Justice Falling (7 page)

Tyler.

***

Every speck of my skin tingled as swirls of cool water sluiced along my body. The movement soothed me, sliding along my back, ribs and thighs, down to my toes. Every stroke pushed me closer to my goal. Once I reached the other side, I sank, flipped like a fish and pressed hard off the plaster wall, rocketing through the shallow end. Nothing gave me such peace, serenity, and connection with my inner self like swimming did. Today I needed it.

Thoughts of a tall, curvy brunette with a jaded upbringing kept spilling into my head, convoluting my thought processes as I tried to defend my client this afternoon. Thank God my brother, Collier, had been there to back me up. He stepped right in like the gentleman he was. Fucking wanker. Now I owed him one.

Thinking back to lunch, I remembered how green Camille’s eyes became when she spoke of becoming a teacher. She must love children to want a job where you were surrounded by twenty or thirty of the little rug rats in close quarters each day. I liked kids. What I knew of them. Really hadn’t had much exposure to children over the last few years.

Sucking in a bout of air, I plunged my head back into the water face down and let my arms lead me to the edge. As I was about to push off, a hand tapped my head throwing me back.

“I’ve been calling your name for the last few minutes, mate!” Collier stood alongside the pool, still wearing his suit from court. He pulled the button of his suit jacket at the waist letting the sides open. He ruffled a hand through his hair.

As a modern man, I could honestly say that my brother was a good looking bloke. In the looks department, the most we had in common were the Armani suits we wore. Collier was blond and brown-eyed like our mother. I was the dark horse who took after my father. Dark hair, tanned skin I didn’t have to maintain, and light eyes. The exact opposite of my elder bro.

“Hey Colly. How goes it?” I slicked back my wet hair.

Collier pulled up a sun lounger and sat, hands clasped between his knees. “You tell me? What happened in court today? You were doing a bodge job defending our client until I stepped in.”

I yanked myself out of the water and grabbed the towel next to him taking that precious few moments to compile my thoughts. Once I dried off a bit, I wrapped it around my hips and sat.

“So?”

“I don’t know. My mind was somewhere else, I guess.” Purposely avoiding his eyes, I slid my t-shirt over my damp torso. A couple of women on the other side of the pool had watched me swim. One of them frowned as I covered up. I shook my head and smiled, not really able to avoid flirting with them. It was part of my nature. You didn’t just turn that off after one day of being with someone incredible. For Camille, I think I could give it a try.

“Your mind was somewhere else? You half-wit, that was a two hundred thousand dollar commission we could have lost had I not stepped in. Our client was clearly wronged and you almost gave it away. You’ve always been able to set aside your shite. So what has your trousers in a twist? And where were you at lunch? We were supposed to go over our notes before court.”

I stood up and paced a bit trying to unleash the nervous energy. “I was on a date.”

Collier’s voice was tight. “You blew off our lunch meeting for a piece of arse?”

In two steps I was in front of my brother, the lapels of his suit coat clutched in a death grip. “Camille’s not like that. Don’t you ever talk about her that way. Got it!” I growled through my teeth then shoved him. He caught himself on the lounger then stood. Pacing in a circle I came back, realizing how much of a daft bastard I was. When I turned around to apologize, Collier had the biggest shite eating grin on his face.

“What?”

“You’re smitten with a bird.”

“Am not!” I defended, but my heart wasn’t in it. Camille’s sweet face and innocent smile ran through my vision.

“You are. You’re arse over tit for a girl. Bloody hell.” Collier smacked his knee, tipped his head back and laughed. “I never thought I would see the day where the great ladies’ man would fall for a woman. We must celebrate. Where is this lovely bird?”

“Her name is Camille, and it’s not what you think.”

“Isn’t it?” Collier retorted.

“No, it’s not,” I knew my face fell into a scowl.

“And why not?” His gaze narrowed.

“Because I’ve just found her, okay. She’s Hank’s secretary.” His eyebrows rose at that information. “I took her out today, but she frightens easily. She’s sweet this one. I’m not sure how to handle sweet. The women I’m used to know what they are getting in to.” Miserable, I sat and put my head in my hands to rub my temples.

“Do you plan to treat her like your usual fare?”

