Chapter 23 - Julie

My alarm chimes, interrupting a rather intense but wonderful dream about the prospect of having Kaius bending me over a kitchen counter. I still ache in the most delicious way from last night's antics at the bar. I do not know what to do with Kaius, but I know that I'm like an addict craving more of him.

I take a shower, trying to keep my thoughts on anything other than him, but I fail. I get dressed, irritated with myself over just how much I want him. I pull on my worn, burgundy GRHS hoodie and slip my feet into my boots with a sigh.

I walk into the kitchen to find Uncle Merl shuffling around, fixing himself a cup of coffee. He's getting back on his feet, though he still winces occasionally from the lingering aches of his healing burns.

"Morning, Uncle Merl," I greet him with a smile, and he pours a second cup of coffee before passing it across the small counter to me.

"Morning, Julie," he replies, his voice gruff but warm.

"I've been thinking," I say, sipping at the coffee. "About what I want to do with my life."

"Oh? Something more than working at that damn market, I hope."

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. If anyone would be supportive of me making my path, it'll be Uncle Merl. I just need to see what he thinks about me staying here while I save up the money to purchase the building.

"I think I'm going to start writing a book about the town history," I explain.

"You'd be great at that. I'm pretty sure you made me take you to every ghost town within sixty miles of here at least four times as a kid. What else do you plan to do? If money wasn't a problem?"

"If money wasn't part of it? I'd want to reopen the town museum."

"That's a big undertaking but if anyone could manage it, it'd be you."

"I like the idea. It would help me find my place outside of my parents and the market."

"That sounds like a great idea, Jules."

"Well, that's the dream, I guess. Do you think there's any way I can stay here just a little while longer while I work on writing the book? I will have to pick up a part time job somewhere, but I'll help pay you rent."

"You know, I'd be more than happy to let you stay here, but I think I may have a better way I can help."

"What do you mean?" I ask, my brow furrowing.

"Why not work on your book and open the museum?" he says, his expression serious. "I can help fund the museum, get you started, and it has a loft above that you'd be able to stay in."

"No, Uncle Merl, I can't accept that. It's too much."

"Hush," he insists, waving a hand dismissively. "I've got more money than I know what to do with, and I'd like to see it put to use."

"But I can't—"

"Julie," he interrupts, his tone firm and serious. "I was near death in the hospital, and you were the only person in the family who was there for me. You were the only one to stay here helping your parents for all these years. You finally have something you want to do, and I think it's the least I can do to help you get started. And besides, I'd rather spend my money on something more meaningful than booze."

I hesitate, still unsure about accepting such a generous offer.He lets out a long sigh, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Look, use it now or inherit it later, your choice. But Hun, you're my sole beneficiary, have been for a couple years now."

"Uncle Merl, that's ridiculous. What about the guys? Aren't they going to be pissed?"

"With all the love in my heart, fuck my sons. They haven't spoken to me in at least five years. I don't think they have much say in it, do you?"

"Still, Uncle Merl, this is too much."

"You really want to stay here with me when you could start something that's your own for the first time? Don't be silly, Jules."

***

Uncle Merl is beyond insistent that I take the money. He wrote me an obscene check and seems to just be tickled at the idea of finally having something to spend his money on. He keeps helping me find new ideas for different exhibits as well, digging through old family stories.

During the weeks of trying to get the purchase pushed through, Kaius has been trying to show me he's changed. His texts are sweet—still occasionally teasing, but overwhelmingly comforting. His words of encouragement warm my heart, and I smile every time his name pops up on my screen. I wish I could find a way to return him the favor. I wish I could help him see that the clan here really is permanent for him if he chooses it. That's at least the entire feeling I get when I see them all together, but he still seems to fear it a bit.

The time that it's taken for me to get the purchase approved has been a bit of a blur, but I am finally ready to move my things into the small apartment above the museum. It's a cozy space, and I'm ready to have my own for the first time.

A small knock on my bedroom door turns my attention from the box I'm packing. It's Kaius, his usual grin in place as he leans against the doorframe.

"Ready to get started?" he asks.

I nod, leading him to my room to help pack up my things. I feel awkward about accepting his help with the move, but it was sweet of him to offer. We work in companionable silence; the air is filled with the sounds of cardboard boxes being taped and furniture being moved.

Once everything is packed up, we load the boxes into my car and make our way to the museum. The drive is short, and I can't help but steal glances at him every so often, my heart swelling with gratitude for his help.

When we arrive, we unload the boxes and carry them up the narrow staircase to the apartment. The proximity to Kaius and the way he moves with ease and confidence makes me realize just how important he's become to me.

"Thanks for helping me move," I say, setting down a box in the living room.

"Anytime," he replies, his smile softening. "I'm happy to help."

We spend the rest of the day arranging the furniture and unpacking the boxes. The apartment slowly starts to feel like home, and I can't help but feel a sense of pride in what I've accomplished.

As the sun sets, we finally take a break, collapsing onto the couch with a sigh of relief.

"This place looks great," Kaius says, glancing around the room.

"Thanks," I say, feeling a warmth spread through me. "I'm really happy with how it turned out."

"I'm proud of you, Julie. You're doing something amazing here."

His words leave me speechless, and I feel a lump form in my throat. I am pretty sure that no one has ever said that to me before. The realization hits me like a ton of bricks.

"Thanks," I whisper, squeezing his hand.We sit there for a moment, the silence stretching on as we watch the sunset through the window. I can feel the bond between us strengthening, the connection that's been building over the past few weeks.

"What are you thinking about?" Kaius asks, breaking the silence.I turn to him, my eyes searching his. How do I tell him? I feel more vulnerable having to tell him I am falling for him than even after he saw my most painful memories. I am the world's biggest coward.

"You," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.He raises an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

"Good things, I hope."

"Mostly."

"Just mostly?"

"There are a few dirty thoughts mixed in there too," I admit, my cheeks flushing.He grins, pressing a soft kiss on my forehead.

"Good. Can't have you forgetting just how much you enjoy it when I get you out of your comfort zone."

"I don't think there's such a thing as a comfort zone with you around," I say with a smirk, sliding my eyes to meet his.

"Is that really such a bad thing, though?" he asks, and I can't tell if that's his own vulnerability I'm hearing or if I just want it to be.

"Depends on whether Sarah ends up having to arrest me for public indecency in the near future, I suppose."

"That would imply we get caught," he laughs, his voice low and dangerous. My entire body is on fire with the ideas. He turns, leaning over me on the couch and pinning me in with his arms. Kaius leans in but pauses just shy of kissing me, his lips held back just enough to tease me with the proximity.

Our mingled breath dances on my lips, and I want him. That's all there is at this moment. I close the space between us, arching my body up to him.