Page 23 of You. Me. Us.

There was nothing left but the two of them, lost in a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss. Julius’s hands roamed over her back, pulling her even closer as he poured every ounce of his desire into the kiss.

Hillary’s fingers tangled in his hair, tugging gently as she matched his passion with her own.

Time seemed to stand still as they continued to explore each other, their bodies molding together as if they had been designed to fit perfectly. He couldn’t remember ever growing ready so quickly with another woman, but the way her hips rocked against his was an invitation he wanted to accept. With each passing second, his connection to her grew stronger, the spark between them igniting into a flame that threatened to consume them both.

Julius knew that he should pull away, that they were moving too fast, but he couldn’t seem to find the willpower. All that mattered was Hillary and the way she made him feel—alive, desired, complete.

Julius’s hands slid beneath Hillary’s shirt, his fingers grazing the soft skin of her waist. He marveled at the way her body seemed to respond to his touch, arching into him as if seeking more contact. Slowly, reverently, he began to peel the fabric upward, exposing her inch by tantalizing inch.

Hillary’s breath caught on a small gasp as Julius worshiped her bare skin with his hands and his gaze. The intensity in his eyes made her feel both cherished and desired, a heady combination that set her nerves alight. She barely registered that they were moving until the back of her legs hit the edge of the bed.

As Julius lowered her down onto the mattress, Hillary someone came back to herself with the plush mattress underneath. She wanted this, wanted him, with an urgency that surprised her. But as his weight settled over her, a small voice in the back of her mind began to whisper doubts.

This isn’t me,she thought, even as her body cried out for more.I don’t do this. I don’t fall into bed with a man I barely know, no matter how incredible he makes me feel.

“Julius,” she breathed, placing a hand on his chest. “Wait.”

He stilled instantly, his eyes searching her face with concern. “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?”

She shook her head, biting her lip as she struggled to find the words. “No, it’s not that. I swear, every part of me wants to keep going, but it’s not true to who I am just to literally fall into bed with you because your kisses might be the most amazing ones on the planet.”

You did not just say that.

Hillary looked away, suddenly afraid to meet his gaze between her hesitance and her embarrassing revelation.What if he’s angry? What if he thinks I’m leading him on, or that I’m a tease?

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, hating the tremor in her voice. “I’m just... I’m worried about how you’re taking that.”

Julius’s expression softened, and he gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. “Hey, don’t apologize,” he murmured, his voice low and reassuring. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”

He rolled off of her, reaching down to retrieve her shirt from the floor. As he handed it to her, his fingers brushed against hers, sending a shiver down her spine.

“We can go as slow as you want, Hillary. Or as fast. It’s up to you.”

She sat up, surprised as he helped her slide her shirt back over her head. Somehow, the way he helped her dress was even more sensual than when he’d peeled the garment off of her. His hands skimmed along her sides, his touch feather-light and reverent.

How does he do that?she wondered, her skin tingling from his attention.How does he make even the simplest gesture feel so intimate?

As her shirt settled into place, Hillary forced herself to meet his gaze. “Are you upset with me?” she asked, hating the vulnerability in her voice.

Julius shook his head, his eyes never leaving hers. “The only person I’m upset with is myself,” he assured her. “I got carried away, and I shouldn’t have pushed.”

He reached out, taking her hand in his. “I mean it, Hillary. We’ll go at your pace. I’m just happy to be here with you. You’re so different from the people I’m forced to spend my days with.”

Why does that not sound like a good thing?

Julius gave her hand a gentle squeeze, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “So, what do you say? Want to watch a movie?”

Hillary couldn’t help but grin, the tension of the moment easing with his light-hearted suggestion. “Only if it’s one of yours,” she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Julius groaned, rolling his eyes dramatically as he led her out of the bedroom. “You just had to go there, didn’t you?” he complained, his voice laced with good-natured exasperation. “You know how weird it is for me to watch myself on screen.”

Hillary laughed, the sound echoing through the hallway as she followed him. “Oh, come on,” she cajoled, nudging him with her elbow. “It can’t be that bad. Besides, I want to see you in action while you see you in action.”

I want to see the man behind the characters, but if I see them at the same time, it might be interesting.

Julius led her into a spacious theater room, the plush seats and large screen promising a truly cinematic experience. He gestured for her to sit, his movements graceful and fluid even in this casual setting.

As Hillary settled into her seat, she couldn’t help but admire the way Julius moved, the confidence and ease he exuded.He’s so comfortable in his own skin, she mused, watching as he fiddled with the remote.It’s like he was born to be in front of the camera.

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