Julian sits up and blinks bleary eyes at me. His hair is sticking up in the back. “You get dressed,” he says as he closes one eye and rubs the other. “I’ll get the bags.”
We are a whirlwind of flying clothes and toiletries and bags. I haven’t gotten ready in this much of a rush in recent memory and I know I do not look like my put together self when we hastily make our way to the front desk. We return the keys, I collect the receipt, and we step out to the curb just as our taxi pulls up.
I feel tense and I keep checking the time on my phone as we drive the seven minutes to the airport. The woman at the check-in counter warns us we might not make it to the gate in time as she takes my large bag to check.
The second she hands us our boarding passes, Julian takes my hand in his, and we dash for the security line.
I am out of breath when we reach the gate and the attendants are calling our names for the last time. Julian and I sink into our first class seats and the doors to the plane are closed.
“At least the hotel was close to the airport,” Julian says as he relaxes back into his seat. “We would have been screwed if we were any further away.”
“I’m always so prepared for trips like this,” I say, my heart still hammering. “What have you done to me?”
In his eyes, I can see that there is another dirty joke he wants to make. Instead, he laces his fingers through mine. He raises our hands to his lips, and presses a soft kiss to the back of my hand.
I smile as I meet his eyes but something inside me sinks. The past two days have been perfect. The best few days I’ve had in years possibly. But they are coming to an end. What is going to happen when we get back to reality and the real world?
It’s hard to imagine the bliss continuing.
CHAPTER TEN
Work is hectic and stressful when I get home. Every time I sign a new client, I spend the next week plus on the phone, sorting out details, finalizing contracts, coordinating with the IT department to be sure everything is moving along as planned. And I am constantly reassuring the client that everything is being taken care of.
I work twelve hour days every day for the next nine days straight after I get home. June turns into July. I only make it for the last hour of dance class on Thursday and Tuesday, and Julian is not there. We text every so often. He is back working again as well, and he’s busier than ever.
I’m also cramming to be sure I will have a more freed up schedule when my brother Lake gets home. As many hours as I am working, Gretch is usually staying two hours longer than I am. She never complains though. I hope giving her her share of my bonus helps with that.
The light is soft and warm when I wake Wednesday. I’ve requested the day off and no one objects since things with the bank have finally been wrapped up. I must have needed the de-stress. I read the time as nine-thirty when I do finally rise from the dead.
Generally, I am very much a morning person. Me sleeping in this late is a monumental thing.
I roll over in bed, rubbing sleep from my eyes. First thing, I grab my cell phone to be sure there are no urgent messages from work. There aren’t any. But there is one from Julian.
Your brother gets home on leave today, right?
Yep, I text back. Kale and I will pick him up in an hour.
Enjoy your time with him. Tell him I say thank you for his service.
I will. Thanks.
Maybe we can find time to do something next week?
I bite my lower lip. Truth is, I haven’t stopped thinking about Julian for the last nine days and I’ve been dying to see him. But things have been so crazy and hectic lately. And now my brother is coming home. I have to prioritize my family over the source of my romantic distraction.
We’ll see, I send, no matter how much I hate the words.
I can’t stop thinking about you.
My prideful heart hiccups and the grin that spreads on my face is ridiculous.
We’ll get that third date sometime. Hopefully sooner than later.
The wait is killing me.
“Sage,” Kale says, his voice exasperated. He’s suddenly appeared in the doorway. “We have to go in like half an hour and I know it’s going to take you longer than that to get ready. Are you seriously going to make Lake wait at the airport?”
“Nope,” I say as I jump from the bed and head for the bathroom. “I promise I will be ready to leave in thirty minutes.”
“Who have you been texting?” Kale asks, his eyes narrowing in on my phone in suspicion as he follows me. “You’re suddenly awfully chipper. Are you seeing someone?”
I’m in too good of a mood to be bugged by his surprise.
“Maybe,” I say, raising an eyebrow at him and closing the door in his face.
Gotta run, I text Julian before stripping down.
I take a record fast shower. I twist my hair into a sleek bun for lack of time and throw on a simple dark blue dress and a pair of white pumps. After grabbing my bag and phone, I dart downstairs and Kale and I slide into the car with exactly thirty minutes before our brother is scheduled to arrive.
“I’m impressed,” Kale says as I back out of the garage. “I thought there was no possible way you’d be ready in thirty minutes.”
“I am an impressive woman,” I say as we head out.
“Seriously,” Kale says, shaking his head. “Who are you sleeping with? I haven’t seen you in this good of a mood since… Well, I can’t think of since when.”
“I’m not sleeping with anyone,” I insist, glaring at him.
“Bull,” he says, staring me down.
“Seriously,” I say, my good mood dampening. I can tell Kale doesn’t believe me and that makes my fingers curl into fists around the steering wheel. “Kale, I haven’t slept with anyone since I was in high school.”
He’s silent for a moment and I can feel him studying my face. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you?”
“I’m pretty sure I don’t look like I’m joking.” I glare at him and can see that he feels bad for pushing this so hard.
