LITMIR.BIZ

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when Tania gave him Iris Sinclair’s information, stating that she was the best. Despite the seriousness of Tania’s drug-possession charges, he couldn’t help but fantasize about all that he could do with the tall, curvy bombshell standing before him.

      The old saying “the darker the berry, the sweeter the juice” had immediately come to mind. Her smooth, dark skin made him want to touch her face to see if it was as soft as it appeared.

      Staring into exotic eyes that held so much fire...all that did was stoke the flames she had ignited within him when she first walked into the conference room. He couldn’t help but admire the way she was standing her ground, not even flinching at his tone despite the anger he could see brewing in her eyes. Iris glanced away and ran her fingers through her shoulder-length curly hair, pushing an unruly strand from her face before taking a drawn-out breath.

      “Mr. Dupree, I’m flattered that you have chosen me to represent your niece, but right now I’m not taking on any new cases. Based on what you’ve told me, Tania sounds like a good kid. Since this is her first offense, all she’ll probably get is a hefty fine and a short probation, and she might have to endure a couple of court-ordered drug classes.” Iris gathered her notepad and pen. “She doesn’t need me. We have associates who are more than qualified to handle this type of case.”

      “If I wanted just any lawyer to handle my niece’s case, I would’ve found someone else, but apparently you don’t understand, Attorney Sinclair. I don’t want just anyone. I want you.”

      “We don’t always get what we want now, do we, Mr. Dupree?” she asked flatly. The look she gave him said she wasn’t afraid of him and didn’t give a damn about what he wanted.

      Not accustomed to hearing the word no, Nash turned away and chuckled. He hadn’t become a successful entrepreneur by accepting no for an answer. If anything, the word made him work harder to get what he wanted.

      Looking back at Iris, who was still glaring at him, her chin held high, her resolve unwavering, he could only imagine the type of respect she demanded, and received, in the courtroom. He definitely had to have her as his niece’s attorney. They were two of a kind, Iris and Tania. Both clearly had a stubborn streak, and neither was afraid to stand up to him.

      Nash ran a hand down his chin. Apologizing wasn’t something that came easy for him, but if he wanted to get this stunning lawyer to reconsider, he’d better make nice and do some serious groveling. Besides, he already liked her—maybe a little too much.

      “Please forgive me, Counselor,” he said and moved back to the table where she was still standing. “I was way out of line and I meant no disrespect. Just give me a chance to explain why having you on this case is so important.” He gestured to the chair she had vacated. After a brief hesitation, Iris reclaimed her seat. “When I went to pick up my niece from juvie, she refused to leave. She said that she wasn’t leaving until she spoke to a lawyer, and not just any lawyer, but you. She’s the one who gave me your information.”

      Iris shook her head and as low smile tilted her lips. She glanced away before looking back at him. “Mr. Dupree, without even meeting Tania, she reminds me of myself at that age—fearless, determined and at times unyielding.”

      “Yeah, I sensed that a few minutes ago when you looked like you wanted to strangle me. I recognized the look. I’ve been on the receiving end of it many of times from my niece.”

      Iris sat back in her seat and chuckled. “I have to admit, I am a little curious about this niece of yours.”

      “I know you don’t have to take on Tania’s case, and I respect your need to be selective in the ones that you do accept, but I hope you’ll reconsider.”

      “I’ll tell you what.” She gathered her belongings and stood. “I’ll meet Tania at the detention center in the morning and hear her story. Then we can decide next steps.”

      Nash buttoned his suit jacket. “That’s all I ask.”

      * * *

      Iris tugged on the tight-fitting, low-cut dress. Janna had brought it and insisted that Iris wear it tonight. Being out on a Thursday night was unusual, but she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have dinner with two of her favorite people.

      She glanced around the dimly lit restaurant. Servers moved about efficiently, taking customer orders, refilling water glasses and clearing the tables, each adorned with a centerpiece of a single candle. Lately, her professional life had taken over her world. A typical evening consisted of staying late at work or spending the evening at home with Chinese food and a glass of wine while reviewing case notes.

      “I can’t believe you were able to pull her away from work and get her here on time,” Iris heard Macy say. “This has to be a first.”

      Iris rolled her eyes. “Would you two quit? It’s not like we never get together for dinner.”

      “Okay, so when was the last time we got together for dinner, all three of us?” Macy asked, looking over the top of her designer eyeglasses. A strand of long brown hair with auburn highlights fell into her face before she quickly pushed it behind her ear. Macy and Janna were on one side of the tall-backed leather booth, while Iris sat across from them.

      “You finally decided to get those reading glasses. They look good.”

      Macy pushed them up farther on her nose. “I know you’re trying to change the subject, but thank you. I finally broke down and bought some. Those medical charts were getting blurrier by the day. Now, getting back to my original question—”

      “It’s not my fault we haven’t gotten together. Ms. World Traveler over here―” Iris nodded her head toward Janna “―is the one who hasn’t visited her big sisters in months.”

      “Okay, don’t start on me. Aren’t we supposed to be celebrating?” Janna chimed in and lifted her glass. She had naturally long, wavy hair, smooth cinnamon-brown skin and big, bright eyes shaded by long eyelashes. “I want to propose a toast. To a kick-ass defense attorney who continues to prove that she’s the best there is.”

      “Here, here,” Macy said, and they clinked their glasses together.

      Janna’s comment caused Iris to reflect back on her conversation with Nash Dupree, who labeled her as being the best. She wondered if he had noticed her staring at him throughout the conversation earlier today. Sure, she had been listening, but there were times she had tuned out and had zoned in on his magnificent lips...and that smile. He had the most beautiful, straight teeth she had ever seen on a man, which only enhanced his crooked, cocky grin. And those intense hazel eyes that missed nothing. Add those features to his alluring deep voice, and he was irresistible. God, what she would give to go home to a man with that voice who could talk dirty to her while....

      “Hel-lo,” Macy said in a singsong voice, waving her hand in front of Iris’s face. “Are you still with us?”

      Iris blinked several times and reached for her glass of water. Instead of bringing it to her mouth, she wanted to lay the cold cylinder against her cheek to cool the warmth that had spread to her face.

      “You were smiling pretty hard there for a minute, sis,” Janna said. “So, what, or who, were you thinking about? Inquiring minds want to know.”

      Iris had never fantasized about possible clients—or their guardians—before. She’d better get a grip. Talk about unprofessional. “Nobody,” she finally said.

      “Mmm-hmm. That was a heck of smile for it to be about nobody. You know you can tell us,” Macy goaded. “Besides, it’s about time you met someone who makes you smile like that.”

      Iris gave Macy a “drop it” look, but then noticed the way Janna was smiling. “And you’re talking about me being happy! What’s with you grinning from ear to ear like you have a secret that you’re dying to share?”

      “Oh, I spotted an old friend who just walked in,” she said, patting her hair before she whispered, “Quick, do I have anything in my teeth? He’s coming

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