Page 113 of Passionate Defense

“No abbreviations, period!” Lanie announced. “That’s an executive decision.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, and in minutes, the new name was approved by the partners. Another round of champagne toasts followed, and another after that.

“Tell them the big news so we can order,” Ethan whispered in her ear when it went on for a while. “In the meantime, I’ll have them bring bread and appetizers to soak up all the champagne.”

“Good idea.” She nudged Beth. “Tell them what we got today.”

“Okay, gang, before I lose you to the booze, the big news is that after months of motions and post-trial discovery, we were able to get what’s left of WW&S to comply with the judgment. We got our settlement check today—” The applause and whoops of excitement cut off the rest of her announcement. She held up her hands and raised her voice. “Wait, there’s more.” That got their attention. “We used some of the money and signed a new lease...on the big office on the next block. We’re movin’ on up!”

They burst out in whistles and hoots, a few of the old women singing the Jefferson’s theme song while the youngsters looked on in confusion. Lanie understood their exuberance. Space had been at a premium for too long as the business expanded, but their walls did not. For those sharing three to an office, it was the best news of the night.

She was wiping tears of laughter from her face as the server came in with loaves of their signature rye bread and two huge sampler platters of appetizers, courtesy of Ethan. She stood up and announced, “Okay, guys, that’s the end of business. Drink up, order what you want, and we’ll cover the cab fare home if you don’t have a designated driver, or there are rooms available at a discounted group rate if you prefer to stay.”

“Go A. F. &G,” some of them cheered.

“Good grief, no,” Lanie groaned as she flopped down beside Ethan. As his arm came around her shoulders, she could feel him shaking with laughter. “So much for no more acronyms.”

* * *

IT WAS CLOSE TO TENwhen the party wound down and their guests made plans to get home. All but two had a room for the night. They put the last employee in an Uber and watched as their newest partner was helped into her car by her designated driver husband.

Ethan stood behind her as she gave Michelle a small wave. When they pulled away, Lanie leaned back against him with a sigh.

“Everyone seemed to have a good time.”

“How could they not with so much champagne flowing?” His hands lingered on her hips while he whispered in her ear. “What about you, baby? Tipsy?”

“I had one glass hours ago, so I’m good to drive.”

“Me, too.” He pulled her against him until his noticeable erection prodded her backside. “But I thought it would be nice to stay. West Tower. Room 1508. Be there in fifteen minutes. Steven and Beth will keep you company until then.” His teeth nipped at her earlobe as she felt him slip something into her pocket. “Do not keep me waiting,” he warned, then walked to the bank of elevators behind them, and was gone.

Lanie pulled out the key card. Running her finger along the edge, her lips kicked up in a smile as her imagination ran wild with limitless possibilities.

“Look at her face, Steven. I used to get that look before a romantic night at a five-star hotel.” Beth sighed wistfully as she and Steven stopped beside her. “My playdates are behind me now and the only scene I’m good for isJonah and the Whale. One guess who I get to play.”

Beth’s comment ended with a yelp. When Lanie turned to her in concern, she saw her friend rubbing her posterior while staring up at her husband in surprise.

“Don’t belittle yourself,” Steven said firmly. “You know I don’t like it. You’re beautiful all the time, even more so now, while carrying my child.”

“Sorry, sir. But when you’re as wide as you are tall, it’s hard to feel beautiful,” Beth murmured softly as she leaned into him. They’d apparently had this conversation before. Steven was a lot like Ethan, radiating power and seductive charm even while scolding or teaching a lesson.

If she were a betting woman, Lanie would lay money on Steven, more so than Beth’s pregnancy, being responsible for the glow of happiness her friend exuded.

“We’ll ride up and walk you to your room, Lanie,” Beth said from the circle of her husband’s arms.

“That isn’t necessary. I’m sure you want to get home and Beth should probably put her feet up.”

“Ethan’s orders.” Steven offered his free arm and escorted both women to the elevators. “Let’s not give him any reason to be displeased when he has a special night planned.”

As the elevator doors slid closed, Beth looked at Lanie and winked.

She rolled her eyes in return. “I know you two are our best friends, but do you have to know everything about our sex life?”

“She doesn’t know anything,” Steven assured. “Ethan isn’t one to kiss and tell. He’s very discreet.”

“More like spank and tell,” his wife added with a giggle. Finding her joke and Lanie’s reaction hilarious for some reason, her giggle turned into a belly laugh. If Lanie hadn’t seen them bring Beth ginger ale, she’d have sworn she was smashed.

Her eyes shot to Steven in question.

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