When I was about finished with the case file, the jury was back. Reed went to his client and I went to court.
"Has the jury reached a verdict?" I asked, trying to settle my stomach.
"We have, Your Honor."
The first juror showed me the verdict.
I nodded and handed it back.
He went back to the rest of the jury.
"What say you?"
"We find the defendant not guilty," he spoke.
The prosecution looked huffy.
Ms. Andrews pulled Reed into a tight hug. She kissed his cheek and held him for a moment too long.
"Court adjourned," I spoke and hit my gavel.
I went to my chambers and packed the huge case file into my briefcase. Then, I started to leave.
"Georgia?" Reed spoke.
I looked up.
He looked at me. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I just wanted to go home."
"Maybe you shouldn't take that case."
"It's fine. I'm fine. I just-I want to go home and change, okay?"
"I can walk you, if you'd like."
"No, it's fine. You have work to do at your firm, I'm sure."
"Georgia-"
"Text me your address and I'll meet you at your place tonight, okay?"
He nodded. "Okay."
I looked at Andy. "I'm headed out."
He nodded.
I smiled at Reed and stepped out of the office.
As I began my walk home, I had a nasty feeling in my stomach. The case was running itself over and over again in my brain. It wasn't okay. I hadn't even started overseeing the trial and my head was a mess. I was a mess.
When I got home, I went in and went to my room. I changed out of my dress and into light wash boyfriend jeans and a lavender tee shirt. I slipped on black flats and tied my hair in a ponytail. Then, I went downstairs.
Jen and Dad were on the couch, watching TV.
I walked in and sat down.
"You okay?" Jen asked.
"I got this case and I literally look like all the victims."
"What happened to them?"
"Brutal rape and murder."
"Got the case file?" Dad asked.
I got it and handed it to him.
"Oh, God. This is awful."
I nodded. "A coworker got it and gave it to me, said he was the type of person who took his work home with him. He said I was cold and he thought I could handle it."
Dad sighed.
"And Reed won his case. Then, accepted an extremely long hug and kiss on the cheek from his whorish client."
"Yikes. You've had quite the day," Jen spoke.
"And he's falling in love with me," I spoke, gripping a pillow to my chest. I looked up at her. "He told me so in my chambers."
"What did you say?" Dad asked.
"I didn't know what to say. We barely know each other."
"At least he has good taste," Dad smirked.
"Dad."
Jen looked at me. "Are you wearing that to his place tonight?"
I shrugged. "Why not?"
"Just thought you might want something sexier."
"If he doesn't like me in jeans, he can't have me."
Dad chuckled.
Jen nodded. "True."
My phone buzzed.
I looked at it.
A text from Reed with his address. He also mentioned wearing something comfortable and to come by whenever.
I sighed, "I should head out."
"Okay. You going to be okay?" Dad asked.
I nodded and stood. I grabbed my wallet, keys, and phone. Then, I left.
I walked down a couple blocks. I walked down another block.
He didn't live far away from me.
I couldn't believe we'd never crossed paths before, especially since we worked primarily in the same building.
On my way to his place, I found myself at a grocery store. I bought a nice bottle of wine and made my way towards his place.
When I got there, I rang the doorbell.
He opened the door. He smiled, "Hey."
"Hey," I smiled.
"Come on in."
I stepped in. I lifted the bottle of wine. "I brought some wine."
He took it and looked at it. "Nice choice. It'll go nice with our meal."
I nodded.
He smiled at me. "You okay?"
I nodded.
He was dressed in his white button down and black pants. He wasn't wearing his tie. His sleeves were rolled up and his top was unbuttoned a bit. His hair was ruffled. He was very relaxed, his shirt untucked.
"When did you get home?" I asked.
"Half an hour ago. I already started dinner."
"Great."
He put an arm around me and led me into his kitchen.
It was huge and white. It was gorgeous. The kitchen island was a beautiful white marble. The appliances were stainless steel. It was incredible.
"You cook a lot?"
"Yeah, I try to."
I nodded.
He pulled a barstool out at the island.
I sat down.
He walked around the counter and got a wine glass. He opened the bottle and poured me a glass of wine. He passed it to me. Then, he poured himself a glass.
I looked at him.
"What?"
"Nothing."
He took a drink of wine and turned to the stove. "I can tell when people are lying."
"It's nothing."
"Having second thoughts?"
"About us? No."
He walked around the island to me. He walked behind me and wrapped his arms around me.
I sighed.
