It's Better This Way(27)

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By the afternoon, Julia’s mood was lighter. She looked forward to their dinner and showing off her culinary skills. Knowing Heath had a busy afternoon, she walked down to the Pike Place Market and bought everything she needed for that evening’s dinner. The romaine lettuce was fresh and crisp; the bread, when she purchased it, was hot from the oven. Walking past the bakery, she spied a lemon tart and remembered Heath mentioning that lemon was his favorite. She purchased the rich dessert as a treat for later.

Once he was home, Heath sent her a text and said he had everything ready for her. Julia carted her purchases from her condo to his.

Heath opened the door even before she could ring the bell. Automatically, he took the supplies off her hands and set them aside. Then, without a moment’s pause, he reached for her. Tucking his hand around her nape, he brought her mouth to his and soundly kissed her to the point that her toes curled.

    “Missed you all day,” he whispered, pressing his forehead against hers.

Julia released a breathy sigh. This man. Wow. Life didn’t feel like it could get any better.

“I got us a bottle of my favorite sauvignon blanc from the Yakima Valley,” he said, breaking away from her. “It’s on ice. Should I open it now, or would you prefer to wait for dinner?”

“Now, I think.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

While Julia unloaded the lettuce and other ingredients, lining them up on the kitchen counter, Heath opened the wine. After pouring them each a glass, he turned on the music, classic hits from the 1970s. The Bee Gees were staying alive, and the beat of the music vibrated around the room. Soon Julia was bobbing her head to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.” It was hard to hold still. It was as if her feet refused to stay in one place.

Twirling around the kitchen, Julia unloaded the salad ingredients and set the dressing aside to add just before they were ready to eat.

Now that the wine was poured, Heath handed her a stemless glass and then they touched the lips of the glasses together before giving it the first sample.

The white wine was crisp and cold, exactly the way Julia liked it best.

“The Sound of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel played next. Heath set both their glasses aside and brought her into his embrace. “Let’s dance,” he said, slipping one arm around her waist and bringing her close. He gripped hold of her free hand and pressed it close to his heart, as if to say she had taken up residence there.

    Leaning in to him, Julia closed her eyes as they swayed to the music. This was like a dream, and nothing resembling the one she’d experienced earlier.

For the next half hour Julia worked on their meal, in between chopping vegetables and dancing. Heath tied an apron around her waist, and she removed her shoes. Dinner was almost ready when the doorbell rang.

Julia glanced at Heath. “Expecting anyone?”

“No.” He set his wineglass aside and headed toward the foyer to open the door.

Julia went about setting the table when she heard Heath greet his son.

“Michael.” He sounded surprised.

“Hey, Dad. I stopped off to see Eric and…” He paused when he saw Julia. “Sorry, I didn’t know you had a hot date tonight.”

“Yes, this is Julia. She’s the woman I mentioned who helped decorate the condo.”

Julia remembered Health telling her that his son had recently stopped by and had admired the changes. The condo had turned out great and she was pleased with how much a few decorator pillows, collectibles, and paintings had improved the appearance of his home. Heath seemed to like her additions and told her his son had been equally impressed.

“Michael,” Heath said, coming to stand next to her. He slipped his arm around her waist and smiled down at her. “This is Julia.”

“Hello, Michael,” she said, smiling at the man who was a younger version of Heath. He was as tall as his father, with the same color eyes, which seemed to lock on her. And narrowed.

    Frowning, Michael glanced from her to his father. For longer than seemed comfortable, he ignored her outstretched hand before shaking it.

“Michael?” Heath asked, and seemed stunned by his son’s rudeness.

“Dad,” he said tightly, dragging his eyes away from Julia. “I can see I came at an inconvenient time. I’ll come back later.”

Heath followed him to the door. “Michael, what’s wrong?”

“We can talk later.”

“Is it about Julia?” he asked.

Although Heath and Michael had both lowered their voices, Julia could still hear them.

“Not now, Dad.” Before Heath could object, Michael was out the door.

The sound of it closing echoed through the room, sounding ten times louder than the music.

“What was that about?” Julia asked. “Did I do something wrong? Should I not have been here?”

Heath looked as perplexed as she was. “I don’t know, but I’m going to find out,” he said emphatically.

Julia wasn’t sure what was happening. What she feared, though, was that her nightmare was about to become real.





Chapter 10




After Michael left Heath’s place, the atmosphere between Heath and Julia changed. Earlier, Heath had been laughing and dancing around the kitchen island with Julia, acting like a man thirty years younger. She made him feel young again. And then his son had arrived, and everything changed. The shock of it had yet to wear off.