Dating Games(55)

“Are you okay?”

With a quick nod, I avert my eyes, hiding the emotions coming to the surface. But Julian won’t let me, grabbing my chin and tilting my head back.

“He’s a fool,” he whispers, leaning toward me.

“He looks happy, doesn’t he?”

“So what if he does?”

I pull my lips between my teeth to stop my chin from quivering, trying to avoid making a scene in front of all these people…and Trevor.

“Because I’m supposed to be the one who makes him happy. That’s always been my job. How can he—”

“Like I said, he’s a fool. You make me happy,” he offers in consolation.

I lower my voice to barely above a whisper. “But it’s not real.”

“My happiness when I’m with you? It’s more real than anything I’ve felt in a long time, even if the rest of this is only for show. And I want you to be happy, too. So tell me what it’ll take to make you happy, and I’ll do it.”

I laugh as I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. “A dartboard with Theresa’s face on it.”

“Consider it done,” he responds in a lively voice. “Would you like another with Trevor’s face? Or perhaps a punching bag?”

“I certainly wouldn’t send it back.” I wipe the few tears from my eyes. It’s surprising how quickly Julian can make me smile, even when facing heartbreak.

“Good.”

I peer into his eyes, his compassion seeming to mend the rips caused by Trevor. “Thank you.”

When he brings his hand to my face, rubbing his thumb under my eye to erase one last tear, a shiver trickles through me, my sadness and despair turning into something else.

“I don’t care what it takes. I want to show you that you deserve more than he gave you. No woman deserves to be with someone who doesn’t appreciate them. And Trevor didn’t appreciate you, not if he broke up with you because you no longer fit into his idea of perfection. You deserve someone who will appreciate you. Never settle for anything less. Okay?”

“It’s not as easy as you make it sound, not after twelve years.”

“I know. But with time, it will be.”

I nod, unsure if I like the idea of getting over Trevor. Since I was eighteen, he’s been a part of me. It’s hard to picture life without him. Divorced couples must go through this, still sleeping on the same side of the bed, even though the other person’s no longer there. Still sitting in the same chair at the dining room table, even though you now have your choice. Still using the same bathroom sink to brush your teeth, even though they’re both now yours.

Feeling another crack in my armor, I look back at Julian. “I need to use the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back.” I go to turn from him, but he grabs my arm, stopping me, forcing me to face him once more.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes,” I insist. Sensing curious eyes watching us, I place my hand on his chest, then raise myself onto my toes, inching toward his neck. “Never better,” I murmur. When my lips touch his cheek, he inhales a sharp breath.

All afternoon, we’ve shared more than a few sensual touches — a brush of his hand on my leg, a finger smoothing an unruly wave behind my ear, his hand intertwining with mine. But there’s been nothing more. Until now. In fact, I’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing the warmth of his skin on my lips, the scruff from his unshaven jaw harsh and piercing, but invigorating at the same time. I didn’t think I’d like it, considering Trevor always kept his jawline smooth. But something about Julian’s two-day beard stirs me to life, replacing my despair with yearning, desire…hope.

When I pull back, Julian’s eyes find mine, both of us powerless to look away. It was only a chaste kiss on the cheek, but in it I felt something I hadn’t in a long time…a spark. Based on the bewilderment in his expression, I surmise he felt it, too.

“Bathroom,” he says, finally finding his voice, snapping me out of my daydream.

“Right. Bathroom.” I peer at him for a few more seconds, then spin from him, trying with everything to regain my composure.

As I’m about to duck into the house, I glance over my shoulder, a jolt of electricity coursing through me when I notice Julian’s eyes glued to my body. In that moment, I don’t even notice Trevor standing just a few feet away. Maybe this is why Julian walked into my life. Not to take Trevor’s place, but to help mend my heart so I can move on. Maybe Chloe was onto something when she formulated her motto, “You live. You learn. You upgrade.” Perhaps Julian is my chance to upgrade, even if for just a few months.

Feeling hopefully optimistic, I continue into the house, navigating the long corridors to the guest bathroom, which is just as spacious and luxurious as the rest of the house. To my surprise, there’s no line. I step inside, allowing myself a minute to breathe for the first time all afternoon.

Once I’m refreshed and ready to face the party, I walk back through the stunning home. I didn’t have a chance to truly admire its beauty when I first arrived, but now that I’m alone, I take a moment to soak up my surroundings. While Julian’s house is impressive, this place makes it look like a shack. High, decorative ceilings. Crown molding. Furniture that looks like it’s merely for show. Artwork. Sculptures. Fountains. I feel like I’m in a museum, not a person’s home.