Page 36 of You. Me. Us.

“Am I really about to do this? Get on a plane with someone I barely know, trade my dream career for this one, and secretly write a feature article on it?”

“No promises,” he quipped with a wink. As they bantered, their contrasting worlds seemed to melt away, leaving only their undeniable chemistry and connection. Julius wished he could freeze this moment before diving into the chaos ahead.

When she smiled and set her hand on his arm, he couldn’t resist doing what a normal couple could do in public. Julius pulled Hillary close, his hands gently cupping her face as he leaned in and kissed her.

Hillary’s initial response was surprise, but she quickly melted into him with a soft sigh, her hands finding their way to his chest, no doubt feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingertips.

The taste of her lips was intoxicating, a berry-sweet flavor that must be her lip gloss. The way she melded into his body sent thrills through him. He could stand there with his hands woven in her hair and his lips on her forever if he was allowed.

As they slowly pulled apart, Julius rested his forehead against hers, a smile playing on his lips. “I’ve been waiting to do that since I stepped off the plane,” he murmured, his voice low and intimate.

“Julius, we’re on a really busy sidewalk at the airport,” she whispered, suddenly aware of the bustling crowd around them.

He chuckled softly, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Let them stare. I want the world to know how lucky I am to have you by my side. Hopefully they just don’t know who I am.”

“And you just stand here like the rest of us?” She asked, tuckering her hair behind her ear.

“I do. Though sometimes I get priority boarding.”

They fell into silence then, Hillary seeming to look around at everything while Julius just kept his gaze on her. She was taking everything so humbly. It was almost as if she really didn’t understand just what waited for her on the other side of filming. Even if the movie flopped, the production budget had it set to be the biggest release of summer in two years. While things might not get crazy after filming, they would when the press tour started.

They moved quietly, both moving through security with little disruption and only a small grin from the man checking him in when he realized who he was.

Hand in hand, they entered the airport terminal, their fingers intertwined as they navigated the throng of travelers. Julius leaned close to Hillary, ready to whisper in her ear. “Just think, the next time we’re in an airport together, it’ll be after filming. Everything will be different then.”

Hillary’s step faltered slightly, her smile slipping as a wave of uncertainty washed over her. He knew where he went wrong. The thought of the premiere, the red carpet, the flashing cameras, it must all seem so overwhelming, so far removed from her comfortable, low-key life.

Julius squeezed her hand reassuringly, his thumb gently caressing her knuckles. “I’m sorry. I got ahead of myself there. This is all new for you, and I don’t want to overwhelm you. We’ll take it one step at a time, okay?”

Hillary took a deep breath and nodded, a grateful smile tugging at her lips. “Thanks, Julius. I appreciate that. It’s just a lot to process. But I’m here, and I’m ready for this adventure with you. Speaking of adventures,” she continued, her eyes sparkling, “I think our first order of business should be finding coffee. I don’t know about you, but I could use a caffeine boost before we tackle anything else.”

Chuckling, he tugged her away from security since they had plenty of time. “Coffee sounds perfect. Lead the way, my lady.”

They wove through the bustling terminal, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee guiding them toward a small stand tucked away in a corner.

As they approached the counter, Julius couldn’t help but admire the way the warm lighting cast a golden glow on Hillary’s skin, highlighting the soft curves of her face. She studied the menu board intently, her brow furrowed in concentration as she debated between the various options.

“I think I’ll go for the vanilla latte,” she finally decided, turning to Julius with a smile. “What about you?”

“Coffee, black, but I’m feeling adventurous. How about we split one of those giant cinnamon rolls to go with our coffees?” he suggested, pointing to the display case filled with tantalizing pastries.

Hillary’s eyes widened with delight. “Oh my gosh, yes! Those look incredible. I haven’t had a cinnamon roll in ages.”

They placed their order and found a cozy table in the corner, settling into the plush armchairs with contented sighs. As they waited for their treats to arrive, Julius reached across the tableand took Hillary’s hand in his, marveling at how perfectly it fit in his grasp.

“I’m really glad you’re here, Hill,” he said softly, his eyes locking with hers. “I know this is all a bit overwhelming, but I promise I’ll be right by your side through it all. We’re in this together.”

Hillary’s smile was warm and genuine, her fingers intertwining with his. “I couldn’t imagine doing this with anyone else, Julius. Despite the nerves and the uncertainty, I feel like I do trust you not to let me fall where I shouldn’t.”

As they settled into their seats on the plane, Julius couldn’t help but notice the curious glances and whispers from the other passengers. He was used to the attention, but he could see Hillary growing more uncomfortable by the minute and no one was talking about her…yet.

She fidgeted with her seatbelt, her eyes darting around the cabin. “Is it always like this, even when they aren’t certain exactly who you are?” she asked softly, her voice barely audible over the hum of the passenger chatter.

Julius reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. “It can be overwhelming at first,” he admitted, his blue eyes filled with understanding. “But it gets easier, I promise. Just focus on me, on us. The rest will fade away.”

Hillary nodded and took a very visible deep breath. She leaned her head against his shoulder, seeking comfort in his solid presence. The warmth of his body and the gentle rise and fall of his breathing slowly lulled her into a peaceful slumber before they even began to taxi.

She was probably up all night freaking out.He had been the night before his first day on a set over a decade ago.

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