Chapter 40
CHAPTER
FORTY
HARPER
I’ve died and gone to heaven. First, Julian gave me so many orgasms my body had to sleep and recharge. Now, this incredible man has given me the gift of a lifetime. I get to feed otters. I want to squeal, but I hold it back, so I don’t scare the adorable creatures.
Putting on the gloves, I grab a metal bucket and open the gate to the enclosure. As I open the gate, it lets out a high-pitched squeak. The noise startles me and I look at the equally startled otters. I step slowly toward the low fence separating us from our new friends. I’m close enough that I’m able to grab a small fish and some grapes from the bucket and toss them into the water. I watch the adorable creatures swim after their dinner and they take their food out of the water. I’m fascinated to watch them use their hands while they eat, their sharp teeth tearing at the fish. The contrast between their sweet faces and high-pitched squeals adds to their undeniable cuteness. This scene reminds me of why I love otters.
Julian takes the bucket from me and holds it, so I have both hands free, allowing me to have my moment. I’m so excited I continue rambling. “There were otters near my house in Minnesota growing up. As a kid, I was obsessed with them. My mom would make up bedtime stories about the otter family.” I haven’t thought about those stories in years, and my heart clenches when I think about my parents. After we finish this project, maybe I’ll write those stories down. I might write a children’s book.
Julian’s voice brings me back to the present. When I glance at him, his eyes twinkle with joy, but I doubt it’s because of the otters. He’s barely paid them any attention. His focus is wholly on me. “I confess, I don’t know much about otters, but they kinda remind me of Noodle.”
His observation snaps me out of my melancholy thoughts. “Maybe that’s why I love him so much. Otters are water puppies!” He laughs with me, while I enjoy this experience with childlike wonder.
One by one, I feed them all, giving each one a name that suits their personality. When the bucket’s empty, I turn my attention back to Julian. This gesture is generous. Outrageous. But more than that, it’s thoughtful. He remembered my comment about otters and turned it into a magical moment.
Is this what dating Julian will be like? Because he’s definitely all consuming. Intense even. I’ve discovered Julian is overly attentive and perceptive. He picks up on nuances and details made in casual conversation. Case in point, we’re having dinner with otters.
Julian is the definition of if he wanted to, he would . And is that so bad? When Zac said he was afraid of Julian’s level of crazy, is this what he meant? Because this is crazy.
Our dinner is a simple affair, an upscale picnic with delectable offerings of baked brie, succulent fruit, an assortment of cured meats, and croissants so buttery and delicate they practically melt in my mouth. The food is enjoyable, but the company is extraordinary. I even stop gushing over the otters, although honestly, they still have a fraction of my attention. Julian clears his throat, obviously nervous.
He’s always so sure of himself that his hesitation freaks me out a little. “Um, hey, I know it’s a few weeks away, but would you like to go to Ashleigh and Cole’s wedding with me? It’s in Charlotte, and we’d have to make arrangements for Noodle, but I’d like you to be my date.”
I’m curious why he’s nervous about this. “Oh, wow.”
“Oh, wow? Is that oh, wow, I’d rather set my entire book collection on fire? Or more like, oh wow, I think this is the best thing that’s ever happened to me?” He cocks his head to the side and challenges me to give him an honest answer.
I shake my head at his silly question. Because his two extremes are exactly that. “First, I can’t imagine anything that would ever make me burn a book. Ever. And the best thing that ever happened to me was when you asked for my number. So, I’d say it’s somewhere in between.”
“So why the oh?”
“Well, it’s a small wedding, right? I don’t want to intrude.” Ashleigh and I spent a weekend in New York once because we helped our mutual friend Darcy. She invited me to their spring reception, which surprised me, considering I’m not one of her closest friends. I’d never expect to be invited to her wedding.
“You wouldn’t be intruding. At all. You’d be my tissue holding, won’t laugh when I’m crying at my baby sister, support date. I’ll need you. Besides, the girls would love to have one more for their girls’ night before the wedding. It’ll be fun.” He’s really selling it and I have no doubt it would be fun. But I don’t want to be a distraction for him, pulling him away from precious moments with his family. I want what’s best for Julian.
“But I understand if it’s more of a commitment than you want to make right now, seeing as this is all new and everything.” His voice trails off, his usual confidence and swagger gone. Does he really think I’m hesitant because I’m unwilling to make a commitment to him?
“Don’t be daft. It has nothing to do with us being new. I just don’t want to be a distraction for you at this special family event. I’m okay to duck out or blend into the wallpaper when you need me to.”
He leans over and kisses me. It’s sweet, cozy, adoring. “Gorgeous, you’re the very best kind of distraction. And besides, you could never blend into the wallpaper.” He claps his hands and the otters look his way. “Then it’s settled. We’ll have fun. But let’s not tell anyone until we get there. I want it to be a pleasant surprise. Hey, do you have a passport?”
“I need a passport to go to Charlotte?” His train of thought isn’t always linear, his brain constantly multitasking. I’m not sure where this question came from or where he’s going with it.
“No, but maybe we could sneak away for an extra day or so. We should be close to finishing up the book, and a celebration will be in order. What do you say?” He pops an olive in his mouth and quirks his eyebrow, waiting for my answer.
Certainly, he’s figured out I can’t say no to him.
“Okay, but ONLY if we have the first draft done. I can’t relax with a deadline looming.” And that’s the reality. I’m task driven, and if this isn’t done, I won’t be able to enjoy myself.
“Great!” He stands and goes to the fence overlooking the otters. “Did you hear that fellas? She said ‘yes.’” He turns and leans against the fence, his face hidden in the shadow of his hat. I can’t help but laugh at his ridiculousness. I join him at the fence, put my arms around his neck, and kiss him. It’s sweet, but it’s evolving into private bedroom-level kissing. My mind races along with my pulse.
“Come on, lover boy, take me home. I need to say thank you properly.”
Apparently, he doesn’t need to be told twice. He takes my hand and practically drags me out of the zoo. We reach his place in half the time it took us to get there. Frankie greets us, assuring us that Noodle is happy and settled in the apartment. Julian gives a quick thank you and pulls me to the elevator, not stopping to talk.
Actually, there was very little talking for the rest of the evening, and I’m not mad about it. Sometimes, words are overrated.