Page 24 of His Juliet

A hard lump took residence in my throat. My world was all about secrets and subterfuge, and here Juliet was, honest and vulnerable.

Romeo

Well now you’re stuck with me

12

JULIET

I huggedmy coat tighter and took a deep breath before I stepped outside. The days were growing colder now that we were approaching December, and I’d even seen some flurries through my window this morning. It was another day, just like every other day. Except when I opened the front door to my building, I came to an abrupt stop. Because standing in front of me was a grinning Romeo, looking way too good in a suit and black coat.

“Good morning,” he said.

I stared at him until he chuckled and closed the space between us. He ran his hand down my arm and gave it a little squeeze. “I see I’ve rendered you speechless.”

My brain was glitching at this complete diversion from routine.

“Hi,” I finally choked out.

“Not a morning person?”

I shook my head.

“Me either. Let’s get you some breakfast. That will make the morning better. Is this the bagel shop you go to?” He gestured at the shop next door.

I couldn’t believe he remembered me mentioning getting bagels the first time we met. All I could do was nod. He smiled and gently guided me to the entrance and held the door open.

“What’s your order, angel?”

My heart ached at hearing him call meangel, and I had to sternly tell it that Romeo and I were just friends.

I had been shocked when he texted me last night with his “proposal.” The part of my heart addicted to romance stories ached when he said he wanted to be just friends, but this was honestly more than I could ever have dreamed. I didn’t understand why this man had come into my life, but he added color to the gray that had become my day to day.

“Plain bagel toasted with strawberry cream cheese.”

“Sounds good.”

Instead of her usual dismissive wave, Kim was staring at us. When Romeo turned to look at the back of the shop, she gestured widely, mouthingoh my god, which made me laugh. He whipped his head back to me, his eyes wide with a look of awe.

I cocked my head. “What?”

He twirled a piece of my hair around his finger. “I just like hearing you laugh.”

I blushed, and he slung his arm around my shoulder as we headed up to the counter. Romeo ordered for me, getting the same for himself, and paid, ignoring my protests. He took both bags and tucked me into his side again. Kim shot me another look as we left, and I knew she would be asking me about this tomorrow.

“Are you coming with me to the bookstore?” I asked.

“If that’s okay?”

I looked away, hiding my smile. “Yeah, that’s okay.”

He carefully navigated us down the sidewalk and I reveled in the warmth of his body. He made me feel safe and protected.

I was in a daze as we headed down the block, but was jolted out of it when we came upon some construction.

“I guess we have to make a detour,” Romeo said. There were signs telling us to walk a block to the left, but my body was frozen. “Juliet?”

My heart raced, and there was a high-pitched ringing in my ears. I would have to deviate from my route and my brain was not on board with that. Hot waves of dizziness washed over me. I clenched my fists, terrified I was going to pass out.

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