Crystal's Dilemma by Christelle Mirin

have found someone I want to spend more time with than just here at bonding camp or in the office. I want to see you outside of the workings of the firm. I want to know if it’s possible to have a deeper relationship with a man, you, and I hope you feel the same way.” She let out a shaky laugh. “Otherwise, I’m going to be in for a huge letdown.”
    He leaned forward and kissed her tenderly. When he moved back, he ran his thumb beneath her eyes, wiping away the tears that had spilled onto her cheeks. “Don’t cry, please,” he said. “I’m pretty damn sure you and I have some connection that’s above both of our understanding. I want to delve into it, immerse myself in it, and I think you do, too. Let’s spend this weekend getting as close as we can and go from there. What do you say?”
    She smiled, her lips quivering just a bit. Straightening her back, she nodded. “I’m such a putz. Tommy, I’m not usually like this, all girly and stuff. I’m the one who can keep her cool under the most extreme circumstances. But you make me feel all feminine and fragile. Don’t break me, okay?”
    “Aw, Crystal, I won’t, don’t you worry.” His gaze grew warmer and his smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
    “Okay,” she said, settling herself with a deep breath again. “I want to know more about you. You participated in our ménage this morning pretty willingly. I’m assuming that wasn’t the first time you’ve done something like that.” She had to know more about this intriguing young man. He was younger than she, but he seemed to be worldly also, even though he was from somewhere in Indiana where she assumed things like ménages weren’t the norm.
    He stood and reached for his coffee cup, snatching it from the other side of the table before sitting down again. He took a sip and placed his cup beside hers on the table. “Okay, in my college days, I did a lot of experimenting with sexual situations. It’s pretty easy to join in a ménage on campus, and I’ve tried just about everything. I’ve never been attached to anyone, though, at least not until now. I do sense a strong connection with you, Crystal. I’ve never felt this way before and it’s amazing to me. You make me feel very alive, and I can’t deny it.”
    “But, I’m sure you had lovers who you felt drawn to before,” she said, picking up her coffee cup and holding it in both her hands, letting the warmth seep into her.
    He sat back in his chair and crossed one ankle over the opposing knee. “Yes, but it was more of a sexual thing, not like what I feel with you. When I’m with you, it feels basic and primal, like you’re who I’m meant to be with. I know this is a lot for you to absorb, just getting to know me and all, but I hope you don’t discount my feelings toward you.”
    Crystal chuckled. “This is the strangest conversation I’ve ever had with a new associate. I know exactly what you’re talking about, though, feeling primal. Sex with you is almost animalistic, and my primal urges kick in, giving full control over to you, the male in the situation. Does that mean we are destined to be a couple, do you think?”
    “I hope so, but I’m sure we’ll find out quickly. This weekend holds a lot of promise, Crystal. Not only do I want to start my new career, I want to start my life and I’m hoping it includes you.”
    “I don’t know how you can tell that I’m the person meant for you just by watching me in the courtroom.” She sipped the last of her coffee, feeling the buzz from the caffeine. Or maybe it was the buzz from being so near to him. She didn’t know and didn’t care, just wanting to enjoy it.
    “It’s the way you move, the light in your eyes, and your intelligence all balled into one. I have the sense you’re the perfect woman for me, and if we mesh in the sexual arena, we are golden.”
    He was right, and there was no way she would ever deny what he was saying. She felt the exact same thing about him