Page 83 of Relentless Pursuit

“Perhaps I could have Martin come in and talk about it to people who express an interest in it. We couldn’t force anyone to attend, but the knowledge would be there if someone needed it.”

“I like it.” She had no idea what she was walking into when she applied to that platinum package. Connie and her friends made it sound sexy and alluring. Kayla had an interest in being submissive, but what if Julian hadn’t interfered? She was confident Blake would have been careful in placing her, but Julian was right. Education was the best defense. The internet was full of information, but it wasn’t always the right information. “I think it’s a good idea to educate people like me.”

“Don’t beat yourself up. Sapphire is a safe setting, but sometimes things slip through the cracks. I want to make sure there aren’t any more misguided, beautiful, young women like yourself coming into my club looking for a romance novel.”

“Hey?” She tried to wiggle out of his hold. “I think I did pretty good with my happily ever after.”

“I can’t argue.” He held her to him. “But clearly, I made out better on this deal.”

“We were made for one another.” She kissed his jaw, nuzzling into his neck.

“I’m sorry for the way this evening turned out. I had other plans.”

“It’s still early.” She gave him a small smile. “I could make us omelets, or something.”

“I’ll order in and open a bottle of wine.”

“Okay.”

“Are we okay?”

“We’re fine.” She needed him to believe that. “It was a misunderstanding, and I’d like to forget it.” She’d like to forget this whole day. “We’re good.”

“Tell me what’s troubling you.”

When he kissed her jaw, she turned her head, stealing a kiss. A long, sensual, and much needed kiss. She stroked his face with the back of her fingers, moving to straddle him. As he kissed her, she rocked into him, reaching for the buttons of his shirt.

“Don’t distract me.” He captured her wrists in his hand. “As much as I’d like to take you right here on the foyer floor, I won’t do that until you tell me what’s bothering you.”

“It was just a really long day. I’m learning so much at my job and I love it, but it’s challenging. In a good way, but I was glad to see the week end. I couldn’t wait to get to you.”

“The feeling was mutual.”

“Then when I got in the car, my mother called.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes, she wanted to talk about Christmas and when I was coming home.” Why was she bringing this up now? They’d already had enough drama for one night. They didn’t need her mother and her compulsive need to make Christmas the end-all, be-all perfect day of the year.

“When would you like to go home?”

“That’s the thing. I don’t want to leave you. I know we’re spending New Year’s Eve together, and I’m really looking forward to that, but I don’t think I could spend Christmas without you.”I’m such a sap.“I mean, I know we have to spend time with our families. After I got off the phone with my mom, I went into the club and...”

“I know what happened next. You were feeling stressed, and that was the last straw.”

“If I wasn’t on overload, I would have seen the scenario in Blake’s office for what it was. I would have been in sync with you instead of jumping to conclusions and running away. I promise that won’t ever happen again.”

“You’re dealing with your job. It’s hard work, but I know you can handle it. I can tell you really like it.”

“I do.” Working with Judge Cooper and his staff was much better than the station. She was learning about the legal process and what role the court plays. She was busy from the time she arrived until the time she left. She was also getting to use her writing skills. Her job and experiences there was one more thing that connected her to Julian and his life.

“We’ve dealt with what happened in Blake’s office. As long as you know I would never do that to you with Connie or anyone else, then that situation is resolved.”

She nodded, realizing how silly she had been. She’d let the stress of the day manipulate what she knew couldn’t possibly be true.

“Just let me know when you’d like to leave for your parents’ home, and I’ll clear my schedule.”

“You want to go with me?” Why hadn’t she thought of that?

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