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  wondered what line he was using and whether Dee would fall for it. She found many

  admirable qualities in her brother. He was the tallest sibling in her family, with yellow-tan skin and straight hair that he kept cut close on the side but left enough length in back to cover his shirt collar. He was the only one in the family with her grandfather’s green eyes. She had watched women flock to him since they were kids. To the best of her knowledge, he had never been in love.

  “Let’s go,” Chelsea yelled for Dee while trying to identify the driver of a black Bentley that pulled out in front of her.

  Dee left Skip, smiling as she ran to the car. “It’s not my fault. Your brother is in rare form tonight. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he’s trippin.” She clicked the keypad to lock her car, which she was leaving at Mama Rose’s, and settled in the seat next to Chelsea. “I can remember praying to hear what he was just saying to me.”

  “If you prayed for him to be hot for your body, your prayers have been answered.

  Unless you want to find out if he’s still a dog, you’d better make a wide path around him. Every conversation we’ve had lately has included how much he wants you. I keep telling him I’m not going to be a party to him hurting you.”

  “I don’t know if he’s hot for my body or just hot, period. He wanted me to ride

  with him, like I’m not smart enough to know what he had in mind.” She looked at Chelsea. “That reminds me.” She cocked her head to one side. “What were you and Isaac doing outside for so long?”

  “Mostly waiting for him to cool off.” Still on fire from the tantalizing teaser, she felt certain Dee could see the pained expression on her face when she thought of his hands on her skin. “He certainly is hot tonight. What happened when we were outside has revved my engine to the max. Judging from that hungry look in my brother’s eyes, you’re in for more than I just got.”

  “So he is that hot for me? What has he been saying about me?”

  “What didn’t he say? He obviously doesn’t say favorable things about the men

  you date, going back to James. He saying he’s changed and wants me to talk you into giving him a chance. I’d love to see the two of you together, but I’m not suggesting you trust a man whose penis can navigate New Orleans better than my car, even if he is my brother.”

  “And you think he would do that with me, too?”

  “I don’t know. It’s hard to imagine a leopard changing his spots at this late date, even when he really wants to anchor his fangs. Skip has been a hound for as long as I can remember. I’m not sure he’s capable of changing.” Feeling guilty for not giving her brother a positive plug, she added, “I know he wants you. I can’t swear to anything past that.”

  She parked across from a historic stone building with a freshly printed banner

  across the door and locked her car. The two of them stepped carefully across the broken concrete and around to the front door.

  “There’s that Bentley again,” Chelsea told Dee. “I saw it when we were leaving the restaurant, but I didn’t get a good look at the driver. One of those vanity plates.”

  “I got a good look at him. The brother is fresh. If we see him in here, I might have to slip away from you and Skip.”

  They walked into the large building that had once housed a bank. The interior was an infinite contrast to the crumbling façade. The name, Calhoun’s, flashed in the middle of a neon shamrock, while a crowd of well-dressed customers mingled amidst the vivid colors, bright lights, and loud music.

  Skip had a table and was prominently situated between two chairs. Chelsea liked having her big brother close by, especially when she was not with a date. Looking over the crowd, she saw that they were definitely in the mix.

  “I ordered drinks,” Skip said, looking at Chelsea with a frown. “Do you know that

  guy in the corner? His eyes have been glued on you since you walked in.”

  Chelsea pretended to adjust her chair, dropped her head and peered to the left.

  Recognition came with a muffled cry of surprise. The man in question had a powerful build, skin the color of honey, and wavy hair trimmed close to his neck. His eyes were deep, penetrating, and just a little hard. “That’s Quincy Beckham.”

  “He’s the dude with the Bentley.” Dee nudged her side. “How do you know

  him?”

  While Skip explained his significance to Dee, Chelsea returned Quincy’s crooked

  smile and watched his face glow in the random flashes of light.

  “So he’s the defense attorney? From the way he’s looking at you, a strong defense

  may be needed. How do you plan to play this?” Skip asked.

  “Cautiously. Out of court conversations with the defense attorney would not help

  me in the courtroom. I don’t really know him, so—”

  Her words hung in midair when he headed towards them.

  “Hello, Ms. Constantine. What a pleasant surprise to see you here. I thought

  you’d be cramming for our courtroom confrontation.”

  “That’s hardly necessary.” She tilted her head sideways. “Maybe you could use

  some prep work, Mr. Beckham, but my case is solid.”

  Dee groaned.

  “Quincy Beckham, this is Skip and Demetria.” She gave Dee a knowing frown.

  He smiled and spoke, turned on his heel and held out his hand. “Ms. Constantine, I would like a word with you, if your friends don’t mind.” He smiled broadly at Skip. “I won’t keep her long.”

