by Julie Morgan
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” I told her. “Falling for the man and him breaking my heart.”
“But you won’t know that until you take the leap. Now stop being a scaredy-cat and show him what kind of panther on the prowl you are.”
I shook my head. “I’m not a cat.”
“Then prove to me you’re not a pussy, Ainsley. Man up and pounce him hard!”
“You’re relentless!”
“And you love me! Come on, I’m off the rest of the day. Let’s go shopping and find you something sexy to wear into the office tomorrow.”
With a sigh, I nodded in agreement. I did enjoy shopping, and hanging with my sister always put me in a better mood.
Tomorrow would be here soon enough. And if Everly had her way, she’d dress me up in something way too sexy for the office…and a part of me wanted her to do just that.
Chapter Eight
Chase
The very next day after we won the case for Lance Vanderbilt, our PR firm was already hard at work at clearing his name. Some firms frowned upon us, as we represented defendants, but if the person was innocent, I considered it an honorable challenge to prove it.
I lived for the adrenaline that pumped through my veins when I heard “not guilty.”
I haven’t lost a case yet, but I also didn’t represent people who weren’t innocent. And what many failed to realize was that I had resources at my disposal to help victims of crimes. I might not have represented them, but I also didn’t want to see them suffer.
Ainsley hadn’t been to the office—that I could see anyway—since I won the case. I wasn’t sure if she was avoiding me or if she was following up on other things. I hoped it was the latter. I wanted to see her, talk to her, devour every inch of her.
I crossed my office to pour another cup of coffee, when I heard the front door open.
“Good morning, Ainsley,” Amy, our receptionist, called.
“Good morning. How are you?” Ainsley returned.
“Fine, and you?”
“I’m good, thank you.”
“Hey, new outfit?” I heard Amy ask.
“Yes, thanks for noticing. It’s not too much, though?”
Now curious, I peeked out my door and could only see Amy’s backside.
“Not at all. It’s beautiful. I wish I were bold enough to wear red like that. You look stunning!”
“Well, thank you, then.” Ainsley’s heels struck the tile as she made her way down the hallway. I leaned against the counter next to my coffeemaker and sipped my liquid gold, and I almost choked on the hot substance when she passed by.
Ainsley had on candy-apple red pants, a black satin top, and a matching red dress jacket. She wore black and red heels that complemented the outfit and carried a black purse. Her hair was pulled to the nape of her neck in a twisted bun with red and black pearl pins holding it in place. She looked like she’d just stepped off a runway.
She glanced over to me through the entryway, and it was as if time slowed. Her red lips pulled into a smile as she passed and continued down the hall.
Instantly I grew hard. What the hell was this woman doing to me? How did I not notice her, her body, her tits, her ass, her lips, her legs…her…before now? Once she was out of sight, I reached down with my free hand and adjusted my growing erection.
Last night, I’d opened a bottle of Scotch and had a few drinks while I reread her letter…again. I’d imagined she was there with me, stroking my cock as she sat on her knees. It wasn’t often I masturbated to thoughts of a woman, but last night I had. Once at my desk and again in the shower.
In the shower, I would have pressed her hands to the tile and pulled her hair back while I took her from behind. Her perfect ass slapping against my pelvis while we fucked with hot water streaming over our bodies.
“Mr. Newstrom?”
Speak of the devil as her voice filled the silence of my office. I looked up to Ainsley standing in my doorway with her red and black outfit. I smiled, and it took every ounce of power I had to hold her gaze. I wanted to run the length of her body with my eyes, imagine her naked, legs around my face and then my waist.
“Yes?” I asked through a crack in my voice. I cleared my throat and tried again. “Yes, Ainsley?”
“All the documentation has been completed and turned into the court.”
“Very good.”
“Will there be anything else I can do for you today?”
Whoa…
Yes, there’s so much you can do. Come drop to your knees and let me fuck your mouth. Then lie on my desk so I can fuck you the way you need to be fucked.
“No, that will be all for now.”
She nodded and began to turn away.
“Ainsley?”
She lifted her brows and looked at me. “Yes?”
“You did really well on this case. You’re going to make an amazing attorney.”
She smiled, and it was genuine. “Thank you, sir.”
“Please, call me Chase?”
She nodded and crossed her hands in front of her body. “Thank you, Chase.”
Hearing my name on her lips caused my dick to twitch again.
Down boy.
“Can I ask you a question?” I started.
She nodded again. “Of course.”
“Step into my office first.”
Ainsley hesitated for a moment and then stepped inside.
I moved around her and closed the door behind her. She met my gaze. She absolutely took my breath away.
“Since we won this case,” I started and put some space between us, “I’d like to take you for a celebratory drink.”
Her face flushed, and she looked to the floor. She crossed her arms over her body and hugged herself. Ainsley bit her lip and then met my gaze.
She was so beautiful. There was a beauty about her I don’t think she realized she had. Still, I could kick myself for not seeing it before now. I took a hesitant step toward her, and Ainsley blinked and slightly backstepped.
“A drink?” she asked.
