Attractive Nuisance (Legally in Love Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

court still hung around her neck like one of those oversized metal clocks rappers used to wear on chains when she was in college.
    Such were her wayward thoughts when she set a trepidatious foot into Falcon’s office. He was going to bounce her back to the minor leagues. She’d be out of the courtroom forever. She’d be on copy room duty.  Worse, she’d be on janitorial duty until further notice. The scent of imaginary Pine Sol scathed her lungs. Oh, that could be her life—working nights, scrubbing tile. She deserved it.
    “Miss Sweeten.” Yep, he was mad. In the last month he’d started calling her Camilla, but now—after her rejection of his friend’s son and the disgrace in front of Judge Harper—she’d been demoted to Miss Sweeten. It stung, about a hundred bees strong.
    “Mr. Torres. About yesterday.” Her hands pressed together, the palms’ friction causing heat that rolled up her arms.
    Was that only yesterday? It might as well have been a hundred years ago, since time slowed to a grind while she relived all its gory details in her bed last night, which became a bed of nails, her floor hot coals when she walked it to get away from the shame. Worst of all was seeing that crinkle at the side of the eye of the handsomest guy she’d seen in years, maybe ever, having fun at her expense.
    “Yes, yesterday. I believe you met Zane Holyoake.”
    “I did, sir,” she managed at the unexpected name dropping. It was like Falcon had seen Zane’s image flashing in her eyes. Oh, no. She’d better stay on point in here. Keeping Mr. Torres unaware of the cause of her mental glitching had to be top priority. “We had a chance to talk for a moment after sentencing.”
    “After your, er, performance in court—” Falcon frowned. He could really put on a long frown when he tried. It went all the way past his chin bone.
    “Right. No need to expound.” She was getting kicked off as lead attorney on all her cases. Newbie from Flagstaff, which was a bigger city with fancier lawyers who wore fancier suits, would be taking over for her. She’d be stepping down. “I can hand over any files you deem necessary.”
    Falcon shook his head. “Holyoake’s got his own case load.”
    Her lungs deflated with relief at the same time as her chest expanded with hope. “Oh, does he?” She tried to contain her glee. “I mean, that’s, of course.”
    “Camilla, you’re acting off your game.” He frowned again. “I’d like you to head down to magistrate court. Mr. Holyoake is filling in for Billingsley down there today on a trial, and I’d like you to observe his speaking style.”
    She’d almost rather Falcon asked her to turn in her office key. “Observe?”
    “Yes. He’s been noted as a strong orator, and he gives his all even in the minor cases. It’s not your way, I am aware.”
    “Oh, I give my all, sir.” She had to at least defend herself on this point. “Every time.”
    “I know, I know, Sweeten. I mean the dramatics. You’re more…down to earth. But I need you to observe. And then report back to me.”
    Oh, not observe. Spy . Well, that she could do. And she’d probably be available to give a negative report, should he so desire. Or even if he didn’t. “Gotcha. What time is the appearance?”
    “At nine-thirty. You’ll have to hoof it. Can you? Hoof it, I mean? In those shoes?” He glanced down at Camilla’s shoes. She’d worn her highest platform sandals today. Tall people got more respect, and at five-foot-three-and-a-bad-court-performance, Camilla could use any height she could get after yesterday.
    “I’ll do my best, sir.”
    Fifteen minutes later, she wedged her way into the small courtroom in the basement of Prescott City Hall. It smelled like 1946 had aired its dirty socks in here and no one had bothered to open a window since. Poor Judge Overby. Stuck here every day in this stench. Maybe he got used to it. And to the bad indoor-outdoor carpet on both the floor and the walls.
    Court