Legal Briefs (Lawyers in Love) by N.M. Silber Read Free Book Online Page B

Bastard!
    “I just prefer that you not tell people who you just met that I give you a workout.”
    “I’ve met him before.”
    “Would you say that kind of stuff if we really were sleeping together?!”
    “That’s an interesting point. Maybe we should explore that.”
    “Do you want to fuck me, Adam?”
    “Is this a trick question?”
    “Just answer!”
    “Yes?”
    “Then may I suggest that you consider employing a new strategy? Like treating me with respect , and eventually, maybe even asking me out on a fucking date ?!” It’s amazing what anger can do to help one overcome fear of rejection.
    “Would you agree to go out on a date with me if I asked you?”
    “If you promised to genuinely make an effort to treat me with respect!”
    “So does this mean I make you feel something?” he asked merrily.
    “Yes! Enraged!” I narrowed my eyes and glowered at him.
    “You’re really adorable when you’re all worked up like this, you know.”
    “Bunny rabbits are adorable! I am passionate!”
    “See, I do make you feel something besides rage,” he pointed out with a satisfied smile. “We have chemistry.”
    “So does an H bomb.”
    “Look, I realize this is crazy.” He laughed. “ Really I do, trust me, but what the hell. Adler, do you want to go on a date with me?”
    “Okay,” I said hesitantly. “But we should start with the socializing together at O’Malley’s on Friday.”
    “Pre-date socialization. I’m down with that. And if we manage that without bloodshed, you want to have an actual date on Saturday?”
    “Well, um, there’s this author party thing on Saturday night at that club, Inferno. Fiery Ladies and Red Hot Books? Inferno? Get it?” I looked at the ceiling. “Anyway, I’m supposed to go as Lilah Alden. I was thinking about having some fun with it, since I’m an erotic novelist. I was, you know, going to dress kind of sexy and …”
    “Hell, yes! I want to go.” My gaze flew back to him.
    “You do? Oh. Uh, okay.” This conversation was so surreal that I felt like I was on the verge of having an out-of-body experience.
    “See, we’re getting along better already. You should have asked me if I wanted to fuck you a long time ago.”
    “Are you trying to make me kill you?” I glared at him for a moment, but as he stood there smiling at me, suddenly I couldn’t help it; slowly, I smiled too.
    “Goodnight Adler, make sure you dream about me. Your fans are probably looking forward to a sequel,” he said, turning and heading back toward the stairs.
    “Goodnight Roth,” I called after him. “Try not to wake the neighbors when you holler my name in your sleep.”
    I watched him disappear down the steps and went over to the window to surreptitiously watch him get into his car and drive away. Then, and only then, I allowed myself to freak out a little because, oh my God, Adam and I – Adam and I – were going to go on a date! It was so weird but it was so … stirring.

    Monday when I got home from work. I saw the new neighbor coming out of his apartment. To my surprise, he made eye contact with me and smiled.
    “Hi there, Dan McGuire, 404. Nice to meet you,” he said, approaching me. I shook his outstretched hand and smiled back.
    “Lily Adler, 401. Likewise,” I answered pleasantly.
    “Hey, have you had problems with the lock on the front door?”
    “Yeah, it sticks and you have to jiggle the key. I’ve been telling the landlord about it. This is a rough neighborhood and we shouldn’t have to stand out on the street like that at night.”
    “Well, at least you have some friends in law enforcement. That guy you were with the other night’s a prosecutor, isn’t he?”
    “Yes, he is. Do you know him?” I wondered, uncomfortably, if he had also met Adam in a professional capacity, like Mr. Viagra on the first floor.
    “No, I heard you mention it the other night, and I think I may have seen him in the criminal courts building. I’ve been there on job related