Page 15 of Passionate Defense

“I’ll have to thank that psychologist friend of yours at the next faculty Christmas party.”

“No need to wait. We’re having dinner with him and his wife on Wednesday.”

“We’re having dinner with Steven and Beth—” As realization slowly dawned, she squeezed her eyes shut in dismay. “Oh, Ethan. Please, say you didn’t.”

“Yep,” he agreed as he angled her head back with a gentle tug on her hair.

“But Beth and I work together,” she protested.

“She’ll understand. Steve believes in applying his theories.”

Her eyes flew open, and she gasped her disbelief, “No way!”

“Yes way,” he replied. “According to him, she was the one who suggested it. In fact, he says she’s always going on about how you’d enjoy life much better if I walloped you every now and again.”

“Walloped!” she exclaimed. “Some friend she is.”

“She’s your best friend,” Ethan scolded gently. “And made an excellent suggestion, considering how our little experiment tonight turned out. You’ll have to thank them both.”

“Is that an order, sir?”

“No, sweetheart. Merely a highly encouraged recommendation.”

Chapter 4

LANIE HAD MADE PLANSto go shopping with Beth two days later. Their mission: finding something to wear to the new faculty welcome dinner the following weekend. As tenured professors, Ethan and Steven were required to attend, their wives strongly encouraged to do so as well. While she couldn’t wait to confront her friend about the suggested walloping, she thought it best to get their shopping done beforehand.

Since they needed everything from head to toe, they devised an official plan of attack. First up, the Ann Taylor outlet. They both bought their suits for court there, but they also had a wide selection of dresses—feminine, chic, and conservative enough not to ruffle feathers among the old establishment at the college. Next, Nine West at the Northridge Mall for shoes. Last, Victoria’s Secret for everything else a woman needed to feel pretty and feminine underneath.

Lanie hit pay dirt at their first stop with the first dress she tried on. In deep Egyptian blue with a sleek boatneck collar, it fit like it had been tailor-made for her. Although in a fairly conservative style, the shimmery fabric and the deep V in the back and the flounce around the hem gave it a flirty flair, and the contrasting silver belt was just plain fun. She loved it.

“I hate you,” Beth, a petite brunette with big doe eyes and smooth, flawless skin grumbled as she came up behind her. She could easily pass for her younger sister, even if she was five years Lanie’s senior. As if on cue, she pouted prettily as she took in her reflection in the mirror. “We’ve been here ten minutes and you’ve already found the perfect dress. I can’t find anything.”

“More like twenty, and I’m sure we can find you something.”

“Doubtful,” she grumbled. “All the dresses here are for people like you with height and curves.”

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