Lawyer Up by Kate Allure Read Free Book Online Page A

“Why don’t you stay here just for the night? We’ll go to public housing tomorrow.”
    â€œThat’s okay. I’ve imposed enough.”
    â€œNo, seriously. It’s no big deal. You’ll be doing me a favor. Otherwise I’ll worry and not be able to get my work done this afternoon.”
    â€œUmm…I don’t really know you, and I don’t like taking more charity.”
    â€œI can understand that—we’re practically strangers—but if it will put your mind at ease, both the jail and my firm know that you were released into my care and that I’m your attorney. As I mentioned before, my professional standing and reputation as an ethical, principled lawyer are my most important commodities.”
    â€œWell…” Her expressive face revealed that she was weighing everything. “Even the guards knew about your reputation…that you worked at some important lawyer’s office.”
    â€œAnd they all know you left the jail with me, but if you’re uncomfortable…maybe I could find a hotel for you for the night.” He knew she had next to no money. “Hmm. I could even pay for it.”
    â€œNo! I can’t take any more from you. My debts are big enough already. Here will be fine, and thank you for your generosity.”
    â€œOkay. You can have the bedroom.”
    â€œNo, the couch will be fine. I won’t take your bed away from you. Now why don’t you get started on that urgent work you mentioned, and I’ll clean up from lunch.”
    He left Beth in the kitchen and settled at his desk in the bedroom to concentrate on writing a complex brief. At one point, Jon had a minor panic attack. A stranger, a suspect in a crime, was hanging out unsupervised in his apartment! He opened the door to put his mind at ease and found that she was on the couch watching television. The rest of the afternoon passed with Jon making conference calls and working on his laptop.
    Later, when some delicious aromas wafted into the bedroom, Jon went out to see what was happening. He was surprised to find Beth busy in the kitchen making dinner.
    Seeing him there, she said, “I hope you don’t mind that I helped myself to your kitchen. I thought I’d surprise you with supper. A little thank-you for all your help.”
    It had been a very long time since a woman had cooked for him or done anything special just to please him. Unexpected delight flashed through him, making him feel buoyant, as if that boulder on his shoulder had shrunk just a little. “No, I don’t mind at all. I had no idea how hungry I was until those delectable smells hit me.”
    â€œIt will be ready soon.” Jon went back to work some more.
    When Beth called, “Supper is served,” Jon joined her at his small kitchen table. He relished the simple but tasty meal she’d created from canned foods and pasta scrounged from his mostly empty pantry, taking pleasure in the food and the company.
    â€œThis is good,” he murmured, mouth full of pasta. “Thank you for making dinner.”
    â€œIt was nothing, really, after all you’ve done for me. Anyway, I was hungry too.”
    â€œI’m impressed by what you managed to whip up with practically no food in the place.”
    Beth smiled shyly at his praise. “Really, it’s nothing.”
    As if drawn to him, she leaned closer, and her luminous eyes caught Jon’s again, locking them both in that odd visceral connection he’d felt before. Neither said anything, just stared, and for a brief moment, Jon felt as if Beth was as unsettled as he was.
    Then in a breathy whisper, she added, “I wish there was more I could do for you.”
    Unbidden, Jon remembered the deputy’s suggestion of other ways she could repay him, and the hard-on he had fought all day came roaring back. Jon forced his eyes away, breaking the link. He was grateful the table hid his bulging pants as