Page 80 of Dirty Judge

“Liam.” She looked into my eyes. “Did you know him when you presided over the case?”

Nothing.

“I would hope you didn’t,” she said. “Otherwise?—”

“Otherwise, what?”

“I’d have to start questioning if the rumors about you being a ‘dirty judge’ had any merit.”

“You should go into comedy someday.” I kissed her hair. “It would fit you.”

“But for the record…” I gently lifted her from my lap. “No, I had no idea who he was back then. I just thought he deserved to be punished.”

“Okay.” She smiled and I felt a small pang of guilt. “Ready for me to go home yet?”

“I would prefer it if you stayed for the rest of the week,” I admitted. “But that’s entirely up to you.”

“I’ll stay.”

“I’d also like it if you came over more during the work week.”

“Why?”

“It’ll make it easier for me to take you on dates,” I said. “It’s still up to you.”

“Hmmm.” She blushed, and the look in her eyes told me all I needed to know. “I’ll have to think about it...”

SETTLEMENT (N.):

THE RESOLUTION OF A LAWSUIT (OR OF A LEGAL DISPUTE PRIOR TO FILING A COMPLAINT OR PETITION) WITHOUT GOING FORWARD TO A FINAL COURT JUDGMENT.

LIAM

The following Friday

Icouldn’t remember the last time I made plans for after the final court session.

Everything pre-Olivia was simply work, go home, work some more, get in a midnight workout. Rinse, wash, repeat.

But nowadays, for some reason, I found myself looking up private restaurants on my lunch breaks. I was researching small things she brought up in conversations—like her penchant for red roses and “any type of tulip.” She loved reading romance novels, but she was currently on a legal thriller binge, so I figured tonight’s date would be perfect for her.

“Do I have to wear this blindfold the entire time?” She turned her head as I drove. “I could just put it on when we get there.”

“For someone who claims to like surprises, you sure do insist on spoiling them…”

“Sorry.” She laughed. “I’ll be patient.”

“Thank you.” I clasped her hand behind the gearshift, ignoring the strange warm feeling in my chest.

Forty minutes later, I pulled into the VIP parking lot behind One More Chapter. The lights on the sign above the entrance flashed with tonight’s big event:

Meet The Author: #1 NYT Bestseller, Ryan Kenneth

The Legal Beast: A Thriller

I walked over to the passenger side and helped Olivia step out.

Taking advantage of the fact that she couldn’t see me, I admired her one-shouldered red dress.