Shane #3
He reaches over and pulls me into his side awkwardly. I don’t place my head on his chest and wrap my arm around his waist like I would with Shane. Instead, I leave my hands cradled beneath my chin and my head underneath his armpit.
“What… what are you doing?” This is extremely weird. Actually, it’s more than that. But I can’t think of the word at the moment.
“I am comforting you,” he answers with a hint of displeasure.
“Oh…”
“Despite my cold exterior and grumpy looks, as most like to mention, I am not heartless, Aubrey. I could tell you needed comforting, and the proper thing for me to do is this.”
“Well, thank you, Julian. I appreciate it,” I tell him truthfully. Because even though I would rather it be anyone else, I do appreciate the gesture.
He simply nods and goes quiet for a moment until he decides to speak up again. “How are you? And the baby? Is everything all right?” His question takes me by surprise; this is the most human I’ve seen Julian.
“Yes, we’re okay. It was just a little scare, but everything is fine. I just need to take it easy from now on,” I reassure him.
He nods again. “I know you are against stepping down from your work, but I believe it would be wise if you reduced your hours. I am not trying to take your career away from you, Aubrey. Shane has made it abundantly clear how important it is to you. But you and your child’s wellbeing are important to me, and I believe it would be the safest option in this particular scenario. ”
There’s a hint of guilt as he speaks next. His voice gets low and fills with emotion in a way I’ve never heard it before. “I would hate it if something were to come to you or the baby. I assured Shane your safety, and I will do everything to keep it that way.”
His words suddenly make sense, as well as his misplaced guilt. “Julian… do you feel guilty for what happened with Noah?”
He’s quiet once more, and that in itself is an answer. “That never should have happened.”
“They don’t blame you, Julian. You did everything you could, no one could have predicted the outcome. It wasn’t your fault.” I shake my head against him.
“My job is to predict these things, Aubrey. It is to predict them and prevent them from happening. But I failed.”
“You didn’t fail anyone. It would have been a hundred times worse if it wasn’t for you. Everyone is happy and healthy. It’s in the past, it’s done. Don’t beat yourself up over this,” I tell him.
“I am doing no such thing.” He frowns, answering a bit too quickly with an air of defense.
I giggle. “Of course, you aren’t.” Julian the robot is back. “By the way, I’ve already thought about cutting back my hours. I was planning on calling my boss tomorrow and asking to only work two or three days a week and do whatever I can remotely. I don’t want to take any chances.”
“Thank you,” he says quietly, and I don’t miss the silent breath of relief that leaves him.
“I understand why Shane is friends with you now.” I smile when he chuckles.
“And why is that? Because I am still unclear on the subject.”
“Because of this. You act like a robot for the most part, but I think you just showed me your human side. And I think that side of you cares more about the people around you, than you let on.”
“Hmm, I see you have quite the imagination, Miss Ford.”
Now I’m the one to laugh. Of course, Julian would never admit to that.
SHANE
I finally get home at nearly two in the morning.
Tomorrow is going to be a long day, or should I say, today.
I head into the house, through the garage, and make my way to the master bedroom.
The door is slightly ajar and the yellow glow from the nightlight filters through.
I push it open and stop dead in my tracks at the sight before me.
My Angel is fast asleep, hurdled up in a ball against my best friend’s side, who looks extremely out of place. He’s still fully dressed in his suit, his shoes propped up on the bed, just lying there with one arm awkwardly placed around Aubrey’s frame.
I suppress my laugh, sucking in my lips as I pull out my phone and snap a picture. “You know, this is not exactly what I meant when I said to stay by her side,” I whisper, looking over the picture and snort. “Oh, this is too good.”
“She was crying, I was not going to just pretend I could not hear her. Be aware, you now owe me for this. You know I do not do… whatever this is.” He lifts his arm and removes himself from the bed. “You’d better delete that,” he warns with an icy glare.
“No way, this is perfect blackmail material. Julian all domesticated.” I laugh but cover my mouth with my fist when Aubrey stirs.
“I mean it, Jefferson,” he says, then straightens his suit jacket, fixing the cufflinks. “Now if you will excuse me. I have more productive things to do than to play house with your woman.” He walks past me, not bothering to say bye.
“It’s two in the morning, Storm,” I say over my shoulder.
“Yes, well, world domination never sleeps,” he answers simply and I shake my head.
“Hey, Julian?” I call one last time as he turns to face me. “Thank you.” His eyes stay focused on mine for a moment until he nods and leaves.