She and Adam were becoming more than just attorney and client — a friendship was emerging. Soon they were talking on the phone a few nights a week. One Friday, when Tracie’s sister was watching Willem overnight, Adam convinced Tracie that she needed a fun day. Tracie looked at Adam’s invitation as some kind of charity. It took Adam about an hour to convince her to take him up on his offer.
Tracie met Adam in the lobby of his office building, and they drove to the Mall of America. By noon they were sitting in Fat Tuesday’s. It was a little awkward at first, but they both felt more comfortable after a few drinks.
“So, I should probably tell you that I’m stripper in my spare time so I can pay off my law school loans faster,” Adam deadpanned.
Was he serious? After a few seconds Adam started laughing. Tracie finally cracked a smile.
“I knew you had one in there someplace,” Adam said.
“Shut up!” she said flirtatiously, reaching across the table and swatting his arm.
What each had secretly hoped for was being revealed — mutual attraction. Adam was Tracie’s knight in shining armor, and Adam was attracted to Tracie not only because she was physically appealing, but also because she showed strength in the face of such great obstacles. He admired her. It was really the first time Adam felt that way about anyone.
After drinks and lunch, Adam and Tracie meandered over to the amusement park inside the mall. They played some arcade games and went on a few rides. The last ride was a log flume. Adam had no idea why Tracie wanted to go on the ride. Getting wet in Minnesota during the winter and then having to walk outside to one’s car is hardly fun, but she insisted. The ride started in a tunnel. Hoping beyond hope not to get uncomfortably soaked, Adam climbed into the back of the log. Tracie sat in front of him, in between his legs. With a quick jerk, the log started to move, and it was soon inside the barely lit tunnel. Without warning, Tracie boldly turned around and kissed Adam. Adam was surprised — and pleased. He put his arms around Tracie’s waist and spent the rest of the ride playing the kiss over and over in his mind.
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