Page 48 of The Final Draft

“Sorry, can’t.” I nod towards Noodle. “I mean, where do we go from here as writing partners?”

He shrugs. “We work together, but closer, in person, and maybe naked?” His ability to go from seduction to teasing is fascinating. I can’t help but wonder how that translates into other areas.

I punch him in the arm as we walk back towards my place. “Do you have a one-track mind?”

His laughter fills the air as he throws his head back, unable to contain his amusement. “Absolutely. I’m daydreaming about Harper Cartwright every waking moment. And come to think of it, she’s in my nighttime dreams too. So yeah, one hundred percent one track mind, gorgeous.” He puts his arm around my waist and pulls me into him. He kisses my temple as we walk.

When we get to my building, he steps back, holding me at arm’s length. I already miss the warmth of his embrace. I’ve obviously lost my mind because I should say yes instead of goodbye right now.

“You should save those lines for the book. But it’ll be a short novella because the girl will be all in by chapter three.”

“These aren’t lines, Harper. It’s like you opened my eyes to a whole new world, and I want it all.” He looks at me with so much depth and sincerity, I can’t help but believe him.

“I don’t know what to do,” I confess.

He pulls me into a hug. “Follow your heart.” His breath tickles my ear and sends shivers down my spine. That’s so Julian. He leads with his whole heart while I lead with my head. It’s pretty funny how he brings out my romantic side, since I'm typically more practical and realistic. But he makes it easier for me to see the dreams, the possibilities.

He steps back, his tone all business. “I have a few meetings, and we have the game tomorrow night. I’ll pick you up at five. But then Saturday. You. Me. Charlotte. Gavin. All in one room. Hammering it out.”

I quirk my eyebrow at him and try to look scandalized, but it doesn’t work. Damn, I’m going to need fresh batteries again tonight.

“On laptops, silly,” he chides. “It’s time to move the story along, don’t you think?”

He gives me a quick kiss and turns away before I can react. He walks down the street with his shoulders back, hands in his pockets, and I swear he’s whistling.

Noodle pulls on the leash, trying to follow Julian, but I hold him back. As he looks up at me with sad eyes, I totally get how he feels.

“I know, buddy. Me too.”

Upstairs, Zac’s scrolling on his phone, SportsCenter the constant background noise in the apartment. I unclip Noodle’s harness, and he scurries to his spot by his treat jar. This dog is spoiled, and I’m not discouraging his behavior.

I’m not discouraging Julian either. I can’t help it. For some inexplicable reason, it makes me happy when he’s happy. And seemingly, I make him happy. But my logical side is still skeptical. How do I follow my heart when logic tells me to be careful?

I’m lost in thought when Zac asks, “Everything alright with Decker?”

“Hm, yeah, fine.” Still distracted, I head to my room. I wash my face, put on my pajamas, and wonder if Julian’s home yet.

Truth or dare?

Which do you want?

Truth.

Truth it is. Shoot.

Why am I your muse?

I wait for a response, and it doesn’t come. My mind races with different scenarios of why he’s not answering. Why he wouldn’t want to answer. I finish getting ready for bed and snuggle under the thick comforter. When I turn off my lamp, my phone lights up the room.

Now I remember another reason I hate the subway. Bad cell service.

I appreciate the sacrifice he made to have this conversation with me tonight. Julian on the subway? He really must care about me.

Truth? I was still reeling from bumping into you at NYU. You captured my attention, and I wanted to know more. You’re gorgeous. Sexy. Smart. Witty. Kind. All the things a heroine should be. You got my writer brain flowing. I’m desperate to know more. Everything. But if the lines get blurred, tell me, and it’s out. I care more about Harper than Charlotte.

Wow. I wasn’t expecting that. I close my eyes and reflect on everything he’s said about me. To hear how he sees me is overwhelming and, well, I need to sit in that for a minute.

Hey, you still there?

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