Page 77 of Relentless Pursuit

“You don’t have to save me from him. He’s a big, old softy.” She stepped out of Jack’s embrace and took Julian’s hand.

Softy? Maybe she needs a round with the riding crop.

“I wasn’t hiding because I was ashamed, although I think Julian thought that,” she continued. “I was trying to protect your friendship. I figured if things didn’t work out, you were better off not knowing. I also didn’t want you jumping to any conclusions about what the two of us are doing together.”

“Well.” Jack glared at Julian. “It’s probably better I don’t know.”

“Get off your high horse,” she said. “Don’t act like you haven’t tried new and exciting things in the bedroom.”

“Okay. Just because I’ve admitted you’re an adult, doesn’t meant I need details.” Jack held his hands up. “That’s my cue to leave. I don’t want to know.”

As the three of them laughed together, a sense of relief came over Julian. Not only was he in love with the most amazing woman he had ever met, but his best friend could now be a part of it all. No more secrets. No more hiding. She was his life now. He could admit that with no apprehension. Just wait until his mother found out. She’d be thrilled.

“We’re still on for breakfast?” Jack asked.

“Yes, I look forward to it.”

Jack nodded and looked at his sister. “I’ll see you next week when Mom and Dad come to town. They’re staying at my place, so maybe we could do pizza and a game night too.”

“Sounds like a plan.” She kissed his cheek. “See you then.”

“I hope you’ll come too,” Jack said to Julian.

“I wouldn’t miss it.” He walked Jack to the foyer as Kayla headed to the kitchen. “I’m glad you came here today.”

“Me too.” Jack shook Julian’s hand. “I’m sorry I overreacted this morning. It was just a shock seeing you with her. She’s my little sister.”

“I get it.”

“You do know that I have to say this...” Jack arched a brow. “If you hurt her, I’ll kill you.”

“I would deserve it,” he agreed. “She’s grown into a spectacular woman. I don’t know how I ended up with her, but I know I won’t hurt her.”

“I believe that’s true.” Jack made his way toward the elevator. “Looks like you finally found a date to have dinner with me and Caroline.”

“How about that.” Julian grinned.

The best date ever.

Chapter 18

Afew weeks later, Julian’s schedule seemed to be calming down in time for the holidays. He didn’t want to travel until the new year. He’d finally gotten that stubborn client to take a plea bargain. He would have gone all the way to trial and fought his hardest, but the evidence against him was too strong. He was glad his client realized that at the eleventh hour.

His relationship with Kayla was progressing. Dinner with her family was a bit awkward at first. He’d been used to the role of Jack’s friend not Kayla’s boyfriend. Boyfriend? He still wasn’t sure how he’d managed that but it was a good thing. Her father wasn’t sold on their relationship. Julian would have to work on winning him over.

He sat in Blake’s office going over the books and perusing the new clients. Sapphire had seen a surge in business over the past few months. His cousin’s little idea had grown into more than he and Julian could have ever imagined at the inception. They were going to have to hire more staff in January. Although, Blake joked that since he didn’t have to monitor Julian’s matches now, he had much more free time.

A soft knock at the door drew his eyes away from the computer screen. It was too early for Kayla to be there. Francis was bringing her by the club and then Julian planned to take her to supper. He thought he’d surprise her with a date to the movie theater too. She’d been talking about this new film she wanted to see. If they ate a quick dinner, they could make the eight o’clock show.

“Come in,” he called as he pushed back from the desk.

The person on the other side slowly opened the door.

He sighed when Connie, dressed in her sexy best, sauntered into the room.What do you want?

Her hair was blown out sleek, and her black eye makeup was more dramatic than usual. Maybe she was being matched tonight? Blake had put a hold on her status until he was certain she wouldn’t land herself in jail and call someone he had hooked her up with to bail her out. They had lost Drew, her last match, because of that mess. Julian didn’t need any more negativity surrounding the club. People came there to be discreet. Getting a call in the middle of the night to go to the police station was far more than anyone had bargained for.

“Blake’s downstairs,” he said, hoping she was there to see his cousin and not because she had gotten into more legal trouble. Kayla was a big advocate for Connie, convincing him that there was no harm in Kayla spending time with her friend. He agreed as long as the drug dealing boyfriend was out of the picture. He didn’t want to dictate who she could be friends with, but he wanted to keep her from landing in jail by association.

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