Indiscretions Read online

  This was the first time she could recall doubting herself. Self-doubt regarding her profession was an emotion with which she was totally unfamiliar. On the other hand, she knew from day one that as soon as she stepped through the hallowed halls of McMahon, Counts and Perry, she was going to have to work harder than anyone in the firm. Although her credentials spoke for themselves, she was the first black female associate ever hired in the firm’s 104-year history. They took a chance with her, and she knew it. But her nonconformist nature would not allow her to be molded into their conventional approach to criminal defense, which was her specialty. This, compounded with her opinionated persona, kept her constantly in hot water with the senior partners. Inwardly she cringed when the words she had lashed out at them whipped through her brain. The recollection and the inevitable aftermath made her throbbing head spin.

  Walking briskly through the hushed corridors, her mind totally entrenched in her latest dilemma, she made the sharp right turn toward her office and walked smack into what she swore had to be a recently erected wall. Her portfolio flew out of her hand, and its contents spilled out on the carpeted floor.

  “I’m so sorry…I wasn’t…I didn’t—” she blurted out in an embarrassed jumble, realizing it was a person and not a thing she had collided with. She blindly stooped down to retrieve the scattered articles. As she gathered the materials in a pile, a warm, masculine hand covered hers, and a voice with the soul-stirring resonance of a gospel singer stroked her rattled nerves.

  “Let me. It was partly my fault, anyway.” Khendra’s eyes slowly rose and rested upon the most smoldering black eyes she had ever seen. They appeared to dance with mischief, and something more—something dangerously inviting.

  “Are you all right?” he asked, the beginnings of a dimpled smile easing across his smooth face. When a full smile lit up his face, Khendra felt herself dissolve like melted butter, as perfect milky-white teeth sparkled against his deep, dark-chocolate complexion.

  “Yes…I’m fine. Thank you,” she answered slowly. Who was that person who just sounded like Minnie Mouse?

  He extended a hand to her, helping her to rise from her crouched position. She gingerly placed her hand in his and immediately felt the tingle of electricity creep through her body. His eyes and his smile held her entranced as she rose to meet his piercing gaze.

  He stood a full head taller than she in her two-inch heels, which would place him at about six feet three inches, she quickly surmised. His appearance bore the impression of a sleek panther lethally quick and sensual. He wore his dark hair cut very close, allowing the natural waves to show through. His broad shoulders filled the obviously expensive suit exquisitely, leading her to feel he would look good not only in a boardroom, but on a football field as well. Just his look and the way his half-smile played around his full lips made her feel totally vulnerable and completely feminine, feelings that were gently disturbing. The only way she knew how to handle the situation was in a businesslike manner, though her insides yearned for another approach.

  “Are you looking for someone? Perhaps I can point you in the right direction,” she said, a part of her hoping they were heading the same way.

  “Actually,” he began somewhat sheepishly, “I’m heading toward my office.”

  Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Really? I guess this is my day for getting caught off guard.”

  “Excuse me?” He gave her a curious look.

  “Nothing. Just thinking out loud. So…where is your office?”

  “Right down the hall, I think.” He pulled a card from the breast pocket of his midnight blue suit. “According to the receptionist, my office is opposite a Khendra Phillips’. Do you know her?”

  Khendra’s stomach fluttered. “Very well, actually. I’m Khendra Phillips.” She gave him a tentative smile. “And you are…?”

  He returned her smile. “So you’re the formidable Ms. Phillips.” He was pleased by the bright colors she wore, which were totally in contrast to the somber hues that pervaded the legal industry. His eyes quickly slid over her curvaceous figure, as he concentrated hard to keep his mind focused on the conversation at hand.

  “I’ve heard great stories about your legal wizardry.” His satiny voice caressed her statuesque form as he spoke. “The newspaper photos do you no justice.”

