Page 37 of The Final Draft

I’m grateful Ashleigh left clothes in there, and I want to thank her for the save, but then realize I’ll have to confess why and think better of that. I stuffed my “fuck around and find out” clothes into a tote from the closet and snuck out.

Did I consider going down the hall to find Julian and join him in his bed? Yes. Yes, I did. But in my champagne-addled mind, I decided that wasn’t the best idea. While I doubt he’d be upset, there wasn’t any amount of mind-blowing kisses and soft caresses that could get me to that sexy place again. Best to leave with what little dignity I had intact.

I grabbed an Uber, snuck home, and currently holed up in bed. I heard Zac take Noodle for his morning walk. He probably doesn’t even know I’m home. My door is cracked open, but I usually leave it that way, so Noodle has a free reign of the place. I’m hit with another round of disappointment self-talk because taking care of Noodle is my job. The reason I live here rent free to write a book. With Julian. Who probably thinks I’m a drunk woman with multiple personalities. I scream into my pillow.

My phone vibrates again, for the I-don’t-know-how-many-times. It’s time to face the music. Multiple missed calls and text messages that have been steadily increasing in urgency fill my screen. I beat myself up again for making him go through this. I’m a horrible person.

Hey gorgeous! Imagine my surprise when I found you missing. Just making sure you’re okay. Let me know.

Seriously, the city is a glorious but very scary place. Did you get home okay?

My doorman said you got in a car in the middle of the night. I’m about to trace the license plate.

Do I need to come over and check on you?

Worried now. Please tell me you’re okay.

Sorry, I can’t respond because I’m dying of embarrassment right now.

My heart just started again. You had me so worried.

Sorry. Not my best moment.

My phone goes off with a FaceTime request from Julian. This is the last thing I want to do, but I need to be an adult. It’s also the least I can do. The man was genuinely concerned. I scrubbed my face when I got home, and my hair is in a messy bun. I’m a sight. But with irresponsibility comes consequences. Time to pay up.

“Hi,” I squeak out as I plop down on my pillow.

His hair’s a mess, like he’s run his hands through it a thousand times. His stressed face relaxes a little, and that sexy grin graces his lips. Add regret to my overflowing cup of feelings. I can’t help the grimace I make.

He visibly exhales. “There you are. I was about to file a missing person’s report. How ya’ feeling?”

“Okay,” I answer honestly. “I don’t even have a headache.” Only dying a slow death of humiliation here.

“Seeing your head on that pillow is a woeful reminder of what I’m missing out on.” He gives a little groan that makes my stomach flip. He’s being way too kind. “I didn’t even get to find out how you like your eggs in the morning,” he teases.

“Scrambled, like my head,” I mumble.

He goes off screen and I wonder if he’s finally come to his senses about me. “Sorry about that. Had to do something.” He focuses back on me and his face gets serious. “Why’d you run,Harper? Did I do something wrong?” His voice is low, rumbly. So sexy. Endearing.

What? How can he think he did anything wrong? I was the one teasing him, leading him on, and then I crashed. I can’t keep seeing him. Besides, I need to finish this book. He needs to finish this book.

“What? Of course not. You were a perfect gentleman and have been kinder than I deserve.”

“Then why did ya’ run?” A trace of his Southern accent surfaces, and it makes him even more adorable.

Why did I run? Because I’m having feelings I’ve never had before. Because I don’t know what I’m doing. Because he has a secret. And I have one too because I know his. Because I’m his muse.

I bite my lip, debating which answer he gets. “I was scared.”

His eyes darken, and his normally cheerful face looks stern. “Of me?”

I’ve upset him. “Yes,” I whisper. The hurt washes over him. I gave him the easy answer. “No, not like that. I don’t think, I mean, you wouldn’t.”

“What’s got you spooked, gorgeous? Am I coming on too strong? Because make no mistake, I want you, but I’ll back off, if that’s what you need.”

Noodle pushes my door open, and Zac is trailing behind him. “Hey CJ, met the delivery guy downstairs with your breakfast.” He sets the brown paper bag on my nightstand and plops down on the other side of the bed, while Noodle snuggles between us.

“I’ll let you go,” Julian says, a little clipped. “Glad you’re okay.” He disconnects the call.

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