  Surprised to see him there and amazed when he took her hand, she turned to face Skip and Dee. “Excuse us, guys.”

  He guided her straight to the dance floor. Another surprise.

  “Who are your companions?” he asked.

  “My brother and my best friend.”

  “Well, since you’re here with family and friends, I was wondering if we—you and I—

  could find entertainment elsewhere. If not tonight, then some other time.”

  “I’m . . .there’s . . .” Her tongue stuck to her teeth and the words would not come out.

  “We don’t have to discuss the case, and if you’re going to tell me about Isaac

  Charbonnette, don’t bother. Anyone living in this city knows about the two of you. I just don’t see longevity in your relationship.” He held her at arm’s length. A frown covered his face. “Do you?”

  “I…that’s hard to say. We’ve been dating for—”

  “Are you engaged?”

  “We’re not engaged, but we do have an exclusive relationship.”

  “Then think about allowing me to show you how a real man operates. If you like it, dump the big goon, if not . . .there’s no use going there. I know you’ll like it.” His head tilted and his eyes half closed. “Don’t answer right away. Let’s just think about it, Picture it. The two of us together. On the town. Enjoying the grand things in life.” His eyelids lowered as he leaned close to her ear. “In bed. That last part is where I excel. I can even picture your reaction. I can see you writhing in ecstasy, your head thrown back, your eyes closed, screaming my name as I take you places you’ve never imagined.”

  Too startled to think straight, she moved away before answering. “You just went from date to finding a mattress. Am I hearing that correctly?”

  “Of course not. For now, I just want to start heading in that direction. I can love you like you’ve ever been loved before.” He winked. “That’s not conceit, just facts, and if you give me half a chance, I’ll prove it. I’ll give you a demo first, or we can go for the full Monty.”

  “How could you possibly know how well I’ve been loved? You don’t know me.”

  “I know you better than you think. I know your kind. Beautiful, cultured,

  intelligent. You’re charming and persuasive enough to turn a bland case into true courtroom drama.”

  “I can’t believe you’re saying these things. You know who I am. You know what I want,
and you know you can give it to me better than anyone else. Don’t you think that’s just a tad bit conceited on your part?”

  “Not at all. Part of my charm is that I know how to treat a woman—a lady. I want to wine and dine you, take you to my favorite restaurants and to the theatre. New York of course. When you’re ready, and only when you’re ready, I’ll love you better than Isaac or anyone else. That’s a guarantee.”

  Stunned, she stepped back and stared at his incredibly handsome face. “Are you

  really that sure of yourself?”

  “I am sure of myself, but not because I think I’m a super stud, which I am. Your

  football player is the one with the brawn, and I’m sure his backwoods charm is awesome, but he’s not the man for you. Every woman needs to be satisfied in bed, but you’re more refined than most. You need more texture in a relationship. More substance. You need a man who can show you the world from a higher plane. I’m sure your friend has money to take you anyplace you wish to go, but with me, you’ll have an educated, refined gentleman at your side. Not a big bone-crusher.”

  She started to regain her composure and felt anger wash away her astonishment.

  “Where do you come off telling me what I need? How the hell would you know how refined Isaac is or what my needs are? I don’t know you, and you sure as hell don’t know me.”

  “We just met, but I’ve known you all my life. I’ve been looking for you,

  searching high and low for a woman who challenged my intellect and drove me crazy with raw sexuality. You’re enticing without trying to be. Not every woman can pull that off. Now that I’ve found you, I intend to make you mine.” He leaned closer. “Your brother is watching, so I’d better let you get back to your table. Just remember, you will be mine. We can start now or wait until I open your eyes.”

  Shocked and dismayed, she watched him walk away. Everything he had said was

  inappropriate, but as hard as she fought it, her body responded with enough force to freeze her words in her throat and elevate her temperature. Her competition in court was usually older men, a few women, and none who made her hot and ready.

  This is insane, she reminded herself. We’re about to face off in a bloody battle.

  Even if that wasn’t the case, I could never cheat on Isaac.

  Three hours later, Chelsea climbed into her car without Dee, who had accepted a ride back to Mama Rose’s with Skip. After a brief stop at her parents’ home to retrieve some old research papers, she headed back to her place, tired and perplexed. Finding the song on the radio a little too provocative for her mood, she lowered the volume and replayed her encounter with a man she could only define as handsome, mysterious, and exceptionally confident.

  Nearing home, she slowly emerged from her reverie. “I’m not accustomed to being

  speechless.” She spoke to the confusion in her mind. “Why didn’t I respond? Why didn’t I tell him to go to hell? Is it because I’m not sure of how I feel about Isaac? Maybe it’s because I am sure of how I feel, but realize anything beyond a casual relationship will send Isaac scurrying back to the dating range. Damn!”

