Lawyer Up by Kate Allure Page A

especially when she felt Jon’s eyes on her. She reminded herself yet again that she was here as his friend. She girded herself to act that way and inquire about his work success today.
    But then the wine arrived, and Jon made a toast to Beth. Her good intentions flew away like the seagulls that circled over the sand.
    â€œTo Beth,” he said, raising his wineglass. “I know I’m a couple days late, but I want to wish you a happy birthday. I truly hope that you realize all your goals in the coming year.”
    â€œMy birthday! How did you know?” Racing, off-kilter excitement buzzed through her. “Wait… Is this really why you invited me out?”
    â€œYes, and I’m sorry it’s late. Just today I was looking over your file and realized that your birthday was this past Tuesday. Happy birthday, Beth.”
    â€œThank you,” she whispered, astounded. “That’s…that’s… Thank you.”
    She looked around at the restaurant with new eyes. They were here just for her, celebrating her! Beyond the astronomical prices and breathtaking view, the atmosphere was overwhelmingly romantic with sparkling lights on trees, a flaming fire pit, and small flowerpots on all the tiny round tables, like the one that had her sitting extra close to Jon. Even the deference of the waitstaff made her feel like a princess. Beth knew she would remember this night for the rest of her life.
    â€œI was going to wait until after dinner, but…” Jon interrupted her thoughts, handing her a small box with a satin ribbon tied around it.
    Her eyes flashed back to him. “Jon, you shouldn’t have. The restaurant is more than—”
    â€œIt’s just something small, really. A token is all.”
    Beth slid the ribbon off and lifted the lid to see a thin silver chain with a light blue pendant dangling from it. “Oh, Jon! It’s so pretty.”
    Jon rose and came around. “May I?” he asked, and she nodded. “I thought the moonstone matched your pretty gray-blue eyes,” he murmured quietly as he put it on her. After settling the chain around her neck, he stood back to look at it, then raised his eyes to hers. “Nice,” he said before taking his seat.
    The intimate feel of the necklace resting lightly on her skin was arousing. Her flesh tingled along the entire length of the chain, making her hyperaware of the man next to her—their knees touching under the small table, the sexy sound of his hushed voice, the hungry look in his eyes. It’s just a token , she reminded herself. That’s what he had said.
    But for the rest of the dinner, while they talked about everything and nothing, she was constantly aware of the necklace’s slight weight, its presence there…and his eyes looking at the pendant resting just above her bosom. Her nipples zinged, tightened, every time she saw his eyes focused there . By the time dessert arrived, that private part of herself farther down was tingling too, and she was hot all over.
    â€œThank you again for supper and for this.” Beth touched the pendant.
    â€œIt’s my pleasure. I can see how hard you’re working to change your life. You deserve to celebrate.”
    â€œWell, there’s something I’d like to tell you. I’ve added another goal to my plan, and I hope you won’t laugh or think it’s stupid.”
    Jon sat straighter. “Of course I won’t. Please tell me.” He started to reach out for her hand resting on the table, but then pulled back and took another sip of his wine.
    â€œWell, if I pass the GED—”
    â€œYou will!” Jon interrupted. “I know you will.”
    â€œOkay, so when I pass the test, I’m thinking of trying to go to community college. You know, taking some night classes to see if maybe I can do it.”
    Beth watched Jon closely to see if he would laugh, but instead his delighted smile thrilled her.