Page 52 of You. Me. Us.

He studied her for a long moment, searching her face. Whatever he found there must have convinced him because he sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Alright, you’ve got me intrigued. One hour, in the lobby.”

The cool early morning air brushed against Hillary’s skin as she and Julius walked hand in hand toward the old cinema just down the street from the hotel. The streets were quiet, the city slumbering around them. But inside, Hillary was wide awake, her heart thrumming with excitement and nervousness.

The moon cast a soft glow over Julius’ sharp features, highlighting the stubble on his jaw and the intensity in his dark eyes. As she studied him, she couldn’t help but wonder if he knew what she had in store for them tonight, or if he was lost in thoughts of his own. She leaned in closer, trying to read his expression, but couldn’t make out anything besides his smile.

As they approached the cinema, its vintage marquee glowing softly in the darkness, Julius squeezed her hand. “So, are you going to tell me what this is all about?”

Hillary bit her lip, a playful glint in her eye. “Patience, Mr. Theon. All will be revealed soon enough.”

There would be no living with him if she told him she understood why he enjoyed surprising her now that the shoe was on the other foot.

She led him up the steps, their footsteps echoing in the stillness. The anticipation was building with every step, the promise of something special hanging in the air between them.

When they reached the doors, Hillary turned to face him, her green eyes locking with his blue ones. “Ready for an adventure?”

Julius grinned, that charming, heart-stopping smile that never failed to make her weak in the knees. “With you? Always.”

With a deep breath and a flutter of excitement, Hillary pushed open the doors, revealing an empty theater. Everything had been taken care of and the workers hid out of sight. A rush of buttered popcorn filled her nose from just a single step inside.

Two large, overflowing buckets of buttery popcorn, two red and white striped drink cups with condensation dripping down the sides, and a colorful box of snickers minis and a bag of chewy licorice eagerly awaited their owners on the shiny, polished counter. The smell of freshly popped corn filled the air, making mouths water in anticipation. Each cup was topped with a straw and lid, ready to be filled with a refreshing beverage. The candy treats were neatly arranged, tempting anyone who dared to resist.

“You pick first,” she grinned and let go of his hand.

“How about I carry it all, because now I’m too curious to wait while we pick?” He moved forward toward the counter and paused. “Okay, you take the popcorn.”

Laughing, she grabbed the two buckets by the rim and gestured toward theater seven, the one she agreed on with the manager. “That way.”

As they stepped into the theater, the soft glow of the screen illuminated the empty seats, casting long shadows across the plush red carpet. The air was thick with the scent of popcorn and the lingering traces of countless stories that had unfolded within these walls.

Hillary led Julius down the aisle, a giddy anticipation bubbling up inside her. She had always dreamed of sharing a moment like this with someone special, and now, here she was, living out her own romantic fantasy with Julius by her side.

They settled into their seats, the worn velvet cushions enveloping them like an old friend. Hillary couldn’t help but steal a glance at Julius, her heart skipping a beat as she caught him looking back at her, his eyes filled with warmth and affection.

“I can’t believe you arranged all this,” he whispered, leaning in close, his breath tickling her ear. “You never cease to amaze me, Hillary Mitchell, but what are we watching?”

She ducked her head, a blush creeping up her cheeks. “I just wanted to do something special for you, like you’ve been doing for me since day one. Give you some of the magic you keep sharing with me.”

Julius reached out, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her cheek. “You are the magic, Hillary. You’ve brought so much light into my life, and I’m grateful for every moment we share.”

As the film began, the opening credits flickering across the screen, Hillary and Julius settled back into their seats, their hands finding each other once more. The story unfolded before them, a tale of love and laughter, of heartbreak and hope, but Hillary found herself only half-paying attention, her mind and heart focused on the man beside her.

Throughout the film, they shared stolen glances and secret smiles, their fingers intertwined, their hearts beating in sync. In those moments, the movie fell away, and it was just the two of them, lost in the magic of the silver screen and the depth of their connection.

She leaned closer to him on the seat, her fingers lightly brushing over his bicep. She noticed a slight tremble in hismuscles as she traced intricate patterns and designs on his arm, mesmerized by the movie playing on the screen. It was the first film he had ever been cast in, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for him.

She felt his gaze on her and turned, staring into the bluest eyes she’d ever seen.

“Hil?”

She nodded, not trusting herself to speak as her mouth went suddenly dry.

“I don’t think I care about watching the rest of the movie.”

He stood then, and something about his presence drew her upright from the soft theater chair as well.

The intensity between them was palpable as his eyes bore into hers, filled with a fiery desire. Without hesitation, he leaned in and captured her lips in a searing kiss that ignited a fire within her. Every inch of her body tingled with electric pulses, as if he had awakened every dormant nerve ending. She couldn’t resist melting into his embrace, lost in the overwhelming sensation of his touch and the fierce passion of their kiss.

He moved her, forcing her feet to step backward as he walked forward until her back pressed against the cool wall.

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