“Bollocks no! I said she’s different.” Collier nodded and waited. “There’s just an innocence about her though. I’m drawn to her. Today, when I kissed her…bloody hell it was amazing.”

“You’ve already kissed her? She couldn’t be that innocent.” He grinned.

“I couldn’t help myself. When I’m near this woman, Colly…shite. I just need to touch her. Be closer to her. Smell her, taste her. Christ.” I pulled on my wet hair until the roots tingled with pain.

Collier smiled then clapped me on the back. “So what are you going to do about it?”

“I have to get her to go out with me again. I’m thinking flowers to start. What do you think?”

After a chuckle, he responded, “I think that could be a good start. I’ve met Cami. She seems shy and timid but smart as a whip. My suggestion would be to go easy on her. Don’t go in with your normal egomaniac charm, because it won’t work.”

“Yeah, you’re right. How the hell did you get so wise in the ways of women?”

“London owns my arse, and I have no complaints.” He looked down at his hands. “I think I’m going to marry her if she’ll have me.”

“Yeah? You think she’d say no?” Instantly, I felt worry and dread prickle at the back of my neck. His nervous energy proved he was unsettled about something. Collier’s ex did a number on him a few years ago, cheating and running off with some hotel entrepreneur. London was the first woman he’d given his heart to since. They seemed good together, but love was fickle. Something I had never experienced myself.

“I don’t think she would. I’m just not sure she cares about marriage after what she went through losing her husband so tragically and so young.”

“You guys are past all that rubbish though, right?”

“We are, but it’s still there under the surface. I know she loves me, but it’s still pretty new. I just want to make her mine legally. She may have other opinions on that.” Collier grinned and winked.

“Whatever you decide, I’m here for you. Be happy to stand up alongside any pending nuptials.”

“Thanks, mate. Now, remember what I said about Cami. Be kind and gentle.”

I nodded as we walked towards the exit. “Kind and gentle…what the fuck does that even mean?”

“I don’t know. I read it off a Hallmark card once.”

Chapter 5

Pea soup. That’s what the thick, gelatinous, mush previously known as my brain felt like as I sat at my computer staring blankly at the white screen. I needed to type a few letters for Mr. Jensen, but all I could think about was last night. The nauseating experience of seeing Tyler, and allowing him to slide a crisp hundred dollar bill into my G-string still soured my gut even twelve hours later. Dodging my worst nightmare after he caught me on stage was an epic performance. One of my best.

Once I realized who he was, I instantly went into fight or flight mode. Like the perfect little birdie, I chose flight. Before his gaze ever touched mine, I pirouetted on one heel, did a perfect back hand-spring off the stage and out of sight. The men in the club had gone absolutely wild, the cheering and applauding at my exit was something I’d now be known for. When the husband and wife duo who owned the club found me backstage shaking like an eighty year old woman, they thought it was from the adrenaline and paid it no mind. Thank God for small favors. Last thing I wanted to do was explain. My goal, while the bosses spilled their excitement in a glorious rush of accolades and booze-breath, was to get the hell out of the club as fast as my spiked heels would take me.

A ping from my computer noted that I received an email and broke me from my reverie at the same time the door opened. A pair of scrawny legs, worn-out red Vans, and a giant bouquet of yellow sunflowers mixed with white daisies completely covered any view of the person delivering them.

“Delivery for Ms. Johnston,” a pubescent voice rang out behind the array of sunshine and happiness.

I stood and grabbed the mosaic vase made up of tiny multicolored squares in a myriad of pearlescent hues. “Thank you,” I said, setting down the flowers. They were quite possibly the most beautiful arrangement I had ever seen. The yellow sunflowers, my favorite, split open with a wide center that reminded me of a perfect sunny day. I couldn’t help smiling.

The young man’s eyes widened as he scanned my form. Then he quickly looked away from my chest, shuffled his feet, and presented me with a clipboard. I thanked him. He had a hat on backwards and his hair was sticking out in all directions beneath it. He couldn’t have been older than eighteen. This was probably his first job. I sympathized with the kid. At almost twenty three this was my first
real
job, aside from waiting tables or dancing on them.

“Thanks, uh, yeah…okay. Bye then.” His voice cracked as he made a quick exit.

