her head defiantly, determined to nip this conversation in the bud. “Okay, don’t look at me like that.”
“And how am I looking at you?”
His question didn’t even warrant a response. He damn well knew the answer.
Weak-kneed, Hallie leaned against the desk. This was a dangerous game they were playing, especially if she was going to represent him effectively against a murder charge. Yet the heady feeling his smoldering gaze and husky voice incited in her seemed worth the risk. For the moment.
Then, thankfully, her sanity returned, and she forced strength into her voice. “Stop it, Jackson. Your seduction tactics won’t work.”
He shrugged, then said, “Can’t blame a fellow for trying.”
“You don’t mean that,” she snapped, again disconcerted by his effect on her.
“Oh, but I do,” he said, after a calculated pause. “It never occurred to me that I’d ever lose you, Hallie.”
“Well, you did,” she countered flatly, turning and making her way behind her desk, determined to create distance between them. If she’d known he still had the power to turn her world upside down, she wouldn’t have let him persuade her to help him.
But nothing was carved in stone, she reminded herself, feeling her heart rate recede. “Back off, Jackson. If not…” She let her words trail off, but she knew he got the message.
Although his features tightened, he changed the subject. “So where do we go from here?” He added hurriedly, “Concerning the case.”
Hallie relaxed, feeling on safe ground for the first time since she’d seen him. “The ball’s in Gomez’s court.”
“Do you think he’ll bug me?”
“He’ll try, but whatever you do, don’t take the bait.”
“I don’t want him around me.”
“I can’t promise you anything. However, if he becomes too much of a nuisance, there are ways of dealing with him.”
“I wish you could make this all go away, Hallie.”
“Unfortunately, I can’t.” Her tone was low and sober.
“I probably shouldn’t have involved you.”
“No, you probably shouldn’t have, but you did. And I probably should’ve sent you out the door, but I didn’t.”
He smiled. “I owe you, big time.”
She returned his smile, and it felt good. “Believe me, you’ll pay.”
“Through the pocketbook, right?”
“Right.”
“If it keeps me out of court, it’ll be worth it.”
“I’ll do my best.”
He didn’t say anything for a minute, then he asked, “How about dinner tonight?” He paused. “For old time’s sake.”
She stiffened, and he raised his hands in an innocent gesture. “I promise, no hanky-panky. I just don’t want to be alone.”
“You’re never alone. You’re surrounded by people at Elan.”
“It’s not the same—” He cleared his throat. “But if you’d feel more comfortable, we could dine at the club.”
“Jackson—”
“Please.”
She had hesitated, trying to decide what to do, when her cell phone rang. Without looking at him, she reached for it. Darcy’s name was registered in the caller ID box, and she answered immediately.
“I’m glad to hear from you.”
Silence.
“Darcy, are you there?” The dial tone buzzed in her ear. Frowning she pushed the off button and met Jackson’s inquisitive eyes.
“What was that all about?”
“I wish I knew.”
“You seem upset. Is Darcy all right?”
“I don’t know that, either. Nothing there has changed in two years.” Hallie tried to keep the fear and frustration out of her voice, but she knew she’d failed.
“All the more reason to have dinner with me.”
Nine
Jackson had seized the opportunity and persuaded her to join him. Still, she’d insisted on meeting for an early dinner after work. During the afternoon, she’d tried to reach her sister but to no avail, which had convinced her that maybe Jackson’s company wouldn’t be a bad thing provided she kept things on an impersonal level.
“So did you ever talk to your sister?” he asked after they were seated.
Hallie sighed. “No, unfortunately I didn’t.”
“I had hoped she’d stopped giving you so much grief.”
“Surely you weren’t thinking she’d grown up.”
Jackson gave her a crooked smile. “Yeah, that’s sort of what I had in mind.”
“No such miracle,” Hallie responded, “but I haven’t given up on her. Yet it’s an uphill battle, I’ll admit.”
Before Jackson could respond, a young waiter appeared at his side. “What is it, Jesse?”
Hallie picked up on the irritation in Jackson’s voice, and apparently so did Jesse, for he flushed, then shifted his feet uncomfortably.
“Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Cole, but you have a phone call.”
Jackson frowned. “Get a name. I’ll call ’em back.”
Jesse’s face duplicated Jackson’s frown. “He said it was urgent, but I’ll do whatever you want.”
“It’s okay,” Hallie said, her eyes meeting his. “Go ahead and take the call. I’ll be fine.”
“Jesse, please bring Ms. Hunter another glass of wine.”
Hallie shook her head and smiled. “Thanks, but I’ll pass for the moment.”
“You sure?” Jackson’s eyebrows were raised.
“I’m sure.”
The waiter nodded, then strode off hurriedly as if he couldn’t wait to put distance between him and Jackson.
“Dammit, I told him not to interrupt me.”
