Lawyer Up by Kate Allure Page B

“Of course you can do it. What a great idea.”
    They talked for a while about it. Beth wasn’t sure yet what she wanted to study, or if she’d even take it all the way to a bachelor’s degree. “I know it will be difficult to work and go to school at the same time, but I’ll take it slow and give it my best effort.”
    â€œI know you will. I want to say that I’m…proud of you, but I…well, I guess I don’t have any right to—”
    â€œOf course you do,” she interrupted. “We’re friends, so you have every right. Thank you.”
    â€œI’m glad that you consider me a friend. My ex, Val, took most of our friends in the divorce. I really only have a couple of buddies.”
    â€œYou know I meant what I said. You shouldn’t feel that you can’t hang with your buddies because of me, even have them over. I’ve imposed in your life more than enough. I can make myself scarce.”
    â€œWell, it would be nice to invite a couple guys over to watch football sometime, but you don’t have to leave.”
    â€œPlease do! Anytime. And I’ll make some terrific tailgating snacks.”
    As Jon paid the bill, he reminded Beth that her court appearance was coming soon. “There are other ways to handle this first offense, but I’d like to get the entire thing expunged, if possible, and having you appear before a judge in person will help ensure that.”
    â€œOh…do you mean I’ll have to talk to a judge…in court?”
    â€œDon’t worry. I’ll practice with you. By the time you’re there, you’ll be totally ready. I won’t let you do badly, I promise.”
    Grateful for everything, she burst out, “Thank you, really, so much! I can’t believe how nice you are. Are all lawyers like you? You’re the first one I’ve ever met.”
    Jon puffed up at her praise. “Thank you. I can’t say we’re all nice. You know that I’m not even that nice.” Then he smiled at her—a wide-open, admiring one that lit his face.
    Beth barely heard Jon. She was struck once again by how his smile transformed him from nicely attractive to utterly gorgeous. She swallowed, remembering how it felt to be kissed by those smiling lips. She wondered then if he might be having similar thoughts. His eyes were glued to her mouth. Self-consciously, she licked her lips, and Jon sucked in a harsh breath. Dinner was over, and he rose to assist her to standing.
    As they walked out, they paused for a moment at the railing’s edge to look at the water glowing in the moonlight. The night was warm, but a cool ocean breeze brushed her skin. Again, Jon’s strong hand rested on her lower back while they stood side by side quietly looking at the frothy waves. It was perhaps the most perfect, romantic moment in her entire life.
    Beth glanced at Jon and shivered. He wasn’t looking at the view at all, his focus entirely on her. He stared deep into her eyes before his gaze dropped to her mouth. Jon edged closer, leaning in, and Beth realized he was going to kiss her. She almost moaned aloud as desire swept through her. She tilted up, but then all her doubts rushed back. Men like him might like the sex, but they don’t fall for hicks from the sticks! There would be no fairy-tale ending to this magical night. This was just lust, nothing more, to be followed by heartbreak…hers.
    Without thinking, Beth jerked back infinitesimally. She hoped he didn’t notice, but Jon’s hand dropped immediately from her waist and he looked…hurt perhaps?
    Beth needed to say something, to tell Jon that it wasn’t him, that she really did care for him, but that would mean revealing that she wanted more than just a fling…and that would ruin everything. She kept her mouth closed. The silence was deafening.
    â€œThank you again for supper,” she murmured. What else could she say that