Stay

by Wynne, Hilary

  Chapter Nineteen

  The car ride to the hotel goes quickly. We chat about work, the weather, and sports. The conversation is light and a welcome change from all the heavy stuff. Julian isn’t kidding me about not touching him. When I try to hold his hand, he squeezes mine and pulls his away. He smiles at me and shakes his head. I know what his touch does to me, so I try not to take it personally.

  We pull into the hotel parking garage at ten o’clock, and Julian parks in his designated spot. He walks around and opens my door for me. He takes my hand, and I follow him quickly through the hotel until we end up in the kitchen at Ursa’s.

  Julian leads me to a spot in the back of the kitchen where a small, round table is set up. There is a single rose lying on the table, and a lit candle flickers softly. We’re only there for a few minutes when a man, who I assume to be Dario, comes up and sweeps me into his arms for a hug and kisses me on both cheeks. He does the same to Julian. He starts speaking in Spanish really fast, and I have a hard time understanding his accent. He finally stops talking, claps his hands, and walks away.

  “Well, okay then.” What a ball of energy he is.

  “That was Dario. He’s very excited I brought someone with me. I usually eat back here alone.” Julian did mention that earlier, and I find it hard to believe. Why wouldn’t he bring dates here? I’ll ask that question some other time.

  “Where’s he from? I couldn’t really understand his accent.”

  “He’s originally from Barcelona, but he married a woman from Portugal and lived in Italy for fifteen years. I think he made up his own language. It took me a while to understand him, but I think I do for the most part. Sometimes we end up speaking in English if I can’t understand his ‘Spanish.’”

  A waiter comes over and asks us what we would like to drink. I order water.

  “Water? You can have anything you’d like, Alexa.” I’m sure if I ordered an expensive bottle of wine, it would be totally okay. But I know Julian really doesn’t drink, and I’m feeling a little dehydrated after my run today. I’m also not really in a drinking mood. I’m calm and relaxed already.

  “I didn’t drink enough water after running today, so I’m going to stick with water for a bit.”

  Julian orders water as well. When the waitress brings it to us, he holds his glass up and starts to make a toast. I raise my glass too. He has a huge smile on his face as he says his toast, “To our first official date.” My heart melts, and I repeat the words.

  We are interrupted by Dario who comes up behind me. He’s loud, and I think Julian is right about his made-up language. I wonder if anyone really understands him. He places a few small plates on the table, quickly tells us what’s on them, and hurries off. The rest of the night follows suit, and each time we finish a dish, it’s replaced by another. By the time we’re done, I think I’ve tried at least half of the items on the menu, and I’m stuffed. I pass on dessert and order a café con leche.

  We’ve been so busy eating that we really haven’t talked much. I’m fine with that too. I’m just enjoying his company. It’s really easy just to stare at him. I sip my café and find I can’t seem to take my eyes off of his lips. I’m clearly not being subtle about it either because when he notices he actually licks his lips slowly and bites down seductively on his bottom lip. He’s totally challenging me. And totally turning me on.

  We are in public and I know Julian isn’t a fan of PDA. Plus, one date outside in the real world doesn’t mean he wants people to know what’s going on between us. I want to respond to his challenge by getting up and biting his lip myself but don’t feel comfortable doing that in this setting. So, I do the only thing I know that might work to turn him on. I put my finger just on the inside of my lips and run my tongue over the tip. Then I pull it in and gently suck on it. My sex clenches when I hear Julian’s sharp intake of breath. He isn’t the only one who can play this game.

  He motions for me to lean in, and he does the same. His voice is a soft sexy whisper. “Uh huh, Alexa. That’s exactly what I want you to do to my dick later tonight.”

  Okay. Check please!

  I’m trying to come up with a witty response when a woman I haven’t seen before walks hurriedly up to us. Of course she is tall, blonde, and beautiful. She also looks very serious. She apologizes to Julian for interrupting, tells him someone by the name of Rodrigo told her Julian was here, and tells him there’s some major issue with a reservation that he needs to take care of right away. I bet this Rodrigo person told her Julian was here with a date. She never once looks at me, which I find incredibly rude but not surprising. Julian lets her finish and turns to me.