  As his dark eyes once again roamed over her body, Khendra had the dizzying sensation of being stripped bare under his heated gaze. A slow throb pumped steadily inside her, as though warning her of the unseen danger that lingered behind those volcanic orbs. Then that heart-stopping voice brought her back to reality.

  “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Sean Michaels.” Khendra’s smile slowly dissolved.

  “Problem?” His brows creased at her sudden change in expression.

  So this was Sean Michaels! The hot-shot attorney from New York who had stolen a golden opportunity from her. Her anger rushed to the surface in waves.

  “I guess I don’t feel too formidable today,” she said curtly.

  His thick eyebrows rose in surprise. “Tough case?”

  “No. Tough politics.” She gave him a cutting smile. “I’ve really got to be going, Mr. Michaels.” She started to move away.

  “Maybe you’d like to talk about it,” he called out to her retreating back.

  She stopped and turned toward him, confusion and surprise outlining her eyes.

  “That is, if you want to. I have a very sympathetic ear.” He shifted the stack of briefs under his arm and gave her the most unsettling look as he waited for her response.

  “I don’t know if that—”

  “How about this? Why don’t I take you to dinner when we sign off?” He shrugged his left shoulder and tilted his head to the side, looking at her through dark lashes. “We can talk about anything you’d like. No shop talk.” When she didn’t respond, he added, “I could really do with some beautiful company. It gets pretty lonely when you’re new in town.”

  She almost let herself forget who he was, as she felt herself being slowly swallowed up in the hypnotic cadence of his voice, the magic of his smile. Then she quickly regained her senses. He’s good, real good. He almost had me fooled for a minute.

  “I doubt it very seriously, Mr. Michaels. I’m sure I’m not the kind of company you’re looking for.”

  “Why? Are you married?”

  “No.” She suddenly felt flustered by the possessive way he looked at her—very casual, but unyielding. “Anyway, I don’t think my personal life is any of your business,” she snapped, feeling as if she had to defend herself.

  He tilted his chin up and observed her from an angle, trying hard to keep a smile from forming. “I see. Well, I’ll be here until six,” he said smoothly, not in the least put off by her cool demeanor.

  “You seem very sure of yourself, Mr. Michaels.”

  “That’s what makes me so good at what I do.” His eyes burned into hers. “And you can call me Sean.”

  He’s an arrogant—but she wouldn’t let the words form in her head. “I’ll think about both.” Khendra tucked her portfolio securely under her arm. “And by the way, you’re headed in the wrong direction,” she added, feeling the infantile need to knock him off his pedestal. She proceeded down the corridor, never once looking back at the figure that continued to stare at her.

  Sean chuckled inwardly, while carelessly leaning against the wall, watching her graceful movements. He was fascinated by the luxurious auburn hair that hung loosely on her proud shoulders. The seductive swaying of her slightly rounded hips beneath her blazer assured him that fire lay beneath her polished surface. Her skin tone reminded him of the finest brandy when held up to the light.

  Yes, he had to get to know this very interesting woman and find out if she was everything he had heard she was and what he had done to cause the glint of challenge that lit those earthy brown eyes. He was sure that beneath her cool exterior, there was much, much more. He was determined to unleash it. After all, they were neighbor
s, and maybe when they got to know each other he would find the something he so desperately needed in his life. As long as it didn’t interfere with his plans.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Khendra entered her office and gently closed the door behind her. She was fully aware that Mr. Sean Michaels’ eyes were recording her every movement, and she was determined to show him he hadn’t affected her in the least; a monumental feat, considering her heart was hammering in her chest like an automated set of African drums.

  She leaned against the closed door, briefly shut her eyes, and took a calming breath. So he thought he could just stroll in, steal her thunder and then charm her out of her shoes. Well, Mr. Sean Michaels had another think coming! She was his equal on every level, and she’d prove it. Maybe she would take him up on his offer of dinner, just to show him a thing or two.

