Keigo was ready to hit something or someone, Marco in particular after listening to his praise of Etta Jones's cuteness and vibrant personality. He continued his boisterous regaling of the show and had the nerve to tell him he and Etta had superb chemistry.

"Thank God, it's a reality show, or I would be supposing you're suggesting we make her a permanent part of the show." Keigo sighed.

"Wouldn't it be great? We can have her predict the result of the trial at the start of the show and have the audience vote if they agree or disagree. We can--"

"She's not that type of psychic, Marco." He interrupted.

"Huh?"

"From what I understand, Etta has an uncanny ability to know what you want to eat before you do. The last place she worked at didn't have menus. She would send out the meals without anyone ever placing an order. My understanding it was highly successful."

"I can’t believe that would fly? People actually paid for that? I usually don’t go to certain restaurants until I know what I want," Marco reasoned.

"It’s California everything flies out here." Keigo snorted on a laugh. "It’s completely baka, foolish, and I don’t see how anyone believe that psychics are real."

"Oh really? Then why are you allowing her to cook for you? She is going to be yours for thirty days, right? I suppose you can find out first hand if it’s real or fodder," Marco teased.

"I only agreed because putting her in jail would only bring bad publicity for us," Keigo protested.

"What do you mean by that?"

Keigo simply arched an eyebrow that dared him to deny it, "Meaning, she has a following of her own. She listed all over the Internet. First, it seems she was a part of a team along side her mother. They took the act on the road with a traveling carnival and now she has her own online cooking show and business. So with her being somewhat of a local celebrity I didn’t want to be know as the judge who threw her butt in jail."

"You’ve always been a softy disguised as an ass," Marco said playfully. "I think this lady is just what you need. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen the old you. I’ve missed him and if this woman can breathe life back into you, I’m already one of her biggest fans."

Keigo had reached his limit. "Marco--"

Marco’s cell phone vibrated at his waist and he held up a finger. "Hold that thought, Bro, let me take this call."

Damn, why did Marco have to be so blunt about everything. He was annoyed at hearing it, but it was the truth. For one brief and crazy moment he was able to laugh without feeling guilt for it. He’d been angry and depressed so long, he completely forgot how exhilarating it could be sharing carefree witty banter with a woman.

A smile came to his lips. "She never did put on those damned shoes. That’s all I need the stupid woman catching pneumonia and blaming me for locking her up."

Marco clicked his phone shut. "What was that?"

Keigo blinked. "Huh? Oh, nothing. I was just thinking aloud."

"I would stay and chat a bit longer, but I need to go wrap up some stuff before I can call it a night. "Are we still meeting up at Bent Arrow next week?"

"Same as every year," Keigo nodded.

"Etta coming with you?"

"You say her name as if you’ve known her for years," Keigo snapped. His eyes locked with Marco. "Tell me why would I be bringing, Miss Jones to Bent Arrow with me?"

Marco shrugged his broad shoulders. "Maybe because we don’t have a cook this year, and now you have one in your possession for thirty days. Seems to me that the angels are smiling down on you, Bud and answered your prayers."

"I don’t think I can handle being around that crazy woman in such close proximity for a month. Her stopping buy to drop something off or a few hours each day is one thing. This is something completely different."

"It’s not like you have to share a cabin with her. I can bunk in with you and she can bunk in with Nan," Marco suggested.

Keigo gave him a sly grin. "Won’t that throw a wrench in you and Nan’s plans?"

"Man, don’t even pretend like you already don’t know, I’ve been spending the last month in my own bed, alone! Talking about a fickle ass woman. She’s always finding ways to push my button. One day the relationship is on and hot as hell the next I’m sleeping in an icebox. Currently, my dick is on ice." Marco scowled. "Don’t try to change the subject. Etta is our best bet. I know for a fact Nan has called at least fifteen people. Every one is either booked, or too cheap to volunteer their services," Marco shook his head. "Seems to me your time is running out."

Keigo arched a brow at his old friend. "I rather pay some one."

Marco sighed. "Very well, but if you aren’t going to be here you might as well cut her loose and forget the entire thing."

"Let her off, without any reprimand? You must be kidding," Keigo snorted. "Heaven forbid what if she ends up in my court again some day? She will think she could pull more nonsense."

"Mmm, sounds like there is only one thing for you to do, because we know how small the odds are that she would make a second appearance on your show."

Keigo saw the humor in Marco’s eyes and bit down on the back of his teeth. "Don’t you have something you should be doing?"

"I do, but this is more interesting." I’ve been meaning to ask you if you arranged for me to have this case on my show because you knew about her reputation of being a handful?"

"Hey, I read something to that effect, but you can’t always believe what you read," Marco admitted. "She seemed to be reasonable in the interview. Besides, I didn’t go seeking out the case. I don’t even get to choose, that’s all on the producers. That Lewin Lady went through the website and emailed her complaint and information to the show. Stay started to pas it up until they saw that the complaint was against a psychic chef. They decided it should be a hoot. They were on the money with this one."

