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“I hope I have that kind of marriage one day.”
“I think you’re well on your way,” she says, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Adrian looks like the kind of man who’d throw you over his shoulder.”
I blush at the thought. “I still don’t know where we stand.” Caroline opens her mouth to say something. “AndI made a vow not to make the first move again.” She closes it.
“Okay, that’s fair.” She leans her head back against the headboard and shrugs a little. “Well, you can just wait it out and see what happens. For now, let’s watch Emma and Mr. Knightley fall in love.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
I smile and press play on one of my favorite movies. Even though Caroline prefers to watch true crime shows and thrillers, she’s a sucker for this movie as well. We always end up laughing and swooning the whole way through.
I’m pulling a handful of popcorn out of the bowl between us when my phone buzzes in my lap. I wipe my hands on a napkin and grab it.
Sunshine: How are you feeling?
I smile down at the screen. He’s checking on me.
Juliette: I’m good! My back is sore, but that’s it.
Sunshine: Good. I hope you sleep well tonight.
Juliette: Unlikely, since I’m sharing a bed with Caroline. She sleeps like a starfish.
Sunshine: Would it help if I came and sprayed my cologne on your pillowcase?
I bite my lip to stifle a giggle and shake my head
Juliette: You weren’t supposed to remember that.
Sunshine: You’re hard to forget.
Someone pinch me because I have to be dreaming. Adrian Carter isflirtingwith me.
Sunshine: Can I see you tomorrow morning? I have something I want to give you.
My eyes widen. What does that mean?
Juliette: Sure, same time as usual?
Sunshine: See you then. Goodnight, Jules.
Juliette: Goodnight, Sunshine.
Chapter twenty-nine
Juliette Monroe
Ihaven’thadanounce of caffeine this morning, but I amwired. It’s approaching five in the morning and I’ve been up for an hour. Sleep? I don’t know her. All I know is I’m beyond nervous for what Adrian is going to give me.
When I peek out my window I don’t see Adrian on his usual run, so he must have decided to forgo it and just wait on me. My stomach flip-flops uncomfortably. After everything the past two days has brought, I’m bursting with questions. I have a feeling this gift–if it’s even a gift–from him will answer at least a few of them.
Which is why I’m trembling with my hand on my back door, asking God for the courage to take one step. I can put myself out there one more time. I’ve been throughmuchworse than a man rejecting me. Though one could argue that my past trauma just made everything harder for me to deal with rather than easier.
I shake my head, trying to dislodge the seeds of doubt in my brain.
You can do this, Juliette. Just go out there and see what’s waiting for you. No more being careful.One deep breath in and I’m ready to go. Or as ready as I’ll ever be.
The cool morning air blows my hair back, making me shiver. My eyes zero in on Adrian immediately. He’s lounging on one of his deck chairs. He looks effortlessly gorgeous in his black joggers and matching hoodie.
