Free Lanie's Lessons by Maddie Taylor

sexy.” She cupped his cheek and wiped the lipstick from his mouth with her thumb. “I’ll be back in a jiff to protect you. If she gets too pushy in the meantime, just whip out your cane and hold her at bay like a lion tamer. Be careful, though. She may try to mount you, because I think she’s in heat.”
    As she walked away, she heard his bark of laughter. With a smug grin, she purposefully crossed directly in the enemy’s path and gave the woman the glare that had broken many a hostile witness under cross examination. It appeared to work beyond the courtroom, because Red became flustered and promptly spilled the beer she was serving right in her patron’s lap. The waitress gaped at her as if she had some magic power that made her spill the beer. Lanie simply stared at her, letting the power of the Ice Queen do its thing. As she tried to sop up the mess, Lanie grinned with satisfaction. Yeah, beeotch, don’t mess with the real alpha kitty and you best stay away from my man.
    She sauntered toward the restrooms, looking back at the last minute, she found Ethan’s eyes on her. He wore an amused look, obviously having taken in the whole scene. She beamed at him and gave a little wave, feeling no qualms about leaving him on his own now. But she planned to hurry back all the same.

Chapter Seven
     
     
    As she entered the ladies room, she bumped into a familiar face from court. Victoria Studor, the judge that presided over the Deever’s trial. “Judge Studor,” she managed. “This is a surprise.”
    “It is? Didn’t Ethan tell you we were meeting for dinner?”
    “We’re having dinner with the chief justice and his wife.”
    At her nod, Lanie realized what an idiot she was and wanted to kick herself. “I’m having a blonde moment, obviously. Ethan always calls him Ray, but it’s Raymond Studor. I never put you two together.”
    She smiled. “Don’t worry, dear. Actually, it’s refreshing not being part and parcel with Ray for a change. We’ve been married over thirty years and people see us as a matched set all too often. Although early on, I was only seen as the woman behind the man with the gavel.”
    “Living in the shadow of a formidable man has its challenges. I can relate. Although Ethan works very hard at keeping me out in the light.”
    “He is doing an excellent job of it too. I’ve heard the buzz about town of your new firm and Ethan’s name has never been mentioned. Congrats by the way. It’s about time two young, talented women rattled some cages and made the establishment take notice.”
    “You mean the good ol’ boys club?”
    “Yes, indeed,” the judge said with a huff. “The culture of misogyny in the legal community has gone unchecked for entirely too long.”
    “Amen to that. Most successful men owe thanks to the hard working women who helped get them there. Like me, until recently,” Lanie added, thinking of WW&S. “And in my case, receiving very little praise and much less reward.”
    “I can relate. I was a junior associate working for a bunch of pricks once, too.”
    Surprised, Lanie gaped at the usually reserved woman’s language. She in turn laughed at her reaction. “Look in the mirror, dear. Your expression is priceless.” The older woman put her arm around Lanie and gave her a squeeze. “I’m like everyone else beneath my robes. I put my panties on one leg at a time.”
    Gasping with wonder, Lanie exclaimed. “That’s what Ethan said earlier about your husband.”
    “Professor Fischer was talking about my husband putting on panties? Will wonders never cease?”
    “Oh! No… I didn’t mean—” Lanie stammered.
    “I’m teasing, dear,” she winked. “Besides, the chief justice wouldn’t wear my panties, too constricting under a robe. He’s a boxers kind of man.”
    Lanie’s face ignited, burning furiously at the outrageous announcement. How had this innocent conversation gone so astray. Although an attractive older woman, Victoria was close to sixty