Page 40 of Hard Rock Muse

12

The two of us sat there on the roof for longer than I’d planned. We sat until I was shivering from the evening chill.

“Let’s get you home,” Julian said. “Before you turn into a popsicle.”

We climbed down the rusted metal steps and made our way back to Julian’s car. The ride was mostly silent except for me giving him directions to my place. The late hour — or early, depending on how you looked at it — made for a quick ride with no traffic to speak of.

We pulled up to the low-rise apartment I shared with Abby. I unbuckled my seatbelt.

“Thanks for driving me,” I said. “Sorry you missed out on clubbing with your friends.”

“I didn’t really feel up to it anyway.” Julian tried to stifle a yawn. He rubbed at his eyes and craned his neck back and forth.

“You look exhausted,” I said.

“Been a long day,” he said.

Before I could stop them, the words came out of my mouth.

“You could crash on my sofa.”

Julian stared at me. I flushed. I hadn’t meant it to sound like a cheesy pick up line.

“I wouldn’t want you to fall asleep at the wheel,” I said lamely.

He nodded slowly. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

Already regretting my words, I got out of the car and went to unlock the door. Julian followed me. I paused.

“Abby’s probably asleep,” I said. “We moved in together after…”

After Keith, I was going to say, but I didn’t want to speak his name.

“…so we’ve got to be quiet,” I finished.

We walked through the door and I flicked on the light switch. The living room was empty and Abby’s bedroom door was closed.

“Do you want anything?” I tossed my purse on the coffee table and kicked off my shoes. “It’s too late for coffee, but maybe a decaf tea, or some juice?”

“I could use a glass of water,” he said.

I poured him a glass from the jug in the fridge. When I turned around to give it to him, I was surprised to find him right there. I nearly spilled the water all over myself.

Julian placed a hand on my wrist to help steady the glass. It didn’t help. My fingers shook, making the surface of the water ripple.

He took the glass and set it down on the kitchen table, his other hand not leaving my wrist. A thumb brushed back and forth along my palm. I couldn’t suppress a shiver. This time it had nothing to do with being cold. With that slightest touch, my body was on the verge of igniting.

Julian shifted from holding my wrist to taking my hand.

“I wanted to thank you,” he said.

“For what?” I asked, my voice a near whisper.

“For coming to the concert,” he replied. “And for the drink. And the game. For everything, really.” He squeezed my hand. My heart fluttered. “I know it’s been weird, the two of us working together again.”

“That’s one way to describe it,” I muttered.

“But I really appreciate what you’re doing for me.” He brought my hand to his chest, pulling me closer. I could feel his heartbeat against my skin. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”