There had been a time when things were easy between them, but ever since Julian married Caroline, Connor had almost entirely stopped attending these gatherings. If their paths crossed in business, he’d scarcely offer more than a curt nod.

Caroline was the root of it. Julian, in all his infuriating decisiveness, had chosen to marry the problem and bring it home.

No one knew what was going through his mind.

Julian rose from his seat and pulled out a ...