“It’s not sad, it’s fact.”
She shook her head. “No, I meant your attitude is sad and so is the fact that you can base it on one kind of life experience. Not all relationships are difficult or based on lies or the divorce statistics would be even higher.”
“Maybe they should be. Did you ever consider the fact that many of those who don’t divorce merely stay together out of convenience?”
“Did you ever consider the notion that couples stay together out of love and respect for each other and the lives they’ve built together?” She glanced up at him, suddenly wanting him to view relationships and possibilities as she did.
Not for them, she assured herself, because there was no them, but for him. Because he’d be a happier man if his mind and heart could soften toward the idea of honest relationships.
He shook his head. The ocean breeze disheveled his dark hair, blowing strands across his forehead. His laid back, sexy appearance was at odds with the determined, grim look in his eyes.
She supposed his attitude ought to turn her off, but instead she felt more drawn to him than before. A distinct fluttering took up residence in her stomach. She recognized the yearning as sexual desire, the tug at her heart as a more emotional connection.
He’d obviously suffered as a child. So had she. He’d apparently built high walls and defenses. Glancing down at her linen skirt and camisole, she realized she’d done the same. They had more in common than she’d ever believed. His effect on her had always been potent but instead of quenching her desire, last night’s sensual give-and-take combined with this morning’s beach walk had whet her appetite for more.
More of Jack Latham.
More about Jack.
“I never would have pegged you for an optimist or a dreamer,” he said at last.
She smiled. “I hadn’t thought of myself in those terms either. If asked I’d have called myself a realist.” But apparently a romantic lurked beneath the illusion she’d spent years creating.
“The woman I met last night was no hard-edged
realist.” His voice took on a gruff edge.
At the reminder of their sensual evening, her body softened and warmed, much the way her mind and heart had already thawed toward Jack. Mallory wondered what would happen if she freed the dreamer inside herself, the one he was obviously drawn to, at least for the nonbusiness parts of this trip. Could she still rein it back in when this excursion ended?
She shook her head, letting the breeze push fallen strands of hair back from her face. Even if she desired more, she couldn’t risk her job nor could she potentially risk her heart. She inhaled the salty air, regret infusing her deep inside.
Mallory decided the time for revelations and intimacy had ended. Back to safety. “The woman last night may not have struck you as a realist but the attorney who’s helping you on this case is definitely one.”
“Return to business.” Disappointment flickered in his eyes and laced his tone.
She nodded, knowing she had no choice. “So, will you confront Lederman about your suspicions?”
“I was thinking of a more behind-the-scenes quest for information. Whatever you and I can find out before we hit Paul up for details. If our imaginations are acting overtime and he’s truly involved with his son and a business deal, then accusing him of an affair or hiding something more will force him into giving the case to another firm.”
“Something neither of us want.”
“Because you view this as your stepping stone to partnership?” he asked with uncanny accuracy.
“Because the firm has my loyalty, and yes because I want to make partner.” And she didn’t want her obsession with Jack or her blatant move last night to jeopardize all she’d worked for.
He stopped walking without warning. She didn’t realize he wasn’t beside her until he called her name. She turned, making her way the few steps back toward him.
“What is it?” she asked.
“I don’t want you to think I’d do or say anything to destroy your chances for partnership.”
“I’d hope you wouldn’t. In fact I guess a part of me must have trusted you not to betray last night or else I’d have been a fool to set that plan in motion.”
He reached a hand up to cup her cheek. His warm yet roughened palm caressed her skin. “You’re no fool.”
The cool breeze blew around them and she shivered, a blatant reaction to his touch and not the ocean air. “Neither are you.”
“True. And considering I didn’t walk out as soon as I realized it was you, I suppose we’re trusting each other not to reveal the fact that we’re breaking the no-office-romance rule.”