  Her body was boiling and she wondered if it was in anticipation of Isaac’s

  powerful lovemaking or because a stranger had roused her desires. “Get over it, Chelsea. You have to face that man in court on Monday morning.”

  Having no pressing concerns for her safety, Chelsea still found comfort in seeing

  Skip’s car parked in front of her building. She hurried upstairs, thinking she might discuss her concerns with him, but a string of soft music coming from the guestroom halted her intentions.

  Her loft was well planned with two upstairs bedroom suits. The small sitting area

  in the middle provided privacy on both ends of the house. Not wanting to bump into her brother’s date, she decided to pile a plate with snacks and watch television in her bedroom.

  Finding the refrigerator filled with Styrofoam containers from Mama Rose’s, she smiled and mumbled. “At least he was considerate enough to bring food for his guest.”

  She sliced an apple, washed a handful of grapes, and piled on slices of cheese to

  go with her diet soda. Turning to go upstairs, she received her second shock of the evening.

  “Dee?” She gawked at the sheepish smile, rumpled hair and dilated eyes. “I

  decided to give it a try. After all, I’m never going out with Russo again.”

  Chelsea had never liked the way Russo treated Dee, but each of them had agreed

  long ago to refrain from criticizing the other’s dates. “Why is that?”

  “When we got back to Mama Rose’s, that bastard was hugged up in the corner

  with Paula Stokes.”

  Chelsea saw the pain on her friend’s face. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s good. I’m not buggin’ and I don’t want you to worry that Skip will break my

  heart. I’ve thought about everything you said. I know women run after him. I heard two of them coming on to him tonight, but he wanted to be with me. I’m going out on a limb and I need you to be with me on this.”

  “I don’t know what to say. I would like nothing better than seeing you and Skip

  together. He’s not just my brother. We’re close. I just can’t think of what would happen if you two ended up hating each other with me in the middle”

  “That won’t happen.” She half-smiled and touched her friend’s shoulder. “You

  know where my life is right now. I don’t complain because it could be much worst, but I do know what I want. My career is merely a job, nothing fulfilling. I want a husband, a house of my own. Children. Skip says he’s ready for the same things. Even so, I’m going into this relationship with my eyes wide open. No high hopes, no delusions. If all I get is a few nights of great sex, I won’t hate on him.”

  “You say that now, but we both know the heart is a dangerous seeker. It sometimes sees what it wants to see, which can be things that aren’t there.”

  “I’m well aware of Skip’s previous conquests. You know I’ve always loved him. If this goes wrong, I’ll just lick my wounds and start over, no hard feelings. At least I won’t have to wonder anymore.”

  Chelsea smiled. “I don’t have to tell you that I hope it works.”

  Dee gave her friend a high five. “At the risk of making you uncomfortable—I

  mean since Skip is your brother—so far he’s really rocked my world.”

  Chelsea heard, but did not respond.

  “Am I being too personal?”

  “No, of course not.” Chelsea hugged Dee’s shoulders. “I’m distracted. Confused. Quincy got to me tonight, and I’m both angry and ashamed that I let it happen. In my four-year career with the DA’s office, this has never been a problem before.”

  Dee looked puzzled. “Are you saying you’re falling for this guy? What about Isaac?”

  “I don’t know what I’m saying. Isaac is an extraordinary man and I’m happy to have him in my life, but like you, I’m beginning to think of more than a physical relationship. Isaac has already announced his disapproval of those forever kinds of things.”

  “Are you getting ready to break up with Isaac and date Quincy? You don’t know that Isaac still feels the same way. Maybe he’s, changed. You didn’t want forever in the beginning, but you do now. Every time that man returns from a road trip, he attaches himself to you and stays there. Maybe he’s also ready to get serious.”

  “I don’t think so. We promised no one would get serious, and if I can’t have Isaac the way I want him, then maybe…the only other attorney I’ve dated was Robert Price. It would be nice to have a worthy adversary in my life. We could bounce ideas off each other—that is, when we’re not on the same case, like we are now. Nothing can happen until this case is over. Robert and I were on the same team, so that was not a problem.”

  “I don’t remember meeting him.”

  “That’s because the relationship didn’t last lon
g enough for an introduction. He was ruggedly handsome, had a smooth courtroom delivery, and was the most boring man I’ve ever known. He was also white, but that wasn’t it.”

  “You mean you didn’t tell me you had—.”

  “Save it,” she interrupted with a wave of her hand. “As I said, my relationship with Robert didn’t last that long. We are from vastly different backgrounds, with totally different tastes. For starters, he’s from Massachusetts, and he’s very formal. We went out together three times, starting with dinner, which was very enjoyable. Next, I took him to a Mardi Gras parade and thought his eyes would pop out. He took me to a Yanni concert and I almost fell asleep.”