I manage a smile. It took all the courage I could muster to come down here today and it wasn't just because I half expected to see Isadora following Julian around.
I have no idea if she's here or not. It doesn't matter. I had to see him after what happened last night. I turned what could have been a wonderful celebratory dinner into a difficult and awkward evening.
I wait until he closes the door behind me before I say anything. "I'm here to apologize. I didn't handle things well yesterday and I'm embarrassed."
He takes my face in his palms and plants a soft kiss on my lips. "It's forgotten, Maya."
I stare into his eyes. They're such a beautiful shade of blue. They match his tie to perfection today. That paired with the black shirt and suit he's wearing gives him an edgy, yet elegant look.
"I shouldn't have tested you like that." I want to put it behind me too, but not before he completely understands that I'm not normally the kind of person who tests someone she cares about. "I'm sorry that I did."
His hands glide down my neck to my shoulders. "I shouldn't have handled things the way I did either, but we're learning how to navigate one another, Maya. That's a good thing. It's healthy and important."
"You're incredible." I lean forward to kiss him. "I always thought you'd be the wisest person I'd ever met. You're proving me right."
"I'm far from wise." He steps back to unbutton his suit jacket. "I'm learning as I go."
I narrow my eyes as I consider his words. "I'm learning too. I'm learning that breaking my rules was one of the smartest choices I've ever made."
"Having dinner with me tonight would be a smart choice as well."
"As long as there are no alcoholic beverages involved, I'm on board." I roll my eyes. "I had way too much champagne last night."
"No drinks tonight," he agrees. "We'll have some dinner and then you'll show me what you have under that dress. I'll pick you up at your place at seven."
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Julian
"So you finally made your move?"Sebastian stretches his long legs as he sits on my couch. "It took you long enough."
I wait for a beat before replying because the joke holds more truth than I care to admit. I wasted time with Maya. When I first saw her at Falon Shaw's studio, I should have ended my relationship with Isadora that day.
I felt a pull to Maya that was unfamiliar. I wanted her in a way that I'd never wanted a woman before, but I assumed it was pure lust. Rearranging my entire life for a random fuck wasn't something I would have done then. I'd never consider it now either.
Isadora's decision to push me on the topic of marriage may have set the wheels in motion, but my desire for Maya was the catalyst for change.
I couldn't stay with Isadora when I wanted someone else as much as I did Maya.
"She's incredible, Sebastian." I take a seat on the chair next to the couch. "Getting to know her has changed me. It's changed my life."
"You sound like you're in love."
I consider his words carefully. I've wondered the same thing myself, but it's too soon. It feels too soon. "It's headed in that direction. I'm taking her to dinner in an hour."
"Good," he shoots back. "I want you happy. Which leads to my next question."
I cock a brow. "Ask away."
"Does Maya have a sister?"
Reaching forward I tap his knee with my hand. "Twins. She has twin sisters."
He shoots me a look. "I want details, Julian. Find out if they're single and make sure you tell them I'm NYPD. Women love that. They fucking love it."
"I thoughtyou'd take me to Axel Tribeca." Maya closes the menu in front of her. "I like this place a lot though."
I didn't take her to Axel because I wanted to give her a new experience. That's why I brought her to this restaurant. It's small and they serve good Italian food. I can always get a table.
