Page 25 of Ask for Moore

“Thank fuck,” he croaked, his dark eyes burning into mine. “Because I can't go on pretending as though I don't want you more than my next breath.”

I trembled with need, but I couldn’t give in so easily, no matter how much I wanted to. “It's against the rules for us to be involved with each other.”

“Fuck the rules,” he grunted. “I need to know what you taste like more than I need this case.”

His words chipped away at my resolve, and my yearning to press my lips against his grew. Nobody had ever been willing to sacrifice much of anything for me before, but I had a lot to lose. “You can make decisions like that for yourself because you're your own boss, but I don't get to pick and choose my clients. And I have a partnership riding on the outcome of this case.”

“It's only a problem if someone finds out,” he argued.

I pressed my palms against his broad chest, marveling at how fast his heart was racing beneath my touch. “Except we would have a duty to disclose any personal connection that might be a conflict of interest to our clients, and we’re supposed to be walking into court right now because of your motion for summary judgment.”

He nodded but didn’t give up. “Okay, then it’s only an issue if they say it is. And around here, nobody would blink an eye at two lawyers dating at night and facing off against each other during the day as long as we were on the up-and-up about it.”

“But Mr. Burkhart isn't from Mooreville,” I reminded him.

“It's still worth a shot to me,” he insisted.

The temptation he presented was too much to resist. I had never reacted to another man the same way and wasn’t sure if I’d ever have another opportunity like this again. “One kiss,” I finally conceded, my ability to think rationally eclipsed by my desire for Ryland. “It will have to be enough to tide us over if the judge or our clients don't agree.”

Cupping my face in his large hands, he growled, “I'll take whatever I can get.”

Bending toward me, Ryland sealed his mouth over mine, and I trembled at the touch. It oddly felt like coming home, being held in his gentle embrace while our lips slid against each other. And then he nipped at my bottom lip, and the kiss quickly spiraled out of control.

My lips parted on a gasp, and his tongue swept inside to tangle with mine. Stepping closer, I gripped his suit coat in my fists and lost myself in his kiss. By the time he tore his mouth from mine, I was breathless…and utterly thrilled that he was the same.

“Wow.”

“You can say that again,” he murmured, his voice raspy with need. “And very much worth the awkwardness we’re about to experience.”

The reminder of what we needed to do next acted as a dash of cold water against my libido, but now that I’d experienced Ryland’s kiss, there was no going back. Straightening my clothing and smoothing down my hair, I smiled up at him. “Let’s do this.”

We headed into the courtroom together, only splitting up to set our stuff at our respective tables, where our clients were already seated. As soon as the judge was behind the bench and the session was called, Ryland stood. “We need a sidebar, your honor.”

The judge’s gaze darted back and forth between us, a curious gleam in her eyes.

“Please come forward.” She beckoned with a wave.

My client hissed, “What's going on?”

“This will just take one moment,” I assured him with a confidence I wasn't feeling.

My knees wobbled as I started to make my way to the judge’s bench. “Have you reached a settlement?” she asked when we got close.

“No, your honor,” I whispered.

I cast a pleading look at Ryland, hoping he would take the lead on this conversation, and he did not disappoint.

“There has been a recent development that we need to share with you, your honor,” he began. His voice was confident, but he gave away his nerves when he cleared his throat and smoothed his hand down his tie. “Miss Duncan and I are seeing each other.”

“Yes, and I am seeing you both right now,” she drawled, a wrinkle popping up in the middle of her forehead.

“No, I mean romantically, ma'am.”

“Oh.” Her eyes widened. “I assume this happened quite recently if you are just sharing this information with me now?”

“Yes, ma'am,” he confirmed. “As of…about ten minutes ago.”

Her head reared back. “But wouldn't you have been in the courthouse ten minutes ago?”

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