"So none of today was staged?"

"Hell no, that’s why I enjoyed it." Marco laughed. "You two were smoking hot. Almost sizzled my handheld monitor. Boy, I can’t wait to do the edits. You have to see some of the facial expressions you were making! Priceless! I--"

"Marco! Didn't you say you had something to do? Get out of my office, I have things to take care of before I knock off."

"Is taking care of Etta, on that list, Bro," Marco snickered. "I'm serious. If you haven't considered how you're going to make her serve her thirty days, invite her to cook for us at Bent Arrow. Nan and I will graciously help out in the kitchen as usual, but you know are skills are limited and we have a full house this year."

"Why can’t you let this go?" Keigo shook his head, his broad brow creased in a frown. "You’re sure you don’t won’t Miss Jones to join us so you can make a move on her?"

Marco got a mischievous gleam in his eyes before adding, "Would it bother you if I did?"

"Marco, get out." Keigo practically growled out the words. His hand massaged his stomach.

"Okay I will see you up at Bent Arrow, Bro. You sure you don’t want me to swing by and pick you up?"

"I’m sure. Once I find the cook, I will see if they can drive the terrain vehicle and if not, then I will just hire us a driver."

Marco’s animated face grew somber. "You, know Keigo. It’s going on four years. If you won’t even try, you’re never going to overcome your fears."

"Save this discussion for another day, Marco. I’m just not up to discussing it now, okay?"

"Deal, if you invite Etta to Bent Arrow, I will never speak on it again," Marco challenged. A grin stole back to his lips.

"Out, damn it, and let me work in peace!"

"All right, Bro, I’ll ease up on ya," Marco smirked and shook his head. "I’ll call you later."

"Please, don’t. At least not this evening." Keigo stifled a yawn. "I just want to go home take something for my stomach and sleep for the next twenty-four hours."

"Tomorrow then, have a goodnight and think over all I’ve said. Etta will fit in perfectly and I think the kids will love her."

Keigo glared at Marco until he conceded by throwing up his hands and backing out of the room with a snigger.

Invite Etta to Bent Arrow? What was Marco thinking? He barely agreed to her silly offer in the first place, now his best friend wanted him to welcome her into his personal space. Still, he was a man of his word. They agreed on thirty days of her services. He wasn’t sure of what that entailed, but Marco was right he was going to be in the mountains for a month and he needed to find a chef for the camp kitchen. He wouldn’t be able to open the camp until he met all the requirements before the students arrived.

With a soft curse Keigo picked up the telephone and dialed security. "Hey Phil, Judge Kyou here. You can bring Miss Jones to my chambers now. Make sure she brings along all her personal. Has she quiet down some? Really?" Keigo released a heavy sigh. "She’s probably saving her energy for round two with me."

He rolled his eyes heavenward as he listen to Phil sing her praises, his booming voice heavy with humor. It seemed Etta had managed to gain yet, another fan in him. "You don’t have to stay. Go home and get to bed early, you have that drive tomorrow. Just show her the way and tell her to let herself in."

"Thank you, Phil. I don’t know how we would do the show without you. I will see you at Bent Arrow. No, I can’t get away right now. I still have some issues to deal with before we can open for inspection. "

He listened to Phil.

"No, that won’t be necessary." Keigo rubbed his temple and stifled a yawn. "I’ll find a way up there, even if I have to hire a driver to drop me off. I might need to catch a ride back with you, though. I’m sure. Go on up and get things started tomorrow as planned. Marco and Nan will join you and I will be up by the end of next week. Thanks again, and drive safely."

He replaced the phone back on the cradle. Walking over to the bar, he removed a cold bottle of water from the mini-fridge took several deep swigs. Thoughtfully his gaze wandered about the downtown San Francisco view. He’d always loved living in the city, but it wasn’t as appealing as it used to be when he had someone to share it with. It wasn’t as if the pickings were slim. On the contrary, they had become various and broad since his face became well known through the show.

Keigo through the empty plastic bottle in the recycle bin and made his way back to his desk. Leaning back in his chair, his eyes closed.

***

"He’s waiting for you, just go through that door."

"Thanks for everything, my brother, Phil. I promise to keep it a secret that you let me camp out in the security office while he had this time chill," Etta grinned and winked at the burly older black man."

"Just cut him a break, Judge Kyou is cool," Phil advised. "He’s just low key and over the past few years been through a lot. But he is a key player on making sure today’s youth stay on track. He’s known for giving people a second chance, so go in there, be straight and don’t be to hard on him."

"I tried to be easy on him in the courtroom, but he makes it too easy to agitate him," she chuckled.

