A Legal Affair by Maureen Smith

light, tropical fragrance she wore, a scent that often reminded him of the week he’d spent at her beachside house in the Caribbean, where he’d retreated to escape the turbulence of his own life. Shara had generously opened her home, and her arms, to him, and for that he’d always be grateful to her.
    Absently he picked up a round crystal paperweight his father had once given him. Embedded inside was a small acrylic globe because, as Crandall Thorne had explained, he’d always known Caleb would take the world by storm.
    The paperweight was the only memento Caleb had taken from his plush corner office suite when he left the law firm.
    “How’s Devon?” he asked Shara, who stood utterly still at the window with her back turned to him. “Enjoying his final year in middle school so far?”
    “Of course. He and his friends already have bets going about who can charm the prettiest incoming sixth-grader. Isn’t that the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever heard? Why should they spend all their time chasing younger girls?” She gave a mirthless laugh. “But I guess that’s something men never outgrow.”
    The subtly launched missile hit its intended target. Without missing a beat, Caleb continued transferring the crystal paperweight from one hand to the other. When he spoke, his voice was remarkably calm. “What’s on your mind, Shara?”
    She turned around slowly to face him. “Was that Daniela Moreau I saw you leaving campus with earlier?”
    He inclined his head. “It was.”
    Shara frowned with disapproval. “Do you really think that’s a good idea, Caleb? Fraternizing with your students?”
    “She invited me for coffee. I accepted. End of story.”
    “You know very well it’s not that cut-and-dried. You can’t be seen going out on dates with—”
    “I’d hardly call what we had a date,” he countered dryly.
    “Maybe not this time. But what about the next time, and the time after that?” Shara’s nostrils flared in anger. “Can you really afford to risk your career by getting involved with Daniela Moreau, or any other student? You’ve got a good thing going here, Caleb. You’re greatly admired and respected by your students and colleagues. The administration thinks you walk on water— despite your maverick attitude toward policies and procedures and your outright refusal to attend faculty networking events. My God, Caleb, they even let you get away with showing up to class looking like the poster boy for a motorcycle gang!”
    “You know I hate wearing suits,” he growled.
    “I know. Everyone knows. It’s your legacy around here—Professor Thorne, the dark, brooding bad boy with the soulful bedroom eyes and sin-inducing voice.”
    His lips twitched with barely suppressed humor. “Sin-inducing?”
    “Don’t mock me! If you heard what these girls whisper about you, you’d understand exactly what I mean by that expression. All I’m saying is, no student is worth losing your job over. I don’t care how pretty she is.” She paused, then added snidely, “And honestly, Caleb, you’ve had prettier—students and girlfriends.”
    His eyes narrowed on hers in silent appraisal. “This isn’t really about my job security, is it, Shara?” he queried softly.
    She averted her gaze, her mouth tightening. “Don’t make this about us.”
    “Is it?”
    “No,” she snapped. “It’s about me looking out for a colleague, someone I also consider a good friend. I don’t have to remind you that there aren’t too many of us in this department, Caleb. If the three of us—you, me and Bernard—don’t watch one another’s backs, who will?” With a glance at her slim gold wristwatch, she started toward the door. “I have a class in five minutes.”
    “Shara.”
    She turned back, one finely shaped brow arched. “Yes?”
    Caleb searched her tense face. “You know I’ve never crossed the line with any of my students before. What makes you so sure Daniela Moreau will be the exception?”
    Shara