Page 41 of The Final Draft

As we fly over the city, Wes points out landmarks while Julian adds his own commentary, which includes places he wants to take me and all of his favorite spots. I wish I had a recording of this because I’ll never remember it all. I take a quick video, and Julian snatches my phone and takes several selfies of us and texts them to himself.

“For my eyes only. You choose what you want to post and when, if ever. I caution you about the attention, though. It can be a lot and spiral out of control. But you’re in control of what you want to share.” He gives me a quick kiss, and the phone clicks with another picture. “I can’t help myself.”

We fly along the coast and almost an hour later land in the backyard of a massive house on the coast. “Where are we, and whose house is this? Are we still in New York?”

“We’re in Sag Harbor, and this house belongs to Devlin Millbanks. Honestly, I probably spend more time here than he does. Now that I think about it, it’s the best kind of beach house.Full access and someone else pays for it.” His laugh fills the cabin, and I can’t stop myself from joining him.

“Devlin Millbanks? Why do I know that name?”

“He owns the New York Liberties and a few other things. He’s my dad’s best friend and my mentor. I’ll introduce you when we’re back in the city.”

“He’s not here? Are you sure we won’t get arrested for trespassing?”

“Well, the evening’s young, so who knows.” When he wiggles his eyebrows, that little mischievous glint in his eyes confirms he's joking. I think. “Wait here.”

Julian enters a code into the garage door keypad and moments later, drives out in a cherry red vintage mustang. “Get in, gorgeous.”

“I hope we’re not adding grand theft auto to our crime spree tonight.”

Julian responds with a laugh. He puts his arm across the back of the seat and squeezes my shoulder. “Trust me.” Trust. It’s such a powerful word. His earnest desire to make me happy makes it impossible not to trust this man.

He takes me to a small cafe and introduces me to the owner and his wife. We sit at a table overlooking the ocean and order our hot chocolates. “You won’t need to change these at all, I promise. Pure heaven in a cup.”

The thick, sweet chocolate has the perfect ratio of whipped cream and caramel. The toasted marshmallow on the side is the ultimate garnish. Julian’s right. Heaven in a cup.

“This place is amazing. Thank you for sharing it with me.” The warm, sweet chocolate has my taste buds celebrating this decision.

“Anytime, gorgeous. We’ll take our dinner to-go. Noodle awaits.” Julian gets several sandwiches bagged up, and we eatthem on the flight back to the city. When we land, Kat is waiting for us.

This isn’t how I thought my afternoon would go, but I’m not complaining. As promised, we’re home in time before there’s a Noodle problem. And now the awkward good night. While my body really wants to invite him up and jump his bones, my heart tells me to wait. We can’t have secrets between us before I take that next step. What I feel for Julian is more than lust, although currently, that’s pretty freaking strong. My vibrator and I will have quality time tonight, that’s for sure.

“Can I see you tomorrow?” His eyes are drinking me in, signaling a yes is all it will take to make him happy.

Scuffing my feet on the sidewalk, I can’t look him in the eye when I tell him no. “I’m sorry. I’m going to Zac’s hockey game tomorrow.”

When he perks up at my rejection, I’m surprised, which only enhances his grin. What’s he up to? I’m clearly missing something here. “Got it. Well, goodnight gorgeous.” He gives me a way too brief and unsatisfying kiss and goes back to the waiting car.

Yeah, I’m gonna need fresh batteries tonight.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-SIX

JULIAN

The teams are on the ice for warmups as I make my way to my seat. It only took three calls and the promise of a signed puck from Chance Fuller to get to the location of her seat. One more call to get the ticket next to her. Totally worth it. I’m not shocked her seats are rink side against the glass and not with the other girlfriends. Harper is a hockey fan through and through.

There’s a cluster of New York Havoc players huddled in front of my destination. And there she is, laughing at their antics, her ponytail swinging across her shoulders, giving me a clear view of the name across her back. Burns. Seriously? Not what I wanted to see, but then, with Harper, that’s the point. She keeps me on my toes. And I like it.

“Is he really your favorite Havoc?” She snaps her head to me, and I’m awarded with another one of her surprised expressions.

“What are you doing here?” She looks like she got caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Her surprise turns into a cheery grin. “Do I have a stalker?”

“Not how most people react to a stalker.”

She pretends to be stern when she leans in to tell me her answer. “Not all stalkers are Julian Decker. Are you going to hurt me?”

Although this is playful flirting, the weight of the words sits with me.Are you going to hurt me?“Not intentionally.”

---