Phil laughed in a hushed tone. "You’re right, but ease up on the man, especially when is ulcer is acting up. Keep your shoes on," he advised. "If Judge K, calls me back up here to take you back down, I won’t have any choice but to lock you up Etta and I’m sure none of us want to see you in jail for real."

"I’m sure your Judge K. would," she murmured sarcastically.

"Actually, he wouldn’t," Phil debated. "I’ve known him for about five years and I haven’t witnessed and unfair bone in his body. Etta, give him a chance. You might find that the both of you have a lot in common."

"I wouldn’t go that far," Etta argued. "I’ve been through heartaches I wouldn’t wish on even Tanesha Lewin," she chuckled. Her features grew more serious as she said, "Nevertheless, you’re right. I was angry because my reputation was being brought into question, but now I know I shouldn’t have taken my anger at Tanesha out on the Judge."

"The man is just doing his job and he is a honest man. Trust him to do the right thing, Etta."

"The right thing would be to let me go home with just a warning," she snorted looking at her sandal-clad feet.

"You really don’t think your actions today require some form of penalty?"

She looked up to see Phil’s staring at her in question.

"No," she shook her head sheepishly. "I deserve whatever he deems necessary, but don’t mean I have to like it."

Phil laughed softly. "I need to get going. Don’t forget to tell your Mother I will be calling her when I get back in town. Maybe we can catch up on those old school days. I was so sorry to hear about your father passing away several years back. We all were pretty close as children, but lost touch after my parents moved out of the old neighborhood. I did get an invitation to the wedding, but I didn’t feel right about going."

"Why not?"

A sad grin came to his full mouth. "Another story for another time. Don’t keep the judge waiting much longer. He’s usually out of here ten minutes after he retires to his chambers."

"Great," she moaned. "Something else he can blame me for. Take care Phil, and have fun at the camp you’re heading to."

Etta waved farewell and turned to look at the closed door before her. Squaring her shoulders she realized it was time to pay the piper. Did she want to deal with this right now? Of course not, Keigo Kyou, was an obstinate stick in the mud for having her bullied out of the courtroom. In spite of what Phil says about the man, she felt he really wanted her locked up at the time he ordered it. Yet, he didn’t want her handcuffed. What was that about?

She would be lying if she said she wasn’t curious to know more about this man. She hasn’t had a man to peak her interest since Neil, and even though three years has past, she felt guilty for feeling anything for any man that wasn’t Neil. Her mother and brother assured her, that he would want her to find love again, and have the home and children she’d always dreamed of. But how could she when she only wanted those things because of him.

Etta closed her eyes and recalled Neil’s face. With each passing year it was getting harder to visualize his smile as clearly as she had for the first year after his death when her memories of him nearly drove her insane with grief. The familiar pain weighed heavily in her chest and she rubbed the place above her heart.

Her eyes reopened and a soft closed lipped smile played around her lips. Keigo had a nice smile, when he wasn’t being an ogre. The few times he unconsciously smiled at her, she felt warmness spread in the pit of her stomach.

She thought he had the kind of smile that reached and crinkled at the corner of his midnight colored eyes. Several times she desired to reach out and hug him. Especially, when his hands would snake down behind the bench to knead at his nagging stomach or the times when his unconscious grins would melt into heart wrenching sadness. A moment so briefly exposed, one would believe they were mistaken at seeing it.

Was the sadness the reason Phil said they had something in common? Had Keigo lost someone he loved?

With a resigned sigh Etta knew what she had to do. Her Momma didn't raise her to disrespect the judicial system, even though working with the carnival during her childhood had pushed the envelope a few times. Oh boy, if she were years younger, her mother would have busted her bottom for her behavior today. In a few weeks not only would her mother hear about it, the entire viewing area would see it. She wouldn’t be surprised if the network didn’t drop footage of the upcoming episode on You Tube, to build the hype.

Tonight she would post and apology letter to her Internet following on her website before everything got blown out of proportion. She didn’t want her fans to think she felt she was above the law and following rules because of her somewhat celebrity status.

With that in mind Etta knew time for all silliness was over. She was no longer dealing with Tanesha who didn't have a legit complaint against her. She was now dealing with a judge that could put a dent in her checking account, increase her time, and order her to serve some jail time to boot. If she play her card right and kept her mouth shut, she might could leave out of here tonight with some form of community service. She doubted Judge Handsome would feel the need to uphold their initial agreement after kicking her out of his courtroom. She could start by thinking of him as Judge Kyou.

Taking one more deep breath and blowing it out slowly Etta placed her hand on the cracked open door and eased it open further so that she could peek inside before entering the dragon’s lair. The one thing she hadn’t expected to find was a sleeping dragon. She imagined he would be sitting behind his desk with steam shooting from his ears and his gavel posed to strike her over the head with it.