“I’m sorry,” he says. “I…I didn’t know.”
I sigh and shake my head. “It’s fine. Just…back off on it, okay?”
“Yeah, sorry.” His eyes fall from my face to his lap. Kale doesn’t feel too many deep emotions, but I can tell he does feel bad for pushing me. “But you’re dating someone?”
This brings my mood up, but just a bit. “I don’t know if we’re exactly dating, but we’ve seen each other around quite a bit.”
Kale nods. “I’d ask more details, but I’m pretty sure you’ll just have to repeat it all when we pick up Lake. You know he’s going to grill you too.”
“Goodie,” I say.
——
Kale and I stand next to the baggage claim and keep our eyes glued to the exit door. Floods of people keep coming out, but no one in fatigues yet.
It’s been nine months since we’ve seen our brother. He’s been in Iraq for a long while and he’s already finishing his third tour. He informed Mom last time he talked to her that he plans to do one more tour before he stays home for good.
As long as he doesn’t get himself killed before then.
There have been four guys in his unit killed in the last seven months.
A new wave of people starts moving through the door and then I spot a small group of men in uniform. Two faces I don’t know come first.
And then behind them, comes my not-so-little little brother.
A smile breaks onto both of our faces and I take five long strides that would have been a run if I hadn’t been wearing heels, toward him and wrap my arms around his shoulders. We both laugh as he hugs me tight, lifting me up off my feet.
“You’re all in one piece,” I say as I press a kiss to his cheek.
“For now,” he chuckles as he releases me. I back up and he embraces Kale.
“What’s this I hear about you going full time with the modeling stuff?” Lake claps a hand on Kale’s shoulder. “Someone
can make a living just posing in front of a camera with all their clothes still on?”
“Well, he is still living with me,” I taunt. “And it doesn’t look like that’s going to change any time soon.”
“Hey,” Kale defends. “I’ve got a gig next week that is paying over a thousand dollars for the shoot.”
“And Sage makes that in what? Thirty minutes at her job?” Lake says with a wink in my direction.
Despite the teasing, Kale laughs too.
Lake collects his bag and we head toward the parking garage.
“Nice ride, sis,” Lake says as I unlock my car. I pop the trunk for him and hold it open while he puts his bag inside. “Things must really be going well.”
“And you haven’t even seen her new place yet,” Kale says as he climbs into the back seat.
“How about we don’t talk about money?” I insist as I close the back door and climb into my seat. “How’s life in the Marine’s been?”
Lake shrugs and buckles up. “About the same as it was last time.”
“You sure you want to do another tour?” I ask as I back up and head out of the garage. “You’ve been pretty lucky so far. Why push it, Lake?”
“I believe in what I’m doing, Sage,” Lake says and the tone in his voice says that it is time for the conversation to be over.
Lake isn’t one much for words. There is something inside of him that I wouldn’t quite call darkness, but it isn’t all light and rainbows either. He keeps it to himself and all we can do is try to not let that hurt too bad. In the end, the best we can do is to be there for him.
We head to Woodinville in quiet and pull into the restaurant our parents told us to meet at. Drake and Kaylee and the kids are there as well. It’s crazy, and loud, and messy with the kids, but it’s an amazing feeling to have all my family back together again.
Something I wouldn’t trade for the best bonus in the world.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
For the first time since I got back from Toronto, I don’t have anything pressing on my time Thursday evening. Lake is out doing something with Kale and Drake. Mom and Dad are doing their thing. Work is slowing down a bit toward normal.
I felt guilt free heading to ballroom tonight.
Half the class is already there when I get to the building. I set my bag down along the wall and sit to put my shoes on. The first time I’d worn them they’d cut into my feet. They are incredibly tight and have now molded themselves to the shape of my feet. But they do make my legs look incredible when I dance.
The door opens and that annoying young girl is laughing and talking nonstop.
I look up to see her blabbing at Julian.
His lips curl when he sees me, and I know I’m smiling too. I stand and watch him walk to the front of the room to talk to Beth.
My cheeks are flushed and my chest and neck feel hot. My blood is rising and racing. Every move Julian makes I am acutely aware of.
It’s been eleven days since I’ve actually seen him and I am Julian starved.
“Let’s get started!” Beth yells and claps her hands together. “Everyone in a line and we will start off with our cha-cha runs!”
All the women line up behind Beth, the men behind Julian. I stay to one end of the women so I am closest to Julian.
For the first time in a long time, I make a very big effort to give my hips the movement Beth has perfected. I use my knees to get rotation, I use rise and fall to form my lines and flow.
It seems to be working. Julian can’t stop looking over his shoulder at me.
We go over the footwork for spot turns and individually go over underarm turns. And finally, finally, it is time for partners.
Julian makes no hesitation in placing a hand on my back and taking my hand up in the other.
My entire body leaps to flames at his touch. My eyes slide closed for a moment and I take a deep breath of his oh so familiar scent.
It feels like it’s been months since I was last in his arms in Toronto, not weeks.