His lips kissed my neck. "I'm sorry about the trial today, when we won. I know you probably didn't like that celebration."
"I didn't."
"I'd much rather hold you in my arms."
"Yeah, me too," I smiled. I frowned.
"Is it the new case?"
"It's just freaking me out a bit. I'm being silly. I know he's in custody. It's just put a pit in my stomach."
He kissed my neck again. "I understand."
"How do people defend these monsters?"
"I don't know, but I'm glad it's not me."
"Me, too."
He gripped my shirt. "What do you think about a relaxing evening? Dinner and a movie?"
"Sounds nice," I sighed.
He smiled against my shoulder.
I moved around on the stool and wrapped my arms around his neck. I gave him a quick kiss.
He rubbed my back.
"Go focus on dinner. Me later."
He smiled and released me. He went to the stove.
I watched him cook, moving throughout his kitchen with ease. He was comfortable in the kitchen, comfortable cooking.
"How was your day after trial?"
"It was fine. I was meeting with clients all day. I did a couple depositions. Boring stuff."
"I remember those days. At least they keep you busy. Get any good cases?"
"Yeah, but I can't talk about them. You might be a judge for a couple of them."
"Fun."
He turned to me and smiled.
I smiled at him.
When dinner was finished, he put the food on plates and took them to a dining room. He sat them at two seats across from one another. The table was set, a candle sat in the middle. He lit the candle and smiled at me.
He helped me sit, then sat across from me.
"You know, if you brought me here to poison me, there are at least two other people who know I'm with you."
He chuckled, "Just try it."
I took a bite of the chicken. It was cooked perfectly, then I tried the sides he made. "This is delicious."
"I'm glad you like it," he smiled, taking a bite of his food.
I took a drink of my wine. "I've never had a date cook for me before."
"Yeah?"
I nodded.
"So far so good?"
I nodded, taking another bite of my food.
He smiled at me.
When we finished our meal, he cleared the table and did the dishes. Then, he pulled me into the living room.
A huge flat screen was on the wall above a fireplace.
He clicked a button on a remote.
The fireplace turned on.
"Oh, cool," I smiled.
He went to his couch. "Come, sit."
I sat with him, kicking my shoes off. I curled into his chest.
He wrapped an arm around me and kissed my head. "What do you want to watch?"
I shrugged. "Anything."
He grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. "What kind of movies do you like?"
I shrugged. "Pretty much everything, but no horror tonight. I have enough of that at work."
He picked a random comedy and turned it on.
I rested my head on his shoulder. I sighed.
Halfway through the film, Reed sighed.
I looked at him. "What?"
"Nothing."
"Reed."
He looked at me. "It's nothing. Promise."
I gave him a quick kiss.
Well, I meant for it to be a quick kiss, but he deepened it. He kissed me deeply and passionately.
I moved from beside him to on his lap, straddling him. I tangled my hands in his hair. I bit his lip.
He moaned, his hands going to my lower back. His hands gripped my shirt.
I put my hands over his and moved them to my hips. I removed my shirt.
His eyes flickered down my body, then back to my face. His eyes searched mine.
I bit my lip.
His lips found mine again, ravaging mine.
My hands went to the buttons on his shirt.
As my hands undid the last button, his doorbell rang.
I pulled back and looked at him. "Expecting company?"
"No."
"Reed, it's me!" a guy called. "I lost my spare key!"
Reed sighed. He handed me my shirt.
I slipped it back on. "Can't catch a break."
"I'll get rid of him. Just wait here."
"You know I'm sitting on your lap."
"Oh, right." He flipped us so I was under him on the couch.
I gasped.
He stole a kiss and left the room.
I heard the door open.
"Reed, you are not going to believe what just happened."
I heard footsteps.
As the voice went on, it got louder.
I wiped the lipstick from my face.
A man walked in front of me, looking at something on the bookshelf by the fireplace. He turned, still rambling on. His eyes met mine. "Oh, hello."
"Hi."
"Peter, this is Judge Georgia Monroe. Georgia, this is Peter Garrison, my partner at the firm," Reed introduced.
I stood and put a hand out to him. "Nice to meet you."
"It's an honor. I've heard a lot about you from many different lawyers." He shook my hand.
I nodded and put my hands in my pocket. "I hope good things, but I suspect not."
He nodded.
I turned to Reed. "I should go."
"No, it's fine, Your Honor," Peter spoke.
I turned to him. "Judge Monroe or Georgia, please. We're not in court."
He nodded.
