Julia looked at Dylan, who was trying to hide his amusement. “You’ve been thoroughly Southern-mothered.”
“Completely charmed by Southern hospitality,” he said. “Mrs. Mercer has already offered me lemonade and asked detailed questions about my family tree.”
“She works fast,” Julia said, finally allowing herself to smile. “Would you like to come up? It’s cooler inside.”
“I thought you’d never ask!”
As they climbed the staircase to her apartment, Julia felt acutely aware of Dylan behind her—the warmth from his body, the sound of his breathing. At her door, she fumbled with the key.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” he said.
She turned to face him on the small landing, their bodies inches apart. “I’m really glad you came.”
The apartment was cool, thanks to the ceiling fans. Dylan took in the exposed brick walls, the architectural drawings pinned to a large cork board, the material samples scattered across her dining table. He looked mesmerized by the reality of it.
“Can I get you something to drink? Water? Iced tea?” Julia set down her briefcase, suddenly nervous.
“Water would be great.”
She busied herself in the kitchen, grateful for something to do with her hands.
“Dylan,” she said, handing him the glass. “About our last phone call—”
“I owe you an apology,” he said, setting the water down. “I was holding back, and I know you felt it.”
“I was rude. I was busy and overwhelmed,” she admitted, settling onto the couch.
He sat beside her, close enough that she could smell his cologne—something clean and understated. “I had been struggling with some personal things. And instead of trusting you, I pulled away.”
“We both did.” Julia said, tucked one leg beneath her. “I got scared.”
“Of what?”
“Of getting hurt again.”
Dylan reached for her hand, tracing circles on her palm with one of his fingers. “I would never hurt you intentionally, Julia. But I understand why you’d be cautious.”
The contact with his hand sent shivers up her arm. “I’ve missed you,” she whispered.
“You’ve no idea how I’ve missed you.” His voice was full of emotion. “These past few weeks have been hell.”
Julia looked at his face—the intensity in his blue eyes, the slight stubble from travel, the way he looked at her like she was the rarest find. She got closer to him. His free hand cupped her face, thumb brushing across her cheek as he leaned in. The kiss was gentle at first. But when Julia’s lips parted, inviting him deeper, something shifted between them.
Dylan’s hand slid into her hair, auburn strands tangling as he gently pulled her closer. Julia’s hands found the soft cotton of his shirt, gripping it lightly as their kiss deepened, months of longing pouring into this breathtaking moment. The world outside faded, leaving only the soft sighs that escaped them.
“God, Julia,” Dylan murmured against her lips.
“Don’t stop,” she breathed, the words barely audible.
They shifted on the couch, Julia’s back finding the cushions as his lips drifted from hers, charting a slow, deliberate path down her jawline to the curve of her neck, lingering at the spot just below her ear. A soft moan escaped her as a delicious ache spread through her.
“I’ve thought about this for so long,” Dylan confessed, his voice low, each word a brushstroke of anticipation.
“So have I,” Julia said, her fingers threading through his hair as he continued his tender exploration, kissing along her collarbone, a whisper igniting every nerve ending.
They lost themselves in each other—soft sighs and breaths, the brush of skin, the slow dance of hands discovering new territory. Each touch was a question, each response an affirmation of the exquisite desire that had been building between them for months, a gentle unfolding of a love they’d both yearned for. When they finally broke apart, hearts still racing, a soft blush high on Julia’s cheeks, Dylan’s shirt was half-unbuttoned and Julia’s hair, a wild, beautiful mess, had completely escaped its pins.
They stayed curled together on the couch for a long time, Julia’s head on Dylan’s chest, his fingers combing through her hair. The late afternoon light was starting to fade, casting long shadows across the apartment.
