Page 16 of Relentless Pursuit

“I drank too much, but what I’m saying is true.”

“You don’t know what you’re saying.” He kissed the tip of her fingers before releasing her from his hold. “Even if you believe it to be true. That’s a big problem for me.”

“Why won’t you give me a chance?”

“Because you’re not the woman for me.”

Ouch! Not even the alcohol could numb that sting.

“How do you know?” According to Connie, he gave complete strangers his undivided attention when he was matched in the past. What was wrong with her?

“I’ve been doing this for a long time.” He sighed. “It’s not you, it’s me.”

“Seriously? You’re going to go with that line?”

“I’m sorry if I misled you. I shouldn’t have allowed you to think I was going to take this any further.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You’re young, vibrant, witty, charming, and funny.” He took her hands in his. “You don’t need to be here. You don’t need men like me. Whatever happened in college with those guys, it’s in the past. You’ll find what you’re looking for. Give it some time.”

“That’s not for you to decide.”

“It is tonight.” He released her and took his cell from his pocket. “I’ll have Francis, my driver, bring the car around. He’ll take you home.”

“You can’t dismiss me. I won’t let you.”

“I just did.” He placed a soft kiss on her forehead, and damn her, she still wanted more from him. “I want you to go home now. I’ll see to it you get there safely.”

“Save your call, Mr. Anders. I can grab a cab.”

“I’d rather you not.”

“I don’t care what you’d rather.” She grabbed her shoes from the floor and her clutch before heading for the door. She didn’t have to stand there and be humiliated by him. “I’m perfectly capable of seeing myself home.”

“You drank too much. I’d feel better if you didn’t leave here alone.”

“Maybe you should have thought about what you wanted to do with me before you kept filling my glass.”Take that, Mr. Insensitive!

“Kayla.” He raised his voice. “Don’t push me.”

“Actually, your firm tone isn’t going to work on me.” She opened the door. “Considering I’m notthatwoman.”

She hurried down the hall, her heart beating in overtime as she put some distance between them. The dinner was perfect, the conversation fun and light. Why did the evening end so abruptly? What did he want?

“Hey,” Connie said as she approached Kayla. “I heard you were in the private dining room. Did they match you?”

“No.” She slipped on her shoes.

“Who did you have dinner with?”

“Julian.”

“Really?” Connie’s demeanor changed. “Again?”

“I’m sure that will be the last time.”

“Good.”

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