I nodded and took another step closer. “The Vanderbilts won, and we should celebrate.” Although I rarely did this for other cases, this one was different. And this wasn’t about the case but about getting Ainsley out from the office in a more private setting.
“Is that such a good idea?” she asked in a small, soft voice, her eyes never leaving mine. Fear did not appear in her eyes, but longing…maybe desperation…did. She raised her brows and parted her lips. I could see the crest of her teeth, and then her tongue quickly darted out and licked her upper lip.
“I’d like to think so,” I offered. As much as I wanted to press her to the wall and kiss her, I decided to keep some space between us. It was better for her since we were still in my office. The last thing I ever wanted was to ruin Ainsley’s reputation before her career even started or for her to feel pressured into anything with me.
I could smell her floral perfume, so light yet so intoxicating. It had become something I wanted to smell every day.
“Chase,” she whispered. “About the letter—”
“Don’t,” I cut her off. “I want to thank you for what you did.” Double entendre—thank her for her help on the case and thank her for opening my eyes to seeing her for the first time. There was also a hint of rejection. I could see it, feel it. I didn’t handle it well, but with Ainsley, I could be a patient man.
Finally, she offered a nod. “Okay. I’ll have a drink with you.”
I smiled, and the weight of rejection lifted. “Great!” I sounded almost a little too excited. “How about tonight, after we’re done for the day?”
“That soon?” she asked.
“Why not?” I took a small step closer to her. I couldn’t help myself. My eyes drifted to her breasts. They were held perfectly in the bra she wore, the top of her mounds peeking out just over the top of her blouse. Her waist was slender but curvy. Her hips were a little wide but perfect in her hourglass shape. And her legs en
ded in those sexy-as-hell-shoes. I looked into her eyes once more. “I’d be honored if you joined me.”
She cleared her throat, and her breath huffed in delectation. She pursed her lips together, the red rouge rubbing together in earnest. “Okay,” she whispered.
Before I realized what I was doing, I drew my fingers over the edge of her cheekbone down to her jawline. I dropped my hand and turned away from her.
“I’m… I didn’t mean to touch you.” I met her gaze once more, and my hazed craziness evaporated at her smile. “I’ll send you the time and place.”
She looked to the ground. As I turned my back to circle my desk, she cleared her throat.
“Will there be anything else?” she asked.
I needed to let go of the desperation of wanting to touch her, the need of I want to fuck you on my desk right goddamned now.
“No, we’re done here. Thank you for your time.” I picked up some papers and faked interest in what I was reading.
“Very well,” she said, and I heard my door open.
I glanced over my shoulder and watched Ainsley disappear on the other side as it closed. I let a long breath go. Every bit of my being had wanted to press her against the wall and kiss her, but I knew I shouldn’t. I put the papers down and rubbed my face a few times.
I picked up my cell, pulled up the bar a few blocks from my office, and called to make a reservation. If we were going to do this, it had to be perfect—not just something that was thrown together last minute.
I glanced down and looked at the erection pressing against my dress pants. I wanted to go to my private bathroom and relieve myself, but a sadistic part of me wanted to see what tonight brought.
And I could not wait.
Chapter Nine
Ainsley
I’ve never been more nervous about a date in my life. The ones I had been on before were easy. I knew what to expect.
Man meets woman.
Woman likes man.
Man asks woman out.
Woman accepts.
First date over dinner and maybe a movie.
Is there chemistry? No—you say thanks and move on. Yes—a second and third date.
Is the chemistry still there? No—say your thanks and again, move on. Yes—do you want to have sex? The answer should be yes, but if it isn’t, move the hell on. However, if the sex is out-of-this-world spectacular, then agree to continue going out. If the sex is nothing short of awful, say your goodbye, and if required, change your phone number.
Normally I didn’t get past the first or second date. Call me picky, but if I was going to spend time with someone, they needed to be worth it. I would expect their opinion to be the same.
As I looked myself over in the mirror, my stomach flipped a number of times at the prospect of sitting across from Chase tonight. It was no secret that he slept around. He’d never been known to have a girlfriend. So why was I so interested in this date?
Because he was hot as hell, and if rumors from his past conquests were true, he was amazing in the sack.
Why not have a good time?
“Because it’s my career,” I mumbled to myself. With a sigh, I ran my hands down my black cocktail dress. It was sleeveless and fitted down my body. It definitely showed off my curves, which I absolutely loved. The hem reached just above my knees. I’d paired the outfit with my black sling-back peep-toe heels. An encrusted butterfly sat on the side of each shoe. They were beautiful and one of my favorite pairs to wear.
I pulled my hair to the side and wrapped it into a bun. I pulled a few loose strands around my face and then set it with spray. The top of my dress was high cut, and the back crisscrossed with wide straps from the shoulders to my hips. The necklace I’d picked out had a silver chain with a black rose pendant outlined with small diamonds around the petals. I had earrings that matched as well.
I took a few steps back and inspected my outfit and accessories with satisfaction. I sighed and glanced down my body. I’d shaved earlier today, but it wasn’t like I was going to drop my panties after dinner for a quick romp in his limo.
