Leverage (Part Three)(29)

Yeah, maybe. Should he admit that he still thought of her? That when he closed his eyes at night, he saw her smile and heard her sweet laugh? However, he also saw the zero remorse she’d felt when she’d walked away, more excited about the new movie she was going to be in than the way she’d stomped him into the ground. Argh. He hated thinking about her. Maybe Julianna was right. He’d avoided his feelings about Dani for so long that he’d completely overlooked how they might be influencing his decisions today. “You’re pretty good at this armchair stuff,” he said, eliciting a smile from Julianna. “You might have a point about you and me and why I started to fall for you when I knew deep down, you might not be the right fit, but I still don’t want you to go back to that asshole. I meant what I said when I said, you deserve better.”#p#分页标题#e#

“I appreciate that and you’re right. I do deserve better. If Boston wants me back, he’s going to have to prove to me that he’s going to be better or I’ll keep walking.”

“You really think he has what it takes to change?”

She thought long and hard before answering and when she did, it was with total conviction. “Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because there were moments when I saw who he truly is and although I didn’t know it at the time, I think that’s when I fell in love. He’s not a monster. A jerk, yes — but not a monster.”

“And what about the fact that he cheated on you?” He winced at the spasm of pain that flitted across her features but he had to bring up the obvious. “Once a cheater, always a cheater.”

“I guess I’ll have to wait and see.”

“I hate that plan,” he retorted. “Seems a recipe for more pain.”

“Maybe. Probably. I don’t know.”

“I guess that’s the thing, right? We don’t know the future.”

“Ain’t that the truth. Sucks, huh?” She nodded then laughed. “I’m starved. Ready for lunch?”

“Sounds good to me. Let’s eat our feelings,” he said, only partially joking. He supposed this was a good conversation but it still stung a little bit. Worse, it made him remember Dani and everything he’d been trying so hard to forget. One of the many benefits of moving to St. John was the fact that Hollywood news wasn’t big on islanders radar. He didn’t have to see her mug plastered on every magazine cover because finding current stuff wasn’t easy and he sure as hell didn’t look for it. But now, his mind had returned to Dani with the unerring focus of a sniper — and the result was just as lethal. As if sensing he needed a friendly hug, Julianna wrapped him in a tight squeeze and he accepted it, saying, “I knew you were something special from the moment I met you. I just didn’t realize you were going to be such a great friend.”

“Ditto.” She pulled away, wiping away tears, laughing as she said, “Okay, no more serious stuff. My pregnant brain can’t handle it. Now, food! Otherwise, I can’t be held accountable for my actions.”

He mock-saluted her. “Lead the way, gorgeous,” he said, adding, “And I totally mean that in a platonic way.”

“Sure you do.”

She already knew him so well. This was the beginning of a really interesting friendship.





-10-





Julianna and Miles were just leaving the burger joint when Boston appeared. She didn't know if she was more surprised that he’d come back or that she was desperately happy that he had. Just seeing him again make her pulse race until she remembered why he'd left in the first place. Immediately, Miles stiffened beside her. “And I thought nothing could ruin that perfect lunch,” he said, looking directly at Boston.

To his credit Boston didn't take the bait, which surprised Julianna because Boston never backed down from a fight. Instead, Boston looked straight at Julianna and said, “May I speak with you for a minute?” It wasn't a demand but rather a plea and Julianna didn't know what to do. But in the end she knew that they would have to talk eventually so she looked to Miles, needing a little bit of emotional support, and although Miles wasn't happy about it, he gave her the subtle okay.

“You've got one shot to make this right and the only reason I'm not pounding you into the ground is because for some reason this amazing woman loves you. Don't screw it up or I’ll forget about my oath to save lives. You get me?”

Boston gave an imperceptible nod to indicate he understood — and maybe even respected — Miles’ position and then Julianna allowed him to lead her toward his car. He made the assumption that she would just climb into the passenger seat but she was afraid to go there yet. She stopped and stared, planting her feet and crossing her arms. “What makes you think I would go anywhere with you right now?” she asked.