Page 17 of Relentless Pursuit

“Why would you say that?” Kayla followed Connie as they walked into the main bar area of the club, wondering why this was a sore subject with her. She’d never expressed interest in him.

“You don’t really think you’re a match for someone like him, do you?”

“Why couldn’t I be?” What was it with everyone thinking she couldn’t be who the almighty Julian Anders needed? He was just a man.

“Kayla, get serious. He’s not an easy man to please. I’ve heard things about him from other girls around here that I shouldn’t repeat.”

“Was he mean to them?”

“No, he’s good to them. He’s broken a few hearts, but most women know what they’re getting into when they agree to match with him. If he can hurt someone with experience, what do you think he’ll do to your fragile heart?”

“I’m not fragile. I know what I’m doing here. I’m not looking for love.”

“That was true before you bumped into your little crush. I see the way you look at him. He won’t know what to do with that.”

“That’s what he said,” she mumbled.

“Did he?” Connie pointed to an available booth. “Want to see if we can get someone to buy us a drink? You look too freakin’ hot in that dress to waste it on Julian.”

“I think I’m going to pass,” Kayla said. “I’m going home.”

“Hey, don’t be bummed. There are plenty of guys in this place. Now that he is going to leave you alone, Blake can match you up. Don’t worry. You’ll find what you’re looking for.”

I already have.

Chapter 5

Monday morning came faster than Julian would have liked. He’d prepared for his case all weekend and was due in court at two that afternoon. It was rare that he saw the inside of a courtroom these days. Most of his clients were white collar and preferred to settle out of court. This particular one was being stubborn. Maybe he really was innocent, but the prosecution had mounted enough evidence to say otherwise. Julian would have preferred not to go to trial, and was hoping for a last minute plea. His clients always made out better when they pled out.

He’d stayed away from Sapphire on Saturday night. After his dinner with Kayla on Friday, he hadn’t been in the mood to return. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he saw no other way. He had to be straightforward and end whatever she thought was happening between them. He hadn’t been fair to her.

“Mr. Anders,” his assistant, Chloe, buzzed in. “Jack Quinn is on the line. I know you usually want me to put him through.”

Shit! Did Kayla sell me out?

“Of course, I can speak with him.” Better get this over with. “Please confirm my lunch appointment and have Francis bring the car around at eleven-thirty.”

“Yes, sir.”

Jack had been his close friend for years. They didn’t get together as often as they used to, but when Jack got married, their lives went in two different directions. They made it a point to golf once a month and have dinner when Julian had a companion to take with him. Jack knew of Julian’s lifestyle, but they hadn’t spoken about it in years. He wondered if Kayla had brought up the past few weeks to her brother.

“Jack,” Julian said when Chloe put the call through. “How’s life in the suburbs. Enjoying that new, big house of yours?”

“It’s great. We’re finally all moved in,” his friend responded with an excitement in his voice. “I have some news.”

“Tell me.”

“Caroline and I are having a baby.”

Julian smiled for his friend and lovely wife. “That’s wonderful. Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” Jack laughed. “It was a little unexpected, but we’re happy. She’s due in April.”

“Good for you both.”

“We’d love to get together and celebrate. Do you think you can squeeze us in?”

“I always have time for you and your lovely wife.” Perhaps Kayla hadn’t told him about their unusual meeting. Now Julian would have to do it before Kayla did. Well, maybe not the circumstances. “I saw Kayla the other day.”

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