"What's going on, Peter?" Reed asked.
"There's this huge murder trial that starts tomorrow. The lawyer dropped the case. Guess who got it."
"I'm going to guess that you did."
"You bet! Dude, I got hired by one of the richest psychopaths ever. This is huge. This case could make my career. If we win this, our firm is going to be known by everyone."
"Bill Wilkens?" I asked.
"Yeah," he smiled. "Cool, huh? Hey, how'd you know?"
"You're not going to win the case."
"How do you know?"
"Have you seen the evidence?"
"Just my client's story. Why?"
I shook my head. "You can't take this case."
"Why not?" Peter asked.
I looked at Reed. "I know that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but you don't know what I know. You can't take this case."
"What do you know?" Peter asked.
I looked at him. "I can't discuss that. I'm a judge, not an idiot."
"Is this the case you've been distressed over all day? That huge case file you read this afternoon?" Reed asked.
I nodded.
Reed looked at Peter. "I can't do this case."
"Reed, you have to. You're the best chance we have at winning the case."
"Peter-"
"What's the matter with you? Don't you want this? I mean, you could retire on this case if you wanted to. Imagine how many clients we'll get! Reed, you're the best guy for the job."
"Rape, manslaughter, and murder and you think you can win? You think anyone can win this case?" I asked.
"What? Are you the judge on it?" Peter asked.
"I am."
He froze and stood up straight. "Reed, don't just stand there. Get the good judge a cup of coffee."
"Peter-"
He froze. "Wait. Are you sleeping with the judge? Dude!"
"No, I'm not. We're dating."
"Oh, this is great. We can't lose!"
"Yes, you can," I spoke. I turned to Reed. "You know how this relationship is unethical?"
He nodded.
"Dating a guy who's defending a monster is too. It's kind of one of those lines I can't cross."
"Then, I won't defend him. Peter can do it. An associate can second chair. I won't have anything to do with it."
"Reed, c'mon."
"Just supporting this guy will give the firm credit. I don't need to support the decision, nor the defendant. You should've asked me," Reed spoke.
"If your date wasn't the judge, if she hadn't told you about the case, if you didn't know about it beforehand, could you defend him?" Peter asked.
"Depends what his story is."
"Insanity."
I scoffed. I looked at Reed. "I really should go."
"Georgia-"
"Unethical. Against the law. If I stand here any longer, listening to this, I'll probably be sick. In addition to that, I'd also have to call the prosecutor. Neither of which sound appealing."
"Then, I should walk you home. It's dark out and-"
"I'm fine."
He took a breath.
I kissed his cheek. "I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Georgia-"
Before he could say anything, I had my things and was stepping out the front door. I closed it and took a breath. I couldn't believe his firm was going to defend a monster.
***
The next morning, I went into work early. I looked at the case file again. I didn't like any of it.
When I was called to go into court, I went.
As the jury came in, I could feel eyes on me. Not the normal 'looking at the judge' eyes. These pierced me. They scared me.
I turned to see the defendant looking at me with a creepy look. Just like that, the pit in my stomach was back.
Andy looked at me. "Your Honor, it's your turn to talk."
I nodded and cleared my throat. "How does the defendant plea?"
"Not guilty by reason of insanity, Your Honor," Mr. Garrison spoke.
"Your client can't speak for himself, Mr. Garrison?" I asked.
"I can speak for myself," he spoke in a gravelly voice.
I took a drink of water.
Andy noticed. "Judge, where's your coffee?"
I shook my head.
"Oh, boy," he mouthed.
The court door opened.
Reed stepped in and sat down in the second row.
"Mr. Garrison, is there someone here to testify for your client's mental state of insanity?"
"Permission to approach?"
"Yes."
He came up to my desk. He handed me a paper.
I looked at it. Mentally deranged. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Depression. Paranoia. The list was endless.
I handed the paper back to him. "Step back."
He went back to his table.
I looked at my dad, who was in the third row on the plaintiff's side. He nodded at me.
I took a breath. "Let's get down to business. Prosecution."
As the prosecutor did his opening statement, I felt eyes on me. I got the same feeling I had before. It wasn't a welcomed feeling. It wasn't good.
Andy noticed.
Discreetly, he walked over to Mr. Garrison and whispered something to him.
He nodded and told Mr. Wilkens something.
He grumbled and hardened his gaze.
When Mr. Garrison stood to do his opening remarks, I grew even more nervous. The associate was a blonde woman. She didn't fit the type of women the man raped and murdered, but I did. I fit the description perfectly.
