Three and a Half Weeks by Lulu Astor Page B

else, at least by nodding acquaintance, and new people are allowed to join based only on recommendation by longstanding members or by satisfying a lengthy application process. The annual membership fees are hefty enough to keep out all but the most determined and well-heeled patrons, as well. Privacy and discretion come at a premium.
    Club members are allowed to bring guests, however, so around the bar there are usually fresh faces. Guests don’t generally wander too far afield their first night there and aren’t allowed in some restricted areas of the club.
    “Ian!” A pretty dark-haired woman runs up to him, leaping into his arms.
    “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.” H e 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