Page 43 of Entice

“Brady called Sage. Apparently his family told him there is a new judge, one who will back the family case no matter what is said in court.”

“What? That would mean a crooked judge.”

“I know.” Jordan ran his hand over his short hair. “This was not how I wanted to spend Saturday afternoon with you. But I have to call Brady.”

“Do we need to go into the office?”

He noticed the ‘we’, and some of his tension left his body. “No, I have an office here. I’ll call Brady and get the details. Come on, let’s get up to speed.” Coffee in hand, he led her down the hall to his office. Thank goodness he’d done this years ago. He grabbed one of the extra office chairs and slid it over next to his desk for Crystal, then sat down and turned on his computer.

Within fifteen minutes, he’d talked to Brady, and Crystal was researching what was happening. While they were working, Jordan’s cell rang again. He looked at the screen with a frown. “Frost here.” Why was the county clerk calling him on a Saturday? Jordan listened, then said, “I want it in email. And the signed order better be in my hands first thing Monday morning.” He hung up and closed his eyes.

“Now what?” Crystal asked softly.

“New court date. They’ve moved the hearing up.” He clicked his mouse, and there was the email. With the new court information. “Well, it looks like the judge change is real.”

“Bad or good?”

“Not sure.” He printed the email and handed it to her.

“I’ve dealt with this judge before. I bet he wants to get the lay of the land before this goes any further,” Crystal said.

“You’re probably right.” He sat back in his chair. “We need to get our strategy together.”

“We do.” She nibbled at her lower lip, and he wanted to kiss away the marks she was making. When she looked up and caught him staring, her cheeks flushed. “I think it would be better if you drove me home.”

“Why?” He didn’t want her to leave.

“One, because I don’t have clean clothes here, and two, someone saw fit to rip my panties this morning.” Her cheeks turned a deeper red as she talked.

“Guilty.” He wasn’t going to apologize for his passion.

“I need to read this document over and so do you. Without distraction.”

As much as he wanted to argue with her, she was right. She was a distraction—at least right now. Changing judges at the last minute was a power play by the plaintiffs, which meant he and Crystal needed to revise their original strategy. “How about this? I run you to your apartment; you change and pack an overnight bag and anything else you need, and then we come back here and work.”

She tilted her head, which made him want to nuzzle her neck. “Do you think we’ll be able to work here?”

“Yes. I can be a good boy.” He winked at her, and she laughed. Good, she’d relaxed. He wanted to show her he could control himself.

“Sure you can. Why don’t you pick me up tomorrow morning, and we’ll come out here and work. I need to clear my head.”

“That sounds ominous.” He didn’t want to let her go. Logically, he knew he had to let her have her own space.

“Jordan, I haven’t been with a man in a while. I need to sort this out by myself.” Her voice was strained.

He frowned. “How long has it been?” Why hadn’t he thought about asking her before? Maybe because it hadn’t mattered to him.

“A few years.” Her hand covered his. “I’m not backing away from wanting to be with you; I’m asking for a little space.”

Jordan saw the honesty in her eyes. He nodded reluctantly. If anything, he could give her time and space. Not for long, but he’d do it. “Got it.” He stood, pulling her with him. “Let’s get you home. I’ll find a pair of my underwear you can use, unless you want to go commando?”

“Underwear would be nice, thank you.”

“Anything for you.” He drew her into his arms for a kiss.

CHAPTER SIX

Monday morning, Crystal checked her hair before she left her apartment. Jordan would be here any minute to pick her up. They’d spent all day yesterday going over strategy and… Heat filled her body.

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