The Associate

Part 2

Kathryn studied the young woman, observing the flushed face, mussed hair, and small run in her left stocking. I didn't see that earlier, not that I was checking out her legs.…" Kathryn mused. Pushing such thoughts away, she also noted that, although a bit worse for wear, Ana still presented a professional appearance in her powder blue power suit, crème silk blouse, and matching high heels, heels that caused Ana's legs to flex in a most pleasing fashion whenever she walked. Yet Ana's hair and cheek color made the associate look less in control, less like the icy persona Kathryn had witnessed over the last several months. She liked the effect. A lot.

The senior partner knew her reputation among the associates. She didn't care as long as she got the best work possible from her subordinates. Life was tough, and the legal field was cutthroat—better that her new attorneys learn early. However, Kathryn wasn't made of stone. A pretty face could still turn her head, and a beautiful mind was even more enticing. She'd learned a long time ago, however, how to ignore those needs when necessary. She wondered whether it was necessary. I'd love to melt that icy reserve, Kathryn thought idly as she finished removing the lobsters from the pot.

Watching the lithe blonde return to the dining room to complete her latest task, setting the table, Kathryn speculated on her errant thoughts and how wise it would be to entertain them. The astute attorney decided to observe Ana's behavior to determine whether the attraction was mutual or merely the product of an overworked imagination. As Ana walked toward her, Kathryn wondered what the alluring beauty would do next.

"Do you need me for anything else?" the young associate inquired politely. Kathryn maintained a noncommittal look even as she chuckled inwardly. So, she wants to leave, does she? Not so fast. She felt a certain glee spark within her from the carefully worded question, knowing exactly what she needed from this seemingly unflappable woman. Instead of answering, Kathryn countered with her own question.

"You don't plan on deserting me do you? Surely you must realize I still need you?" Kathryn secretly enjoyed making the tall beauty squirm, perhaps a bit too much, she readily admitted. She watched avidly as a guilty look flitted across Ana's face and knew she'd nailed her.

"Uh, no, of course not," the rattled associate was quick to assure.

"Good. They should be here soon. Why don't you open this bottle of wine while I freshen up a bit?" Dissecting Ana's appearance openly, she added, "It doesn't look like you need to clean up, but you can once I return if you'd like." Kathryn swept away, ignoring Ana's look of consternation.

She had neatly maneuvered Ana and could see the flash of resignation in her young associate's powder-blue eyes. Hearing the doorbell ring, Kathryn called out for Ana to answer as she began to dress. In the background, Kathryn heard Ana welcoming her guests inside, making excuses for Kathryn, and offering them wine while they waited for her. The older woman grinned in amusement, knowing that Ana was probably feeling pretty uncomfortable right about now. I might kiss her just for making such an effort.

Giving herself a once over, she exited her bedroom to join the party. The next few hours were a blur as Ana catered to Kathryn's guests. In return, the senior partner was very generous, even insisting that Ana join them in the feast. The senior partner introduced Ana as her newest and brightest junior associate. Seemingly impressed, the visitors drew Ana into conversation by inquiring about her education, family, and background.

All the while, Kathryn listened to Ana with growing interest, filing the information away. Ana Hansen was twenty-six years old, top of her law class, former editor of the Harvard Law Review, current ABA Young Lawyers section leader, and the person senior associates and junior partners leaned on when in a pinch. She also volunteered once a month as Lawyer of the Day at the Boston Municipal Court.

While this was interesting, Kathryn was much more intrigued by Ana's personal information. With no siblings—her younger brother had died of a rare blood disease when she was two—her parents had doted on her. They had been well-renowned scientists teaching at MIT when an experiment gone terribly wrong had taken their lives. The chemical fires had lasted for days, robbing a twelve-year old Ana of her parents. Ana had lived with a kind aunt until she'd left for college. Now she lived on the North Shore in a small coastal town called Swampscott in a huge house she'd restored to its former glory by working on it little by little, mostly without help.

Upon further inquiry and much deflection on Ana's part, the young associate finally admitted she was not "seeing anyone." That piqued Kathryn's interest. Her guests had inquired whether there was "anyone special." Kathryn wondered at the change in wording.

At long last all the guests were gone except Ana. As the young attorney picked up the rest of the dirty dishes, deposited them into the dishwasher, and glanced around to confirm she had not missed anything, Kathryn leaned against the door jamb waiting to be noticed. Once she had Ana's attention, she raised the two wine glasses and an opened bottle of wine in her hands and suggested, "Let's go sit on the back patio. It's a magnificent night."

Walking through the door, Kathryn acknowledged how thankful she felt at finding her home with its secret treasure: the back patio. Kathryn watched Ana stop short, widening her eyes in wonder as she slowly turned her head to take in the view. To the right, a flower garden spewed forth a myriad of vibrant reds, purples, yellows, and oranges: a feast for the eyes. To the left, a waterfall fountain burbled, lit from within. Straight ahead sat two mosaic tables with comfortable chairs arranged around them. But it was the city view that seemed to take Ana's breath away. Below them stretched the Boston skyline and the Boston Commons—a vast grassy area with a lake surrounded by mature willow trees. Obviously mesmerized, Ana stood still absorbing the ambiance.

Kathryn watched Ana's reaction, as mesmerized by the sight as was Ana. Such pure reactions—she'd never seen such honest emotion. It made her hungry to know how Ana would react to other stimuli.

Pouring the wine, Kathryn crossed over to one of the tables and deposited the bottle. Turning to the stunning lady, Kathryn passed one of the crystal goblets to her. "Here. You earned this." At Ana's quizzical look, she explained. "I know I didn't give you a choice with helping me tonight. So, thank you, Ana. You are, indeed, the go-to gal." Although she saw the look of surprise cover the lovely associate's face, Kathryn acted as if she did not notice and drank deeply from her glass. After a pronounced hesitation, Ana also drank. "Have a seat," Kathryn offered solicitously, gracing Ana with an inviting smile as she sat down by way of example.

Once Ana acquiesced, Kathryn allowed a comfortable silence to envelop them, relaxing into the sounds of the city and the feel of the evening air. Turning her head, the senior partner studied her companion. She's beautiful, and I want her, Kathryn acknowledged. I wonder whether she feels the same. Kathryn could no longer deny that she had to possess this angel. She ruthlessly beat back the fear of sexual harassment, trusting her instincts. She had watched Ana for months, had seen the younger woman's lascivious glances and keen interest. The question remained whether Ana was willing to act on any feelings she harbored for the senior partner.

Acknowledging the risk was outweighed by the possibility of her desire being returned, she decided to find out.