I open my eyes as Beth starts the music and Julian effortlessly leads us into the basic. He holds me tighter than he needs to, but I will be the last person on Earth to complain.
“The last two weeks have been killing me,” Julian breathes low into my ear.
“You said that yesterday,” I tease as he leads me into the underarm turn.
“It’s bad,” he says as we come together again. We start forward and back in a run. “I should be wrapping up this project by the middle of next week and then I have a business trip the beginning of next. But every second you can spare in between those times I plan to occupy.”
“And what if I am otherwise occupied?” I tease. It’s instinct reaction. If Julian wants to occupy my time, I will make myself incredibly available.
“Then I will have to con Gretchen into telling me where you live and I will sneak into your bed to get what little time I can with you.” He has dropped his face low to my ear and his lips tickle my skin.
“My place has an extensive security system,” I say as we start another basic. “Perhaps I will have to start forgetting to set it at night.”
“Problem is, I seem to remember you saying you have a brother who lives with you though. I’d rather not get shot trying to sneak into your bed.”
“Kale doesn’t own a gun,” I smile. “But yes, he might be a problem for you.”
“Okay!” Beth interrupts. “Switch partners, please!”
Switching is the very last thing I want to do. I’ve only just gotten Julian back within reach, I don’t want to let him go again so soon. Touching him is quickly becoming addictive. But regretfully, I watch him switch to that stupid young girl.
I’m really not jealous. But I am annoyed by the way she flirts with him.
Since we are now almost done with the fifth week of class, everyone has gotten pretty familiar with the steps. None of us move the wrong direction very often, and we no longer trod on each other’s toes. There are starting to be definite people who are better dancers than others. I’m somewhere between the better ones and the middle. Except with Julian. Then I know I’m the best.
When class ends, I gather my things and am very aware of Julian’s eyes on my rear end when I am bent over. A smile curls on my lips.
My phone starts ringing and I check the caller ID.
“Lake,” I say excitedly.
“Hey,” he says in his gruff voice. “Wanna grab some dinner tonight? I know it’s late, but thought I’d ask.”
“Uh,” I say, glancing back at Julian who is talking to Beth. I’m a terrible sister for the fact that I’m torn between his offer and spending time with Julian. “Yeah,” I say with a wistful sign. “I’ll meet you at my place in ten minutes.”
Someday I’ll get more than a few stolen moments of Julian.
——
Friday Digit is only open half the day in celebration of Independence Day. As soon as I get off work at eleven thirty, I dart to my car and am lucky I don’t get a speeding ticket as I race to Woodinville. I pull up to Mom and Dad’s curb just as they are walking out of the house.
“You barely made it in time, young lady,” Dad says with a smile as he puts his armload of blankets and chairs in the back of Mom’s minivan. We’ve all been out of the house for a year or more, but she still loves driving one. “Climb on in. Drake and Kaylee are meeting us there.”
Just then Kale and Lake dart out of the house, laughing loudly about something.
“Boys!” Mom yells. “Get in, we’re not going to get anywhere to sit if we don’t go now!”
A ridiculous smile is spread on my face when we’re all loaded and Dad backs out of the driveway. “Wow, flashback to childhood. If Drake were here I’d feel like I was ten years old again on my way to a soccer game.”
“I miss those days,” Mom says with hints of happiness and sadness in her voice.
“How’d your appointment go, by the way dad?” Lake says.
“Uncomfortable,” Dad says and
squirms in his seat. “But fine.”
“So everything was okay?” I ask. For a second, my heartbeat kicks up and dread fills my stomach.
“Things look good,” Dad says as he turns toward the parade. “I’m healthy as a horse.”
“Glad to hear it,” I say with a smile.
As we near State Street, Dad finds somewhere to park and we all climb out. Each of us takes either a chair, a blanket, or a cooler filled with ice, drinks, and popsicles.
As we start down the sidewalk looking for a place that isn’t occupied, a contented smile crosses my lips.
My life is complicated and intense. I spend my days stressing about clients and positions and money.
I don’t often take time to appreciate simple moments like this. Moments of sitting under a tree on a hot day. Moments of snuggling my niece and nephew and chatting with my sister-in-law about baby clothes. Moments of watching a hometown Fourth of July parade.
“You look happy, sweetie,” Mom says quietly to me as the parade nears the end. She wraps an arm around my shoulder and squeezes me into her side.
“I am, Mom,” I say with a smile as I hug her back.
The house is quiet and dark. Kale is out on a date, enjoying some post-firework’s party. He hasn’t been home much at all in the last few days. Between spending time with Lake and whatever this high paying shoot is, it’s keeping him busy.
Not that I mind. It’s nice to have my house to myself sometimes.
I sit down at the desk in my room and boot my laptop up. I’ve completely forgotten about my bonus until now. I log into my bank account and pull up my mortgage.
I paid over forty percent down when I bought the place. Between investment money and what I made off of the sale of my old apartment it was enough to pay down that huge chunk. I pay nearly double my mortgage every month and I’ve put twenty percent of every bonus I’ve gotten toward paying the mortgage down.