“I see.”
“I highly doubt it.”
“Either way, it’s irrelevant.”
“Is it?” Olivia strode closer.
Jaime inched away, shivering when her bare back touched the cool sink, arresting her movements. “Yes.” She jutted her chin.
Olivia halted in front of Jaime, whose heart played percussion with her chest wall.
“I noticed you watching me.”
Jaime’s eyes narrowed, but she remained silent.
“That’s not why I followed you, though.”
“Oh?” Satisfaction swirled through Jaime, and she barely suppressed quirking her lips.
Sighing, Olivia folded her arms, which made her chest even more prominent. “I wanted to talk to you again.”
Jaime’s gaze found Olivia’s eyes. “I fail to see what’s left to talk about.”
“Naturally.” Olivia’s tone turned clipped, and her jaw tightened. “I understand what happened at the conference means nothing to you, and it’s not so much about that night, but your behavior since then.”
Jaime’s eyes widened, and she stepped closer. “Mybehavior?”
“Yes. I don’t appreciate your accusations or denigration of my character. I didn’t lie to you, and I hope you’re not spreading your assumptions to your colleagues.”
“Are you serious?” Jaime gritted her teeth, Olivia’s terse tone hitting a nerve she didn’t realize was exposed. Part of her bristled at the accusation, unwilling to let Olivia assume the worst of her, while another part—smaller but louder—stung with guilt.
Perhaps she had been unfair. Had her bitterness clouded her judgment?
Olivia raised her chin but remained silent.
“Do you think I go around and tell other judges to be mindful not to have sex with you because you what? Use it to gain the upper hand for your clients?”
“That’s what it sounded like in your chambers.” Olivia’s eyes narrowed.
Jaime exhaled harshly, willing her heart to stop thrashing. “I wouldn’t do that, so you don’t have to worry.” Never mind, she never talked about her personal life with her fellow judges, and sharingthatnight… Preposterous. Olivia should know better.
“Good,” Olivia said, notmoving or saying anything else.
“Good.” Jaime also just stood there.
“I guess I’ll go back out, then,” Olivia finally said.
“Yes. I’m sureJackis all lonely and lost without you.”
Olivia rolled her eyes, but instead of turning and heading out of the bathroom, she stepped closer. “Why are you acting like a jealous ex when the night meant nothing?”
Jaime’s mouth opened and she once more stumbled back, wincing a little as the hard, cold porcelain of the sink dug into her back.
“It didn’t,” she said, holding Olivia’s gaze, though she felt the lie even as the words left her lips, trying and failing not to lose herself in those verdant eyes that called to her. “And I don’t,” she added, as though saying it aloud might make it true.
“Right.”
“It didn’t matter to you either, considering you’re already outmingling.”
