Jaime’s eyes crinkled. “Not that I recall.”
“Then the judge would likely overrule such an objection.”
“The fact that I haven’t experienced something is hardly enough reason to shelve an argument.”
“No, normally not, but in this case…” Olivia said.
“Yes?”
“Aren’t you judgeandopposition? So, I guess you could decide as you wish.”
“That doesn’t seem fair. How could you ever hope to win if judgeandopposition are one? Not to mention, it would violate due process,” Jaime said.
A heady rush of nerves slithered through Olivia. “Do youwantme to win this case?” She dropped the register of her voice, and the resulting rise of color high in Jaime’s cheeks delighted her beyond measure.
“Maybe I’m trying to spare you an appeal.”
“That’s the same, isn’t it? I’d only file an appeal if I were to lose, and if you want to spare me, then you must wish for me to win.”
Jaime’s jaw tightened. “I’d say it’s more about fairness than any…wish fulfillment.” Her throat bobbed.
Olivia couldn’t suppress a grin as she reclined in her chair. “An interesting term, Your Honor. To me, it would imply thereisa wish to be fulfilled. I didn’t know you harbored such a fantasy, but I’m intrigued. Care to elaborate?” Her fingers tingled, and while she still doubted Jaime would agree, their little game had her on edge, in the most delicious of ways.
Jaime narrowed her eyes. “Considering your earlier question started the procedure, I'd say if there was a wish to be fulfilled, it would beyours.”
“Obviously.” Olivia felt almost high—all earlier tiredness had evaporated in the excitement. She loved getting under Jaime’s skin. “You are a very striking woman.”
“I feel another objection should be coming.”
“Hmm. I’d say it should be overruled, as I’m merely stating a fact.”
Jaime chuckled. “Is this how you draw women into your bed?”
“Do you think I need to draw women into my bed?”
Jaime held her gaze, and Olivia struggled to keep from fidgeting while her heart battered her chest.
“No,” Jaime rasped. “I believe they follow you quite willingly.”
Olivia smiled.
“None of it applies to our situation, though, and these…precedents are moot to what we’re discussing.”
“True. In the end, it comes down to this: are you attracted to me, and if so, is it enough to take such a risk?”
Jaime leaned forward. “So, you concede accepting your offer poses a risk?”
“Not to me, no, but I acknowledge it does in your view, and that matters, too.” Olivia wanted it, a night with Jaime, more so than she’d ever confess, but only if it was also what Jaime wanted. She didn’t manipulate people, well, not in her private life.
“Why would it matter if all you’re looking for is some fun?”
Olivia canted her head. “Do you think I’m that callous?” Jaime’s earlier comment, ‘lawyers like you,’ rang in her mind.
“I’m not sure what I think of you. I don’t know you.”
“You never answered my question. Are you attracted to me?”
Jaime once more held her gaze.
