

  “When do you officially start?”

  “Here or as an ADA?”

  Marnie put down her mug. “You’re not joining our law firm? I automatically assumed you were—being Frank’s godson.”

  “I’m only going to be here for a few months until I officially join the District Attorney’s staff.”

  “But, I would think you’d be happier here, not to mention the pay would be better.”

  “I’d rather put away the bad guys.”

  “How did Frank take the news?”

  “He wasn’t thrilled with my decision, but he respects it. He left the door open, though, figuring that when the system eventually wore me down, I would abandon the public sector and join the private sector with him.”

  “Sounds like Frank.”

  “So for now, I’ll be helping out wherever I’m needed.”

  “When do you start?”

  “I already did.”