CHAPTER FOUR
JOSETTE
I’M NOT SURE WHAT GINGER and Dylan said to Wade, but when he seeks me out after their little powwow, any awkwardness that had existed between us seems to vanish the moment he put his arm around me.
The menu didn’t lie.
“Lewis” can charm the pants off anyone, including the partners. He’s gracious, flirty, friendly with everyone, and a grade-A schmoozer. He’s also somehow managed to keep my temper from flaring while listening to the partners. It can only be winning me points, especially since he seems intent on spending his time lauding how amazing I am—in and out of the courtroom.
“The first time I saw Josette, she was arguing a summary judgment motion in front of Judge Cocher. It only took about two minutes of me witnessing the way she tore apart any argument the plaintiff tried to put forth before I was a goner. I think the only person more stunned than the judge was me.”
He glances over at me with those damn bourbon eyes, and the flare of heat in their depths almost makes me believe he’s telling the truth.
Stop it, Josette.
I force myself to take a half-step farther away from him. Just standing that close to him, feeling the heat radiating through his perfectly tailored tuxedo has me considering things good girls don’t think about. He gets paid to give women attention and make them feel appreciated and loved. That’s all this is.
Bill and Kevin chuckle at Wade’s description and then turn their focus to me. “So how did he end up winning your heart, Josette?”
Well, shit.
Lying to my bosses about having a steady boyfriend is one thing, but delving too deep into any specifics of our “relationship” will only lead to future issues. I know what happens when people develop elaborate stories to try to cover up the truth. They fuck up. They get caught. They end up in deep shit. And sometimes in jail.
“Oh, you know, he charmed me with his briefs.”
A round of drunken chuckles ensues, and Wade casts me a look that sends a ripple of warmth through my limbs, straight to my core.
And now I’m picturing him in tight as hell boxer briefs…with a massive bulge.
Shit.
At least it seems to satisfy the bosses, and they move back to grilling Wade about his law practice instead of his “love” for me. He launches into a discussion of his practice focus, and I release a sigh of relief. It seems the portion of the evening where they cross-examine us has concluded, and with no blood spilled. It couldn’t have gone better. I don’t think I’ve ever had a real boyfriend who was so gregarious and charming.
But this is going to be a long night now that I can’t get the image of him undressed out of my head.
WADE
Christ.
How is it possible for Josette to have gotten more beautiful as the night went on?
It’s not from the alcohol. I only had three drinks and was stone cold sober when we left the party. No, it’s not from booze, it’s because now I’ve actually spent time with her and know it’s not just beauty on the outside.
There’s always been something about her. But tonight, I finally figured out what it is. She’s just real. There’s no façade; there’s no act; there’s no different person in the courtroom in her real life. She’s the same firecracker whether she’s arguing a motion or discussing the latest episode of Law & Order with her work colleagues. And fuck if it isn’t the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.
Walking up the stairs to the small porch of her condo, I can’t keep my eyes off the way her dress hugs her firm ass. I want nothing more than to take her inside and show her just how fucking gorgeous she really is.
And given the way she’s been looking at me all night, I’m pretty sure she’d let me. But then again, it’s been a while since I’ve been alone with a woman who wasn’t paying for my company.
Isn’t that a bitch…
Josette pauses at the door and turns to face me. “Thanks for tonight, Wade. I know it can’t have been comfortable for you.”
It certainly wasn’t easy on my cock. I must have had a raging hard-on for about half the night.
I grin at her and take a step closer. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I had an amazing time with you this evening.”
She quirks an eyebrow at me, and I close the distance between us until we’re a mere hairsbreadth apart. I lean in, intent to show her just what a great time I really had, but her hand on my chest stops me. She backs away a step until her body is pressed against the door.
“What the hell are you doing?” Her ice-cold eyes are nothing like the warm pools I’ve been swimming in all night.
Seriously?
I thought it would be obvious.
“Kissing you.”
I don’t even see it coming, just feel the sharp sting of her slap across my left cheek.
My hand instinctively moves up to cover my tingling flesh. “What the hell was that for?”
Red colors her cheeks, and her fists clench and unclench at her sides. “You’re a real asshole, Wade. I can’t believe you thought I would pay you to have sex with me.”
Wait, what?
I’m so stunned by her accusation that, by the time I gather my thoughts enough to reply, she’s already inside and slams the door in my face. I stare at the dark brown wood of the door for several moments, trying to get my head around what she said.
What the hell just happened?
How could she not understand that tonight was genuine, and that I actually like her—a lot. This was never about the payment—well, at least not once I knew she was my date for the night.
I guess it doesn’t matter. All she sees me as is a fucking whore.