Julie eased through the crowd again to come face to face with a criminal defense attorney she’d once had a brief fling with, and who had never seemed to learn ‘no, means, no.” His gaze swept down her body, giving her a lingering inspection.

“Looking amazing as usual, Julie,” he said in a suggestive voice, his dark suit fitted to perfection. He was a good looking guy, in an All-American kind of way that seemed to appeal to women, just not to her. Not after he’d become possessive and demanding, which was kind of ironic, since the same qualities in Luke actually turned her on.

“Thank you, Jake,” she said. “You do as well. I always have liked your taste in clothes.”

He gave her a boyish grin and straightened the blue silk tie at his throat. “You know, I do try to make an impression.” His gaze heated and Julie cringed even before he asked, “How about dinner Saturday night? We can go to that little Italian place you like so much.”

“I’m afraid all her Saturday nights are otherwise spoken for,” a deep voice responded behind her, as a familiar strong hand settled on her back, followed by the jolt his touch always delivered to her senses.

Luke stepped to her side, looking sexier than sin in all black – jacket, shirt, and tie. Alive. Safe. Here with her. And he had a black eye.

Julie reached up to touch it, but Luke flinched and grabbed her hand. “Introduce me to your friend.” He put his arm around her waist, possessively pulling her to his side.

Julie felt a strange surge of comfort from the action. Luke wanted Jake and everyone else to know she was with him. If any other man had wanted the same she would have quickly put them in their place. Instead, she just wanted to keep her place by Luke’s side.

“Luke, this is Jake,” she said, noting how uncomfortable Jake looked and she suddenly felt sorry for him. “He’s a master criminal defense attorney, very well respected.”

Jake gave Luke’s eye a glare. “Looks like you might need one. Perhaps, you’d have been better off staying by your date’s side, rather than running into people’s fists.”

Luke ignored his comment. “Working late isn’t high on my list, but certainly necessary at times.”

“Appears it was painful as well,” Jake added dryly.

Luke shrugged. “You should have seen the other guy.” He glanced at Julie. “I think I need a drink.” His attention slid briefly back to Jake and he added, “Enjoy your evening,” before maneuvering Julie away from him.

Keeping a carefully guarded expression, she whispered to Luke, “Your eye. Are you in pain?” she asked and then added, “And what happened?”

“I’m fine,” he assured her, “but it seems we weren’t the only ones having a look at Moore’s assets, so to speak.”

Julie stopped walking and stared up at him. Luke urged her forward with an gentle nudge. “Keep walking, babe. Everything is fine.” She let him urge her into a walk again as he added, “If you keep worrying like this I might think you care.”

She stopped again, facing him. “I do care, Luke,” she said in a voice that trembled. She moved her free hand to his chest. “You know that, right?”

“Yes,” he said, softly. “I just wanted to hear you admit it.”

She surprised herself, and judging from the look on his face, him, by saying without an ounce of hesitation, “Freely. I admit it freely.”

His gaze darkened, heat flaring between them. “I’m going to make you repeat that later tonight, you know? When we’re alone.”

“Promise?” she asked softly.

“Oh yeah. I promise.” He drew her hand into his. “Now, let’s skip that drink that was my excuse for getting away from Jake, and get on with our evening.”

Suddenly, Julie realized she still didn’t know what had happened at Judge Moore’s house. ”Any luck on that job you were finishing up?” she asked, choosing her wording carefully.

He gave a nod. “Empty,” she said. “Any idea where Moore is?”

“I’ve been great at avoiding him,” she said. “But yes. He’s back in his display area, beaming over his collection with the guests.”

The path to the display hall had several people in the way, all of whom stopped to meet Luke and greet Julie, until finally they entered the hall. The judge was chatting with a young couple and Julie and Luke feigned interest in a painting.

When the couple moved away, the judge immediately greeted Julie. “Ms. Moore. So nice to see you.

“Evening, Judge,” she said, as she and Luke met him halfway down the hallway, the only ones remaining in the area. “I’d like you to meet Luke Walker.”

“Oh yes, I know your brother, Royce.” The judge extended his hand. “Nice to meet you. How’d you score that black eye?”

Luke shook his hand. “My work isn’t always easy, but it is always profitable. I believe you’ll find that’s where myself and my brothers are different breeds.”

The Judge’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “Oh, really? How’s that?”

“Well,” Luke laughed, flicking a quick look at Julie. “I have a taste for blondes. He prefers brunettes.”

Julie frowned, despite the plan underway, and the role she had to play.

“And good taste indeed,” the Judge said, glancing at Julie and then back to Luke.

“Hey,” she said, doing as she was supposed to, and acting out a bit. “I am here, you two. Stop talking about me like I’m not.”