Page 50 of The Surrender

“Oh, you know him?”

“Who doesn’t?”

Leighton chuckles. How the fuck did he get a meeting with Kimpton Kellers? He’s a multimillionaire. Could even be a billionaire. “He’s got friends. Make it worth my while and I might connect you.” His eyebrows lift.

“Fuck off, Leighton.” I hit the button, my skin crawling, and step in the cart, groaning under my breath when I find there’s no one in it. It’s just us—me and him. I put myself in the far corner, giving him narrowed eyes when he stands right next to me. “There’s a whole thirty-six square feet for you to choose from, Leighton.”

He ignores my observation, keeping his place. “We should definitely get together sometime. Talk about some of the ideas I have once I make partner.”

“We’ll do thatifyou make partner.”

He chuckles. “It’s a given, Amelia.”

He doesn’t know about Leo Lombardy. Actually, come to think of it, neither do I. We had dinner, I established that it’s possible Leo is fucking Sue, and Ididn’tsecure his business. Should I call him? I roll my eyes to myself.You’re not a vulture, Amelia.Good old Tilda Spector. I can’t callhereither. And for the first time in my career, I question whether I’m cut out for this. It’s feeling more cutthroat that ever before. I still, stopping myself in my tracks. What the hell am I saying? Of course I’m cut out for this.

As soon as the doors open, I get my feet moving, feeling Leighton’s leery eyes on my arse.

“Have a lovely evening, Amelia,” he calls.

I shudder. I can’t be the only person around here who sees him for what he is.

A leech.

Jude is waiting outside the restaurant when I get there, looking delightfully delicious in a grey three-piece. He spots me through the crowds of people as I approach, taking me in from top to toe, undressing me with his eyes. “Look at the state of you.” He grabs me as soon as I’m close enough and hauls me into his body, sinking his face into my neck and sucking at my flesh. Now is not the time for me to come over all hot and bothered.

My eyes widen when I feel his condition past his fly. “Pleased to see me?”

“You’re not allowed to look this fuckable all day when I’m not with you.”

Just try to rain on my parade right now. I lean back, my hands on the lapels of his jacket. “We still have the big debate to settle.”

“What debate is that, baby?”

“Seven or eight.”

He laughs loudly, his head thrown back and all, the fine lines at the corners of his eyes stretching. It’s such a sight to behold. My man. Laughing.

“Trying to impress?” I ask, straightening his tie even though it doesn’t need straightening. It’s perfect.

“They’re already in there.” He looks back at the restaurant door. “I thought it was safer to wait for you.”

“Chicken.”

Jude rolls his eyes and gives me a thorough checking over. “Do you feel okay?”

“Yes, I’ve told you each of the ten times you’ve texted and asked me that today.” I break away and pull the door open, ignoring his disapproving scowl. “Ready?”

“Did you get another one of those pen things from your doctor?” he asks, taking my hand and checking the bandage.

“I picked it up from the pharmacy at lunchtime.” I scan the restaurant and stop in my tracks when I see the guys. Abbie, Charley, and Lloyd.

Andthe babies.

My glower is instant. This means Charley and Lloyd couldn’t get a sitter, and Charley went against her strict seven o’clock bedtime rule because she couldn’t wait to get Jude under her microscope.

“What’s up?” Jude asks, pushed up behind me.

“Charley and Lloyd brought their brood.”