Page 19 of Only If You Dare

“That’s not all,” he determined. “There’s something else. Tell me.”

I was flustered at his thorough appraisal and fiery demand. Concerning eyes pulled me in like a supernatural power. He waited patiently for me to decide whether I wanted to talk about my crazy day, which I didn’t. Somehow, I figured having a conversation about Cameron with Julian wouldn’t be as supportive as if I’d been speaking with Santana.

“It’s nothing really, just having a really weird day.”

“Have you eaten?”

I thought for a second. “Actually, I haven’t.”

““I want you to tell me all about this weird day. Come with me.”

Julian’s massive hand covered my own as we left the parking garage for his suite. He punched in a sequence of numbers that he didn’t mind me seeing and the elevator doors opened.

“I really can’t stay long.”

He looked at me with inquisitive brows. “An urgent meeting?”

“No, I just need some time to sort things out.”

“You can do that here.”

I got the impression Julian maintained a take charge attitude and I wondered, for a moment, if any woman had been able to resist his imploration. I held back what I wanted to say and we rode the elevator in silence. When the doors opened, I stepped out and walked at his side to his room. Heat crawled up my back as I watched him eye me with no hidden implications.

I stopped short in front of the door, turning just slightly to allow him to enter his key and let us inside. But I was becoming more aware that Julian’s presence rattled me. I’m not just talking a little shaken up here. I’m talking core trembling, seep into my bones rattling. It wasn’t a secret that I found him attractive. Truth be told, I’d never seen anyone more beautiful. Like God created him on a canvas then breathed him into existence. He moved closer to me, taking his key from his pocket.

The cologne that sat on his skin was the same one he’d worn yesterday, and the same one he’d worn at Claudia and Jaden’s engagement party. And yes, I had the pleasure of smelling it on him at the hospital too when we’d first met. It was becoming my favorite fragrance. Out of nowhere, Julian’s fingers slid into my hair causing a mountain of dizzying heat to saturate my flesh. My eyes searched his as he observed me closer with those beautiful male eyes.

“Have I told you how gorgeous you are?”

My pulse thumped wildly, and I smiled coquettishly. “I just got here, so no, you haven’t.”

“I must have been thinking out loud then. I apologize.”

My smile remained. “You don’t have to apologize for that. It’s nothing to be sorry over.”

I couldn’t pull my eyes away from the intensity of his stare.

“I disagree. You should always be reminded just how beautiful you are. Daily,” Julian added.

He entered the key, and the lock clicked, allowing the door to swing open. However, I was still stuck in place staring at him as he stared at me.

“Would you like to go inside,” His thick voice offered.

I blinked and pulled my eyes towards the opened door. “Of course, yeah, sure,” I stumbled and groaned inwardly at my garbled words.

Upon entering, I marveled at the stylish suite; yet again remembering the red and silver colors that danced across the interior in a sharp presentation. I heard the lock click behind me and forced my mind to stay somewhat level-headed.

“I’ve wanted to ask this since yesterday,” I said. “Did you have this place decorated?”

“Yes.”

My brows rose in surprise, and he chuckled.

“As you could imagine, there’s a full team of people with me most of the time. Because I move around so often, they follow, even if I don’t need them. If I’m going to be in one place for a week or longer, my designer will come in before I do and make the place my own temporarily. I’m not the favorite color type of guy, but I own more red and silver linens than anything. And since I don’t have time to oversee the interior design I let her have her way.”

“Interesting,” I said.

“You can have a seat here.”

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