Page 63 of Forgettable in Every Way

Leisurely, they rode through town as they made their way higher toward the country club nestled in the mountains. Tall pine trees lined the road, enshrouding them, making him feel as if they were the only people in the world.

Simon’s lips often found Jules’s smooth skin from her shoulders to her neck. He couldn’t get enough of her. Her easy manner and infectious laugh secured his affection. Admittedly, he selfishly wished they were sneaking off to be alone. But he knew how important the party was to Jules, and he needed to focus back on work.

It didn’t take long before they were pulling into the parking lot of the country club. It was busy on a Saturday, so Jules took a spot toward the back.

They both placed their feet on the pavement to stabilize the Vespa before Jules engaged the parking brake.

“Excellent tour, love.” Simon kissed her cheek before getting off the bike and helping her with the kickstand.

Once they situated the Vespa, Jules took off her helmet and smoothed her hair. “Do I look okay?”

“You are a vision,” Simon didn’t hesitate to say while taking off his helmet. It was the truth. Her red sundress did him in.

“You’re cute.” She grabbed Calista’s gift from the little basket on the front of her Vespa.

Simon adjusted the straps of his backpack with his laptop in it.

“I hope you have fun reading your romance novel.” She laughed.

Simon flashed her a wry grin. “We can’t all be spies like you.”

“I fear you are going to be disappointed when you find out what I really do.”

“I don’t think you could ever disappoint me. But you do intend to tell me someday what you do, yes?”

She nodded. “We’re getting there.”

Simon could understand that. Enough people had disappointed Jules in her life. He included. He hoped they could move past it. “Okay.”

Her face fell. “Now I’ve disappointed you.”

“No, Jules.” He reached for her hand, pulled it up, and kissed it. “I just want you to trust me.”

“It’s not that I don’t,” she said uneasily. “This is just new for me. And ... you really do have to sign an NDA.”

“When the time comes, I will sign whatever you need me to,” he assured her.

She stepped closer to him, a tentative air around her. “I believe the time will come. I just want to make sure this is real, because I still feel like I’m dreaming.” She smiled.

Simon could relate to that feeling. He closed the distance between them and pressed a kiss to her forehead. He let his lips linger, soaking her in. It was clear to him he was falling in love with her, but he kept those thoughts to himself, not wishing to rush her. “You are a dream, Jules.”

“See. That definitely sounds like one of my dreams.” She giggled.

He leaned away, enamored by her charm. “We should probably go in before I whisk you away to somewhere secluded.”

“You promise to after the party, right?”

He barely brushed her lips, afraid if he kissed her any deeper, Calista would hunt him down when Jules didn’t show up to her bridal shower. Simon was still manly enough to admit the doctor intimidated him. Even though Jules and he were going on a double date with Calista and Tristan the following week. “You have my word, love,” he groaned.

She took his hand, pleased with his response, and led him across the parking lot to the entrance of the country club. The club had the charm of a rustic lodge, but it left no doubt opulence lay ahead of them inside. The luxury cars waiting for valet service alone spoke to it.

As they stepped onto the sidewalk, an unfamiliar female voice called out Simon’s name. “Excuse me, are you Simon Harrison?”

Jules and Simon turned in the direction of the voice. As soon as Jules saw the beautiful redhead walking their way, she squealed. “Oh my gosh, it’s her,” Jules said under her breath, squeezing Simon’s hand a little tighter.

Simon didn’t recognize the woman, who held a gift bag similar to the one Jules carried.

When the woman approached, she held out her hand. “Hello, I’m Josie Cavanaugh. You’re probably wondering how I know you.”

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