Page 25 of Simply You & Me

"Oops, I'm so sorry!" The high-pitched voice is sugary sweet.

The group of girls is gone before I brush the hair from my eyes. Tears gather in my lashes for no damn reason. I'm fine. In the next beat, large hands grip me under the armpits and haul me to my feet.

Julian's high cheekbones and red, curly hair blur in front of me. "Hey, sweetheart. Are you okay?" I nod, worried my voice will come out wobbly. "Shit, Addie. Your tears hurt my heart. Come here." His fresh, minty scent invades my nose, instantly soothing me when he tucks me against his chest.

"I'm okay. I'm so sorry. I'm not normally this emotional, I swear."

God, I've cried on this man twice this week. He must think I'm a drama queen.

Julian's hand spans across my lower back, making me feel small. His lips pressing against the top of my head make me feel treasured. "No apologizing, sweetie. You hit the ground pretty hard. Tell me what hurts, please."

I sigh and grip him tighter. "My tailbone will probably bruise, but at least I won't have to buy a new phone." My soft chuckle doesn't hit the mark I intended. I had hoped to lighten the mood, feeling horrible for bringing this bubbly man down once again.

Pulling away from me slightly, he holds my cheek and encourages my head to tip back. Head all the way back, I finally meet his stern eyes. "No apologizing, Addie. Your tears might make me panic, but only because I prefer you smiling and happy."

Swoon. I didn't think I was capable or had the time to feel this woozy or one-sighted over a man. But... wow. The burn of my tears recedes as my focus narrows on Julian's plump lips. "Okay," I whisper, but it comes out like a whimper.

"Why don't we get you some ice, and I'll help you run errands tomorrow, okay? Tailbone injuries hurt like a bitch. Is that okay, or what do you want to do?"

"I want to kiss you," I murmur, resting my cheek further into his palm. I freeze. Did I just fucking say that?! "Or... never mind! I'm sorry, forget I said anything!"

Being around Julian makes everything fade away. I'm just not so sure it's a good?—

"Shh, Sweetness." Then his lips are on mine in the most gentle kiss I've ever had. In the middle of Charleston's busy sidewalks, Julian takes his time sweeping his tongue across the seam of my lips. One hand on my cheek and the other gripping my hip like he's afraid I'll disappear.

Giving me a final, sweet kiss, Julian pulls away with a small smile that shows off his dimples. "Let me take care of you, please. I'll get you some ice at my place and make you lunch, okay?"

Still wrapped in the easy aura that is Julian, I agree to follow him to his place. Only he has the power to convince me to use my time off from work to relax. With the help of Rylee and her family, Rory is always invited for sleepovers with Layla.

I suppose having friends isn't such a bad thing because even though it stresses me out not to get my shit done; I think I'm finally figuring out who I am beyond my never-ending lists.

My tailbone is pissed. Not to mention, my anxiety has reared its ugly head. The few-minute drive to Julian's house allowed all my rampant thoughts to jostle my brain.

"Come on, sweetie! Let's get you some ice and snacks!" Julian has my car door open and me on my feet in a flash.

As soon as his hand grips mine, I settle, allowing him to tug me through the front door. I'm not sure what I was expecting to find when we walked into his house, but the other three guys hovered over their kitchen table wasn't it. Multiple laptops are open, making random noises. Also scattered on the large table are sheets of paper stacked and strewn about.

Their faces, though, that's what gives me pause. Zach looks like he's about to burn the world down, Wyatt's face is scrunched in concentration as he taps away, and Tate looks like he's about to puke.

Julian halts, his posture becoming rigid. He clears his throat and addresses the room. "We have company." His voice is cold, freaking me out even more. The warmth of his hand keeps me grounded, though.

It's almost comical the way the other guys snap their heads in our direction. Wyatt's concentrated frown turns into one of confusion when he sees me. Zach shudders all emotion from his face, and Tate pales even further.

"Uh, maybe I should go," I mumble, already trying to back away.

"No!" Julian turns to me, tugging me into his side. "Guys, let's put work away for a bit, yeah?"

I can tell Julian wants to know what they’re doing, but without needing to be told twice, the other three gather their things and stack them on Wyatt's pile of laptops. My feet shuffle uncomfortably behind Julian as he drags me to the living room. Plopping myself on the couch, I hold in my cringe and shimmy under the blanket Julian drapes around me.

With the open floor plan, I watch as Julian, Zach, and Tate have a hushed conversation. Distracted by the tension radiating from the kitchen, I don't see Wyatt until he's sitting next to me, blocking my view.

"Hey, baby. I thought you guys were getting a coffee."

Wyatt is in a tight pair of black jeans today with a black shirt that looks like it’s painted on. My mouth waters. His black hair hangs around his sharp cheekbones, and his usual clove flies through his fingers in a dance I can't follow. Is it nervous tick?

"We did." I smile, happy to talk with Wyatt some more. "We were going to run some of my errands together, but I fell and hurt my tailbone pretty bad. So, he suggested ice and snacks."

Wyatt's cool fingers that were tracing patterns on my bare forearm stop. "You're hurt?" My spine tingles at the deep octave of his voice.

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