  She marched toward her desk, then halted midway. Stop deluding yourself, she thought, slowly releasing her clenched jaw. A soft smile of realization formed around her lips. You know good and well Sean Michaels is one of the most devastatingly handsome men you’ve set your eyes on in a long time. And his getting the case has nothing to do with how fast your heart is racing. Let’s face it, it wasn’t his fault the firm chose him to handle that particular case. How could he know the inner workings of MC&P?

  She had judged him unfairly, she admitted, without giving him a chance. But why in heaven’s name did the very man who could steal her glorious reign have to be the same man who had just made her feel all the sensations she thought she had buried with all the other memories?

  She knew she would have to be careful. If his stunning good looks and smooth conversation were any indication of his personality, he’d probably just as soon slide into her bed as stab her in the back to get ahead. She had met his type before and remembered all too well.

  There you go again, she warned herself. She took a deep breath and mentally repeated the litany Charisse had implanted in her brain: “Every man is not out to get something. Just be the jury and not the judge!”

  She rounded her desk and slipped down into her worn leather chair, deciding she would at least give him the benefit of the doubt, unless he proved he didn’t deserve her trust. She was going to be practical, she concluded. But when she visualized how he had looked at her, thrilling sparks of current raced through her veins, tossing rationale out the window.

  It had been a long time since she had felt such powerful attraction to a man, and the awareness shook her to her very core. Yet, there was still that part of her that felt she was betraying Tony’s memory. That was the most difficult emotion to shake.

  Her conflicting thoughts were momentarily interrupted by the beep of her intercom. She reluctantly pulled herself back to the present and pressed the flashing light.

  “Yes, Leslie?”

  “Ms. Phillips, District Attorney Damato is here to see you.”

  “Send him in momentarily, Leslie. And bring the file with you. Oh, and Les, please bring your pad also. I want you to sit in on this meeting and take notes.”

  “Certainly.”

  Thoughts of Sean Michaels would have to wait.

  Sean stepped into his new office, and immediately felt he had finally arrived. The finely crafted mahogany desk was only the beginning. A lush oriental carpet covered most of the highly polished parquet floor. A sleek, burgundy leather sofa graced one wall of the tastefully decorated room.

  He was most impressed with the view. One twirl of the wand that opened the blinds, and the entire city spanned before his eyes. Atlanta was a beautiful and powerful metropolis, and he was determined to make his mark. This job was going to be the turning point in his life—a time to start over and put the past behind him for good.

  He moved self-assuredly through the room, acquainting himself with his space. Stopping, he placed the briefs on his desk and ran his hand possessively across the polished surface. Slowly, he lowered himself down into the burgundy antique leather chair, his dark eyes roaming the room in wonder.

  Things had to be different this time. No more taking a backseat to anyone. He’d had enough of that in New York. He was starting here with an excellent track record, and he didn’t owe anyone any favors. He intended to keep it that way. All the bad memories were behind him. A slight shudder of remembrance raced up his broad back. He could still see the headlines, hear the questions.

  But this was his new beginning, he thought, taking a cleansing breath. He intended to take every opportunity that came his way and capitalize on it.

  He spun slowly in his chair. Then, like a child let loose in a toy store, he seemed to lose control and spun round and round in total euphoria. A smile of complete satisfaction beamed across his face. When he and the chair came to a stop, he looked up to see Khendra standing in the opened doorway, a half-smile forming on her full, rich lips.

  “We’ve all been through it, you know.” She stepped partially into the room and looked boldly around. “When I first came here I thought I had died and gone to attorney heaven.” She smiled openly now, and Sean joined her with a smile of his own.

  He stood and moved from behind his desk, sticking his hands in his pockets as he approached. “So, Ms. Phillips, we do have something in common.”

  Khendra immediately felt the change in the atmosphere. The heat of uncertainty coursed through her veins. She felt suddenly out of her league with him, and she instantly put up her protective shield. “I didn’t say that,” she uttered defensively. “I just meant that—”

  “What are you afraid of? It couldn’t possibly be me.” He moved closer, his eyes never leaving hers.

