Page 41 of Hard Rock Muse

“You would have found another lyricist,” I said.

“Maybe,” he replied. “But none of them would have been you.”

I was about to retort that he didn’t need to use platitudes, but his next words had me coming up short.

“I’ve missed you.”

My throat closed up.

Julian never used to say things like that. If we were ever separated for long periods, he’d simply pull me into an embrace and ply me with kisses.

Julian’s eyes were bright, earnest yet resolute. He tugged me closer, until we were nearly pressed together. The heat of his body seeped into me, even through our layers of clothes.

He bowed his head. The ends of his hair tickled my cheeks. His gaze burned into mine. My eyes fluttered closed. He let out a breath, the warm air a sensual caress. I parted my lips with a sharp inhale. He touched his nose against mine, a small nudge. I let my head tilt to just the right angle. He shifted, clasping my hand tight and drawing me into him.

“I missed you, Ev,” he repeated softly.

My eyes snapped open. His lips were a hairsbreadth from mine.

“I can’t,” I whispered.

Julian stilled. I pulled back reluctantly. He stared at me, confusion and pain in his eyes. I removed my hand from his grasp. He tried clutching me, not letting me go for a moment, then relaxed his grip and let me slip away. I let my arms dangle uselessly at my sides, not sure what to do with them. I ended up folding them across my stomach, hugging myself.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“I just… can’t.” I stepped back and went to the living room. “I’ll get you some blankets for the sofa.”

He reached out and touched my shoulder. I stopped, my heart thumping madly in my chest.

“That’s not an explanation,” he said.

“It’s the best one you’re going to get.”

“Ev, don’t shut me out.”

I barked out a laugh. “You’re one to talk.”

“I know I’m not—” his voice sounded strangled. “Not the best with words…”

“Understatement.”

“But we always understood each other,” he continued.

“Did we?”

I could hear the frown in his voice. “Of course.”

“Sometimes I don’t think I ever really knew you.”

There was a tense pause.

“Is that why you don’t want me?” he asked.

“That’s not—” I ran a hand over my face and let out a frustrated breath. “That’s not it.”

“Then why?” Julian pressed. “We were so good together. Why can’t we just pick up where we left off? Why can’t we be together again?”

Outrage filled my chest. I whirled on him.