Chapter One
Sheesh. It was hot as Hades in here.
Despite the brisk early October chill and the fresh white snow that powdered the ridge of the Wasatch Mountains that she could see from the window, Kate Matthews could feel beads of moisture forming on her upper lip. She tugged at the cuff of her wool blazer and tried not to squirm while her boss finished his phone call. Her curiosity at the reason for this impromptu meeting had become overshadowed in the last couple of minutes by her longing to throw off the stupid jacket.
But unless it burst into flames, that wasn’t an option.
She cursed her haste in running out the door this morning without taking her usual perusal in front of the full-length mirror. If she had, she would have noticed the white tag billowing like a flag at her waist and realized her new silk blouse was on inside out. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until she’d arrived and was sprinting toward Tim’s office that she’d noticed the slight wardrobe malfunction.
At the time, the best solution had been to take the ten seconds to slide on the spare jacket she kept behind her office door.
She hadn’t expected it to be, like, a hundred and ten in here.
Kate took a quick peek from the corner of her eyes at the other participant in today’s last- minute conference. Nicole Bancroft, the latest addition to Strauss and Fletcher’s litigation division, didn’t seem to be having any problems with the temperature of the room if the smooth, shine-free polish of her clear, porcelain skin was any indication. Her shiny raven-black hair was secured in an elegant chignon Kate couldn’t help but envy. She resisted the impulse to pat her own bristly red hair already escaping from the confines of her hair clip.
No wonder Michael was in love with this paragon of perfection.
At least, according to the rumors that linked the pretty new associate with the firm’s most eligible bachelor—and Kate’s ex-boyfriend. Kate had been trying to convince herself that the rumors didn’t bother her. Sure, they had dated for three years, and she might have been expecting a proposal—not a plea for space—when he’d broken up with her. But that had been fourteen months ago. Give or take eight days. All the same, it still stung to be sitting next to such flawlessness.
Why were they both here, anyhow?
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Tim,” Kate offered the moment he hung up. “I had a meeting this morning.” She decided not to mention the meeting was personal. She doubted Tim would care she had waited over an hour for a contractor to give her a bid for her home renovation, or that he’d failed to show up. Firm business always first.
Tim nodded brusquely. “You’re probably wondering why I called you both here today. I had a call this morning from the CFO of McKenna and Associates. Our client is anxious to present an aggressive defense at the upcoming depositions.”
Kate almost sighed out loud. The McKenna case was her slam dunk into making partner at Strauss, one of Salt Lake City’s most preeminent law firms. Even if the client was more demanding than all of her clients combined. And a jerk. But a jerk who had ties with several of the senior partners.
“Although they think you’ve done a great job of things so far, Kate,” Tim continued, his blue eyes cool and discerning, “they want to make sure we hit the other side hard and have asked for more manpower. I decided Nicole would be an excellent second chair.”
Kate’s stomach tightened. Sure, she understood. She was a team player; she could work with another attorney.
But did it have to be her?
Kate glanced over and met Nicole’s gaze. They smiled briefly, and Kate noticed the clean, straight line of the woman’s teeth. Instinctively, she pulled back her own smile, conscious of her two slightly crooked front teeth that she had always wanted to get fixed.
“I know you’ve spent a lot of time preparing for the upcoming depositions, but perhaps you can give Nicole a chance to look over your notes. She might give you a new perspective on things you haven’t seen.” With a glance at his Rolex, Tim stood. “I’ve got to run. I’m sure you two will be able to handle this without any problem.”
“Absolutely,” Kate assured him, a response echoed by Nicole that he acknowledged with a wave.
And then they were alone, the room quiet and growing hotter by the minute.
Nicole spoke first, brisk and businesslike. “If you can have your assistant drop off the file this afternoon, I should be able to get a feeling for the issues. We can meet tomorrow to discuss our plan.”
“Of course. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.”
There. They almost sounded like friends. Almost.
Up to this point, Nicole’s hands had remained clasped together on her lap. Now, as she came
to her feet, she stretched her fingers out in front of her. A gleaming explosion of light beamed from her left hand. Kate’s carefully held composure deflated into shock.
Oh, dear God of all that is good and holy, please say that isn’t what I think it is.
As if aware of Kate’s gaze, Nicole held her hand out to catch the light.
Kate had to say something. Anything.
“Wow. Is that an engagement ring?”
Original.
Nicole held her hand up higher and the light flashed off the enormous chip of ice. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I’m still getting used to it.”
A boa constrictor seemed to be wrapped around Kate’s neck, squeezing ruthlessly as she managed, “Congratulations.” With the back of her hand, she tried to covertly swipe the dampness from her upper lip.
Nicole’s cool green eyes gazed back at Kate at that inopportune time and her upper lip curled in vague disgust. But her tone remained polite, if not chilly, as she said, “Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Kate barely heard Nicole’s footsteps retreat from the office as sharp pain stabbed her in the chest, and she worked to suck in oxygen.
Michael was getting married.
But not to her.
…