But if he seduced me and his hands were on my body…well, one might be willing to change their mind.
With a shiver, I picked up my black and silver clutch and headed back to my kitchen. My phone was lit, and when I picked it up, I saw I had a missed text from Chase.
I can’t wait to see you.
I’m waiting for the driver to
get here. I’m looking forward
to seeing you as well.
I stared at my text for a moment. With a groan, I pressed Send and waited. Why was I playing this silly cat-and-mouse game with the man who held my career in the palm of his hands? Why had I written that stupid letter? Why did he have to find it?
My phone chimed.
See you soon, then.
I put my phone inside my clutch when a knock at my door sounded. I walked across the room and peeked out the peephole to see Chase’s driver, Andrew, standing there.
With a smile, I opened the door.
“Good evening, Miss Speire,” Andrew said.
“Good evening, Andrew.”
The man was older, with a thin build and bald. He smiled and motioned for me to join him.
“Shall we?” he asked.
“We shall,” I returned and closed the door behind me and then locked it. “Thank you for picking me up tonight.”
“It’s never a problem.”
Moments later, we pulled up to the Tipsy Alchemist, a bar in downtown Dallas. I had heard about this place and had wanted to come here for some time. Excitement to experience this place, with Chase’s company, made tonight not feel so awkward.
Andrew pulled up to the valet parking area. One of the attendants opened my door and offered his hand. I took it and stepped out of the vehicle. I turned back to Andrew.
“Thank you again.”
“You’re more than welcome, Miss Speire.”
The attendant closed the door and walked me to the maître d’. The man behind the podium looked up with a smile.
“Good evening. Do you have a reservation with us tonight?”
I nodded. “Yes, under Chase Newstrom.” Saying his name fluttered the butterflies in my belly, and it brought a smile to my lips.
The maître d’s eyes widened slightly, and he nodded. “Yes, madam, right this way.” He snapped his fingers, and another attendant quickly made his way over to us. “Please escort Miss Speire to the private dining area where Mr. Newstrom awaits.”
“I didn’t give you my name,” I told him in a soft voice.
He smiled. “Mr. Newstrom alerted us of your arrival, madam. We are here and ready to serve your every need tonight.”
My brows rose. “Wow, well, okay, then.” I wasn’t quite sure what to think of this type of treatment. I was lucky to get my order correct the first time at McDonald’s or even somewhere fancier, like Chili’s. However, tonight, these were drinks and dinner I knew I couldn’t afford.
Water would be on my bill tonight. Assuming, of course, they didn’t charge for tap.
I was led inside, and the bar ambiance was soft and the lights dim. The temperature was on the chilly side. Upon entry, a large planter of cactus greens greeted us. Behind it was an open atmosphere of tables filled with people talking and drinking. On the far side of the room was the bar. It was filled with all sorts of alcohol, and the shelving looked like it was made of iron pipes. Each tabletop had a different arrangement, from pressure gauges to candelabra that had a steampunk feel to them.
“This way, Miss Speire,” the attendant said.
As I followed him through the bar, I noticed there were corners blocked off with red velvet ropes. Small, quaint tables were inside the roped-off areas, with two chairs on either side of the table and a love seat along the wall.
“Wow,” I whispered.
“Here we are,” the attendant said as we came to a stop. We stood before a roped-off area that had closed red velvet curtains. He pulle
d one of the curtains to the side, and sitting on the love seat was Chase Newstrom.
He stood immediately. His dark-brown hair had been styled, and he wore a black suit and tie. He sipped his drink and set the glass down. Taking a few steps to where I stood, he smiled. His beautiful white teeth, kissable lips, and his eyes—his gorgeous, full-of-life blue eyes—stared directly into mine.
I was so fucked.
“Ainsley,” Chase said and offered me his hand.
I accepted it, and the velvet rope was opened for me to pass through and then closed off again. The curtain was also pulled back into place, blocking us from the crowd of people just feet from where we stood.
His cologne invaded my nose, and I wanted to close my eyes and inhale, memorize his scent. I knew tonight would only last so long, and if we never did this again, I wanted to remember this for as long as I could.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
I opened my eyes and met his stare. I nodded. “Yes, and if we’re going to be honest with each other tonight, I’m a little nervous.”
He chuckled and led me toward the love seat. “There’s nothing to be nervous about.”
I blinked, and then a laugh burst from me. “You’re kidding, right? You’re the Chase Newstrom. You barely gave me a second glance before…well…just before. Yet now we’re here having drinks at a high-class establishment I could not afford even on my best day. So yes, I’m a little nervous.”
He grinned. “I worked very hard to get where I am today. I see the same persistence and perseverance in you. You’re going to make an incredible attorney, Ainsley.”
I smiled and lowered my gaze to the table. “Thank you,” I told him and meant it. With a sigh, I looked at him again. “Can we talk about that letter?”
He picked up his glass and took a sip. “What are you drinking tonight?”
“You can’t answer a question with a question.”
“Well, I can. And I did.” He chuckled. “Now seriously, what are you drinking?”