Free Tough To Love by Marie Rochelle Page A

him?”
    “Stop avoiding the question. I knew that you had a crush on him for a while. Is it still there?” Julian asked cautiously. “I mean would any guy have a chance at getting to know you better?”
    Sage’s breath caught in her throat. Was Julian asking her out on a date? She liked Julian a lot, but she wasn’t sure if she ready to date himHe was a wonderful friend. She wanted a man to love, but she didn’t see him as that man. She would rather have him as her good friend.
    “Hmm…Julian, I like you a lot.”
    “But you’re still in love with him,” Julian finished for her.
    “Honestly, I don’t know how I feel. Rally is such a complex man. He tells me one thing and does another. I wouldn’t say I’m in love with him. I’m just torn about how I feel,” she admitted honestly.
    “I have a suggestion.”
    “What?” Sage would love to hear how she could finally purge sexy Rally Teveare out of her system.
    “How about we just date and see where it leads us. I’m not really looking for anything serious myself, but I’m tired of being alone.”
    “You can’t be serious.” She gasped. “Julian, you’re a gorgeous man. I know you don’t have to be alone. You never have any problems attracting the opposite sex. I have seen how some of these kids’ moms look at you.”
    Julian groaned. “I know, but I’m not interested in them. You’re like a breath of fresh air and I need that right now. Let’s do it. You know it’s a good idea. We can go out and have fun while trying to get our minds off our problems. I love the guy, but if Rally istoo dumb to see you then why waste anymore of your time on him?”
    Sage tried to think of a reason to say no. It would be nice to have someone to do things with besides Shawn. He hung out with her when he wasn’t with Lara.
    “Okay…I think it’s a great idea.”
    Julian gave her a huge smile, making his gray eyes even more amazing. “Good…how about we have our first date tonight? I’ll pick you up after work.”
    “I live right across the hall from you.” Sage laughed. “You don’t have to travel that far to get me.”
    Julian chuckled. “I’m glad you were able to get the place. Sometimes the waiting list for my building can be over six months long.”
    “All right, Mr. Messener. I guess I can play along with you, but remember I don’t want any funny business.”
    “I swear I’ll be a perfect gentleman. Scout’s honor.” Julian held up two fingers and smiled at her.
    “You were a Scout?” she asked, doubtful.
    “For about two days and then I got kicked out,” he answered.
    “Do I even want to ask why?”
    “It’s better if you don’t. How about we go outside for the picnic and have some fun?”
    “Let’s go.” Sage replied, walking next to Julian. She was happier than she had been in a very long time.

 
     
    Chapter Ten
     
     
    Thank God, it’s finally over!
    Rally thought the meeting would never end as his employees filed out the door. He was working so much now that even Vanity was showing genuine concern for his well-being, which surprised him. He was doing what he loved, yet it wasn’t as fulfilling as it used to be.
    During his last year of high school he’d decided to become a stockbroker and, and nothing held him back from achieving it. He had taken all the classes he was required to: economics, business, finance and accountancy. He still remembered the night he stayed up late studying to make sure he got the best grade in the class. His parents had been so proud of him when he graduated at the top of his class landing a job right out of college.
    Three days after graduation he started out as a trainee with a firm of stockbrokers. The recruitment process, with the psychometric and aptitude tests, about did him in, but like always he passed them with flying colors along with the interviews.
    It was almost time for him to go through another training course so he could keep up-to-date with all the new procedures and