Page 60 of Secret Heir For The Billionaire Twin

His mouth curves. “You’re difficult.”

“You invited me.”

“I did.”

The way he says it slows something inside me.

We continue walking, but the rhythm between us has changed. Julian’s shoulder brushes mine again, this time without either of us stepping away. When I glance up, his eyes are already on me. The look lasts too long to be accidental. Heat climbs slowly beneath my skin.

My hotel appears at the end of the block, and for the first time all evening, I wish the distance were longer. Julian notices the entrance at the same moment I do.

“You’re here,” he says.

“I am.”

Neither of us moves toward the doors immediately. The traffic behind us fades into background noise while we stand beneath the awning. Julian is close enough that I can see the faint shadow along his jaw and the silver threaded through his hair. His attention drops to my mouth before returning to my eyes.

My pulse stumbles.

“Thank you for dinner,” I say.

“You’re welcome.”

His voice is lower now.

I should say good night. Instead, I remain where I am.

Julian studies my face. “Sophie.”

The way he says my name is different from the way he has said it all week. There is no professional distance left in it.

“Yes?”

His gaze holds mine. For one suspended second, I think he is going to kiss me right there beneath the hotel awning. He doesn’t. The restraint is somehow worse.

A doorman opens the entrance behind me, and the sound breaks the moment just enough for me to breathe again.

“I should go upstairs,” I say.

Julian nods once. “You should.”

I take one step backward, then stop.

“You should come up for a drink.”

The invitation leaves my mouth before I have time to soften it. Julian goes completely still. His eyes search mine, and when he answers, there is nothing casual in his expression.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

The word comes easily as Julian steps toward me, reducing the space I just created.

“Then lead the way.”

We walk into the lobby side by side. I am acutely aware of him behind me as we cross toward the elevators, aware of the quiet confidence in his stride and the heat still running through my body.

The elevator arrives almost immediately.