Page 32 of The Final Draft

Zac and Julian disengage their stares at one another and finally notice I’ve entered the chat. “Don’t wait up,” I say to Zac. Without a pause, I glance at Julian and say, “Let’s go.” I’m out the open door before either of them reacts. I’m halfwayto the elevator before Julian joins me. He doesn’t say a word as he pushes the button, giving me a quick glance but focusing his attention on the doors. He can’t even look at me, and I’m confused about how to interpret that. I worry I’ve taken this too far, but I’m committed now. I can’t overthink this. It’s go time. No regrets.

The elevator arrives quickly, and we step in, and he pushes the button to the lobby. He finally turns to look at me, and his eyes drink me in from head to toe and back again. He practically makes me come from his eye fuck. A quick lick of his lips betrays his nervousness. His eyes are a mixture of lust and panic. He might be short circuiting, and I can’t hide my smirk. I’m doing my best to stay in character here. Whoops.

“Is this okay? I forgot to ask where we’re going.” I tuck my hair behind my ear, playing innocent and coy. He goes through several emotions in a few seconds, and if I wasn’t in character, I’d double over laughing. His Adam’s apple bobs, and he licks his lips again.

“If I didn’t know better, Mr. Decker, I’d say you’re at a loss for words,” I tease.

He finally finds the ability to speak. “To be sure, it’s a first.”

We step out of the elevator, and he walks me to the front door, where Kat is waiting by the car. She sees me and gives an appreciative grin.

“Good evening, Ms. Cartwright.” I’m thrilled she’s with me on this adventure. She’s abiding by the universal mantra: Chicks before dicks.

“Hi Kat. Great to see you again.” She opens the door, and Julian gets in and slides over. He extends his hand to me, and Kat wiggles her eyebrows at me as she holds back her laughter.

Once we’re secured in the car, she pulls away from the curb. “Where are we going for dinner? I’m famished.” I’m doing my best to act like everything is normal, like I do this every day.

Julian shakes his head a little, like he’s clearing an etch-a-sketch, trying to reset the page. I thought I’d shock him, but this reaction is even better than I could have imagined. An afternoon well spent, for sure.

“There’s this French restaurant you might like, but if you’re in the mood for something else…” He trails off and looks away. Kat catches his eye in the rearview mirror and laughs.

“There’s that new place in SoHo Madelyn Reynolds was telling you about,” she suggests.

“Madelyn Reynolds?” I turn, giving him my full attention and cleavage. Although my cleavage will never compare to the Hollywood starlet who apparently gives him restaurant recommendations. Another reminder of the circle he runs in. Insecurity rears its head, but then I remember the character I’m playing and push it down.

“Um, that’s a great idea, Kat. Why don’t you call ahead and take us there?” Julian pushes a button, and a partition goes up between us and Kat.

He clears his throat and looks at me again, clearly rattled. It’s the first time I’ve seen his confident, charming, cheerful personality crack, and I feel guilty. I drop my character a little, feeling the weight of his hand in mine, as genuine concern washes over me. I wonder if I’ve broken him.

“Hey, you okay? If you don’t want to do this, I can go home.” I want to give him an out. Or a chance to tell me his secret.

His hand squeezes mine. “No, I’m sorry, Harper. I’ve had an out-of-body experience. But I’m back, I promise.” And like that, Julian’s eyes lock on mine, and his charming smile fills his face. “You look incredible, by the way. I should have told you that. I mean, you always look incredible, but this? This is hot.”

Even with my tough persona, I feel the heat rise in my cheeks. “Thanks. Can I be honest with you?”

His eyes lock on mine. “Always.” He takes my other hand, and his thumb slowly brushes the top.

“Zac doesn’t trust you. Why is that?”

He takes a moment before he answers, his thumb continuing its path across my skin. That simple touch is turning me on. I focus on keeping my walls up. This is his chance to tell me I’m his muse and nothing more.

CHAPTER

TWENTY

JULIAN

“Zac doesn’t trust you. Why is that?”

Her question hangs between us. There it is. Zac. I need to tread lightly and not scare her off, but I’m not a home wrecker, either. Plus, I don’t respect a cheater. And I definitely do not share. I’m playing with fire here, and tonight she is red hot. I’m navigating my way through this to minimize the scorch marks I’ll get.

When I first saw her at NYU looking like a sexy librarian, I was intrigued, enchanted, even. Tonight’s look is beyond sexy. It’s provocative and a little confusing. Not to say she’s not hot as fuck, because it’s taken every ounce of my willpower to keep my hands off her each time I’ve seen her. But that’s not the issue at hand.

Why doesn’t Zac trust me? He shouldn’t. I want what’s his.

“What made him say that?” I’m hoping she’ll tip her hand, give me a clue.

She shrugs. “Should he trust you?”

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