As Troy relayed the conversation to the others, Julian noticed a dude standing a little too close to Isla.Her body language was defensive as she ran his credit card through a handheld reader and turned it to him to tip and sign.When he handed it back to her, he leaned in and said something that had her visibly recoiling from him.
Julian was up and out of his seat, walking toward her before he’d even decided to go.“Everything okay, Isla?”
That she looked relieved to see him told Julian that whatever the guy had said to her was upsetting.
“Back off,” Julian said to the man, “before I make you sorry you were born.”
“Who the fuck are you?”
“I’m her lawyer and your worst nightmare.”Julian held the drunken man’s gaze until he put up his hands and took a step back, which saved Julian from shoving him and starting something he in no way wanted to deal with.“Get lost.”
Thankfully, the guy did as he was told.
“Are you okay?”Julian asked Isla.
She nodded.
“Almost done?”
“Another half hour.”
“Take your time.”
He’d driven her home the last two nights and spent most of each night in her bed, leaving before the kids and Mrs.V woke up.There’d been very little sleep either night, which had left him exhausted as he stared down a new workweek.
But he wouldn’t trade a minute with her for more sleep.He’d catch up eventually.
They left together shortly before two a.m.and drove home in Julian’s Porsche.
She was quieter than usual, which put him on edge.“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t start lying to me now.”
“I was handling that guy.You didn’t have to get involved.”
“I saw that he upset you.I couldn’t sit there and do nothing.”
“They all upset me.They’re entitled and handsy and obnoxious, but we’ve got security for situations that get out of hand.”
“I’m sorry I interfered.”
“I want to be mad about it, but I was so freaking happy to see you.”
“I know you can take care of yourself, love, but I can’t help that I want to take care of you, too.”
“Why did you tell him you were my lawyer rather than my boyfriend or partner or whatever word we’re using?”
“Because I figured ‘lawyer’ would scare him off faster.”
“Oh, I see.”
He brought their joined hands to his lips for a kiss on the back of hers.“I should’ve told him you’re the love of my life and if he knows what’s good for him, he’d beat feet away from you.”
“Aw, nice recovery, Counselor.”
“It’s the truth.If you knew how much time I spend thinking about you when I’m not with you…”
