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What I conveniently fail to mention is that this was not the first kiss. That there have been many kisses in the past few days. Including one almost-hook-up that may have been the most unprofessional moment of my entire career, and rattled me so much that I haven't stopped thinking about it since.
Even thinking about it now, I feel warmth between my thighs, remembering how unbearably thrilling it was to have him pressed between my legs.
Jack breaks me from my thoughts. "Alright, well. It’s your business, Nat. Just remember I’m here if you need to talk. About anything, not just about work stuff." His voice is oddly sincere despite his palpable disapproval.
I nod, silently praying that's the end of it. "Thanks, Jack. I really appreciate it."
There's a tense pause before Jack speaks again. “Just…watch yourself around Julian, okay? You've got enough going on right now. You don't need to dig that up, too.”
His words, meant as a light warning, carry a weight that settles heavily in my stomach. "I will. I’ll be careful," I promise. Not that I've had too much choice in the matter, anyway, considering the conversation Julian and I had last night.
We say our goodbyes, my stomach churning. I need to focus on something else.
Unable to shake off the restlessness that the closure of the Langford Building has stirred within me, I first attempt to reach Benny. I dial his number, but it goes straight to voicemail. With a sigh, I hang up and then dial Lauren’s number, knowing she’ll be expecting to start the day’s restoration work.
“Hey, Lauren,” I start as soon as she picks up.
“Morning, Nat. I saw the news. Does this mean we're starting late today?” Lauren’s voice carries her usual brisk efficiency, ready to adapt to whatever the day throws her way.
“Actually, I’m at the site now, and it’s all still closed off. There are police everywhere. I don't think they're going to let us inside any time soon,” I explain, trying to keep the disappointment from seeping too much into my tone.
“Oh, damn. That serious, huh?” Lauren’s concern is evident, and it's the first time I’ve heard her optimism waver even slightly.
“Yeah, looks like it. They’re being thorough, which is good for the investigation but puts a dent in our schedule.” I take a deep breath, shifting my focus. “Hopefully, we can get back on track soon. Just didn’t want you heading this way for no reason.”
“Appreciate the heads-up,” she replies. “Well, keep me posted, will you? If there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.”
“Will do. Thanks, Lauren. Enjoy the unexpected day off, I guess?” I attempt to lighten the mood, though the chuckle I offer feels a bit hollow.
“You too, Nat. Catch you later.”
As I end the call, the anxiety of an unplanned day looms before me, heavy and uninviting. Deciding a change of scenery might lift my spirits, I head to a nearby coffee shop, a small haven of normalcy.
The bell above the door jingles softly as I step into the cozy warmth of the café, the rich aroma of brewed coffee a comforting embrace. I join the line, my mind still tangled with thoughts of the break-in, of Julian, of the looming conversation with my boss—everything that seems to be spiraling out of control.
Lost in thought, I barely notice the line moving forward until I’m next to order. That’s when I see him—Julian, just a few feet away, his presence as startling as it is inevitable in this small town. Our eyes meet for a fleeting second before I can look away, my face burning with embarrassment at being caught staring.
His hair is down today, falling just below his shoulders in dark, glossy waves. I've never seen it this way before. The sight sends an electric jolt through my body, reawakening those parts of me that have been tantalized unrelieved for days now.
Julian’s expression is unreadable, but he makes no move to approach or say hello. I’m oddly grateful for that, even though it stings. The silence stretches as everything that's passed between us echoes in my mind. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered promise of caution.
I focus intently on the menu board above the counter, even though I already know what I’ll order, using it as a shield against the discomfort of his proximity. The barista’s voice, cheerful and oblivious to the undercurrents swirling just a few feet away, breaks the tension momentarily.
“What can I get started for you?” she asks, her smile bright.
“Large hazelnut latte, please,” I reply, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "To go."
As I pay and step aside to wait for my order, I steal another glance at Julian. He’s looking down at his phone now, a curtain of hair concealing his face. I wonder what he's doing. Is he focused on the project, or is he in as much pain as I am trying to pretend that we're not currently occupying the same space?
But it doesn’t matter. I’m here for coffee, not more complications.
As I step out of the coffee shop, the gentle morning breeze cools my skin, and I breathe for what feels like the first time in minutes. Just as I'm about to head towards my car, a sudden movement catches my peripheral vision—it's Julian, also leaving the coffee shop.
In a moment of panic, trying awkwardly to avoid him, I misstep. The hot coffee sloshes dangerously, some of it spilling over through the hole in the lid and scorching my hand.
"Damn!" I hiss under my breath, the sting of the hot liquid snapping me back to reality.
And then Julian is beside me, his reflexes quick as he reaches out to take my cup, saving me from further injury. "Careful," he murmurs just a bit too quietly.
