Page 51 of You. Me. Us.

The swordthunkedagainst Julius’s arm, and Hillary let out a gasp. “Oh god, I’m so sorry! Are you okay?”

Julius flashed her a reassuring smile, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. “Don’t worry, it’s just a practice sword. Didn’t even feel it.” He rubbed his arm for effect.

Hillary groaned, lowering her sword. “I can’t believe this. Yesterday you were celebrating my progress, and today I just keep beating you up.” She shook her head, loose strands of chestnut hair falling across her face. “Can’t we just change it so my character never runs into battle?”

He chuckled. “Hey, it’s all part of the learning process,” Julius said, stepping closer. His presence was magnetic, his charm effortless even in the midst of their sparring session. “You’re doing great, Hillary. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

As they reset their stances and began the next round, Hillary found her mind wandering to the phone call she’d made earlier that day. It had been Cara’s idea, something they’d worked out as she boarded the plane to go home. A grand romantic gesture to show Julius she took them seriously, too. A surprise of her own for once.

But now, as she lunged and parried clumsily, she wondered if it was too much, too soon. She needed more practice…at everything, and less time with Julius.

Her self-doubt must have shown on her face, because Julius lowered his sword and tilted his head, concern etched in his handsome features. “Everything okay? You seem distracted.”

Hillary bit her lip, torn between wanting to confide in him and keeping the surprise under wraps. She took a deep breath, offering a small smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just thinking about some things.”

Julius nodded, understanding in his eyes. He had a way of not undermining her feelings that was refreshing. It was one of the things she liked so much about him.

“Well, let’s call it a day then. We can pick this up another time when you’re feeling more focused.”

“No, I need to get this sequence correct.” She set her weight back into the sitting stance she’d been taught that morning. “I win this one sparring round and then we go.” She lifted the faux sword.

“Alright, let’s do this,” he said with a grin, lifting his sword.

Their swords clashed as they began their sparring once again. This time, Hillary was more focused and determined than ever. She moved with precision and grace, remembering all the techniques she had been taught that morning. Julius found himself having to put in more effort to keep up with her.

As the minutes ticked by, Hillary could feel herself improving and gaining confidence with each strike and dodge.

After what felt like an eternity, Hillary finally landed a blow on Julius’s shoulder, causing him to drop his sword in defeat. She let out a victorious whoop as he raised his hands in surrender.

“You did it!” Julius exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

Hillary couldn’t contain her excitement as she dropped her sword and ran over to hug him. “Thank you so much for your patience and encouragement,” she gushed.

“It was all you,” he replied, returning the hug.

As they pulled away, Hillary remembered why she had been so determined to win this round. “Oh right, I almost forgot.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out two tickets before handing them to Julius with a shy smile.

“What are these for?” he asked curiously.

“A surprise,” Hillary said cryptically.

“Oh,” he said as his hands snaked around her waist. “So, you’re doing surprises now?”

“Get a freaking room, you two!” Ethan called out as he walked onto the mat, shirtless.

Hillary’s eyes widened as she caught a glimpse of Ethan, his muscular body equally as impressive as Julius’s. She tried to avert her gaze quickly, but found it difficult to look away from the striking features of both men. Ethan’s chiseled jawline and intense gaze were a stark contrast to Julius’s softer, more refined features. Hillary couldn’t help but notice how hot they both were, unsure of which one was more physically attractive in her eyes, but knowing Julius was without question the only man she thought about right now.

“You can stay if you keep doing that.” Ethan winked before grabbing a sword off the wall hook.

“I didn’t mean to do that,” she stammered and finally looked at her feet.

“Do you mind? We were having a discussion about surprises.” Julius tossed his sword to Ethan, who caught it with a grin.

She fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, suddenly feeling shy with Ethan present because they hadn’t spent much timetogether the last two weeks. “I need you to meet me in the hotel lobby in an hour.”

He glanced at his watch, his brow furrowing. “An hour? Hillary, it’s nearly 2 am and it’s a thirteen minute drive back.”

“I know, I know.” She held up her hands, pleading. “But it’s important. Please, Julius. Trust me on this one.”

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