Page 1 of Entice

CHAPTER ONE

Crystal Hayden strode with confidence into the office of Frost and Company, Attorneys at Law, in Pleasant Valley. The firm was looking for a paralegal, and as a freelance paralegal, she had the freedom to take jobs when and with the firms she wanted.

She needed a job, but shewantedthis job, in particular. The grapevine said this firm was handling a huge case, and if the courts ruled in their client’s favor, it could set far-reaching legal precedents. The case could also make the firm a household name and, by association, further her career. So, after talking to people in the know, she set up an interview.

Crystal stepped into the lobby of the building, the warm air caressing her cool skin. She removed her raincoat as she waited for the elevator. It had decided to rain in the Pacific Northwest today, nothing odd there. The wet weather was part of living here, and she’d rather live here than anywhere else.

The elevator pinged, and Crystal stepped in and pushed the button for the third floor. The firm occupied the entire floor. When she stepped out, her feet sank into plush, likely very expensive beige carpet as she made her way to the reception area. Very nice. Top end leather furniture. Chrome with beveled glass on the cocktail and end tables, an espresso machine, real china for coffee, and what looked like Waterford crystal glasses for the bottled water in the small refrigerator next to the coffee station.

The muted chatter of the law office made her smile. She sometimes missed the camaraderie an office setting offered. She stepped up to the curved receptionist desk. The young woman smiled back, her strawberry-blonde hair caressing her shoulders, her blue eyes sparkling.

“Good morning, welcome to the Frost law offices. How may I help you?”

“I’m Crystal Hayden. I’m here to meet with Kendra Winslow about the paralegal job.”

“Oh yes. If you’ll have a seat, I’ll let Ms. Winslow know you’re here.” Her gaze moved to the coat over Crystal’s arm. “If you’d like, I can hang your coat up.”

“Yes, thank you.” Crystal carefully handed the young woman her raincoat.

“Please feel free to have coffee or water.”

“Thank you.” Crystal wandered over to the waiting area. Drinking anything was out of the question right now. Why was she so nervous? She’d been on interviews before. Crystal glanced down at her outfit. Everything still in place.

“Ms. Hayden,” a soft voice said.

Crystal raised her head to the older woman standing in front of her. “Yes.”

“Kendra Winslow.” She held her hand out. Kendra had on a navy pantsuit with a white blouse tailored to fit her perfectly.

“Ms. Winslow.” Crystal clasped the office manager’s hand.

“Kendra, please. If you’ll follow me.” Kendra moved down the hallway.

Crystal followed, noting the soft painted walls and original artwork. No lithographs or prints. Oil on canvas. Kendra gestured for Crystal to enter the small conference room.

“Please have a seat,” Kendra said as she shut the door. “Is it still cold and windy outside?”

Crystal pushed a strand of stray hair back. “Yes, Western Washington in winter is always a surprise.”

“At least it’s not snowing,” Kendra said, taking the chair to Crystal’s left at the circular table, leaving the one to the right empty. “Thank you for coming in on such short notice.”

“Not a problem. I was surprised to see the firm needed a short-term paralegal.” Surprised, but grateful. She needed a challenge.

“Yes.” Kendra opened the file she’d brought in with her. “Your references are impeccable, along with your reputation.”

“Thank you.” She didn’t know what else to say. A knock sounded at the door.

“That would be Mr. Frost. He wanted to sit in. Come in.”

Frost. The name tingled at the back of her neck. While she’d done her research, she... How could she have missed it? There was only one name: Jordan. She closed her eyes.

“Good morning, Kendra.” Then his brown gaze turned to her. “Crystal.”

“You two know each other?” Kendra asked as Jordan took the chair to Crystal’s right.

Damn it, why hadn’t she’d put two and two together? She trembled. She and her friends, Sierra and Tess, had discussed their jobs over coffee a little over a month ago.

“Crystal and I have met, yes.”

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