Chapter 5
Chapter Five
LIV
I got his number! Not only that, but I’m going over to his place. I can’t wait to take a peek inside, unless he doesn’t invite me in. Crap, I could just end up dropping it right at his door. I could ask to use the bathroom, but that’s not exactly sexy. I don’t want him to think about me peeing.
“You okay?” my sister asks. “You’re focusing on that phone really hard.”
“I’m fine.” I hop down off the front desk. Okay, I might not be totally fine, but I got this. Maybe. “I have a delivery.” I try to sound super casual.
“As in, you’re the one taking it?”
Usually we have people come and pick up their orders, but there have been a few times I asked Sawyer for help. It was for local deliveries only and because Lane and I couldn't handle it alone.
“I am. It’s the pink coffee table I made. I think I can do it myself.” I’m proud of myself for being so chill, but Lane cocks her head to the side.
“Who bought it?” When heat rushes to my cheek, she gets a knowing look. “Ah, you’re blushing. So tell me, how was Julius today?”
Does it count as blushing when it’s my entire body that’s heating with excitement and desire?
“He’s perfect.” I let out a dreamy sigh. My sister is well aware of my crush on Julius, but at this point, it’s well beyond something so trivial. It might be a bit of an obsession. “I’m going to try and get into his house, so don’t wait up for me.” Lane laughs like I’m joking, but I’m totally trying to get into his place. One way or another.
“I’m going to stay late tonight. I brought food.”
“Are you behind on orders? What can I do?” Guilt hits me. I’m leaving her to work while I go and try to sneak into Julius’s house and maybe snag a kiss. Hey, a girl has to dream.
“I’m not behind. I just have a good audiobook I’m listening to, so I might as well keep on working.”
“Or you could listen while soaking in a relaxing hot bath,” I suggest.
The girl always has to be doing something. Sure, the same could be said about me. I’m always moving around, but I do fun things. Lane will stay locked up in her shop forever, and I wish she would get out more.
“Baths are gross.” Lane makes a face.
“You can shower first!” We've had this argument countless times.
My phone dings, and I almost drop it. I know that sound because I programmed it a few hours ago. I gave Julius his own ringtone and text alert sound.
“I’ll leave you to your delivery unless you need help carrying the table out.”
“I got it.”
I unlock the screen to see the text, and I pray he’s not canceling on me. Maybe I’ll pretend I didn’t see the text and just show up. If he’s not there, I can take a peek around his place. I have these thoughts, and I know there’s something not right with me. But I also know I’ll still do it. My control is zero because Lane got it all.
Julius : You still coming by?
I do a little dance when I see he’s checking in to make sure I’m still coming. Is there a chance he was worried I wouldn't show up?
Me : Yes!!!
I hit send and follow it up with more pink heart emojis. Crap, I might sound too excited. I should have done one heart and one exclamation mark.
Not wanting to dwell on my texts and overthink them, I grab my bag and close up the front of the shop. After a quick once-over in the mirror, I put on some lip gloss and grab the small table. I carry it through the back, and when Lane sees me coming through, she opens the back door for me.
“Later,” she says and kisses me on the cheek.
“Lock the door behind me,” I sing-song sarcastically because Lane is always saying that to me. She shakes her head before doing exactly that, and I load the table in the truck.
Once I make sure it won’t roll around in the back, I hop into the driver's seat and send Julius a text that I’m headed his way. I'm practically bouncing in my seat at not only getting to see Julius outside of the shop but also his home. I know where he lives but have never driven down the road that leads to his house. It's a private driveway that gets lost out of sight through the thick trees, and he has “no trespassing” signs.
My heart gives an excited flutter when his road comes into sight. I turn down his driveway, following the path that weaves through the trees and then over a cute little bridge with a creek running under it.
The trees open up to reveal the wood cabin, and a small gasp leaves me. It’s the cutest A-frame house and not at all what I was expecting. Especially with all the glass in the front. It lets in a full view of the trees and the mountains that surround our town.
Now I’m dying to see the layout and how the view is inside. I put the truck into park as Julius steps onto the porch.
“This is so cool!” I tell him when I hop out.
“Do you like it?” Julius shifts on his feet, and I wonder how he can doubt how awesome it is.
“Like?” I shake my head. “I love it.” Julius comes down the porch stairs, and I swear I see a half smile for a second. “I can get it.”
“No, I’ve got it.” He beats me to the bed of the truck and damn it, I wanted to carry it in. I curse my short legs for being slow.
“Oh, well. I guess—” Julius cuts me off before I can do my lame goodbye.
“You want to see inside?”
"Really?" I perk up.
"You're welcome to come inside anytime you want."
“Be careful what you wish for," I tease before heading up the stairs. I open the door for Julius even though he's carrying the table with one hand. Clearly, he doesn't need my assistance.
“I’m always careful,” Julius says softly as he enters the house with me hot on his heels.
That’s funny because the last thing I will ever be called is careful.
When we get inside, he suddenly stops, and I run right into him. I don’t get a chance to steady myself, and when my body collides with his, I start to fall backward. Julius moves quickly, and before I know what’s happening, he turns around and swoops me into his arms.
The table isn’t as lucky, and when it lands, I hear a small crack. Right now, I could care less because I’m in Julius’s arms. He’s tucked me in close, and when I look up, he’s staring down at me.
“Shit, I’m sorry. Are you okay?”
I’m so close to him that I can’t help but stare at his mouth.
“This is like a movie,” I say and then laugh.
I lean back and let my arms fall behind me to prove my point. It’s the exact position people would be in after a song and dance, or when the prince is about to go in for a kiss.
Julius stares at me with his brows pulled together, thoroughly confused.
I think it’s fair to say I’m not getting the kiss.