I looked down at my papers. Maybe if I didn't acknowledge him, I wouldn't notice the staring. I took a drink of water.
When the defense was over, the prosecutor began introducing evidence. It was a good distraction.
All morning, Mr. Wilkens stared at me. He would glare and lick his lips.
Around the fiftieth time he did it that morning, Andy came over to me. "Your Honor, maybe you should call a brief recess."
I looked at my watch. It was around noon. A recess would be fine.
The prosecutor sat at his table.
"Court will recess for an hour." I excused the jury and hit my gavel before rushing from the room. I went to my office's restroom and got sick. I couldn't contain it anymore. I couldn't stop the pit in my stomach.
When all of my stomach contents were gone, I flushed the toilet and stood. I rinsed my mouth out and washed my hands. I told my secretary to run out and get me a toothbrush and paste. I needed the taste out of my mouth.
I went to my office and put a piece of gum in my mouth.
"Your Honor, are you okay?" Andy asked.
"I'm fine."
"Should I call lunch in?"
"No, I can't bear it, not today."
"Okay. Your father is here."
"Send him in."
A moment later, Dad came in. He sighed, "Oh, sweetie."
"He kept glaring at me and-and licking his lips. He's a terrifying man, Dad. I don't-I don't know if I'm the best person for this."
"Honey, of course you are. You're the best judge I know."
"Tell my stomach that."
"Did you eat breakfast?"
"Yeah, but I just got sick, so that's not been very helpful."
"Georgia, you've never backed down from a challenge."
"I know, so why is this so difficult?"
"Because you look like his victims. We all know it. So does he."
I took a breath.
There was a knock on my door.
"Your Honor, Mr. Robinson is here."
"Send him in."
He came in, closing the door behind him. "Hey, I've never seen you drink water during a trial before, so I brought you some coffee."
"I can't drink coffee. I have nothing on my stomach. It'll eat right through. Besides, I'm rattled enough as it is."
"He's been staring at her and licking his lips all morning. She's a little freaked out," Dad spoke.
Reed sighed.
"Andy saw it too. That's why he spoke to Mr. Garrison, why he suggested we take a recess. I don't know if I can do this."
"You've already started. If you quit now, it'll get pushed back further and he'll have more chance to walk free," Dad spoke.
"Dad, he's looking at me like-like-"
"Like you'll be his next victim," Reed continued.
I nodded.
"Georgia, use that to your advantage."
"You're the firm leading his defense. You really want to tell me how to take him down?"
"We're getting paid just to do the trial." He looked at me. "You know you look like his victims. Stand up for them. Do it for them. The thing with them is that he had the power. Today, on this trial, you have the power. Just make sure he knows that."
"You think that'll work? He seems to like resistance."
"Try it. If it doesn't work, we'll figure something out for tomorrow."
I nodded.
He walked over and put the coffee on my desk. "And drink this. You'll need all the upper hand you can get."
I nodded. "Thanks."
"No problem."
"I'll give you two a minute," Dad spoke. He stood and left the room.
"I'm sorry about last night. I should've walked you home."
"It was fine."
"We never got to finish our film."
"We weren't going to finish it anyway, if I remember correctly," I smirked.
He smiled at me. "That's true."
"So close, yet so far."
He smiled.
"We always get interrupted, don't we?" I asked.
He nodded. "Yeah, we do."
"Maybe it's not meant to be," I sighed.
"Oh, it's going to happen," he spoke, sounding a mixture of urgent and confident.
I rose a brow.
"It's going to happen if I have to take you back to my place and lock every door and window; it's going to happen."
"I like that idea."
He smiled.
I smiled at him.
He leaned down to kiss me.
"Not a good idea."
"Why not?"
"Just trust me on this one," I spoke.
"But I want to."
I shook my head.
There was a knock on the door.
"Yeah?"
My secretary came in and handed me a bag from a pharmacy.
I took it and smiled, "You're the best."
She smiled and left the room.
"Be right back."
He nodded.
I went to the restroom and brushed my teeth.
When I managed to get the taste out of my mouth, when my mouth was thoroughly cleaned, I went back to my office.
Reed was sitting in my chair. He turned to me. "Everything okay?"
I nodded.
"Then, why can't I kiss you?"
"You can kiss me now."
"What was wrong with five minutes ago?"
"It's an unattractive answer. Can we move on?"
He nodded.
I walked to him and straddled his hips like I had the night before. I kissed his neck sweetly.
