Page 69 of King of My Heart

I quickly nodded. “I understand.”

Although, I didn’t understand what that meant for us.

Did he want to break up?

Keep it a secret?

Whatever he chose—and however much it would hurt—I would support his decision.

Julian came back, and Caspian pulled his hand away from mine.

“So…how long are you staying in Burlington?” he asked, looking between us as he sat back down on the other couch.

“We got two rooms at a nearby hotel. I booked it for one night, but if you would like for me to stay a while longer, I can extend our stay,” Caspian suggested.

Julian shook his head, although his eyes flashed with hope. “I don’t want to sound rude but I think I need some time to let everything sink in first. I know it was a long drive for you…but I need some time and space. We got phones, though. We can text and call until I’m ready to, you know, have you around for more than a day.”

Julian’s decision was one I could comprehend, and Caspian too.

“I fully understand,” he told his son. “That’s okay, Julian.”

“Great. Thanks.” His eyes flicked to me, and the corner of his mouth curled up slightly. “And you? Are you staying here this time? Your trip has to end someday.”

I smiled gently, agreeing with his last statement. “I…am going back to Hilton Beach, too.”

“Why?” Julian’s brows furrowed, and he tilted his head like a puppy.

“Because…” I looked at Caspian, biting my cheek. I wasn’t going to mess this up. I couldn’t, and I didn’t want to. “I’ve been enjoying my time in Hilton Beach, and I’ve totally fallen in love with that place.” I didn’t say more. I wanted him to interpret the rest.

“Just like that?” he asked, his frown deepening.

“Yes, kind of. I don’t really have a plan yet, and I haven’t told my parents yet—because that’s where I was hoping to head next—but if nothing gets in the way, I want to move there.”

Caspian’s body eased next to mine, and when I glanced at him, I saw a pleased gleam in his eyes. I hadn’t told him all of that yet. But by saying it out loud now, I was letting him know that I wanted to keep being with him.

“You’ve always followed your heart,” Julian said, his smile gentle and sad in a way. “You’ll definitely have good company.”

I laughed softly, knowing he meant his dead. But my laugh faded when I realized how oblivious he was. It would break him finding out that Caspian and I were dating.

He would probably change his mind about his father, too.

Or…we would let enough time pass and act like this happened over time.

“So…” Julian said, his smile tightening. “How about dinner? I don’t want to kick you out just yet. And, by the way, you can stay here for the night. It’s not like you’ve not lived here for over six months,” he told me before moving his gaze to Caspian. “And it’s not like you’re not my dad. We’ll figure out a sleeping arrangement later. Toby’s bedroom still has a bed in it, and the couch is an option too.”

“Dinner sounds nice,” Caspian said, ignoring thesleeping overpart.

I felt bad about not being able to tell Julian the truth about us but I knew that if I told him today, things would end up differently.

I didn’t want to risk it.

So I let it be.

For now.

Chapter 20

DARWYNN

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