Duncan apparently didn’t have the same concerns because he gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “You are aware that I’m older than Elizabeth by more years than you are older than Angela.”
Hewasaware of that, but it felt different when it was his age they were discussing.
“If she were nineteen or twenty, I might feel differently,” Duncan said. “But she’s almost twenty-eight.”
“And probably hasn’t dated much, if at all,” Jude said. “I’m too old to be a pit-stop on her search to find the man she wants to be with.”
“Do you think that’s what she’s doing?” Duncan asked.
“I don’t know,” Jude admitted. “But how would she know that I’m the best for her if she doesn’t date other guys?”
“How many women have you dated?”
Jude had never discussed his dating life, but he knew Duncan was aware that he’d had one serious girlfriend years ago. “One seriously.”
Duncan’s brows rose. “Have you gone on any other dates since her?”
“Not many.”
“Why not?”
“Because it felt like my life and job were incompatible with dating.”
“I never would have wanted you to feel that you couldn’t have a personal life.”
“I have a personal life. I have friends I spend time with.”
“But no romantic life.”
“No.”
“Until now.”
Jude didn’t respond because Duncan was right.
“So why shouldn’t she be worried that you might not know what you want in a woman and she’s just a pit-stop for you?”
Jude knew that she wouldn’t be, but in saying that, he was taking away one of his excuses. He wasn’t sure why he was trying to talk himself—and Duncan—out of him pursuing a relationship with Angela. That was what he wanted, and yet here he was, giving her father all the reasons why he wasn’t a good choice for her.
“Here’s what’s going to happen,” Duncan began. “I’m going to stay out of things between you and Angela. I trust you, and regardless of what you choose to do, you won’t lose your job.”
Jude really wished he could believe that.
“I’ll leave the decision about assigning her a bodyguard in your hands,” Duncan said. “Trusting you’ll put her wellbeing at the forefront of that decision.”
“I would always do that,” Jude said.
“I know. You’re a good man, Jude. I’m not surprised Angela has seen that in you.”
Jude rubbed a hand on the back of his neck. He hoped that his dad would have agreed.
“I’m surprised you’re not giving me more of a hassle, considering.”
“Considering?” Duncan asked. “Considering what?”
“You threatened Cole’s career.”
The older man chuckled as he grinned. “I sure did. That might have sent any other number of men running, but Cole proved that Annalisa was important enough to him to give up his career.”