"Oh, Your Honor," he quietly moaned.
I made a trail up his neck to his lips. I kissed him deeply. My fingers slid under his tie, loosening it.
His breath caught.
I pulled back and whispered, "Shhh..."
"You're a very dishonorable judge when you want to be," he whispered.
"Do you want me to be honorable?"
"What does that involve?" he smiled at me.
I removed his tie and put it on. I smirked, "You tell me."
He smiled, "Very dishonorable."
I smiled.
He gave me a kiss. "Feeling better?"
"Very," I smiled.
"Got a boost of confidence?"
I gave him a kiss and bit his lip. I kissed him again and whispered, "You tell me."
He smiled and took his tie off me.
"Don't like the tie?"
"Love the tie, especially on you. I would give everything to see you in nothing, but the tie. It's just that we're in your office and we only have a little over half an hour until you're due back in court."
I sighed, "You suck."
"Do I?"
I nodded.
He ran a hand through my hair. "Beautiful."
"Not fair," I whispered.
He smiled and gave me a kiss.
I stood.
He smiled and stood.
There was a knock on the door.
"Who is it?"
"Mr. Garrison," Andy spoke.
"Send him in."
Mr. Garrison stepped in. He looked at Reed. "Hey, partner. Good start to the trial, eh?"
"They have a lot of evidence, Peter," Reed spoke.
"No case talk in here, please," I spoke.
Reed nodded.
"Mr. Garrison, what do you want?" I asked.
"I wanted to apologize for my client's behavior in court."
"It better not happen again."
"I can't really promise that, ma'am."
I sighed.
Reed put a hand to my back. "Peter, do something about it."
"I can't make him do anything."
"Peter, you think a distressed judge will let any psychopath get past a jury?"
"Wouldn't get past me anyway, but thanks for trying," I spoke.
Reed gave Peter a look.
"I'm sorry. I can't do anything. I wish I could."
Reed sighed.
"He does it one more time, I'm holding him in contempt."
"Judge Monroe-"
"Another word from you about not being able to do anything and I'll hold you in contempt too."
"Yes, ma'am."
"And don't call me ma'am. I'm not your mother."
"Yes, Judge."
"Anything else you need?"
Mr. Garrison looked at Reed. "I need you to go to the office and make sure everything is going okay."
"Peter-"
"Your girl and I will be in court."
"That's what I'm worried about."
I looked at Reed.
He gave me a soft smile.
"Man, you got it bad. How long have you known each other?" Peter asked.
"Not long," Reed spoke, looking at his partner. "But long enough."
There was a knock on my door.
"Yeah?" I called.
Andy looked in. "Your Honor, there's a woman here for you."
"A woman?"
Jen stuck her head in. She squealed, "Hi!"
"Andy, let her in."
She came in. "Hey, your dad called, said you weren't feeling well. He got caught with a client and asked me to bring you lunch."
"Oh, Jen, that's sweet, but I'm not hungry."
"She also won't drink coffee," Reed spoke.
She looked at me. "Are you ill?"
"She was earlier," Andy spoke.
"Andy," I warned.
He closed the door, leaving us be.
Jen looked at me. "When one of my kids gets sick, I send them home for the day."
"Jen, I'm not a first grader. I'm fine."
"Georgia."
"Jennifer."
"Peaches," Dad spoke, walking in. He looked around. "Oh. I missed the party invite."
"Dad, what's up?"
"Peaches?" Mr. Garrison smirked, chuckling.
"I'll have you held in contempt."
He froze, closing his mouth.
I looked at my dad. "What's up?"
"I have to go home. My best client got arrested again."
"He's been getting arrested since I was nineteen, Dad. When are you going to admit that he's scum?"
"He's scum, but he pays me well," Dad smiled.
"Oh, I like him," Mr. Garrison spoke. "Reed, he should come work for us."
Dad looked at him. "I've been a defense lawyer longer than you've been alive, boy."
I smiled. I walked around my desk and hugged my dad. "Drive safe, okay?"
He nodded. He hugged Jen, then shook Reed's hand. "You'll call me about my case?"
"Of course."
"And remember, you break her heart, I break everything you got."
"Understood."
He nodded and winked at me, then left.
I looked at Jen. "I'm due back in court soon. I don't have time for lunch."
"Look, you need to eat if you want to do well in court and since you don't have coffee in your system, you need nourishment."
I sighed.
"Who are you? Her mother?" Mr. Garrison asked.
