Page 51 of Heartless Pucker in Love

I didn’t move so he walked over, snaked an arm around my waist, and pulled me close. I landed against him with a delighted gasp. It wasn’t the greeting I expected, especially in a crowd, and after I told him we were just friends. My lips parted in anticipation as his head descended and my eyes fluttered closed. Our lips touched and for a moment, the pain of longing in my chest disappeared and all was right in my world. Needing Julian so much terrified me, yet, I clung to him, my fingers curling into his arms.

Disappointment hit when he pulled away followed by embarrassment. There were quite a few gawkers in the crowd, my sisters being some of them. Kelsey slapped her forehead. I imagined her saying “adults,” with disgust and it made me smile.

“Wait, are you guys like boyfriend and girlfriend?” We turned to see Andy staring at us in disbelief. “Thanks a lot, Uncle Julian. There goes my chances with Miss April.”

“For the love of God, Andy,” Julian groaned. “Get in the car with Mom. Now.”

Shoulder dropped, heaving a sigh, the little boy headed to Faye’s car.

I chuckled. “You can’t be mad. You’re his role model.”

“At least he has great taste in women,” he drawled. “You look beautiful, Flower Child.” He gave me an appreciative once over in my lavender off-the-shoulder bridesmaid dress.

Whenever he called me that, the butterflies in my stomach went crazy. “Thanks. I didn’t think you’d make it.”

“I wouldn’t miss it, but I only have today.”

“Oh.” I looked away from him, hoping he didn’t hear my disappointment.

“That’s why I need to see you tonight, after the reception.”

“Sure. Where do you want to meet?”

He smiled a secret smile that confused me. “Just head home after, and you’ll see the first part of my surprise.”

I blinked. “You got me a gift?”

“Sort of.”

He turned to look at the limo where Lucy had her head stuck out the window. She beamed at us and winked. Suspicious, I turned to ask Julian what he and my sister were up to but got distracted when he tenderly tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. His slightest touch always made me lose my wits. His eyes dropped to my mouth as if he wanted to kiss me again, and I was disappointed when he didn’t. “You should get going.” He nodded to the limo where everyone was waiting...and grinning from ear to ear as they watched us. I sighed inwardly. My sisters were going to drill my ass about Julian all the way to the reception.

26

JULIAN

My heart slowed, stuttered, and sped up at the sight of April walking down the stone steps in front of her house. I met her at the last step and offered a hand. She placed hers in mine, watching me with a frown as I led her to the limo Nic and Lucy loaned me from their wedding.

She lifted her free hand to touch the crown of flowers on her head. “Julian, what’s going on? I came home to find a package with this dress, this flower crown, and a note from you. How did you get them inside?”

“Your sister.” Lucy had been instrumental in my planned grand romantic gesture despite today being her big day. It was selfless of her. I could tell how much she loved April.

“Lucy? That’s why she looked so smug earlier,” she realized. “I don’t understand…”

I stopped in front of the limo’s back door, opened it, and took out a little plastic box with a red rose corsage that matched my boutonniere. April watched, brows drawn together as I slipped the accessory onto her wrist. She laughed. “Julian, are we going on a date, or are we going to prom?”

I chuckled. “Doesn’t any of this look familiar to you?”

She looked down at herself. “Well, this dress is almost identical to the one…” Her eyes flew back up to my face. They were wide and filled with understanding.

“I’m giving you the prom night I wish I’d given you ten years ago, April. The one you deserved.” By the end of tonight, she’d know how I felt about her.

“Oh...Julian that’s...this is…” She blew out a breath. “This is incredibly sweet but I told you, I’m over that.”

“I’m not.” Not until I made things right or at least tried. I stepped aside and gestured for her to get into the back of the limo.

She pursed her lips to contain her smile. “I can’t believe you did this,” she said as she slid in. I was pleased by the excitement I saw in her lovely green eyes before she disappeared inside.

When I got in, I reached for one of the bottles of champagne I’d bought. “I wouldn’t have been able to splurge for champagne at eighteen, but let’s just work with the way things are now.”

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