Indiscretions by Donna Hill

resentment she felt about the case. The one consolation was that she’d at least attempted to put Sean in perspective. She couldn’t hold him responsible, and hopefully they wouldn’t be pitted against each other again. What was done was done. She also realized that in order for anything to work between Sean, she would have to be up front with him about her feelings. Maybe today would be the day.
    Sighing, she tossed the paper back on the coffee table, rose from the sofa and walked toward the terrace. The cloudless sky promised a glorious day. Lush, stately trees dotted the pavement, and fragrant flowers graced the well-tended gardens. Khendra leaned against the wrought-iron railing and deeply breathed in the fragrant air, which brought back recollections of the last time she stood in the spot. The thought made her heart quicken.
    This time her meeting with Sean was planned.
    She was taking a planned risk, something she only felt comfortable doing in the courtroom. But strangely enough she was beginning to feel good about it. The anxiety was making way for excitement.
    Turning back inside, she slid the glass doors shut just as the doorbell rang. Khendra checked her watch, a puzzled look creasing her brow. Who in the world could that be? It couldn’t be Charisse, she concluded with certainty. She was rarely on time and definitely never early. She walked to the door and stole a quick look through the peephole. Her breath caught in her throat, and her hand flew to her mouth to stifle the gasp that slipped through her lips. She took a calming breath and swallowed hard, commanding herself to breathe in and out. The doorbell rang again, jarring her into action. She swung the door open and faced her unexpected guest with a defiant stance. “Mr. Counts, what an unexpected surprise.”

CHAPTER SIX
    â€œMay I come in?” Before the words were halfway out of his mouth, he had stepped over the threshold and was candidly assessing her apartment.
    â€œNice place. You have excellent taste.” He turned to face her.
    Khendra didn’t move, but spoke from the open doorway. “What are you doing here, Mr. Counts?” She tried to camouflage the indignation that tinged her voice. “I’m sure I explained to you that I have plans for today.”
    â€œYes, I don’t doubt that you do,” he said, his blue eyes raking over her long, shapely legs. He walked slowly toward terrace. Turning, he added, “However, I felt that a personal invitation would help sway your decision.”
    â€œI’m sorry you came all this way for nothing. Anyway,” she added, her temper rising, “I fail to see how accepting an invitation to go sailing with you has anything to do with my job.”
    He began to move toward her. “It has everything to do with your job.” His voice became menacing as he continued. “And the sooner you recognize these invitations as little stepping stones, the sooner you’ll get to the top.”
    She felt her breath quickening as he drew nearer. Where was Charisse? “Stepping stones to the top for me means only hard work and dedication,” she said evenly. “Now I really appreciate your stopping by, Mr. Counts, but I’m expecting my friend any moment now, and I still have a few things to do.” She prayed he didn’t hear the tremor she felt in her voice.
    He moved into the open doorway. Khendra braced herself. He raised his index finger and trailed it down the small cleft in her chin. She immediately pulled back. Her eyes blazed with outrage. She opened her mouth to speak, but Alex cut her off.
    â€œI know what you’re thinking,” he said in a low voice. “You’ll report all of this to the board.” He chuckled, but his eyes held no humor. “Who would believe you? You’d only end up hurting yourself in the long run. Remember, favors can be very valuable, Khendra.”
    â€œI want you