I gave a small wave dismissing the nervous delivery boy and looked at the incredible display. These were for me? Had to be a mistake. I’d never been sent flowers before. I spotted the small green envelope and pulled the card from the luscious golden petals and thick leaves.

Camille,

These reminded me of you. As lovely and warm as the sun.

Have dinner with me.

Nate

I placed the little card back into the envelope and stuffed it into my purse as the phone rang.

“Jensen Construction, Cami speaking. How may I help you?”

“Go out with me,” a familiar voice pulsated through the receiver. A ridiculous wide smile split my face as I collapsed into my office chair.

“The flowers are beautiful. You didn’t have to do that.”

“How else was I going to get your attention?” I could hear his smile and his British accent made me salivate.

“Nate, you don’t even know me--”

“I want to know you better.” His voice a deep rumble that slid across my nerves making me tingle everywhere. “Have dinner with me. Tonight?”

I thought about my schedule this evening. Another night at the club, and then I was off for the week. Unless I was called in for a special booking. “I can’t. I have to work.”

“Hank doesn’t make you work that late.” A hint of frustration tinged his words.

“No, my
other
job.”

“Which is?”

“Look, Nate. I just…I can’t. I’m sorry.” I blew out a deep breath wanting to accept his invitation but knowing it wasn’t possible. Men like him shouldn’t date women like me. There was a natural order to things. When he found out that I was a single mother and stripped to make extra cash, he’d toss me aside like yesterday’s garbage.

“Camille…”

“Nate, thank you for the flowers and lunch yesterday. It was…the best date I’ve ever had.”
The only date I’ve ever had.
“I have to get back to work. Have a wonderful day. Goodbye.” I hung up so fast it was as if the receiver was coated in acid. Then I stared at it. Dared it to ring again.

While I stared waiting for it to strike back, a warm hand settled on my shoulder. I jumped up and screamed like a little girl. A much deeper girlie scream matched my own.

“Jesus, Cami! You almost sacred the gay right out of me!” Oliver held a hand to his chest. He stood back and leaned against the wall. His labored breathing matched my own. I laughed catching onto to what he’d said.
Scare the gay right out of him?

“Ollie, honey, it’s not possible to scare the gay out of you.” I turned and found Aspen Jensen standing with her arms crossed above her baby bump. Her perfect suit and blouse accentuated her womanly glow. I didn’t remember ever looking so pretty while pregnant with Tanner. Most days, I barely rolled out of bed, threw my hair into a pony tail, and shoved my body into the pepto-pink waitress getup. This woman made being pregnant look like a Miss America pageant.

“Mrs. Jensen, Oliver, hello. How are you?” I settled back into my chair. The flowers stood like a huge banner display on the edge of my desk stating, “Someone likes me!” Oliver zeroed right in on them. Probably because they were the only thing remotely personal on top of the hard oak surface. It was easy to avoid personal questions if you didn’t display anything personal in your work space.

“Who sent the flowers?” Oliver touched the petals of a daisy. He looked around the bouquet obviously searching for the card I’d stashed at the bottom of my purse.

“A friend. What are you two doing here? Mr. Jensen is out for the afternoon.”

“Ollie, you said we had lunch today?” Aspen frowned, dug into her purse then pulled out her phone. Oliver’s eyes narrowed as he pulled out some electronic contraption from his breast coat pocket. It looked like a cross between an iPhone and an e-reader. I’d never used either. I couldn’t afford them. I had a pay as you go phone and only two people, Jin and the teenaged neighbor we hired to babysit, had the number. Oliver pressed a few buttons and concentrated on the glowing screen.

“I confirmed lunch with Hank on Monday evening.” Oliver validated his reply.

I waved a finger at him. “Ah, but you didn’t speak to me.” I checked Hank’s calendar just to be safe. “Mr. Jensen is not the best at inputting his personal appointments.” I glanced at Aspen and she nodded. “Usually, he tells me, and I make sure he doesn’t miss anything important. He’s currently at the city building getting permits approved. He won’t be back for at least two hours.”

Oliver’s lips pinched into a pout. Aspen hugged him to her side. “It’s okay. I know you were looking forward to your daily bitch session. I’m sure we can make time for dinner or breakfast tomorrow.”