Page 12 of The Final Draft

“Tell me what you want, Harper.” His teasing tone is gone, and he looks into my soul as he asks me that question. I need to keep my wits about me because what I want will freak him out.

“I like champagne. I’m not a big drinker and usually only drink on special occasions,” I confess.

“Well, in that case,” he turns to the hostess. “We’ll have that bottle of Aces. And two glasses of water, please.” She nods and leaves our table. He focuses his attention on me. “This is a special occasion, worthy of champagne, wouldn’t you say?”

“It is?”

“It is.” His voice, strong and confident, fills the air as he reaches for my hand.

“Why is that?” I’m hypnotized by all of this. By him.

“It’s your welcome to New York.” His dazzling smile makes me lightheaded, and I’m grateful I don’t fall out of my chair. My insides are all fluttery, and I’m so turned on I may not make it through lunch. Julian Decker should come with a warning sign–may cause spontaneous combustion.

CHAPTER

EIGHT

JULIAN

“Well, in that case, we’ll have that bottle of Aces. And two glasses of water, please.” She nods and leaves our table. Harper is adorable. And sexy. Watching the surprise on her face when we entered this speakeasy cafe will be a core memory for me. The blush of her cheeks when I whispered in her ear is my new favorite color. The way our hands fit together perfectly, the innocent touch of her skin to mine, makes me crave more. I’ve never had a reaction like this, and while it should scare me, it doesn’t. It’s different. Harper’s different. And I want to get to know her more.

“This is a special occasion, worthy of champagne, wouldn’t you say?” Anything she wants. It’s hers.

“It is?” Another surprised look. I’m making it my mission to surprise her as many times as possible today because I can’t get enough of that expression. She looks innocent, thoughtful, playful, and fucking delicious.

“It is.” I reach for her hand because I need to touch her. Today’s a special occasion, at least for me.

“Why is that?” She tilts her head, cautious, waiting for my answer. There it is. Those eyes sparkle with curiosity. What’s going through her mind right now? I try to come up with an alternate response to the truth.

Because today is when I started falling for you.I almost say it but think better of it. Talk about freaking this poor girl out. Dial it back, Decker. Give her time to adjust. But there’s no doubt what I want, and it’s Harper Cartwright.

“It’s your welcome to New York.” It’s lame, but I don’t want to scare her off with a declaration of love on our first date.

I’m only kidding myself if I think I’m here to learn more about her for my book. I want to learn more about her for me. Taking a breath, I compile the list of questions I use when developing a new character. It’s a perfect starting point to uncover the unique traits and characteristics that make Harper so special.

She looks up from her menu. Her amber eyes dance with delight. She’s enjoying herself. And I did that. One point for me.

“So, are you living with Zac?” I blurt this question instead of casually slipping it into conversation. Smooth. What is it about this woman that leaves me befuddled? I had a plan, but one glimpse of her happiness, and she scattered my thoughts and sent me off-script.

I’m a brilliant conversationalist. One of the best. I built my career, hell, my whole agency, on my ability to talk to people, learn their motivations, get them what they want, or convince them they need what I have. Earning trust through communication is one of my greatest skills. With Harper, I’m literally at a loss for words.

A new surprised look graces her face. This time, her deep red lips form a perfect O, and I think of places I’d like to seeher mouth. While her makeup is subtle and natural, she seems to like bold lip colors. I’m practically feral at this point thinking about them. Grinning shyly, she contemplates her response.

“Yeah, we live together. He’ll be traveling a lot with the season starting. Noodle and I will miss him, but as long as we have each other.” She shrugs.

The pop of a champagne cork interrupts us, and her face fills with happiness. The waiter pours a small amount for me to taste, but I nod no and direct his attention to Harper. She takes a sip and smacks her lips. It’s not sensual, but my dick doesn’t seem to notice the difference.

“Ohmygodthisissogood.” She holds her flute out for a refill, much to the waiter’s delight.

“I’m glad you like it.” He’s enamored by her giddiness and pure joy. I’d hate for him to lose his job, but he needs to dial down the friendliness. He pours me a glass and directs his attention back to Harper. Yes, he’s doing what I asked, but still. “Are you ready to order?”

Harper looks indecisive. She twists her mouth and bites her bottom lip. Holy hell, this woman is killing me.

“I’m sure it’s all good. Surprise me?” Her absolute delight brightens the room and scorches my heart. It’s a privilege to watch her face light up with enjoyment. I love how she’s focused on the moment, the experience. I admire her ability to be wholly present.

The gleam in the waiter’s eye is off the charts. He’s charmed by her too. “Any allergies, dietary restrictions, or foods you don’t like?”

“No, nothing. It all looks fantastic.” He nods his head. “Got it.”

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