  “Candace, this is Alexa. Alexa, Candace is one of our managers.”

  Candace is less than thrilled to acknowledge me but really has no choice at this point. She looks at me long enough for me to see she isn’t happy to actually find Julian with a woman. Her smile is faker than her DD boobs, and as she sizes me up, I get the distinct feeling she’s wondering why Julian is with me instead of her. She mumbles a “nice to meet you” and turns back to Julian before I even respond. His body language is formal with her, and I suspect they haven’t slept together. Her body language confirms she definitely wants to though.

  Julian tells Candace how to handle this “crisis” and basically sends her on her way. She gives me one last dirty look before she huffs off.

  “I’m sorry she was so rude. She isn’t usually like that. She must be having a bad night.”

  I can’t help but laugh. He can’t be that clueless. I call him out on it.

  “Seriously? Her bad mood materialized when she found you here with me. Candace wants you, Julian. I’m going to go out on a limb and guess you haven’t slept with her. She can’t understand why you’re here with me. And before you disagree with me, don’t. Women know these things.”

  He doesn’t deny her attraction to him but confirms my suspicions. “You’re right, we haven’t slept together. And I’m sorry we were interrupted.”

  I shrug my shoulders. “No big deal.” It really doesn’t bother me, and the petty, jealous side of me is glad I got to ruin bitchy Candace’s night.

  I hear a laugh coming from behind me, and Julian’s face lights up in a smile. I turn around and see his brother, Danny, and another guy walking up to us. So much for being alone tonight. Julian stands up and shakes the other man’s hand and pulls him in for a quick bro hug.

  “Alexa, you remember my brother, Danny. And this is Rafael, my cousin, who didn’t tell me he was in town.”

  Danny looks at me and flashes me the patented Bauer smile. “Nice to see you again, Alexa.” He looks at Julian, and I see him nod slightly at him. I don’t want to read anything into it, but it seemed like a tacit sign of approval.

  Rafael reaches out to shake my hand and also tells me it’s nice to meet me. Julian looks at me as if to ask if it’s okay that they join us. I smile and nod my head.

  “Why don’t you two grab some chairs and join us.”

  Rafael answers. “We can’t stay. I have someone waiting for me in Stellar. I just wanted to come and say hi. Danny said you’d be here.”

  Julian looks disappointed, and I sense they’re close. “How long are you in town, Rafi?”

  “Just until Monday.” Julian quickly explains to me that Rafi is playing on a Triple A baseball team for the Orioles. Ah, another Bauer baseball player.

  Rafi asks what Julian is doing tomorrow. “Alexa and I are heading up to Lauderdale to go to the beach.” We are? That’s news to me. Julian looks at me for approval again. I smile and nod.

  “Come with us. Danny, bring Gabby and ask Marco too. And bring whoever you’re meeting up with, Rafi.” Julian starts making all kinds of plans, and within ten minutes it sounds like we’ll be having a party at the beach tomorrow. I’m excited at the idea of spending time with all of these people in Julian’s world. They work out all t
he details and get ready to head out to the club.

  Danny looks at me and gives me the warmest smile. He’s trying to tell me something with it, but I’m not sure just yet what it is. “I’m looking forward to hanging out with you tomorrow, Alexa.”

  “Me too, Danny.” And I mean it. What better way to get to know someone than by spending time with their close friends and family. Rafi also gives me a huge smile as they leave.

  “I hope you really don’t mind that I just invited all those people to spend the day with us. I haven’t seen Rafi in months.”

  “It’s great, Julian. I have no problems sharing you.” Of course I’m referring to spending time with his family. But, in true Julian fashion, he takes the opportunity to use my words to clarify something about our relationship. He’s smiling but serious when he responds.

  “Is that so, Alexa? That might be something we need to talk about then because I have a huge problem sharing you.” I know what he means, and I would like nothing more than to establish the fact that he wants to be exclusive.

