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and I’m sure his backwoods charm is awesome, but he’s not the man for you. Every woman needs to be satisfied in bed, but you’re more refined than most. You need more texture in a relationship. More substance. You need a man who can show you the world from a higher plane. I’m sure your friend has money to take you anyplace you wish to go, but with me, you’ll have an educated, refined gentleman at your side. Not a big bone-crusher.”

    She started to regain her composure and felt anger wash away her astonishment.
    “Where do you come off telling me what I need? How the hell would you know how refined Isaac is or what my needs are? I don’t know you, and you sure as hell don’t know me.”

    “We just met, but I’ve known you all my life. I’ve been looking for you,
    searching high and low for a woman who challenged my intellect and drove me crazy with raw sexuality. You’re enticing without trying to be. Not every woman can pull that off. Now that I’ve found you, I intend to make you mine.” He leaned closer. “Your brother is watching, so I’d better let you get back to your table. Just remember, you will be mine. We can start now or wait until I open your eyes.”

    Shocked and dismayed, she watched him walk away. Everything he had said was
    inappropriate, but as hard as she fought it, her body responded with enough force to freeze her words in her throat and elevate her temperature. Her competition in court was usually older men, a few women, and none who made her hot and ready.

    This is insane, she reminded herself. We’re about to face off in a bloody battle.
    Even if that wasn’t the case, I could never cheat on Isaac.

    Three hours later, Chelsea climbed into her car without Dee, who had accepted a ride back to Mama Rose’s with Skip. After a brief stop at her parents’ home to retrieve some old research papers, she headed back to her place, tired and perplexed. Finding the song on the radio a little too provocative for her mood, she lowered the volume and replayed her encounter with a man she could only define as handsome, mysterious, and exceptionally confident.

    Nearing home, she slowly emerged from her reverie. “I’m not accustomed to being
    speechless.” She spoke to the confusion in her mind. “Why didn’t I respond? Why didn’t I tell him to go to hell? Is it because I’m not sure of how I feel about Isaac? Maybe it’s because I am sure of how I feel, but realize anything beyond a casual relationship will send Isaac scurrying back to the dating range. Damn!”

    Her body was boiling and she wondered if it was in anticipation of Isaac’s
    powerful lovemaking or because a stranger had roused her desires. “Get over it, Chelsea. You have to face that man in court on Monday morning.”

    Having no pressing concerns for her safety, Chelsea still found comfort in seeing
    Skip’s car parked in front of her building. She hurried upstairs, thinking she might discuss her concerns with him, but a string of soft music coming from the guestroom halted her intentions.

    Her loft was well planned with two upstairs bedroom suits. The small sitting area
    in the middle provided privacy on both ends of the house. Not wanting to bump into her brother’s date, she decided to pile a plate with snacks and watch television in her bedroom.
    Finding the refrigerator filled with Styrofoam containers from Mama Rose’s, she smiled and mumbled. “At least he was considerate enough to bring food for his guest.”

    She sliced an apple, washed a handful of grapes, and piled on slices of cheese to
    go with her diet soda. Turning to go upstairs, she received her second shock of the evening.

    “Dee?” She gawked at the sheepish smile, rumpled hair and dilated eyes. “I
    decided to give it a try. After all, I’m never going out with Russo again.”

    Chelsea had never liked the way Russo treated Dee, but each of them had agreed
    long ago to refrain from criticizing the other’s dates. “Why is