From the number of times she’d fallen on her ass, he could imagine where the real aches were. “I’m flexible. I’m sure I can knead those sore muscles of yours…wherever they are.”
This time he heard her laugh. “Nice try. I took some ibuprofen already. I just hope they kick in before dinner. Or you might be wheeling me in there in a wheelchair.”
He gave up on the distraction and flipped the television off. He crossed his legs in front of him, resting them on the coffee table.
“Tim seemed nice enough. Is he the one making the decision about your promotion?”
“No, but he is the one who made the recommendation to the senior partners. There has to be a consensus for me to be voted in, which is what they’ll do at the quarterly meeting. And with your presence this weekend as my significant other, my nailing the upcoming depositions, and hopefully getting the McKenna case dismissed on summary judgment, Tim thinks I’ll be a shoo-in. I’m betting on it.”
He remembered Tim’s advice the night before that Kate check in on her client. “Is this the case you were supposed to do the hand-holding on?”
“Yes, and it just so happen to be the bane of my existence these past few months. It’s a sexual harassment complaint brought by a former employee. She claims her boss came on to her for months and when she complained, worked to get her fired. I’ve seen these types of cases before. It’s a shakedown for money. I mean, as much I think the guy is a jerk, the evidence—or lack thereof—is solid.”
“And you’re defending him?”
“Well, defending him and the company.”
“Sounds…interesting. But what if you don’t win? Would that jeopardize your promotion?”
“I’ll try not to take offense from that. Since it’s unlikely I won’t win, I am not worried about the promotion. This woman’s attorney is horrible. A small-time family pra
ctitioner, he’s out of his element in a full trial like this one. It’s almost criminal that he’s so incompetent.”
More swishing came from the other room and then the distinct sound of the plug being pulled and water draining. He had an image of her standing, water dripping down her hips, and lower…
He jumped up. “I’m going to make some coffee. Want any?”
“Sure.”
He stood and went to the kitchen and grabbed a couple of mugs from the cupboard. A few minutes later, Kate came in, bundled in a thick white terry robe. Her hair was combed but still wet and down around her shoulders, her face pink and clean.
Damn, his fingers itched to pull her into him and taste those full rosy lips. Really taste them. No quick chaste kiss. Bad idea, though. In this room? With her alone? It wouldn’t end with just a kiss. And that was just too damn dangerous for them both.
He handed her a mug of coffee instead and followed her back to the couch. She pulled her feet up and tucked them under her as she sipped her drink. “Tell me about your work. Benny mentioned that you used to study architecture, right?”
“I did. Earned an associate’s degree in engineering and drafting before getting into the program up at the U. Then my dad had his heart attack, and I had to leave. But I don’t regret it. I’ve learned a lot helping out at Sorensen, and I’m glad I was able to be there for my family. Now, though…” He trailed off, thinking about the thrill, the satisfaction of working on Kate’s house, improving what was already there, making it beautiful again. Not to mention the home he’d built with his own two hands these many months. With Dad’s surgery coming up, he was champing at the bit to return to work. “To be honest, Cruz has that place running like a well-oiled machine. I’m not really as needed as I was before.”
“Do you think you’ll go back into the architectural program?”
“Cruz wants me to, but I don’t know. I suppose I could, but then I’d be putting off what I want to do even longer. Benny’s been trying to get me to meet with this web designer, get my own business off the ground. With Cruz’s business sense, he could help me get it launched, too. I’m just focusing on Dad’s surgery first, and then we’ll see. How about you? Did you always want to be an attorney?”
She smiled and looked down at her cup. “Actually, when I was a kid I used to watch Judge Judy every afternoon. She was tough as nails and ballsy and I never missed a show. Don’t tell anyone else, but I always wanted to be her. Sitting up at that podium in a long flowing black robe, slamming the gavel down while bossing people around. Not taking crap from anyone. I only found out later that to be a judge you had to be an attorney first. So I set my sights on law school.”
Not taking crap from anyone? Like who? But he didn’t press it. “A judge? Color me impressed.” He grinned. “But now that you mention it, I could see it. You’d be great.”
“How would you know?” she asked and looked up at him. Her eyes were soft and shining, her skin flushed bright with color. She was lit from within as she talked about realizing her dream. Had he ever looked so optimistic?
“Because you have a soft touch. Even if you don’t know it yourself. But if your goal is to become a judge, why are you stressing about this promotion?”
“It’s a stepping-stone. Junior partner at a reputable firm like Strauss, the connections I make—they’re all invaluable when I look to make that final leap. And the money doesn’t hurt, either.”
“I suppose it doesn’t.” He took a big slug of his coffee, barely tasting the nutty brew. Her comment about money hit too close to home when he remembered how important it had been to his ex as well. Damn more important than him.
Kate took the last gulp of her own and shot to her feet, then immediately flinched. “I had better go start drying my hair or you’ll be escorting Medusa to tonight’s dinner instead of the future Honorable Kate Matthews.”
Judge Kate. Hair tied up behind her, that long flowing black robe. With nothing underneath. Kind of like now.
Damn. He’d better go take a shower before he embarrassed himself.