  “Let me clarify then. I have no problem sharing you with your family, your friends, or your work.”

  “Hmm … yeah, my list might not be as inclusive as yours, but we can talk about that later.” An image of Luke pops into my brain when Julian says this. I know in my gut Julian has issues with our friendship and would most likely prefer to keep him off of the approved sharing list. We’ve been having such a great night, and I want to steer clear of any topics that might change that. When Danny and Rafi stopped by, I thought about suggesting we all go up to Orion for a drink so I could say hi to Luke. It feels wrong for me to be here and not see him. But I decided it was probably not a good idea. Julian’s last comment confirms it was better to keep that idea to myself.

  I must look like I’m deep in thought because Julian asks what I’m thinking about. “Luke” would not be a good answer, so I lie. “I’m thinking it’s almost midnight and it’s way past time for this ‘intermission’ to be over.”

  That makes him smile. “I couldn’t agree more. Let’s get out of here.”

  We get up, and I follow Julian through the kitchen as he looks for Dario. We find him standing in a corner, waving his hands, and having a “passionate” conversation with another cook. His food is great, but I’m not sure I’d like to work for him. He’s clearly very temperamental. He notices Julian and me and comes over to us. We thank him for the awesome meal. I speak to him in Spanish, and he responds in his Dario language. He gives me a kiss on each cheek and goes back to yelling.

  Julian takes my hand and tries to lead me quickly through the hotel to the parking garage. Unfortunately, we don’t make our exit unnoticed. First we’re approached by a ginormous man who can only be hotel security. Julian listens to the story and tells him to make sure to discuss it with Ruben. Julian explains that Ruben is his second in charge and works nights. We continue through the lobby, and I think we’re home free when I hear an annoyingly sweet, high-pitched voice behind us calling out to Julian. As he turns around, Julian lets go of my hand. Two women are walking quickly toward us. Great, more models. I try not to feel insecure, but all of these women who approach Julian look like SI swimsuit models, and I’m finding it harder and harder to stay confident. The one who called out to Julian is absolutely stunning. She has long, jet-black hair and light blue eyes. She’s at least 5'11” and wearing a very short, very tight dress that shows off her long legs and exquisite figure. The other woman is Latina and equally as pretty with thick, wavy, brown hair and huge, brown eyes. She is also barely dressed. I thought I looked good when we left my house, but compared to these two I feel like I’m dressed in a housecoat and slippers with my hair in rollers.

  These women are not shy and come right up and hug Julian. The one with the black hair even kisses him on the lips, and I can tell by both of their body languages they absolutely have slept together before. I focus on the other woman to see if I get the same vibe, and I’m glad I don’t. I don’t think Julian has slept with her but not because she doesn’t want to. She’s preening like a peacock and posing so her beautiful body is on display. I’m amazed at how some of these women act around Julian and pray I didn’t do anything that resembled this behavior when we met.

  Julian doesn’t introduce me, and I get the very distinct impression he wishes I were not there. His back is straight and stiff, and he sort of positions himself in between them and me. The women have to see me but don’t acknowledge me either. What the fuck? Is he really trying to hide me? I’m hurt, and I’m pissed.

  I stand there for a few minutes and listen to black-hair tell him all about some issues they’re having with the set up for a photo shoot they’re supposed to be doing tomorrow. Yep. They’re models. They mention something about the pool and the cabanas. Blah, blah, blah. It all sounds like bullshit to me. I’m not in the business, but I’m pretty sure managers and agents take care of stuff like this. These women are just looking for a reason to talk to him, and if it’s so obvious to me, I wonder how Julian doesn’t see it. It was the same when bitchy Candace came into the kitchen. Everyone is always clamoring for his attention. Everyone except me, that is. I personally just want to get the hell away from here.

