“Yes. To Yellowtop.” His lips twitch because he loves doing that.
I’m trying to figure him out right now. “You want to come with me? To Everhope?”
He steps toward me and helps with my zipper. “Everhope and your aunt come up a lot in conversation. I’m curious.”
I snicker in surprise. “You want to meet my family?”
“I will casually check out the town and see your aunt.”
He’s too easy-breezy about this.
“You’re really full swing, huh. Telling Charles, trying to find me a replacement, heading to my small town, meeting family. Where is this all coming from?” I’m torn between being guarded and letting loose the glee inside.
He places a kiss on my forehead and rubs my arms with his palms.“I’m not sure, in all honesty.”
My eyes flutter as I’m trying to digest Julian being very committed to a relationship that he’s sworn off for years.
“Okay. Double-checking that I’m hearing you right. You. Everhope. My family.”
He hesitates, but a comfortable half-smile blooms. “This weekend.”
I take a deep breath and come to terms with his persistence, which surprises me. It’s not a tiny move. But it’s welcome.
“You’ll be staying at the bed-and-breakfast in town,” I inform him and give him a pointed look.
“Alone?”
I love my aunt, and she’s with the times, but staying at home with a man who thinks sleep involves multiple orgasms would feel strange. “I haven’t decided. We’re supposed to be flying under the radar.”
His cheeks fill with air before he releases a breath. “Okay,” he agrees.
Lines crease my forehead. “And you would still want to come to Everhope, either way?”
“Sure.”
My heart stutters at the risk of this all, but there’s no doubt in me when I see the sincerity in his eyes. “Well then, leave your suit at home. To Everhope we go.”
22
JULIAN
My tires screech a tad when I pull into the parking lot on Everhope’s Main Street. Savannah stares at me from the sidewalk next to a newspaper dispenser as she holds two cups of to-go coffee.She has that wry smile that shields her amusement. The moment that I park and get out of my car, I feel a flicker inside my chest.
This is all new to me—if I’m honest, it’s slightly nerve-wracking because of that. Never in a million years did I imagine I’d end up in a small town because of a woman ten years younger than me, a woman who was supposed to be nothing more than my personal assistant. Except it’s blatantly obvious she’s more than that. And what unsettles me most isn’t just her—it’s me. I can feel a piece of my wall cracking, breaking away, and I’m fully aware of it as it happens.
“Really? Had to bring the expensive sports car?” she greets me and hands me a coffee. Savannah left first thing this morning, and I drove out after one meeting I had at the office.
I accept the coffee and step closer to lean in for a kiss, butshe steps back and tuts at me. “Strategy. Nobody knows we’re together.Let’s keep it low-key for the next hour until my aunt knows.”
Feigning a scowl, I accept her plan. “I shall obey. This time only, though,” I say and take a sip of my coffee. “Damn, good coffee.” We begin to walk side by side.
“Mmm.” She takes a sip from her own drink. “It’s from Foxy Rox.” She indicates with her head farther up to a coffeehouse on the left. “A must for visiting Everhope.”
Main Street is pristine, classic, and brings calm. Time already feels different here. No bustle, only people walking leisurely and the sound of the occasional bell over a door. I’m already overwhelmed with the friendly smiles and the sound of people greeting strangers.
“Quaint.”
Savannah gives me side-eye.“Is that good or bad?”
