Page 14 of Relentless Pursuit

“What do you want to be?”

“I don’t know.” She placed her fork on her plate. “I thought I wanted to be a journalist, but how can any eighteen-year-old know what she wants to do when she picks a major? Well, some do, I suppose. You knew you wanted to be a lawyer and Jack knew he wanted to be an accountant, but I’m not sure who I am yet.”

“It’s understandable.” That was the most honest thing she’d said all evening. “Perhaps another department at the station?”

“I’ve been moved twice since July.” She shook her head, looking a bit defeated.

He didn’t like seeing her that way. How could he fix it? Would she let him intervene? If she were his, she’d have no choice.

“I’m on thin ice as it is,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity, so I’m doing my best to stick it out until I can figure out what I want to do.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out, but if you need help switching jobs, I can assist you. I have many friends in the city. We can find something that better suits you.” There, he could help from a distance. Never touching her, feeling her lips on his, her toned, tanned body beneath his as he showed her what sex was really all about.Find a way to stop this before you do something you’ll regret.

“That’s very kind of you, but if I quit the station, my father might have an attack. He pulled a lot of strings to get me in there.”

“If you’re not happy, I don’t want you to stay.”Damn it, why are you making this personal?“I mean, you shouldn’t work at a place where you’re not being fulfilled. Your father will understand.”

“Will you tell him?” She laughed, but there was a seriousness in her question.

“If that’s what you need from me.”If you were mine, I’d do everything in my power to make sure you are happy and satisfied.

“I’m just kidding.” She lightened up her somber mood with an adorable little laugh. “No work talk, okay?”

“Agreed.”

The servers came back in and cleared the salad plates before placing the meals in front of them.

“This looks delicious.” She smiled as she focused on the pasta. “Thank you for inviting me to dinner.”

“It was my pleasure.”You have no idea how much of a pleasure you are.

* * *

“Aren’tyou going to finish your dessert?” Julian asked.

“I couldn’t eat another bite.” Kayla pushed her plate away from her. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten so much. She’d be living at the gym the next few days.

“More champagne?” He reached for the second bottle they’d popped during dinner.

“I can’t.” She placed her hand over the glass. “I’ve already had more than I should.”

The lightheadedness had kicked in after her second glass, and now the room was swaying. It was a good thing she had planned to take a cab home tonight. The subway wasn’t in the cards.

“Everything was amazing. The food, the conversation, the company.” The alcohol made her chatty, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. She was with Julian. Maybe it wasn’t a real date, but it felt like one. It was better than any date she could have imagined with him. She prayed this wouldn’t be her only chance with him.

“I’ll make sure my driver gets you home.”

“Driver? That sounds fancy.”

“It’s easier in the city to have one. Parking is atrocious, and the traffic is something I don’t have the patience for.”

“Speaking of the city...” She stared out the window behind him. “That view is spectacular.” When she stood, he rose with her. Such a gentleman. “It reminds me of the one at Jack and Caroline’s wedding.”

She stumbled forward, but his reflexes were fast and he had her in his grasp, holding her against his firm chest. The scent of him, spicy and manly, drove her wild with lust.

“These shoes,” she mumbled. “They’re too high.” She reached down and pulled them off. “And maybe I had a little too much to drink.”

“You’re a lightweight.” When he laughed her body warmed. “It’s quite charming.”

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