I step off the elevator on the top floor of Stone Holdings. Amy's desk is empty, and the double doors to Alex's office are wide open. The inner sanctum is filled with people, but no one's talking. They’re all staring at one of the many large screen TVs covering one wall. The news reporter relays the "shocking verdict in the Anthony Trevalis murder trial."
I lean against the doorframe, trying to remain inconspicuous, and survey the room. People are mesmerized by the newscast. Some place hands to their mouths in disbelief. I hear my voice and realize they're replaying the interview from the steps of the courthouse.
Jake is just inside the door and catches sight of me. I wink at him and put my finger to my lips.
"We're pleased, of course, with the jury's verdict. It's our sincere hope that law enforcement will continue to investigate this case and apprehend the person who brutally murdered Cindy Onstad. It's clear there is more here than was originally discovered through the minimal investigation performed by the police and subsequent rush to trial by the District Attorney in order to convict an innocent man."
Alex is sitting at his desk intently watching the TV. He slides his finger over his bottom lip. My eyes are transfixed on his wide smile as he listens to my statement. I realize just how much I want his approval. He nods his head slightly and listens to my answers to the reporters' questions, and I can't help but feel I've accomplished something huge.
"Hey," someone in the room pipes up loudly and points at me. "There's the woman of the hour."
Everyone turns to me, and the room breaks into applause. People shake my hand and offer congratulations. Heat rises in my cheeks. I've never been comfortable with adulation and attention. Ryan is always chastising me for my inability to take a compliment. He blames it on my dad. Maybe he's right. It's not that my dad was cruel in his remarks, more that he was too drunk to remark either way, positive or negative.
People make their way past me and return to their desks.
Jake approaches me and shakes my hand. "Congrats, Kylie."
"Thanks, Jake, but I really need you to go help Lisa with…whatever. Thomas can get Alex and me home."
Jake smiles but glances over his shoulder at Alex.
"I can handle Alex," I whisper, and playfully elbow him in the side.
Jake nods and heads to the elevators.
Alex strides toward me and wraps his arms around my waist. "I'm so proud of you, baby. You were amazing."
"I seriously thought the jury was going the other way. I nearly passed out waiting for Riley to finish reading the verdict."
"I never had a doubt. You laid out a solid case. There was nothing for the jury to consider. They had to find him not guilty."
"Thanks, babe, but I need your help."
Alex peers at me, his eyes questioning, and his eyebrows drawn together.
I step into him and press my body against his. "It's a little-known fact that after I win a big case, I have to have mind-blowing sex."
"I'll get my stuff," Alex says quickly, and starts to pull away.
I grab his tie, coaxing him back toward me and shake my head slowly from side-to-side. "Uh-uh, babe. I need it now. Right now." My lips travel up and down his neck. He lets out a low moan, igniting a flame between my legs.
"Here?" His voice is raspy.
"Here. Now." My lips find his, and my tongue slips effortlessly into his mouth.
We linger in the kiss for a moment until he pulls away and walks to his office doors.
"Amy, hold all my calls, and no one is to disturb me under any circumstance."