"Peter, I'll meet you in her reception area," Reed spoke.
He nodded and left the room.
I looked at Reed.
He looked at me and gave me a quick kiss. "Are you going to be okay in court?"
I nodded.
"Okay. Then, I have to go to my office. Since your dad left, do you want to reconsider coming to my place tonight?"
"She'll be there," Jen spoke.
I looked at Jen. "I can make my own decisions."
"Yes, but I need the townhouse tonight. I have a gentleman friend coming over."
"The agency again?" I asked.
She gawked and gasped, "Shut up!"
I laughed, "Kidding. Where'd you meet this one?"
"The grocery store."
I nodded. "Okay. How late do I need to stay out?"
"Well..."
"Go home and pack a bag after court. You can stay at my place," Reed spoke.
I looked at him. "We're too early in our relationship for a sleepover."
"What's your alternative? A hotel is ridiculous."
"I could sleep in here."
"Georgia, that's ridiculous. Just pack a bag. I'll pick you up here after work."
I nodded. "Okay."
He gave me a quick kiss and left.
I looked at Jen.
"I meant to tell you about the guy, I did, but I wasn't sure if it was going to work out. I mean, it's only our third date. I don't know him very well."
I nodded.
We sat.
She removed salads and soda from a little lunch bag. She handed me mine.
We ate relatively quickly, talking through lunch.
When Andy came to get me, I sighed and stood. I wasn't sure I could do this. I made myself a cup of coffee and took a drink. I needed to do this. I could do this. Be confident. Have the power.
When I went to court, I took my seat.
The jury came in.
I spoke, "Okay, prosecution was introducing evidence. Let's get back to that."
Mr. Wilkens kept looking at me. He wouldn't stop.
I ignored him.
A couple witnesses took the stand.
That was painful to watch, painful to listen to. Their stories revolved around being best by the defendant or emotionally abused. None of the stories were nice, nothing was in his favor.
Everything made me a little queasy. I thought of his victims, watched their families react to the awful stories. It was awful. It made my heart hurt.
I didn't know how I sat there, but I did. I didn't throw up. I didn't move. I just sat and listened. I thought of what I would have done if I were the women's families or if I were the women. Putting myself in their shoes made everything much more real, much more terrifying, but I had to do it. I was too curious not to.
When court had recessed for the evening, I went home and packed a bag. I packed a blue camisole and shorts pajama set and fresh panties, then I packed a black skirt suit for the next day with a white blouse. I put my toiletries in the bag and went downstairs.
Jen smiled at me. "Have a nice night."
"You too."
I lifted my tote over my shoulder and carried my briefcase with the other hand. I left the house.
Instead of going back to work, curiosity got the better of me. I took a left turn from the courthouse and went a couple blocks. I found myself at Reed's office. Unable to curb my curiosity, I went upstairs.
When the elevator stopped on their floor, I got off.
The secretary, Ms. Andrews, smiled at me. She looked just as she had the first day of her court hearing. "Oh, Judge Monroe. Good evening. Can I help you?"
"Robinson's office."
"I'll take you. Is he expecting you?"
"Uh, no."
She nodded and stood. She led me to the right of her desk and down a hall. She stopped at a door at the end of the hall. She knocked.
"I'm busy."
"Mr. Robinson, there's someone here for you."
"I don't have any clients left today, Ms. Andrews."
"I know, sir, but she asked for you and she's a judge so I assumed-"
"Let her in."
She opened the door, letting me in. She closed the door behind me.
Reed sat behind a huge oak desk. A huge window was behind him. His sleeves were pushed up and his tie was loosened. He held a pen in his hand. He was busy.
He looked at me with soft eyes. "Hi."
"Hi."
"What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to see your office and curiosity got the better of me."
"I'm glad it did, because I have a bit more paperwork to do and I missed you."
"You're sweet."
"And yet you still haven't kissed me."
I put my stuff down in front of his desk and walked around to him. I gave him a sweet kiss and smiled, "I don't want to distract you."
He smiled.
I sat in one of the two chairs facing his desk.
He smiled, "I'll be finished soon."
I nodded. "Take your time."
He nodded and got back to work.
As I sat and watched him work, I found myself pretty relaxed. I enjoyed watching him. He was smart and handsome. As he wrote, as he worked, he looked even more attractive.
I thought about how we came to be. It was a peculiar story, but it was interesting. But I wouldn't have changed anything. Earlier that day, he'd told me he'd been falling for me. Well, maybe I was falling for him too.