Page 38 of Betrayal of a Billionaire
With her car parked, she wandered to the edge of the highest point in Harbor Cove and settled on the flat rocky summit as the sun painted the sky brilliant shades of pink and red.
She’d missed the simple beauty of her hometown. That much she was willing to admit. As for the rest of it, she hadn’t been able to untangle the emotions knotting her heart yet.
A voice behind her startled her, pulling her from her own musing. “It never gets old, does it?”
She twisted to find Luke behind her. Duchess trotted over and nuzzled against her. “I didn’t expect to find you here, but I’m glad I did.”
She climbed to her feet, uncertain she wanted to have this confrontation.
“Easy, Julia,” he said before he offered her a soft smile. “I’m not here for anything other than the sunrise and a chat with an old friend.”
She studied him, trying to discern the truth in those dark eyes. Guilt washed over her. He’d been the one who’d stayed in Harbor Cove. And he’d loved the sunrise. She was the intruder. “I can go.”
He held out an arm to stop her, his hand brushing hers. “There’s no need for you to go, Julia.”
Her brain pushed her to run, but her heart said no. She took a step back with a single nod.
He offered her a fleeting smile before he settled on the flat rocks. “So, how long are you here for?”
“Ten days,” she answered as she settled next to him. The dog settled at their feet.
“Well, that’s not nearly long enough for a visit to Harbor Cove.”
She smiled at him. “Probably not. But we have a lot going on.”
He draped his arms over his knees as he stared at the ever-changing sky. “Important city things, huh?”
“Something like that.”
She flicked her gaze to him, finding his eyes on her. “Look, Luke, I really feel like I should address this whole marriage thing.”
“No, it’s okay. I’m not here to question your choices. I’ll let Ally do that.”
Julia clicked her tongue at the light-hearted comment. “And she is.”
“She loves you. She knows you. She wants what’s best for you. And she’s missed you. Like crazy, Juju. We all have.”
Julia’s chest lifted with a sigh. She’d missed everyone, too. “I know.”
“It’s good to see you.”
She smiled at him, some of the awkwardness slipping away. “It’s good to see you, too.”
Silence stretched between them as the sun continued to rise over the calm seas. The quiet moments eased away some of her tension.
“So, you hiking today?”
The question brought a smile to her face. “I think so. I miss it.”
“Not much hiking in New Orleans, huh?”
She chuckled. “No, not really.”
“Well,” he said as he climbed to his feet and offered her his hand, his smile broad and easy, “come on. We’d better get as much in as we can, then.”
She grinned at him, slipping her hand into his as she climbed to her feet.
They spent the morning traversing the wilderness on trails she’d fondly remembered hiking during her time here. The trail wound through a canopy of towering trees, their leaves andpine needles whispering secrets from the past. Sunlight filtered through, casting a golden glow that mirrored the warmth of nostalgia enveloping Julia.