  Julian tells them they need to talk to someone else and that he’s sure it will all get taken care of in the morning, but they’re insistent about showing him what they’re talking about. They both keep touching him—on the arm, on the hand. The brown-haired one even leans into him and lays her head on his shoulder. He doesn’t reciprocate any touching, but he doesn’t move away from it either. I’m starting to freak out inside, and I know if I don’t walk away I’ll do or say something stupid.

  “Julian.” I say his name quietly.

  He turns around and finally acknowledges me for the first time since these two walked up. I’m not sure what I read in his eyes, but it’s clear he’s really uncomfortable. He starts to explain this is a work thing, but I cut him off before he finishes his sentence. I do so by silently turning around and walking the other way. I don’t even look back as I head anywhere but here. Did he really expect me to just stand there and wait? If so, he doesn’t know me at all. The worst part is he just lets me go and doesn’t call out to me.

  If I had a car, I would be out of here so fast. But I don’t, and all my stuff is in his car anyway. Tears spring to my eyes, and I’m kicking myself that I’m in this situation. I wanted to go public. I wanted to be part of his world. I was so stupid. It’s much easier to be with Julian in private. I definitely don’t like sharing.

  I go to the only place where I know I’ll feel better. I go find Luke. I know Luke won’t ignore me and make me feel invisible. And if I’m being honest, I know it will piss Julian off when he finds me there. I stop in the ladies’ room before I head up to Orion. I need to compose myself before Luke sees me, or he’ll know something is wrong.

  Luke notices me a few minutes after I get to the bar. “What’s wrong, Lex? You’re either about to cry or kill someone. I can’t tell.” Well that took all of about two seconds. Luke knows me so well, and of course he can read my expression. So much for composing myself.

  “I don’t want to talk about it. Please just get me a shot of Patrón.”

  Luke looks at me quizzically. He knows I’m not really a shot girl.

  “Seriously, Luke. Get me a shot please. Actually make it two.”

  “If you tell me what happened.” He’s just standing there staring at me.

  I’m not in the mood to play games. “I’ll go somewhere else, Luke. Just get me a shot.”

  He sees I’m serious, so he pours two shots and puts them in front of me. I down them quickly and feel the warmth course through my body.

  “Jesus, Lexie, what the hell is wrong? You’re freaking me out.”

  I really don’t want to tell him what just happened. I know he doesn’t want to hear about Julian to begin with, and I know he
doesn’t want to hear about Julian and other women. Or maybe he does. He does like to be right.

  “I’m fine, Luke. Julian had to take care of some business, and I came up to say hi.”

  “You’re a horrible liar, Lex. Did he do something to hurt you?”

  Ugh. “No, Luke, but he pissed me off. Please just let it go.”

  “I told you …”

  Luke stops midsentence as Julian comes up and stands next to me at the bar. My body betrays me, and I have to summon all of my mental strength not to turn and address him. Thirty minutes ago, I was in his arms, and now I want to run away.

  “I thought I would find you here, Alexa.” I hear the sarcasm in his voice, and I know he’s pissed I ran to Luke. Good, serves him right. I keep staring forward and refuse to acknowledge him like he refused to acknowledge me.

  “Uh huh. I came to see a friendly face.”

  Luke is looking back and forth between Julian and me, and I know he thinks it’s awesome we’re fighting. It doesn’t surprise me Julian decides not to respond negatively. He won’t get into this in front of Luke.

  “Are you ready to go, Alexa?” Julian sounds hostile and impatient. Seriously? He’s the one who felt the need to run off.

  “After I have another shot. Luke, please get me another.” Luke looks at me like I’m nuts and shakes his head.

  “I don’t think so, Lex. The third is never a good idea for you.”

  Julian grabs my hand and tugs on it, physically asking me to look at him. I meet his glare with one of my own.

  “Third? You’ve only been up here for twenty minutes.”

  “And?” I look back at Luke. “Another shot please.” My voice is dripping with sarcasm.

  Luke shakes his head and pours me another shot. I hold it up and toast to both Luke and Julian.

  “Here’s to you two men thinking you know what’s best for me.”

  I down the shot quickly and turn to face Julian. “I’m ready to go now.”