Married Lovers by Jackie Collins Read Free Book Online Page A

worked with her final client–an overweight woman who was getting married in four weeks’ time and needed to lose twenty pounds–her mind wandered back to that morning and Don Verona. She had to admit that he was very attractive. He was also major charming and a smooth flirt, although when he’d invited her out it had come as a surprise.
    “Hey,” he’d said, concentrating on perfecting his alreadyimpressive abs, “I’m having dinner with some interesting people tonight. Care to join me?”
    She’d shaken her head and said a very firm no.
    Two minutes after she’d declined, he’d reached for his iPhone and called someone else, a female who’d apparently said yes.
    “You don’t wait around, do you?” she’d remarked.
    “Why waste time,” he’d replied with a jaunty wink.
    “By the way,” she’d added, thinking that it was to her advantage to put him straight upfront, “it’s nothing personal, but I think I should warn you–I never mix business and pleasure. So, if we are going to work together…”
    “I’ll bear that in mind,” he’d said, giving her the famous Don Verona self-deprecating grin.
    Better be careful of this one , she’d thought. He could be trouble, and the last thing I need is distractions .
     
    There was something about Cole de Barge that Cameron had always found very appealing. Not only was he undeniably handsome with his milk-chocolate skin and well-defined features, plus a body straight off the cover of Men’s Health , he was also a truly decent person with no agenda, and he was smart–so smart that she was considering offering him a business partnership, although that might not sit too well with Lynda and Dorian, who would be most put out that she hadn’t chosen them. The truth was that Lynda wasn’t business-partner material, she was too intent on getting Carlos to marry her so she could settle down and raise a slew of kids. Lynda’s maternal instincts were way out of control. And as for Dorian…well, Dorian was Dorian. An excellent trainer, a big flirt, and not to be taken that seriously.
    Cole, on the other hand, had a serious side. It was no wonder every gay mogul in town fell in lust with him. First lust and then love.
    Cole had experienced several high-powered relationships with major Hollywood players, but he always got restless when they started parading him around like a piece of meat. He deserved respect, and that never happened when you were some rich big-shot’s boyfriend. Like Cameron, he was determined to achieve something on his own.
    They’d met when she’d first arrived in L.A. and been searching for a job. She was sitting at a table in Starbucks on the corner of Robertson and Beverly, thumbing through a Fitness magazine, when Cole had wandered over. “Can I take a look at that when you’re done?” he’d asked. “There’s an interview inside I’ve been meaning to get to.”
    She’d given him an appraising once-over. “Only if you tell me where the best sports club in town is,” she’d replied.
    “You looking for a personal trainer?” he’d asked.
    “No. I’m looking for a job.”
    That’s how they’d met, and that’s how she’d gotten to work at Bounce, where Cole was already one of the most popular trainers.
    At first she’d been wary of working there, especially when Cole told her the deal. “You mean I have to pay them rent and commission?” she’d said. “I can’t afford to do that. I need a job that pays me .”
    “I got your back, girl,” he’d assured her. “You’ll make a lot more money controlling your own clients. I’ll even set you up with a couple of mine to start you off.”
    Cole had been right, he’d kept his promise and given her three of his own clients with whom she was still working. He’d turned out to be a true and valuable friend.
    “What’s this Katie babe like?” he asked as they left Bounce and strolled out to the parking lot.
    “She’s a great girl,” Cameron said. “Very pretty in a