Love Proof (Laws of Attraction) - By Elizabeth Ruston Page 0,27
Counsel.”
It was true, she did have a theory, and it wasn’t one she was ready to share with him or even her new boss yet. She knew she might be grasping for an answer, simply because she couldn’t bear giving up something that really had proven to be a miracle for her hair. But if she was right, it could mean a dramatic shift in the case.
Sarah scooped up the plastic bag that held the sweatshirt and sweatpants. “But thank you,” she said. “For these. I can finally get out of my robe.”
“What do you wear to bed?” Joe asked.
“Excuse me?”
“I was looking for some warm flannel pajamas or something. You looked like you were freezing last night.”
Sarah paused on her way to the bathroom and pulled out the satin pants and camisole she would have worn to bed if she’d been lucid the night before.
“Oh, I thought those were . . . never mind,” Joe said, shoveling in a few more fries. He waved for Sarah to continue on to the bathroom.
“Thought they were what?” she asked.
“You never used to sleep in anything like that.”
“I couldn’t afford it,” she said.
“You didn’t sleep in much at all,” he said, making sure to look her in the eye.
“Ancient history, Burke.” She stepped into the bathroom and shut the door behind her. Then stayed where she was for a moment, leaning against the wood, eyes closed as she tried to block out the image Joe had just planted in her mind.
He didn’t sleep in anything, either. And it had been cold then, too.
But neither of them had seemed to mind.
Twelve
It took two flights to get them to Carbondale, Illinois, to the law school where the competition was held. It was the first week in November, and already temperatures were below freezing at night. Sarah had underestimated the weather and brought only a light jacket in addition to the suit she would wear for the actual oral argument.
It was the same suit she’d saved up to buy for the competition the previous year. Even though that particular day had ended so badly with her partner practically having to be carried from the room, Sarah still had faith in the outfit to help her win this time. Besides, she hadn’t gotten her wear out of it yet, and for what she spent, she’d better.
She wore jeans, a cotton sweater, and her jacket on the plane, but as soon as she stepped into the Carbondale airport she knew they wouldn’t be enough. Even in that closed environment, she was already freezing. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like once they were outside.
“Let’s get the car,” Ellen told them, and marched off toward the rental counter. She had taken it upon herself to make all the travel arrangements for the group, and as treasurer for Moot Court, she was very budget-conscious. She announced that morning when they met at the L.A. airport that the men would be sharing one hotel room, the women another. Sarah had been very sorry to hear it.
As an only child, she wasn’t used to having to sleep in a room with anyone else. Even when she went to college, the Cal State San Bernardino campus was close enough that she could still live at home rather than in a dorm. And the place she rented while she was in law school was a tiny guest house in Westwood, too nice for what the owner charged her, but the woman took pity on Sarah the first time they met. Sarah knew some of her classmates had roommates—sometimes multiples—and she couldn’t imagine having to deal with all that distraction.
So she wasn’t looking forward to having a roommate even for the three nights they would be there. Especially not that night, when she wanted to make sure she was fresh and well-rested for the oral argument the next day.
“Yes, Ellen Kiptar,” Ellen told the person behind the counter. “I’ve reserved a compact.”
“A compact?” Mickey said. “Joe and I are both over six foot.”
“It’s cheaper,” Ellen said, waving him away. “And it’s just a short drive.”
Sarah stood off to the side, trying to warm herself. Her jacket had pockets, but she wished she brought a hat and gloves. None of the others seemed to be as cold as she was. Joe Burke wore just jeans and his UCLA hoodie, and he looked perfectly comfortable with his hands buried deep in the single pocket.
He must have noticed her look of longing, because the next thing