Page 118 of Only With You

“No.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t usually make it a habit of hugging people.”

“But you’re hugging me?”

I suck in a breath as she gently winds the hair at my nape around her fingers. “I guess you’re the exception.”

She pulls back, staring up at me with those bright sapphire eyes. “Does that mean you’ll hug me again?”

“If you need it, yeah.” I swallow, glancing down at her lips as she licks them.

Julianna leans in closer, and right as we’re about to snuff the distance between us, we freeze when we hear a shrill laugh come from outside, followed by more laughter.

Once the noise fades and we hear a door slam, Julianna yawns.

“You’re sleepy.”

“A little.” She yawns again.

I give her a pointed look. “Go to bed. I’ll clean up.”

She climbs off me and stands. “Do you want to stay?”

“You want me to sleep over?”

Standing, I grab the box of pizza and set it on the coffee table, attempting not to smile.

She rocks on her heels. “Yeah, but you might actually not be too comfortable. My bed?—”

“Do you want me to stay?”

“Yeah,” she softly replies.

“I’ll be comfortable.”

Julianna leads and I follow, and as I shut the door behind me, I realise there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

34

JULIANNA

“I’m here!”El slams my bedroom door open, stretching her arms out wide.

I grin, fastening the last button on my pajama top. “It’s about time. I was about to text you.”

It’s Friday, and that means we’re having Frimance, but instead of it just being the girls and me, we invited Eloise, Daisy, Cara, and Darius.

We’re not only going to watch something, but we’re going to be painting, eating lots of different foods, and having karaoke. We also all agreed to wear fall pajamas.

“Sorry.” She plops down on my bed and puffs out a tired breath. “I had to finish cooking and some assignments, then Cecilia called…”

I don’t miss the frustration in her voice at the mention of her sister. From the little she’s told me, they don’t have the best relationship, and anytime Cecilia calls, it’s because she needs afavor.

“We’ll be out in a few!” I shout into the hallway.

“Don’t worry, they won’t be here for another thirty minutes! We’ll call you when they’re here!” Polly shouts back.

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