”What better way to make a statement about our relationship than to attend as a couple?” Bette asked. ”We have a corporate table.”

”And what better way to let my boss know I won’t be intimidated by him than to align myself with the top legal defence team in the city?”

”He’ll think you’re a heartbeat from making the leap,” Bette said. ”And it might just give your career a boost, rather than undermine it.”

”It’s a bit of a game,” Tina said. ”All I want to do is practice law.”

”It’s a calculated risk,” Bette said. ”I don’t mind if people know we’re together. You have to decide if you’re ready for that.”

”I should talk to a few people before there’s the potential of our picture showing up in the society section of the newspaper,” Tina said. ”My parents don’t live here, but Nic’s do. I don’t want it to be a shock to them if they read about me seeing someone new.”

”You have some time to decide,” Bette said. ”It’s an open offer.”

”I’ll take it under advisement,” Tina said. ”But I think you’re right. A bold approach could help keep this under our control.”

”Something to aspire to; I’m not feeling very in control with you,” Bette admitted quietly.

”Well, if it’s any consolation, the feeling is mutual,” Tina sighed. ”I should have done my homework a bit better if all I wanted was a simple affair.”

”More like a complicated relationship,” Bette said. ”Oh well, we’re in the middle of it now.”

They weren’t even trying to deny it. Happily trapped in the middle of what they were both starting to refer to as a relationship, with no reasonable expectation of an end in sight.

Chapter 10

”I have great news,” Bette’s voice filtered through the receiver of Tina’s office phone.

”Well good, because Harvey is breathing down my neck on this continuance,” Tina said. ”He doesn’t think I should have cooperated with you on the request.”

”Harvey’ll change his tune soon enough,” Bette replied. ”Our client is willing to take a plea.”

”Bette I hope you didn’t talk him into that…”

”No, no,” Bette replied. ”I explained the situation to one of my partners and he went over the offer with him.”