Page 6 of Only If You Dare

Chapter Three

I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face. I’m sure it was unprofessional and naughty by nature. Nevertheless, there it was; bold and daring. My reaction must have pleased Julian because his lips also spread, showing off a set of beautiful white teeth. I thought about my response before letting words fly out of my mouth. I uncrossed my legs and shifted in my seat crossing the opposite leg. His eyes followed my motion and I tried not to squirm.

“What are these plans, Julian?”

“To be quite frank, Desiree, you’ll be touring with me overseas for several weeks. You’ll accompany me in just about every aspect of the day. I don’t know a man who would be willing to allow his lady to be escorted around town, never mind across the country with another man.

The thought of being connected to Julian’s side for weeks teased me. That voice in the back of my head was a constant haunting; telling me I would never go that long without stepping across the professional lines. But I was set to prove it wrong; even if I lay in bed at night with wet dreams dancing through my head. There must have been a number of women in line to be at Julian’s request. I wouldn’t make myself one of them. But inwardly, I was a bit disappointed that his inquiry wasn’t for other reasons.

“I’m not seeing anybody steady, but if I was, I’m almost certain, Fredrick would pay my boyfriend to chill out and let me go anyway.”

A sexy rumble fled from him, and his massive manicured fingers reached for the glass of water sitting on the table top. Julian’s watchful gaze stayed with me as he sipped, and I envied the water that wet his tongue before it swiped his mouth.

“I take it that you don’t care for your boss very much.”

I was cautious with my words. “He’s alright.” I shrugged.

A hearty laughed escaped Julian. “I like your honesty.”

“Hey, if this relationship is going to work we need honesty, don’t we?” I thought about my statement and corrected myself. “Our working relationship, I mean.”

“Every relationship needs honesty, albeit professional or not.”

“I agree.”

Our gazes held then Julian spoke again.

“Do you have a passport, Desiree?”

“Do I need one?”

“It would be accommodating if you did, but if you don’t, we can claim a visitor visa.”

“I have one, but I’m not sure if it’s expired since I haven’t had the chance to use it.”

“So, you haven’t been out of the country before?”

“Going with you will be my first.”

An easy smile registered on him. “Hopefully there will be many more firsts with me, Desiree.”

The atmosphere around us fused. It was as if someone lit a match and tossed it on a grill. Normally, I was pretty outspoken, but whatever this was with Julian felt like uncharted territory.

Our conversation mellowed out as we ate our lunch, only speaking a few words here and there. I stole glances his way only to find him intently watching me. I offered up a cozy smile.

“Why are you watching me eat?”

He sat back in his chair. “You make it look like art.”

Laughter tickled down my throat. “I make eating look like art?”

“Mmhmm.”

“Are you serious?”

“You can always take me at my word Bella.”

I nodded as butterflies churned in my belly at his flattery. “I’ll make sure to remember that.”

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