Objection Overruled by J.K. O'Hanlon Read Free Book Online Page B

cool and confident when self-doubt often ate at her insides like a slow-growing ulcer.
    Although Jackie had not been born a Baltimorean blue blood, her practice took her into the most elite circles of the city’s legal and social communities. Determined not to appear like her deadbeat dad or nut-job mom, Jackie spent years honing a persona of cool competence. But the same fears and uncertainties that racked the rest of the world bubbled inside her.
    Would anyone ever love her for her competency as well as her vulnerability? Gary hadn’t. And Brandon? Jesus, why did he pop into her mind? She barely knew him. Eyes closed, she counted backward from ten to zero to clear him and all of her stupid worries out of her mind.
    After coming out of the restroom, she cut through the elevator area to reenter the lobby by the receptionist’s desk. An exceptional piece of ass met her eyes. Although the charcoal-gray pinstripe suit jacket covered most if it, she saw the hard muscles poised over the long legs.
    Déjà vu hit her. Not déjà vu. That was when a person thought she’d seen someone or something before. Jackie knew exactly to whom that sexy behind belonged. Her heart stopped. Her breath caught in her throat.
    “Brandon?” she croaked.
    The man spun around and dropped his briefcase on the floor.
    “Jackie? What are you doing here?”
    “What am I doing here? What are you doing here?” Jackie swallowed to force saliva into her dry mouth.
    “I’m being deposed as the expert in the Kovel v. Ashe Investments case.” He frowned at her.
    “You’re Brandon Marshfield?” Jackie’s mind was spinning. Where was that green folder Marilyn had given her?
    His frown hardened. His jaw clenched. “Yeah. But I think the better question is who the hell are you?”

Chapter Five
    Jackie eyed Brandon suspiciously. A week ago they’d shared an intimate evening. In a few minutes, he would face off as her adversary. Could she compartmentalize the inexplicable connection with this guy from her duty to examine, and eventually discredit, him?
    Gary Stone strode into the lobby. He glared at the receptionist who stared openmouthed at Jackie while the phone rang unanswered. “Don’t I pay you to answer the phone?”
    Turning to Brandon, Stone smiled, then extended his hand. “Mr. Marshfield, I’m Gary Stone. Nice to meet you. I see you’ve met opposing counsel.”
    “Actually, she was just introducing herself,” Brandon replied, his gaze resting on her.
    “I’m Jackie North, Mr. Marshfield. I represent the Kovels and other plaintiffs in the case at hand. I will be taking your deposition this morning. Mr. Stone, is the court reporter ready?” Although she presented calm, cool assurance on the outside, sweat trickled down her sides. It would be best to keep the jacket on today.
    Stone led the group to the conference room. As they walked down the hall, Jackie’s mind raced through what her legal and ethical obligations were regarding disclosing the fact that she knew Brandon. Knew him? Christ, she’d fucked him. Six times!
    Oh God, why is this happening to me?
    Ethics, North. Think.
    Gary had provided the basic information with his motion to substitute the witness, including the résumé of the new expert. She’d looked through it, but no bells or whistles had gone off in her head. Could she truly have not asked his name the other night?
    The group arrived at the Pratt conference room. The court reporter had set up his equipment close to the door. The video recorder was trained on the far end of the conference room table, where Brandon took a seat. Jackie and Stone sat opposite each other. She studied Stone, who appeared oblivious to the king-size firework that had exploded between Brandon and her. The fact that she knew Brandon was Gary’s problem. But how many other experts did she know in town? About ninety percent. She hadn’t had sex with any of them, though.
    She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. She’d push