Page 8 of Entice

“Actually, it went really well.” Out of this world, if she was honest. The man caused her smoldering libido to roar into a blazing fire. One she was trying to keep under control.

“Did you take the job?” Tessa asked.

“I did.” Crystal looked at her friends.

“But…” Tessa prompted.

“That’s great.” Sierra held up her wine glass. “To Crystal’s new adventure.” Glasses clinked, and they drank.

“You were pretty mad at him that night,” Tessa said.

“Water under the bridge.” At least it was now. Had she known the interview was with Jordan, she might have canceled. Maybe it was a good thing she hadn’t known. This new job intrigued her, and so did the man she was working with.

“What kind of case will you be helping Jordan with?” Sierra asked.

“I can’t discuss the case.” Crystal shook her head. NDA or not, she never discussed an ongoing case with anyone, not until it was settled and then only the barest public details.

“I don’t see how you’ll be able to work with him all day after what happened when we had coffee together,” Tessa said.

“I don’t think Jordan is a bad guy.” She reached over and patted Tessa’s hand. “You worry too much, my friend.” Maybe Tessa was right to be worried, especially if one considered how she’d reacted to Jordan. He was damn sexy. “He thought he was doing the right thing.” Crystal could see it now; at the time, however, her emotions were too involved.

Tessa huffed and sat back in her seat. Sierra smiled, and Crystal fought not to blush or squirm in her seat at the gleam in Sierra’s eyes.

“Now that we’ve quizzed Crystal, have you both finished reading our book club selection yet?” Sierra asked.

“Yes.” Tessa laughed. “I can’t wait for the next meeting. This is so fun.”

Crystal relaxed in her seat. At least Jordan was no longer a topic of discussion.

* * * *

Crystal walked into the law offices at seven forty-five. Valerie was at her desk, and Kendra was there talking to her.

“Good morning,” Crystal said, setting the box of goodies on Valerie’s desk. “I brought donuts and scones for the office.” She smiled at the two women. “I would have brought coffee, but I’m not sure what everyone drinks. Jordan mentioned he would be in court this morning.”

“Yes, and thank you so much. I was running late this morning and couldn’t stop for food,” Valerie said.

“That was very nice of you,” Kendra said.

“I hope I got enough.” Crystal had revisited the firm’s website last night, and while the lawyers were listed, she made an educated guess at how much support staff there was.

“I’m sure you did.” Kendra opened up the box and nodded to Valerie, who used a napkin and picked out a scone. “Let me show you to your office and then give you the tour. First stop after your office will be the break room. Everyone is going to love you for these treats.”

Crystal picked up her bag and coffee and followed Kendra down the hallway. Kendra balanced the box and pushed open an office door. Crystal stopped in the doorway. So not what she was expecting.

This was a lawyer’s office, not a paralegal’s. She was used to workspaces like Valerie’s, out in the open and where anyone could see her. A big oak desk sat in front of a bigger window and a new leather chair. A laptop was already on the desk, with a monitor attached.

There was a small side table and below it was a small refrigerator. The other wall had two file cabinets and an empty bookcase.

“Is everything okay?” Kendra asked, looking back at Crystal.

“Oh yes.” Crystal crossed the room and set everything on the gleaming wood. “I wasn’t expecting something this big or private.”

“It is nice.” Kendra smiled and held out the keyring. “This is the key to your office; the other key unlocks the main office door. The small gold one is for your desk, and the silver one for the file cabinets.”

“Thank you.”

“I left your passwords to get into the computer and onto the company network in the top desk drawer. The laptop is already paired to the monitor and the printer. If you have any problems, let me know.”

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