Free Lawyering Up by Wynter Daniels Page B

uniform. “My shift’s been over for half an hour. If I don’t get some shuteye I’m going to collapse. I’ll call you later, soon as I hear back from Pete.”
    She waved as he left. Geez, why was her heart pounding so hard? But she knew the answer. The prospect of being reunited with both her college crushes was a bit overwhelming. Not that either one would be interested in her after all this time. She was a good twenty pounds heavier than she’d been in college and she knew her overwhelming workload had taken its toll on her looks.
    Still, she had her fantasies. That and a pint of ice cream made up most of her Saturday nights. Maybe this one would be different. After all, it was her birthday and she was supposed to be granted a wish. She knew exactly what she was going to hope for when she blew out the candles. It had been way too long since she’d even had a date, let alone made love with anyone. Hopefully one of them could get past the changes in her figure and go home with her.

Chapter Two
     
    Murphy’s Tavern was just starting to fill up when Emmy arrived. She scanned the tables for the guys but apparently she was the first to arrive. She took a booth in the back, away from the hubbub of the bar, dimly lit and just a little too snug. The closer she could sit to both men, the better.
    “There’s my girl.”
    She couldn’t hold back a huge smile at that deep voice she’d never forgotten. Pete was taller than she remembered and still impossibly broad. His sandy-brown hair was cut military short and he wore a periwinkle-blue polo shirt that matched his eyes to a tee.
    She slid out of the booth and threw herself into his waiting embrace. The familiarity of his hard contours transported her back in time. She knew all too well the feel of those powerful arms, the strong hands and talented fingers that had schooled her in the art of pleasure.
    She held on, reluctant to give up the reminiscence. Pete set his hands on her waist and she automatically flinched, self-conscious of her larger size.
    “You look great.” Pete stepped back, swept his gaze slowly over her from head to toe and setting off a storm of desire deep inside her.
    Buying herself a new outfit for her birthday—tight-fitting black pants and a lacy top—had been a good move. Not to mention the matching bra and panties set she’d splurged on. Something about wearing all new clothes and sexy underwear made her feel a little more attractive.
    He stroked her hair and gave her a warm smile. “I’m so glad you ran into Rudy. I’ve wondered about you over the years. He said you’re a public defender now. That’s awesome.”
    “And you’re doing well at the jail, huh? You’ve moved up the ranks fast.” Long-dormant intimate muscles deep inside her pulled taut. God, he still inspired her lust. The room felt twenty degrees warmer since he’d arrived.
    Get hold of yourself, counselor.
    “How’s the family?” he asked.
    She rolled her eyes. “My little sister is all grown up and she’s a knockout. Long blonde hair, great figure. She just graduated from UM with a degree in engineering. Thinks she knows everything now. Mom and Dad are the same, still working their fingers to the bone. How about your folks?”
    “Your sister must be identical to you then. My mother just got married. That makes number four.” He shook his head and for a second he looked like that hunky boy she’d fallen for in college. “Maybe this time it’ll stick.” He regarded her with what she could swear was lust. And maybe a bit of regret. “Why did we throw us away, Em?”
    Good to know he’d missed her too. “Timing, I guess. I was a little overwhelmed at first in law school and neither of us was good at the long-distance-relationship thing. Seems kind of silly in retrospect.” God knew she’d had moments of regret about it over the years.
    Before he could say anything, Rudy was there and the guys were shaking hands. Time slipped by as the three of them drank