Page 35 of The Final Draft

I put my hand up to stop him. We’re going to go a little deeper on that one. “Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why am I getting this special treatment? I’m serious. Is it about the chase for you? Some macho competition with Zac? What is it about me that warrants this behavior from you, Julian? Truth, please.” My teasing and flirting are gone, my vulnerability front and center. I convince myself I can handle anything he says as long as it’s the truth. I wait for him to tell me I’m his muse.

He takes another sip of his drink as the waiter returns with the bottle of champagne and two glasses. He pours while Julian watches me. I take a sip, and damn, this is good. A small smile escapes as the bubbles dance on my tongue.

“Truth?” I nod. “Okay, the truth is, I don’t know, Harper. From the time I bumped into you looking like sex on a stick in that skirt and those fuck-me heels, I was done for. It’s not about the chase, although, admittedly, you’ve made it fun. I like you. Every conversation we have, I want more. It’s like an invisible string, pulling me back to you. You’re different, and that’s hot as hell.”

Well. Wasn’t expecting that. There’s that word again. Different. I bite my bottom lip to ensure my mouth isn’t hanging open. I gulp the rest of my drink, dab my mouth with a napkin, and excuse myself. I need a minute.

If it’s possible to orgasm from words alone, that would have done it. I’m so turned on right now I want to ride him like Seabiscuit. I lock the door to the private restroom and take a deep breath. Yeah, not helping. I feel my core heating, pulsing, demanding satisfaction. What the hell? I reach between my legs and I’m wet, aching. I’ve never had a physical reaction to anyone like I am with Julian, and if I don’t do something, I’m going to demand he fuck me in the booth before our dinner arrives. I close my eyes, picture his lips on mine, and touch myself. I’ve never done this outside of my bedroom, but I’ve never had a fantasy come to life right in front of me. It doesn’t take much until I’m holding on to the sink as I come on my own hand. It takes the edge off, but it’s not what I want.

I freshen up and return to our table to find Julian visibly troubled. “Something wrong?” I slide in next to him this time instead of across the table. I can’t take the distance anymore.

“Are you okay? You look flushed.” His hand palms my face, his eyes searching for a hint of my distress.

“I’m fine.” After dismissing his concern, I take in the amazing food spread on the table and my stomach growls in response. “Let’s eat.” I lean over to kiss the corner of his mouth, my lipstick a reminder of where my lips were. I raise my napkin to wipe it off, and he stops me.

“Leave it,” he says under his breath, putting his hand on mine, pushing the napkin away. Apparently, he enjoys being marked by me. I store that information away. For later.

He’s pleased with himself as I take the best parts of each entrée to make a perfect dinner plate for each of us. Indulging me is risky, but he evidently finds it amusing. I should warn him it’s like feeding the gremlins after midnight. Dire consequences ahead.

We eat in silence, the clinking of the silverware the only sound coming from our table. Sexual tension permeates the airand holds a promise of what’s coming. My champagne glass remains consistently full, thanks to the attentive waiter, causing me to honestly lose track of how much I’ve had to drink. Again.

The silence serves a purpose. I’ve been having conversations with myself, sorting through my feelings about being his muse, his secret, and how I feel about him.How much grace do I give Julian before I call him out? On a scale of one to ten, how much does it mean to me he hasn’t shared? Should I sort this out before I fuck his brains out? What’s his motivation and perspective? What’s mine? Should I drop the badass persona and give him a taste of being vulnerable? Would he return the gesture?When I’ve finished, I push my plate away and turn to Julian. His full attention is on me.

“Zac told me I was different too.” At the mention of Zac, he stiffens. I smile softly and run my palm down his freshly shaven cheek. “I struggle with that word because as women, we’re taught different is wrong, not cool, whatever. In theory, we tell people to embrace uniqueness, but when it comes to self-talk, well, it’s a little harder to accept. All that to say, I feel like I can be myself around you. It means more to me than you know and, um, well, thank you.”

His hand lands on my thigh above my boot and tugs on the hem of my skirt. His fingers trail a lazy circle right below the hemline. “Is this another part of you, or were you making a point? Because if so, I’m paying attention.”

“Can it be both?” I ask playfully. “Truth or Dare?”

His stormy blue eyes sear into my soul as his hand moves a few inches under my skirt. “Dare.”

“Dare it is.” I dare him to rock my world. But then again, he already has, and the night is still young.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-TWO

JULIAN

Her hooded eyes look at me as she says, “Dare it is.” I swear my dick stands at attention, hoping he’s part of this dare. Down boy, or it’s going to be an awkward walk to the car. I’ve barely recovered from the kiss that totally rocked my world. I’ve tasted heaven, and I want more.

“You name it, I’m doing it, gorgeous.” I whisper in her ear and feel the goosebumps on her leg. I’m spurred on by the reaction her body has to me.

“Let’s go back to your place.” Her lips lightly brush against mine.

She doesn’t have to tell me twice. As she finishes her drink, I settle our bill. Her giggles are almost as thrilling for me as her surprised face. I am excited to see the look on her face when we’re alone. I text Kat we’re ready to go home.

We walk out to the car, and she stumbles a little. I put my arm around her waist to steady her.

“I’ve got you, gorgeous.”

“I’m not used to heels this spikey,” she explains. Another giggle escapes her lips. Damn. I accidentally got my girl tipsy.

Kat meets us at the curb and holds the door open for us. I help Harper in and go to the other side. I’m reconsidering my plans, but I won’t take her back to Zac like this, so we’re going to my place. I pull her into my side, and she snuggles in.

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