“Juanita?” He looks at her admiringly, assessing the woman from head to foot. “What’s different?”
The young woman laughs. “Oh, about twenty pounds and a new set of boobs.” She swivels from right to left, sticking her chest up. “You like?”
Laughing, he nods in assent. “Very much. Though I liked them well enough before, too.”
She pats his cheek. “You’re so sweet. It’s so good to see you back here. Are you topping anyone tonight?”
“I just arrived a minute ago.” He winks. “I think I might have a drink first.”
“Okay, well find me if you’re interested. I’ll be on the dance floor showing off my new cleavage.”
“Will do. Jackson, a drink first?”
“Sure, why not? I want to see if I can scope out that redhead again.”
The two men walk over to the bar. “Ah, thar she blows.”
Ian arches his brow. “I don’t think any woman would appreciate your using that reference about her.”
Jackson’s grin is rueful. “No wonder I never get laid.” He tosses his head back with a spurt of laughter. “I never know whether being seen with you is an asset or liability. Either I might bask in your reflected glory having your stupidly handsome face by my side or I might wither in comparison. But since I’m a loyal friend, I’ll err on the side of camaraderie.”
“Much appreciate it.”
“Ian?”
He turns to see a tall, slender blonde strolling toward him. “Kim.” He leans over to give her a kiss on the cheek. “God, it’s good to see you. How’s everything?”
“Much better, thank you. It is so great to see you, too, Ian. I never had the chance to properly thank you.”
He smiles. “Can I buy you a drink? We were just heading to the bar. Jackson, do you know Kim?” He almost forgot and tacked on her last name—club etiquette dictated that surnames not be used.
Jackson is too busy gaping at the blond woman for intelligent conversation. Ian understands: utterly beautiful, Kim attracts attention wherever she goes. Even more appealing than her incredible physical beauty is her genuinely kind personality. Kim is an absolute sweetheart.
Ian slings his arm protectively around Kim as they continue to the bar. While Kim and Jackson converse, Ian glances up and directly into a pair of very determined, very surprised, perhaps even angry blue eyes.
Ella? Here?
Chapter 10
I’d been rehearsing what I was going to say to Ian when I called him back the next day to give him my answer, when Stephen’s call came in. My nerves were so on edge that I jumped when Aretha started singing. I grabbed for the phone to quiet it.
“Yes?”
“Ella, Stephen. Incredible, great, fantastic news. Blackmon dropped the lawsuit.”
“What? Just like that?”
“Just like that. I just got off the phone with his attorney. He said as far as his client is concerned the matter is closed.”
“Wow. I’m… confused… happy, but confused. It doesn’t seem like him to just change direction like that with no explanation.”
“I think Blackmon realized he was going to go down in flames so he cut his losses. He’s a smart man, Ella, and he couldn’t win this one. I was really surprised he tried at all but after getting to know you a bit, I may understand his motives.”
I laugh nervously; Stephen has never said anything untoward to me so I wasn’t expecting that compliment. “Well, thanks for letting me know. Do I need to do anything now?”
“Anything? You mean like send him a thank-you note?”
“Uh, yeah, I guess so. Is there a proper etiquette for situations like these?”
His responding laugh is sharp and loud. “No, Ella, not really. My advice is to do nothing, just go on with your life as if this upsetting little event never happened—unless you want to celebrate your win over the big, bad Ian Blackmon, for it is a win. In fact, why don’t I take you out for a celebratory dinner?”
“Oh, thanks, but no, Stephen. I think I’m going to head back to L.A. sooner than later. But thank you… for everything. Really.”
“No thanks necessary, Ella. I’m taking a vacay on your dime, after all. Take care and please let me know if you need me for anything.”
“Yes, thanks, Stephen. Oh, and enjoy your vacation.” I disconnect quickly, horrified that he was hitting on me. Or was he? I don’t trust my own judgment these days. Do I even want to go back to L.A.? I have some thinking to do now that the lawsuit’s been dropped. Even though I know I should feel elated, somehow I don’t. In fact, I feel let down in some way. How odd.