Etta quietly stepped inside and eased the door close behind her. Her feet brought her closer and her eyes feasted on the sleeping man. With eyes close and features softened like this, he really was more then handsome. He was adorable. His dark lashes girlishly long, cast shadows over high cheekbones. His lips were firm and sensual while the set of his chin hinted at stubbornness she’d already had a taste of.

She wondered how old was he exactly? She surmised he couldn’t be no more then thirty-five, or he could be, because she was never good at guessing anyone’s age. However she could predict what a person ate for breakfast. For instant the Judge here had poached eggs, cantaloupe, and dry toast with hot tea instead of coffee. Boring. Which lead her to wondering about the double chili hot dog she could see him indulging in her mind’s eye for lunch. No reason his stomach was acting up.

Etta continued to study his face. Why would a man have such a bland healthy breakfast and ruin it with a heavy spicy fat driven lunch? Her mouth twisted wryly. It could mean someone else was ensuring he ate healthy at home. A wife? Girlfriend? Housekeeper? If so, why would he agree to her offer to cook for him? Wouldn't she be stepping on some other woman toes?

Well in fairness to feminist movement, it didn't have to have been a woman. It could be a male housekeeper, or a male lover. Etta blanched at the thought. It suit her needs to think that it could the person that cooked for him in the mornings was his sweet aging mother that he took care of.

Whoever it was, she wondered if they knew he ate junk food on the sly or that he had a wicked sweet tooth? She covered her mouth with her fingers to prevent the laugh from spilling forth and disturbing him.

She wondered if she should go back out and knock. If he catches her watching him while he slept, he’d probably tack on another day to her sentence. Instead of walking away she moved closer, her eyes on his full bottom lips.

He had lips that made a woman think about long hours of just kissing alone. Etta leaned closer. She could feel the steady warm breath from his regal nose against her face. She was near enough that her eyes crossed and fluttered close. "Damn, why you have to be so freaking adorable?" she complained in hushed tones.

"Miss Jones, please tell me you’re not about to do what I think you’re about to do?"

Keigo voice pulled her from her stupor. Her long lashes swept open in surprise. Once again her eyes crossed before clashing and settling eye to eye with him. "Err…ohm, you ordered me to come here didn’t ya?"

"Yes, I did." His deep voice rumbled in the tingling pit of her stomach. "What I want to know is, why are you leaning over me, like--"

"Like what?" Her voice grew louder.

"Like, you were about to kiss me."

"Huh?" Etta gawked and stood straight, looking down at his upturned face. She took an unsteady step back. "Why on earth would I be wanting to kiss you?" She giggled nervously, the warmth blossoming in her cheeks she figured gave her away, but she was keeping mum.

What would she say if she confirmed his suspicion? "Yes, I was about to kiss you, but I have no idea why." Yeah, right!

A thoughtful smile played at the corners of his mouth. "If not to kiss me, tell me then, why were you leaning over me?"

"I was just looking to make sure you were still breathing." She shrugged her shoulders looking over his head so as not to lie to his face.

"Hmm, I see," he grunted and sat up in his chair adjusting the collar on his white shirt. "Wishing me dead are you? Well, no such luck Miss Jones, I’m afraid I’m still here to make sure you serve your time for disturbing my courtroom today."

Etta’s armed crossed over her breasts in a haughty stance. "I’m sure you spent your time planning something dreadful. I should have known I couldn’t depend on you to keep your word."

"Excuse me?" His glaring stare was incredulous. "You have the audacity to call my honor into question. You were the one who struck the bargain and proceeded to disrupt my proceedings. What will you have me do, Miss Jones? If I allowed everyone to behave the way you did today in my courtroom and walk away from it, I would lose credibility."

Etta released a long sigh. "I’m sorry. You’re right."

"Huh?" His head jerked back as if she struck him. "Did I hear a sincere apology and did you just agree with me?"

Etta chuckled. "Don’t look at me that way, when I’m wrong, I’m wrong and I don’t mind owning up to it."

"Then, I will accept your apology," he returned her smile.

She tried to taper the dizzying current racing through her. He was so disturbing to her in every way and she wasn’t sure she was ready to go down this road again. Attraction was one thing, but to allow herself to ever love again was another. She wasn’t sure she knew how to trust in love again.

"So tell me, Judge Kyou."

His grin turned to soft laughter. "I must still be asleep."

"Excuse me?" Her head tilted in question.

"You're being amicable, and you just called my by my name," he pointed out.

Slowly, and seductively her glance slid downward. He had a beautiful smile. She looked up to find his gaze riveted on her face, and then moved over her body slowly as if he was mentally peeling away her clothing. She wondered if the tell tale hardening of her dark nipples beneath her white blouse were noticeable.

Neither spoke aloud about the awareness that was developing between them.

She watched Keigo as he pushed himself up from his desk.

CHAPTER 3