“Really?” My eyebrows lift as I wait for him to elaborate. Sipping my coffee, I watch him begin to nod, his gaze unfocused like he’s deep in thought.
“Yeah. Pete and Shelley could help. It could be sweet.”
“Ah, what a little romantic you are.” I hide my smile behind another sip of caffeine.
Julian rolls his eyes and drains his cup. “I got your romance. Want me to show you upstairs in the—” Julian cuts off what he was about to say, clearing his throat, as Auz walks into the kitchen scratching his chest and yawning. He’s dressed and looking ready to go except for the sleepy stretch. “Hey. Morning. Want some coffee?” Julian turns to grab a mug out of the cabinet behind his head on Auz’s nod.
“Hey, Auz,” I call as Callie appears right behind him. “Morning, Callie. How’d you guys sleep?” I ask and feel the blush hit my face, wondering if we’d made too much noise last night or this morning.
“Good.” Callie smiles her answer. “It’s so quiet here.”
I catch Julian’s glance, and his half smile is gone before anyone else notices except me. It makes my tummy flip. I clear my throat. “Good, great. Yeah, it, uh, took me a minute to get used to the quiet at first. Almost too quiet.” I smile in agreement. “So, what time do you guys head out?”
“Ashley’s car service will be here in about thirty. We got some great footage. He’ll be pleased.” Callie takes the cup full of coffee Auz hands her and smiles sweetly at him.
“Yeah, we stayed up late going over it all last night. Good stuff,” Auz adds, smiling back at Callie.
I watch them for a couple seconds like a tennis match and realize I never had anything to worry about with Callie. She and Auz clearly have something between them—whether they’re ready to admit it or not. “Awesome. Love to hear it. I’m gonna grab a quick shower before you guys head out. If you need anything . . .”
“I got you,” Julian finishes for me, nodding at them, walks over and places a sweet kiss on my temple. His hand slides down my back to rest on my ass like it belongs there, sending a rush of heat to my lower region.
I so love this man. My body does too.I step away and move to the stairs before I abandon my manners and shamelessly drag him with me.Maybe we do have too much sex.I quickly shake my head at the thought.Nope. That’s not a thing. It can’t be. It’s too . . . Calm your tits, Everly.I climb the stairs with a ridiculous grin on my face.
***
“You’re really okay with this? A last-minute wedding? At Brew Beach?” I’m packing lunch and snacks for our day at Fit, addressing him across the kitchen.
“Yeah. I even texted Pete already. And yeah, we’ve gotta work out the logistics, but it sounds like Via wants something simple, intimate. I think it could be special.”
“You know Chase will be the best man. Which means Kendall will come too.”
“I thought about that. If you’re okay with it, I’m okay with it,” he says. “I mean, they played nice at the engagement party, right?” He’s watching me closely as he asks.
I shrug my shoulders in agreement. I am excited for Via. Blue Lake is an incredible backdrop for a sweet little ceremony. I can already see it: clear string lights, lanterns, maybe even a fire in the pit, and if Mother Nature cooperates, a majestic sunset like only Blue Lake can deliver. Without Oak Valley and its bullshit not currently here in my face, Ihave all the confidence in the world. Julian’s excitement only adds to my bravery.
We decide to FaceTime them at Brew later and set some basic plans in motion—include Pete and Shelley so we’re all on the same page. I’m weirdly hyped to plan this for Via. It feels a little like coming home. I’m not even nervous to see Chase and Kendall. My life feels good, safe. I’m happy, confident and love where I’m at.
Julian steps into my line of vision, interrupting my seven-mile stare and my thoughts.
I focus in on him and smile.
“Hi, pretty girl.”
“Hi, boyfriend.”
“What’s going on in there?” He ducks his head down and to the side, his intense blue eyes blinking at me through a frame of thick dark lashes.
“I’m just . . . I don’t know . . . so happy. I’m excited to do this for Via. And maybe a little more than excited to show off my new life.” I smile with the heat taking over my face, embarrassed to admit it.
“I’m happy I’m part of the life you want to show off.” He taps my nose and uses that finger to drape a lock of hair behind my ear, making tears prick my eyes.
I lower them so he won’t see, but he knows me too well now.
I can tell he wants to ask me about it but doesn’t want to push me. Instead, he jumps on my tucking-it-away bandwagon, which makes me love him more. He meets me where I’m at. Always.
“C’mon, sweet girl. Let’s go start another day in the life we love, huh?” He pulls me to him with both hands on my ass for aquick kiss and grabs my hand as he pulls me toward the door, snagging the lunch bag I packed off the counter as he does.
Chapter 14
