The Law of Attraction by Kristi Gold

myself.”
    â€œIt’s not a problem, Alisha. That way, if you and I want to get tanked, Julie’s volunteered to drive. She can’t drink.”
    â€œWhy not? She certainly isn’t going to be the only one.”
    Joe grinned. “Because she’s pregnant. That’s why she didn’t have anything on New Year’s Eve.”
    Alisha was caught somewhere between elation and envy. She hated that envy and hated herself for feeling it. “That’swonderful, Joe.” She rounded the desk and gave him a quick hug. “You’re still going to finish law school, aren’t you?”
    â€œYou bet. I’m in the home stretch and I can’t quit now.”
    If only she had more to offer him financially. After all, he basically ran the office, serving as a clerk, paralegal and part-time receptionist all at the same time. “If you’re willing to stick with me after you go back to school in a couple of weeks, I’ll work around your schedule and see what I can do about a raise.”
    Joe held up his hand. “Don’t worry about it. You’re going to have to bring in that temp, and that costs money. Julie and I will manage. She’ll get paid pregnancy leave and we’ve saved some, plus her parents are willing to help out. They have the money and the means.”
    Alisha thought a minute. “Well, if Mrs. White’s case pans out, it could mean quite a bit of money.”
    â€œAre you going to take it?”
    â€œYes, I think I am.” For that and other reasons aside from the possibility of a large settlement. “Of course, we both know that could take awhile. In the meantime, I’m going to rely on you to help me with the particulars.”
    â€œNot a problem.” Joe came to his feet. “I’m going to head home, unless you need anything else.”
    â€œNo. You go ahead. I’m about to leave, too. I have to make myself beautiful for tonight.”
    Joe laughed. “That shouldn’t take too long.”
    â€œYou are so amusing, Alvarado.”
    â€œAnd you don’t even realize how attractive you are. But you can bet Daniel Fortune does.”
    Â 
    Daniel had never seen Alisha Hart look quite this beautiful, although the way she’d looked on New Year’s Eve ran a close second. Normally she dressed in corporate conservative, a look befitting her position. But tonight…well, she wore a formfitting little black stretchy dress that hugged her tightly,long-sleeved but cut low at the neck and back. And those spiked heels… Man, he could imagine her wearing only those and nothing else. He better quit imagining it or he’d end up spending all evening hiding behind one of the buffet tables.
    For the past hour they’d been doing the avoidance dance, maintaining their distance while exchanging glances every now and then. Just watching her move through the crowd had him considering things he had no business considering—namely getting her alone and in his bed.
    â€œGood to see you tonight, Counselor.”
    Daniel turned his attention from Alisha to the owner of the booming voice, Van McAllister, former state Supreme Court justice and champion of many worthy causes. He’d been instrumental in seeing the center they honored tonight come to be.
    Taking Van’s outstretched hand, Daniel gave it a hearty shake. “Good to see you, too, Van. You did a great job on this place.”
    Van scoffed. “I just helped with the fund-raising and did a little conceptual planning. The committee did the rest. And I think they did a fine job.”
    Daniel took a moment to survey the area. “It’s a good design.”
    â€œA remarkable design.” Van pointed to the upper floor. “We have transitional housing up there.” He pointed behind him. “And offices at ground level. Every kind of assistance you can imagine, including counselors and legal help. Just say the word, one of