Maybe because I’m Mara’s best friend and he thinks it will get him in a better position with the boss?
Instantly, Kristin hated herself for thinking the worst of a guy who’d taken the time out of his evening just to meet her. Sure, Rob was polished, but it was part of his job to be a communicator, a polite person who was able to persuade people to buy Mara’s products.
But, for Kristin, she couldn’t lead him on by accepting and giving him the impression that she was interested in anything more than being his friend. It wouldn’t be fair to him. “I really—”
“Can’t make it,” a husky baritone finished her answer as he slid into the seat beside her. “Sorry, she can’t go.”
She turned her head in surprise, already knowing who was sitting right next to her because his scent and his voice had immediately gotten her attention.
Julian.
He looked angry, his blue eyes emanating malice as he looked at Rob.
Annoyed, Kristin told Rob, “That wasn’t what I was going to say.” Turning to Julian, she asked irritably, “What are you doing here?”
He shrugged. “Where else would I be, sweetheart? Sorry it took me so long to get back. There was a little accident while we were filming, so we went over schedule. And the damn location was in the middle of nowhere. Bad cell service.”
He looked all banged up, bruises to his forehead and plenty of scrapes on his face. “What happened?” she asked, concerned as she looked at his visible injuries.
“Nothing real serious.” He blew off her concern. “Who’s your friend?”
“My date,” she corrected, looking back at Rob. “This is Julian Sinclair.”
Obviously not one to miss a good connection, Rob reached across the table to shake Julian’s hand. “I recognized you. Robert Larkin. I work for your cousin’s wife, Mara. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve seen your movies. Liked the last one the best.”
Julian mumbled under his breath, “You seem like the type who would.”
Kristin jabbed him in the side with her elbow, only to hear him groan with pain. “Oh, God. You really are hurt.”
She was starting to get worried about Julian’s physical condition.
“I’m fine,” Julian answered gruffly, his eyes still focused on Rob. “You aren’t really on a date,” he informed Rob matter-of-factly.
“We are,” Rob pronounced happily. “I just met Kristin tonight, but I can tell she’s special. She and Mara have been friends forever. I can see why. I’d like her to go to the holiday party with me this year.”
“She can’t,” Julian remarked angrily.
“I don’t see why not,” Rob replied, still wearing a winning smile.
Julian leaned forward, putting him physically closer to Rob as he stared the smaller man down. “Because if you ever touch her, I’ll have to kill you.”
“Julian, don’t be ridiculous,” Kristin told him, her heart starting to pound in alarm. What the hell was wrong with him? Had he hit his head harder than she imagined?
“Hey, man, I didn’t know you liked her.” Rob put his hands up in surrender.
“Of course I fucking like her. She’s my wife,” Julian growled, seizing Kristin’s hand and pulling her to her feet. “Let’s go home.”
Rob shot Kristin a questioning look. “You’re married to Julian Sinclair?”
She shook her hand from Julian’s, noticing that people around them were starting to stare. “Stop it. Stop making a scene.” She turned to Rob. “No, we are not married. I think he’s delusional. Maybe he hit his head. But I am not married to Julian Sinclair. I’m sorry. I have to go get him some medical attention.”
“Nothing a little attention from you won’t cure,” Julian whispered into her ear as he moved closer to her.
She grabbed Julian’s hand to shut him up and squeezed hard for him to stop talking. Then she dragged him toward the door.
He went willingly enough, but stopped briefly to say to Rob, “I meant what I said.”
Kristin was mortified as she yanked Julian out the door. “Are you crazy?” she asked him as they stepped outdoors.
“Yeah. I probably am.”
She turned and faced him, letting go of his hand. “Are you all right physically? Because if you are, I swear I’m going to kick you in the balls for telling Rob we’re married.”
Julian grinned for the first time since Kristin had seen him tonight. “So you won’t kick a guy when he’s down?”
She took in his massive, toned body dressed in jeans and a button-down shirt, his black wool jacket open and flapping in the cold breeze.
“I’d like to. But no, I can’t.” She was too concerned with whether or not he was even in his right mind.
He motioned toward a black SUV parked at the curb. “Get in.”
“You shouldn’t be driving,” she admonished.
“I’m fine,” he answered huskily. “But I’m still recovering from seeing you on a date with another guy. What in the hell did you think you were doing?”
He hit the button on the keys to unlock the doors of the vehicle and held open the passenger door.