Indefensible by Pamela Callow Page A

Kate will take over.” With that, she had grabbed her notepad and rushed out of the room.
    Curtis Carey had then unfolded the comics section. The fact that he’d read the world news when Nina was questioning his client, but had switched to the comics when Kate was conducting the discovery, irritated the hell out of her.
    Between the hostile plaintiff, the insolent lawyer and the stack of research sitting on her desk when she returned to her office, it had been a hell of a way to end the workweek. Another glass of wine could not have happened soon enough. But she hadn’t planned on enjoying it in the company of the first man who’d gotten under her skin today. She pushed the second man out of her thoughts. She hadn’t expected to see him on her way here.
    Curtis’ eyes flickered over Kate’s sundress. She had removed her cardigan when she entered the Shoe and now she regretted her flirty choice. His collar was unbuttoned and his tie probably stuffed in his briefcase, but everyone at the table still wore their work clothes.
    The waitress appeared with Kate’s wine. Curtis waved a twenty dollar bill, and she took it just as Kate protested.
    He shook his head. “I owe you one. I was a bit of a prick this afternoon.”
    She raised a brow. “How was Dilbert?”
    â€œNot as good as Peanuts.”
    That surprised a laugh out of her. She sipped her wine. “I’ve always had a fondness for Pigpen.”
    â€œI’m a Snoopy guy all the way.” He raised his glass. “So, am I forgiven?” He asked the question with themischievous grin of a little boy. A dimple creased one of his cheeks, giving him a lopsided—but endearing—smile. Too endearing, Kate told herself. I bet he’s used this since kindergarten to get himself out of trouble.
    Kate arched a brow. “This time only. I won’t be so lenient again.”
    His eyes met hers. A slow flush warmed her chest. She sipped her wine, raising the glass to her lips so quickly that the rim hit her teeth. When had he become so cute?
    Maybe when she met him at the discovery this morning and he hadn’t exhibited the usual fascinated curiosity for the woman who’d slain the Body Butcher single-handedly. Most new acquaintances would eye her suit and blouse as if they expected her to rip it off and reveal her spandex superwoman outfit underneath. Or they would back away ever so slightly, as if the thought of getting too close to a woman who had violently killed was too risky. Not Curtis. He treated her just like anyone else. Add the dimple to the package, and he was looking pretty damn good.
    â€œWhat does Kate do on her time off?” His voice was low, meant just for her. She darted a glance at the other associates. Joanne was saying, “I heard that Nina told Randall that if he didn’t…” Then Joanne’s voice lowered. The other associates leaned in closer. Any other time, Kate would want to know about Nina Woods and her power plays, but not this moment. Not when Curtis Carey’s gray eyes were fixed on hers. Waiting for her answer. She smiled. “I take my dog running.”
    â€œYeah?” There was no mistaking the appreciativegleam in his gaze as he skimmed the bare shoulders, revealed by her sundress. “I run, too.”
    She let her own eyes wander. Lanky, well-muscled under that crisp blue shirt, she bet. He could probably keep up with her.
    Just like Ethan had. And where had that led her?
    To heartbreak.
    She drained her wineglass. Curtis wasn’t Ethan. She had to remember that.
    â€œI usually go for a run on Saturday morning,” Curtis said, his eyes intent on hers. “Do you want to join me?”
    That startled a nervous laugh out of her. “But we’re on opposing sides…”
    â€œI won’t pump you for information.” He placed two fingers against his heart. “Scout’s honor.”
    When he put it like that, she felt