Chapter 20
CHAPTER
TWENTY
JULIAN
“Zac doesn’t trust you. Why is that?”
Her question hangs between us. There it is. Zac. I need to tread lightly and not scare her off, but I’m not a home wrecker, either. Plus, I don’t respect a cheater. And I definitely do not share. I’m playing with fire here, and tonight she is red hot. I’m navigating my way through this to minimize the scorch marks I’ll get.
When I first saw her at NYU looking like a sexy librarian, I was intrigued, enchanted, even. Tonight’s look is beyond sexy. It’s provocative and a little confusing. Not to say she’s not hot as fuck, because it’s taken every ounce of my willpower to keep my hands off her each time I’ve seen her. But that’s not the issue at hand.
Why doesn’t Zac trust me? He shouldn’t. I want what’s his.
“What made him say that?” I’m hoping she’ll tip her hand, give me a clue.
She shrugs. “Should he trust you?”
“I don’t care what Zac Burns thinks of me. It’s you I care about. Do you trust me?”
Another shrug. “What are we doing, Julian? What am I to you?” She’s lowered her shields. She’s vulnerable, and it contradicts her tough-girl appearance tonight. I’m having a hard time reconciling the two. But this is Harper. A sweet, caring, funny, interesting woman hidden behind leather and makeup.
“I like you, Harper.” Leaning closer, I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, watching the blush bloom on her cheeks. “I like you a whole lot, gorgeous.” Pulling back, I study her eyes, searching for any hint of her reaction. I’m this close to kissing her luscious red lips, but I resist the temptation.
“What am I to you?” she repeats. This time, she finds her confidence, demanding an answer.
“Someone whose company I enjoy immensely. A gorgeous woman who I find incredibly sexy. Harper, you are so many things to me, and I want to keep adding to the list.”
“Tell me a secret.” Her voice is low, seductive.
I respond without thinking, telling her exactly what’s on my mind. “I want to kiss you.”
Her lips morph into a wicked smile. “That’s no secret.” Boldly, she leans into me, and her soft, painted lips meet mine, a feather-light kiss that teases me. But it’s oh so promising. There’s the answer I wanted.
Excuse me while I have another out-of-body experience. Her lips on mine are heaven, and it takes a fraction of a second to react. I bury my hands in her hair, pull her closer, and take control of her sweet kiss. My tongue sweeps out, tasting her, seeking entrance into her mouth. I want to devour her. I’m hungry for Harper and lose myself in her. Her reaction says she’s hungry for me, too.
Kat’s voice comes over the speakers, announcing our arrival at the restaurant. We pull apart, and Harper’s smoldering eyes contradict her giggle. She reaches out and wipes at my lips, her lipstick on her thumb.
“I like this color on you, Mr. Decker.”
I press the intercom button on the door. “Kat, can you circle the block once for us, please?” The car pulls away from the curb. I pull a tissue out and hand it to Harper and pull down a lighted mirror. Her smeared lipstick is sexy as fuck, but no one gets to see it but me. She fixes her make-up and is ready when we arrive back to our destination.
Kat opens the door and helps her out, a knowing smile on her face. Even with her edgy makeup, Harper’s happiness is unmistakable - her face practically shines with joy. It's a complete contradiction, and Harper Cartwright is making me question everything I thought about her.
The gap between that leather skirt and those boots is calling to me, but we’re in public and going to dinner. I put my dirty thoughts away. For now.
Seated at our table in a cozy booth, I hear the gentle hum of conversation and the clinking of silverware in the intimate restaurant. I deliberately took a seat opposite her, my eyes fixed on her, enchanted by her presence, and curious to unravel her mysteries.
“Champagne?” I ask while perusing the wine menu. She bites her bottom lip as she debates the angel-devil sitting on her shoulders. She’s conflicted. Where’s that confident, sexy, kick-ass woman I picked up earlier?
“What’s the signature cocktail here?” she asks the waiter.
“We make the best Old Fashioned in the city,” he answers with a touch of pride.
“Oh, I’ve never had an Old Fashioned, but I’ll try it. And a glass of water, please.” Her eyes sparkle with excitement. She likes adventure, new things. Good to know.
“Make it two.” The thought of tasting the whiskey on her lips makes mine curl upward into an amused grin.
“Let’s play a game,” I suggest.
“What kind of game?” Okay. Adventurous with a side of caution.
“Another round of Q and A, but more like Truth or Dare.” She looks away while she debates the pros and cons.
“Okay. But dares are within reason.” There she goes, changing the rules. She bends the world to her, and it’s incredibly sexy.
“Of course. Consent, always.”
The waiter returns with our drinks. She takes a sip, her lipstick marking the rim of the glass, and it’s a total turn-on. This foreplay is killing me, but I’m here for it.
“Do you like it? Because if not, we’ll get you another drink.”
She twists her mouth a little while she considers the question. “It’s different. I want to sip on it before deciding. Is that okay?”
I nod to the waiter. He’ll return when we pick up our menus again.
“Of course. Truth or dare?” I challenge her.
“Truth.” She’s playful.
“Zac Burns?”
“Swedish Princess?” she teases in return.
“NDA.” I shrug. That’s all I can say.
“Do you like NDAs or just hide behind them?”
“I respect NDAs. In my line of work, they’re necessary. But remember, things aren’t aways what they seem.” I give her a little wink. Let’s get back to the original question. “Zac Burns?”
She takes another small sip. “Things aren’t always what they seem.” Her sassy mouth turns up, and she winks back, flirting with me. Her giggle is music to my ears.
“Good, because let me tell you something, gorgeous.” She leans in a little. “I don’t share.” My voice is low and serious.
Her eyes widen in response, as she leans back in the booth. I hope I didn’t come on too strong and frighten her away. As she takes a sip, I intently watch her, hoping to glean some insight into her thoughts. Determine if she has a tell. She puts her drink down, her fingers wrapped around the crystal glass, spinning it slowly. She squares her shoulders and boldly says, “Good thing, because I don’t either.”