Chance Encounter

"Nice place," he said, looking around.

"Thanks. I got it in the settlement," she laughed. "Jeff was really eager to get rid of me, so he didn't even put up a fight over it."

"Were you that terrible?" Brian asked, laughing.

"I can be a real bitch when I need to be. But he deserved it. Hey, let's talk about something else and get off the subject of the Pit Bull."

"Pit Bull?"

"My affectionate nickname for Jeff," she said, smiling.

"Oh, ok," Brian said, looking down.

She led him into the den and sat down on the white overstuffed couch. He sat down beside her, looking shy.

"So," she said, after several moments of silence.

"So," Brian replied, resting his elbows on his knees and looking up at her.

"You look very uncomfortable, Brian," she said, placing her hand on his shoulder.

"I guess... I don't know. I've just never done anything like this before."

"Like what? We're sitting on a couch. Now I know you've sat on a couch before. I've seen you do it," she said, laughing.

"You know what I mean," he said, his cheeks reddening.

"I know what you mean, Brian," she said, softly. She ran her hand down his shoulder, then folded her arms across her chest and sat back on the couch. They were quiet for a few minutes, then Samantha spoke.

"So... you hungry?" she asked. "I don't know what I have in the kitchen, but we can order a pizza if you want."

"No, I'm fine," he said, still staring at the floor.

"Brian," she said, quietly, "look at me."

He looked up at her with a sad expression on his face.

"Nobody's holding you hostage," she said softly. "You can leave whenever you want. I hate to see you so like this."

"I'm sorry I'm acting like a dork," he said, sighing.

"Listen. I'm going to grab something to eat from the kitchen. I haven't had dinner yet. If you want to leave, you can. I'll understand. I promise I won't be upset," she said. She was lying. If he left, she would be heartbroken. But she couldn't blame him. She got up and went into the kitchen. She made herself a turkey sandwich and popped open a coke. She held her breath as she walked back to the den, hoping to God he was still there. At first, she didn't see him, and her heart sank. But, when she walked, into the room, she saw him looking at the pictures on the bookshelf. She put her dinner down and walked over to him.
"That's Adam," she said, referring to the picture Brian was staring at.

"He's a really cute kid," Brian said. "He looks like you."

"Thanks. I think he does too."

Brian turned and kissed her softly. She could feel a shiver travel from her head, down her spine, and down to her toes as his soft, warm lips pressed against hers. She put her arms around his waist and kissed him back. He allowed her tongue to enter his mouth, and he sucked it gently. He just smelled so good... Samantha almost couldn't stand it. It had been so long since... Oh, this was not a good thing to be thinking.  She broke the kiss and rested her head against his shoulder. He let out a long, deep breath and held her close.

"OK," Samantha said. "Uh, how about we watch a movie. They're all chick flicks. I hope you don't mind."

"Depends on the chick flick, I guess," he said, laughing. Samantha walked back over to the bag and dumped it out on the table. SHIT! There were the Backstreet videos she bought. How embarrassing!

Brian picked up one of Homecoming video from Orlando and smiled.

"What's this?" he asked, trying not to laugh.

"I... uh... Ok, you caught me. I'm really a fourteen year old girl trapped in a 28-year old body," she said, blushing.

"Really?" he said, amused.

"I just wanted to see you perform. I've never really paid much attention before. I don't even know which one you are when I hear your songs on the radio. So sue me."

"Then how did you know who I was in the elevator?" he asked, curious.

"Come on. I have a 14 year old sister and an 18 year old sister. It's not like I haven't seen your pictures all over their walls and in magazines and on television. And I haven't been living in a cave for the past few years either."

"Ok, I get it. You just wanted to check me out, huh?" he said, laughing.

"I guess so. If you want to put it that way."

He nodded. "That's cool. I understand. I checked you out, too."

"You did? And what did you find out?"

"I found out that you're one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the southeast. And you're the youngest partner ever in your firm. And that your ex is an ambulance chaser. You like to watch NASCAR. You hate golf. You're a devoted mom. And... you are allergic to cats," he said, triumphantly.

"How the hell did you find out all of that?" she asked, shaking her head in confusion.

"Lila..." he said, grinning.

"Damn it. I knew I should have fired her," Samantha said, laughing. "So, what movie do you want to watch?"

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