A Man of Privilege. Sarah M. Anderson
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Название: A Man of Privilege
Автор: Sarah M. Anderson
Издательство: HarperCollins
Жанр: Современные любовные романы
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Now James Carlson was in her life, whether she wanted him there or not. She thought back to how he’d looked at her, with that strange mix of desire and respect. Did he see her for what she was? Was it possible for someone to know about her past and not sit in judgment?
Was it possible he was interested in her?
Rosebud interrupted her thoughts. “So what I’d like now is for you to tell me the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. James thinks he knows what happened a long time ago, but he wasn’t there, and neither was I. Before I advise you as your lawyer, I have to know everything.” Rosebud got out a recorder and turned it on.
Maggie told her everything. Her life’s story took three hours and two pots of coffee.
James’s phone buzzed to life on his desk. Rosebud’s number. “What did she say? Is she okay?”
Rosebud sighed heavily. “I’m fine, thanks for asking. And the boys are great, but they miss Dan. He’ll be back from Texas this weekend, though.”
James rolled his eyes, grateful she couldn’t see him do it. “Business first. How is Maggie doing?”
Maybe he was imagining things, but he swore he heard Rosebud smile. “She’ll do it—on one condition.”
“I already laid my cards out on the table. What else could she possibly want?”
Rosebud chuckled. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re crushing on her.”
“Get real. She’s a witness.” His defense mechanism was hardwired. At this point, Rosebud could have accused him of being white, and he still would have flatly denied it. Besides, crush was such a juvenile term. James would prefer to think of it as being attracted to Maggie. Because, after spending more time in her company, he was definitely attracted to her.
“I know you, James. It’s unlike you to not play close to the vest—unless you’ve got a vested interest in the outcome.”
This was exhibit A of why a lawyer should avoid working with an old lover. There were no secrets. “Have you considered the possibility that I’m concerned for her well-being?” That was a completely honest reason that had nothing to do with the way he’d let himself touch her on the shoulder. Even that small touch had left him humming the whole drive home.
Again with the knowing chuckling. “That is the only possibility, my friend.”
James debated hanging up on her, but that would only make the situation worse. He decided to redirect. “What does she want?”
“I’ll let you off easy—this time. But don’t think I’m going to let this drop. She also wants the record of Nanette Lincoln expunged.”
“What?” Or, more specifically, who? Maggie had introduced the older woman as Nanette Brown.
“Look it up. You always do.” Now Rosebud was teasing him. “Are we still on for dinner next Sunday?”
This was his one chance to get back at her. “As long as your housekeeper is doing the cooking—not you.”
“So crushing.” She giggled like a preteen girl. He half expected her to break into the “K-I-S-S-I-N-G” song from his playground days. “You’re welcome to bring a guest, you know. And get back to me on that.”
What, was she suggesting he bring Maggie as a date? That would be a clear violation of the rules, and there was no way James was going to make such a rookie, public mistake. He couldn’t imagine a quicker way to derail all he had worked for.
Business first. He had to remember that. Nanette Lincoln. He scrawled out the name as he hung up the phone and then stared at it. There was only one possibility, really.
Maggie Eagle Heart wasn’t the only reformed criminal living in that house.
James pulled into an empty spot in front of Rosebud’s office. Next to Rosebud’s Audi was a Jeep wagon covered with equal parts rust and mud. Maggie was here. He tried to tell himself that he was only excited because this was another piece of his case. But what was the point of lying? He was looking forward to seeing her again. The two weeks since he’d been out to her house had seemed longer than normal.
Clark was waiting with a cup of coffee. “You can go into the conference room, Mr. Carlson. The court reporter is here. They’ll be in momentarily.”
James took his seat at the base of the table and got focused. He had a job to do today, and that job was getting a complete deposition from Maggie Eagle Heart. Nothing more and nothing less.
The door swung open, and Rosebud stepped into the room. “Morning, James,” she said with a smile that verged on coy. Before James could process what that smile could mean, Rosebud stepped to the side and Maggie entered the room.
For one excruciating second, James forgot how to breathe. He’d seen her looking sweetly pretty and covered in grime. He’d liked her both ways, but he’d never dreamed she could be this stunning.
She wore a cream-colored suit with silky piping and a ruffle at the bottom of the jacket. The skirt was pencil thin, clinging to her hips like an old lover. Her toes—with nails painted a siren-red—were peeping out of soft pink shoes that matched the top underneath the jacket. Her hair was sleek and smooth, not a wisp out of place, and her makeup was ready-for-a-close-up done. Someone had spent a lot of time polishing this woman.
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