Page 35 of Embracing Trust

Damn. Her strength totally amazes me.

She ends the call, puts the phone back in her purse, and looks out the passenger’s window of my pickup. She’s quiet. Although I want to reach out to comfort her, I don’t. I can’t see her face, but she has her arms wrapped around herself, shoulders slumped. I try to swallow the lump in my throat.

I clear my throat. “Jules?” My voice comes out as a low rumble.

“Hmm?”

“Are you okay?”

She turns to me and nods. “I am.” She smiles. “Thanks again for picking me up and especially for the ice cream.”

I grin. “Of course.”

We’re silent for the rest of the trip to her house.

She doesn’t invite me in.

I don’t kiss her or even try to—even though I want to.

I watch as she unlocks the front door and lets herself inside. When the front window is illuminated by the lights inside, I make my way back to Patrick’s. On the drive home, I think of my next steps.

I’m not over Julia Crandall. Not one bit. And it’s time to make my move.

Chapter Sixteen

Ryan

After the disastrous ending to Julia’s date with the good doctor last weekend, I texted her twice and called her once this past week. Thankfully, she agreed to a date tonight. Taking her to Taco Casa—one of our favorite hangouts in high school—will bring back a bunch of good memories for us. Plus, we’ll be able to order their margaritas since we’ve reached the drinking age.

When I pull into Julia’s driveway, she’s waiting by the window and comes out her front door. She takes my breath away wearing a floral dress with a flowing skirt that shows off her shapely legs. The top is form-fitting with thin straps that appear to be holding the dress on. A few strong tugs and I’m sure I could get a better look at the beauty beneath.

Calm down.

She climbs into the cab of my pickup, filling it with her sweet aroma of vanilla, sunshine, and Julia. Her hair cascades down in loose curls. Her glossy lips give a big smile showing off her white teeth.

“Hello.”

“You look amazing.” It’s the only thing I can think of.

She looks down at her dress and casual sandals. “This is how I like to dress.”

“How’s the foot?” I nod toward her shoes.

“Much better. Thank you. I have on friendly footwear tonight. I left the heels at home.”

“Good choice.”

Julia giggles and takes a calming breath. She crosses her legs and uncrosses them as if she’s trying to get comfortable. I hope she isn’t nervous. This is supposed to be fun.

“So, where are we—"

“I thought we would—"

We talk over each other and then both give a nervous laugh.

“You first,” she says.

“I thought we’d go to Taco Casa in Hamilton. Sound good?”

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