Page 10 of Finding Redemption

I stumble through my front door, ready to fall into bed. I need to read over my case but decide to get up early. I set the clock and strip my clothes. In the shower, the water runs hot, relieving tension as the water slides over my body

I don’t even take the time to dry my hair. I crawl under the cover and close my eyes. Sleep is never a problem for me. It finds me a willing participant. As darkness builds, my thoughts stray to Walker, the perfection of man, who did more for my libido than I’ve had in years.

“Don’t go breakin’ my heart. I won’t go breakin’ your heart.”

I slap the snooze button on my alarm, although the classic song makes me grin. I make a sleepy mental note to switch the channels on my radio.

“Ugh , I need to get up.” I rub my palms into my eyes. “I gotta kick Daly’s ass today.” I roll out of bed and pass the bathroom to start my coffee. No latte frappe-my-ass stuff either. Give it to me black and strong. I’m going to need it for today.

I grab my liquid jolt for the day and dig in preparing for court. White dress pants and a black blouse with crochet neck looks to be my power attire for the day. Feminine, yet fierce. Fierce because I may puke before the day is over.

I pull out my phone on the way to my Jeep. I need to update Katie, giving her a few directives for the day. “Coastal Family Law.”

“Good morning, Katie.”

“Good morning, Reese. Are you ready?” Katie asks.

“Yes. Just checking in to see if there are any new proposals.”

“No,” she answers in a clipped tone.

“I didn’t think there would be but wanted to ask.” I shove my keys into the ignition. “I’ll be in after court. Fingers crossed.”

“You’ve got this.” Katie’s words are encouraging, but doubt consumes me.

“Hope so.” I hesitate. “But just in case, pray his lawyer is an ass.”

Katie giggles. “Done. Please text me as soon as possible.”

“Will do.” I end the call, starting my Jeep and saying to myself, “Let’s kick some ass.”

On my way to town, I go over the details a hundred times. It makes perfect sense to me why we should win this case, but you never know how a judge will see it. I circle the block for ten minutes until I find a spot to park. Great. I’m going to be late.

Rushing through the doors, I get clearance in just enough time to hop the next elevator to the second floor. I’m deep in my briefcase when the doors open and I step out, straight into the path of an electrified wall.

“You okay?” The rough baritone brings me up short because I know the voice. Looking up, I find those deep, ocean-blue eyes.

“Walker.” I sigh before clearing my throat.

“Reese.” He flashes me his million-dollar smile. “In a hurry?”

“I am. I-uh, need to run. I’m gonna be late,” I stutter.

“Me too.” His brow arches high. “See you later?”

“Sure.” Is he asking me out?

“Good. I have a few questions about the cases you gave me last night.” Well, there’s the answer to my unspoken question.

“Oh, yeah. Okay.” I glance at him, offering a nervous smile. I silently admonish myself for the fact that he makes me nervous.

He points toward the long hallway. “Going my way?”

“Actually, yes.” I smile coyly. He places his hand on the small of my back. My cheeks turn pink with a blush. So now, I’m blushing. Geez.

We walk down the long hallway that holds two courtrooms set across from one another and four more offices. As we come to the judge’s chambers, we stop.

“I need to drop off some papers.” I gesture toward the clerk’s office.