Page 17 of Out of Reach

“My wardrobe isn’t what it used to be,” Jude said dryly. “I’ve had to hock most of it just to survive.”

Sam frowned over the single candle burning between them, thick fingers holding the delicate stem of a glass of the restaurant’s most expensive wine.

“All you had to do was ask me, baby. You know I would have helped you out.”

Jude sighed. “I was hardly going to leave you and then ask you for money.”

Grunting softly, Sam reached for Jude’s hand, but Jude pulled away. “Sam. You sabotaged my career.”

“Only because you broke my heart.”

Jude shook his head. “Let’s get to the point. Do you really want to be friends, or do you just want to control me?”

Leaning back in his chair, Sam smiled charmingly, providing a glimpse of the man whom Jude had initially been attracted to. “Yes, I want that. I’ve wanted to talk with you since the day you left. The moment I calmed down, I regretted our argument, but you disappeared.”

“I’d said everything I was going to say.”

“Something about how our relationship had run its course, if I remember correctly.”

“And you accused me of using you. That’s the main reason I’m sitting here with you tonight. I wanted the chance to tell you to your face that I didn’t get with you to use you. Just like I couldn’t stay with you just because of the things you’d done for me.”

“I don’t remember anything changing in our relationship,” Sam said, looking uncharacteristically vulnerable. “Why did you leave? Didn’t I always make it good for you?”

“Sex was all we had,” Jude said. “I wanted a relationship.” It had become the story of his life.

Catching Jude’s hand, Sam asked, “And you couldn’t have just told me that? I would have given you anything you wanted.”

“I shouldn’t have to tell you I want a relationship. We don’t have anything in common, Sam. Surely you noticed that. And I was tired of waiting at home for you while you wheeled and dealed, or whatever the heck it is you do. The life you lead isn’t for me. I felt like a kept man.” He pulled his hand away.

Jude paused to let that sink in, digging into his salad. After a moment, he said, “I admit I was shocked when Tomaso called. I never thought you’d reverse what you’d done.”

“Even though you know my temper never lasts? Micah, Theo, Rosalind? They all remain my good friends.” Sam drained his wine glass, then held it out for the waitress to refill.

Jude knew that Sam remained on good terms with the exes he’d mentioned. Jude had even wondered a time or two if Sam still slept with them occasionally, although he’d denied it when Jude had asked.

Jude decided to put it all out on the table. “Is it true you put a hit out on me?” He didn’t miss the brief flash of shame he saw in Sam’s eyes. Mouth falling open, he said, “You did, didn’t you?”

Rubbing the back of his neck, Sam had the decency to look sheepish. “The instructions were to spread the word. Find you. Never to harm you. I had their word they wouldn’t touch a hair on your head.”

As the waitress brought their dinner, they stared at each other over the table.

“I’ve always believed in your talents,” Sam said when she left. “It was wrong of me to be petty and rip that all away from you. I see that now, which is why I phoned Tomaso. I left the decision with him, and he wanted you back. I admit I still have feelings for you, Jude. They haven’t died. But if you’re certain we’re over, I can accept it. In fact, I’ve recently started a relationship with a woman I met at a gala. So, dear Jude, as I’d like not to lose you from my life completely, can we be friends? I promise not to meddle in your career again. When you read the contract, you’ll see that I’ve put that in writing.”

Jude considered. He knew he didn’t want to get back with Sam, but he still liked him as a person. He didn’t know what his business dealings involved, and he didn’t want to. But Sam knew everyone in the city, and their paths were bound to cross. He would rather them be friendly than be awkward.

“All right. I’d like that,” he said.

Sam’s smile was bright. “Excellent. As a show of my good will, I’d like to extend an invitation to you and Hank to my house in the Hamptons this weekend for a get-together I’m having. Around fifteen people.”

Jude should say no, but Hawk was listening in, and he might very well welcome an opportunity to dig around Sam’s vacation house.

And if it meant another few days with Hawk before they parted, then so be it.

“It’sHawk, and thank you. We’ll come to your party.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Hawk

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