Page 19 of You. Me. Us.

“I need you to come outside right now. It’s important, it could probably affect your article.” Julius’s tone was urgent, sending a jolt of adrenaline through Hillary’s body.

She hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with possibilities. What the hell did he want to take back after going on record? Was he about to tell her she couldn’t use any of the moments with him?You’re not going to know if you don’t go downstairs.

“I’ll be right there,” Hillary said, already pushing back from her desk as she ended the call and slipped her phone in her purse before grabbing it. Her stomach moved from anxious flutters to anxious fear. If he pulled their interview, she’d lose half her angle.

Her heart pounded in her chest, the rapid thudding somehow echoing in her ears as she hurried through the bustling office. She barely noticed the curious glances from her colleagues, too focused on her own urgent mission. The hum of people typing and phones ringing filled the air, creating a sense of controlled chaos. As she wove through the maze of cubicles and desks, she could feel their curious eyes following her every move. They were undoubtedly wondering what could have caused the always composed Hillary to rush out so abruptly when she rarely left the office once entered. A sudden burst of adrenaline propelled her forward, driving her toward the answers she desperately sought.

“I’ll be back soon,” she called over her shoulder, not waiting for a response. She’d figure out something to tell Olivia later. Right now, all that mattered was getting to Julius and trying to save her article.

Stepping onto elevator, Hillary’s mind churned with possibilities. Julius voice held so much urgency, was laced with an intensity that made her nervous for more than her article. Was he in danger for talking about that new film? Had something happened to him?

She shook her head, trying to push away the worst-case scenarios that danced through her mind. Julius was a resourceful man, surely he could handle whatever situation he found himself in if she used his content. But still, the worry gnawed at her, refusing to be silenced as the elevator rode down.

The elevator doors slid open, and Hillary stepped out into the lobby, her eyes immediately scanning for any sign of Julius. Her heart pounded in her chest as she pushed through the revolving doors and out onto the noisy sidewalk.

“Julius?” she called out, her voice barely audible over the din of traffic and pedestrians. She scanned the sidewalk, searching for his familiar face among the sea of strangers.

And then she saw him, leaning against a sleek black limo parked at the curb. A single red rose in his hand. Then he looked up, a smile curving over his lips that seemed to light up his blue eyes when they met hers.

Her breath hitched in her throat. There he was, the epitome of a Hollywood heartthrob with his tailored suit and effortlessly tousled hair, walking toward her like some scene out of a movie. But it was the piercing intensity in his gaze that truly captivated her, causing a shiver to run down her spine. His stare felt like a laser, locking onto her and refusing to let go. She couldn’t help but be drawn in by his commanding presence and magnetic aura.

She took a step forward, her heart racing a thousand times faster than it had upstairs. Whatever Julius had planned, she it was the start of a very different experience than she was used to.

As Hillary approached, Julius pushed himself off the limo, his lips curved into an even wider smile that seemed to chase away the shadows of her worry. He extended the rose toward her, his voice low, but filled with excitement.

“Hillary, I’m glad you could pull away.” His fingers brushed against hers as she accepted the delicate flower, the touchsending a jolt of electricity through her skin. “I hope I didn’t cause too much trouble, pulling you away from work like this.”

She shook her head, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth despite the lingering concern. “No, it’s fine. I was just worried that something might be wrong with the content for my story.” Nothing about this still seemed that way, but she had to check.

Julius chuckled softly, the sound rich and inviting. “Nothing’s wrong, quite the opposite, in fact.” He gestured toward the limo with a flourish. “We spent a good deal of time texting over the weekend, but you were too elusive to secure more face time. So, I thought it best I create a surprise to make certain you understand my intentions are absolutely set in spending time with you if you’re interested in that.”

Hillary’s eyes widened, her curiosity piqued. “A surprise? What kind of surprise?”

“The kind that requires a little adventure and an open mind.” His smile turned mischievous, his blue eyes sparkling with barely contained excitement. “Do you want to go with me?”

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between the rose in her hand, the man standing before her and back to the office building that held her entire life. Julius seemed to be a mystery, a puzzle she couldn’t quite solve, but there was something about him that drew her in, made her want to unravel his secrets.

And then there was work. Unless a story came from this, Olivia wouldn’t be thrilled that she rushed out before submitting the story. Could she pull off submitting it from her phone if she went with him?

Do it after. You’re a week early for print deadline.

“Yes,” she breathed, the word escaping her lips before she could second-guess herself. “I want to go with you.”

Julius’s smile widened, and he reached out to take her hand in his, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver down her spine. “Then let’s go.”

A warmth enveloped her whole being. It wasn’t a cold October day, but somehow she was even warmer from the simple brush of their hands. As he opened the door for her, Hillary couldn’t help but wonder what trouble she was about to get herself into.

Sliding in, she was forced to let go of his hand to trade the street for the over-the-top limo.

The interior of the car was impeccable, every surface shining and unblemished. The windows were tinted so dark it was impossible to see out, creating a cocoon of privacy. She sank into the plush black leather seats, feeling like a celebrity being whisked away to a glamorous event. The subtle scent of leather polish mingled with the faint aroma of expensive cologne, enveloping her in luxury. It was a far cry from the beat-up car she had driven every day before moving into the city, and for a split second, she allowed herself to feel like royalty.

Julius appeared beside her, tugging the door shut a moment later. “Liking it?”

She wasn’t certain if she blushed or not, but she hoped she hadn’t. “It’s very nice.”

As the limo pulled away from the curb, Hillary settled into the plush leather seat, her nerves buzzing with anticipation. She glanced over at Julius, who seemed entirely at ease, a contented smile playing on his lips.

“So, are you going to tell me where we’re going?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.

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