  “I’m not afraid of anything, Mr. Michaels.” She defiantly jutted out her strong chin. “I was only making an observation. You’re very presumptuous.” She turned on her heel to leave.

  “So are we on for dinner or not?”

  She threw him a threatening look and slammed out of the door, her heart thudding with every movement.

  Sean shook his head in amusement. He returned to his desk and leaned back in his chair. You’re a pretty tough lady, Ms. Phillips, but you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”

  Khendra returned to her office, her breathing coming in rapid bursts. She balled her hands into small fists and swung them back toward the closed door, wishing she could knock that self-satisfied smile off his face. But what good would that do? she thought, her sanity returning. He would probably just have a smooth response and make her feel like a complete fool, like he had done from the moment she set eyes on him. Who did he think he was anyway, with his playboy looks and Kool-Aid smile?

  She let out an exasperated breath and plopped down into her chair. Well, she would just stay clear of him. But what was it about him that made her lose control? Was it those eyes that crinkled at the corners when he smiled? she mused. Was it the way those dimples gave him the look of an innocent little boy? Or was it simply the way he made her feel—so vulnerable and soft inside?

  What was happening to her? She had never let a man affect her this way before. At least not since Tony, she thought, the old knot of pain boiling up in her stomach. And she wouldn’t let it happen again. She would definitely have to get a grip on her feelings, especially if they had to work together. She could not allow him to continually throw her off balance. It was totally unprofessional, she decided with finality.

  Her thoughts were interrupted by the buzzing of her intercom. She snapped out of her musings and pressed the flashing red light.

  “Yes, Leslie?”

  “Ms. Phillips, Mr. Counts is here to see you,” she said, the awe obvious in her voice.

  Khendra was momentarily stunned into silence.

  Alex Counts? It was common knowledge that he was the power behind McMahon, Counts & Perry. He never so much as smiled at the associates, and had never, as long as she could recall, ever been down on “associates’ row,” as her floor had been dubbed. What in the world could he want with her?

  Then it hit her. He was probably here to personally escort
her out of the building. She had said some pretty nasty things at the meeting that morning. Oh, Lordy, she was going to be totally humiliated. Well, if that was the way it was to be, she would walk out with her head held high.

  “Send him right in, Leslie,” she answered firmly.

  Quickly she straightened her desk, took a deep breath and pretended she was going over a case transcript as Alex Counts entered the room.

  Alex Counts’ imposing presence seemed to absorb the energy from the tiny office and radiate it back through electric blue eyes. He had thick steel-gray hair, and his solid build reflected a man of enormous power and control. But Khendra was not intimidated. She barely looked up as he made his entrance.

  Alex closed the door softly behind him, but did not step fully into the room. He very subtly took in the artsy interior of the office, noting the African sculptures that graced the credenza and the tasteful framed artwork hanging on the walls. Then a slow, uncharacteristic smile crept onto his otherwise stony features.

  “Very interesting office, Ms. Phillips.” He unbuttoned the jacket of his gray suit and openly viewed his surroundings. “It is most certainly a reflection of you.”

  “I don’t know if that’s a compliment or an insult at this point, Mr. Counts.”

  This time he gave in to a deep laugh, making Khendra’s eyebrows rise in surprise.

  “Believe me, it was meant as a compliment. May I sit down?”

  “Please do,” she answered, indicating the long sofa with a nod. What was going on?

  Alex Counts took a seat and stretched an arm across its back. “Ms. Phillips, I’d like to get straight to the point. A lot of things were said this morning. Some of them made sense, others didn’t. What you said in that conference room hit home, as much as we hate to admit it. I don’t think we even realized our true motivations, but you made us see them. Those are the qualities that make you such a brilliant attorney. We’d be bigger asses than you think we are if we let you leave.”