Page 39 of You. Me. Us.

His answer was a lingering kiss that set her toes curling and her pulse racing before he pulled away and cleared his throat.

“You make it awfully hard to stop.” he whispered, tugging at his collar.

“Don’t sell yourself short thinking you will always have to.”

The car slowed to a stop, and Hillary glanced out the window, her breath catching in her throat. They were at the marina, the masts of sailboats swaying gently in the breeze. Julius climbed out and held out his hand to her, a boyish grin on his face.

“A yacht?” She tried not to look squeamish. She’d never been out to sea, not that this was out to sea, but she didn’t want to get sick and ruin whatever he had planned.

The sleek yacht bobbed gently in the marina, its pristine white exterior gleaming under the moonlight. Julius’s hand rested on the small of Hillary’s back as he guided her out of the limo, the warmth of his touch sending shivers down her spine.

Switching to hold her hand, Julius guided her down the dock, the wood creaking beneath their feet. The air was heavy with the scent of salt and the gentle lapping of waves against the hulls. Hillary couldn’t help but feel like she was stepping into a dream, a world far removed from the stresses and doubts that had plagued her.

They approached a magnificent yacht, its sleek lines and gleaming white exterior a testament to luxury and indulgence.

She let him walk her up the gangplank, her concerns slowly melting the longer he held on to her. As they stepped onto the dock, Hillary’s breath caught in her throat at the sight before her just a ways away on the deck.

In the center of the spacious deck, a small table for two had been meticulously arranged. A crisp white cloth adorned its surface, perfectly complementing the flickering candles and the deep red roses that sat in a delicate vase. The warm glow of the candles danced along the edges of the table, casting a romantic ambiance over the entire area. As the gentle lapping of the waves against the hull provided a soothing soundtrack, soft music wafted through the air, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. This was a picture-perfect setting for a night to remember, with every detail carefully crafted to create a truly magical experience.

“Julius, this is incredible,” Hillary breathed, turning to face him with wide, awestruck eyes. “You didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”

He smiled down at her, his eyes sparkling with affection. “I wanted to do something special for you, to show you how much you mean to me. How much you’ve already come to mean to me.”

Julius led her to the table, pulling out her chair like a true gentleman. As she settled into her seat, he reached for the ice bucket on the table and retrieved a bottle of champagne. With a deft twist of his wrist, he popped the cork, sending a wisp of vapor into the night air.

“Don’t worry,” he assured her, catching her slightly nervous glance toward the shore. “The boat won’t be leaving the dock tonight. I just thought it would be nice to have a bit of privacy, to be away from prying eyes. We’re alone actually. Just you and I on this yacht.” He poured the bubbling liquid into two crystal flutes, the golden hue catching the candlelight. Handing her a glass, Julius raised his own in a toast. “To new beginnings,” he declared, his voice soft and sincere, “and to the incredible woman who is beside me.”

Hillary clinked her glass against his, a blush rising to her cheeks at his words. As she took a sip of the crisp, effervescent champagne, she couldn’t help but marvel at the effort Julius had put into making tonight perfect. It was a side of him she hadn’t seen before, a romantic side sent her heart fluttering in her chest.

Standing there, under the star-strewn sky, the gentle rocking of the boat beneath them, Hillary felt a sense of peace wash over her.

“Come, let’s enjoy the view before we eat.” He gestured for her to walk to the edge of the boat, following behind once she did begin to walk.

“I’m so underdressed,” she swallowed hard, remembering her torn jeans and white sweater.

“I think there are other ways you can be underdressed,” he winked and leaned against the boat.

She tried to hide the thrill of desire that raced through her with his words. Had she had any common sense, she would have slept with him the first night, embracing her fantasy instead of hoping what they had continued.

The city town glittered in the distance, a backdrop of twinkling lights against the inky sky. Hillary leaned against the railing, the champagne flute cool against her fingers as she took in the breathtaking view.

Julius stood close beside her, his presence solid and reassuring. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” he murmured, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

“It is,” Hillary agreed, but as she turned to look at him, she was struck by the true beauty of the man next to her. The soft glow of the deck lights cast a warm, golden illumination across his chiseled features, highlighting the depth and intensity of his blue eyes. She couldn’t help but be mesmerized by his gaze, filled with genuine affection and tenderness toward her.

With a gentle touch, Hillary’s fingers trailed over his cheek before she boldly turned his face toward her. Taking control, she initiated a kiss for the first time, losing herself in the sensations that followed. His lips moved against hers with a perfect rhythm, their taste infused with hints of champagne and his shampoo - a scent that had become so familiar to her.

As the kiss deepened, Julius effortlessly lifted her, and Hillary instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. She marveled at his strength and power, feeling completely safe and secure in his arms. The heat from their embrace ignited a fire within her, a longing that had been building since their first encounter every time she rushed away.

Hillary’s fingers found themselves tangled in Julius’s dark locks, holding onto him for dear life as the world spundeliciously around her. The taste of champagne lingered on her tongue, but it was nothing compared to the intoxication she felt from the intensity of desire pulsing through her veins. In Julius’s arms, she felt desired, cherished, and alive in a way she had never experienced before.

Hillary stopped the kiss and let her lips brush against Julius’s ear as she whispered, her voice low and sultry, “Is there a bedroom on this ship? If so, take me there.”

Julius pulled back slightly, his piercing blue eyes searching her face. His tone held a mix of concern and barely contained yearning. “Are you sure, Hillary?” he asked, his breath hot against her skin.

In response, Hillary reached between their bodies, her hand grazing over the unmistakable bulge straining against the fabric of his pants. Julius’s sharp intake of breath sent a thrill racing through her body at the realization of the power she held over him.

“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life,” she murmured, her gaze locking with his.

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