Chapter Eight

Topher

T he convention center was already packed when I arrived at the charity gala. I'd heard they sold a lot of tickets, but it seemed like a wall-to-wall sea of finely dressed people. One of them stuck out like a beacon of light, and I was drawn to him like the proverbial moth to a flame. I hadn't seen Julian in five freaking days, and my life had felt empty and dull in his absence.

With eyes locked on Julian, I crossed the ballroom to where he stood with Shelby and Emma. Shelby wore a knee-length dark green dress with a lacy overlay, and Emma rocked a long, strapless ice-blue dress. As beautiful as they were, I only had eyes for Julian. He'd made one of his corset vests from the same fuchsia material he'd used to make the bodice of Harper's gown. Julian had broken up the vibrant pink with a black lace overlay and alternated it with black leather panels. He wore a pressed black shirt under the vest and—oh my god—black leather pants. The combination of leather and lace suited him perfectly.

Julian's head swiveled in my direction as if he felt my intense stare or heard my pounding heart from across the room. He'd used hair implements and goop to straighten his light brown hair for the occasion. It gave him a more polished look, but I missed the wild curls. I wanted to run my fingers through his hair and tug the strands and watch them bounce back when I let go. There were other activities I could think of to make his curls bounce, but I didn't want to go there in a crowded room. Julian's face lit up with pleasure at seeing me, and I was overcome with the urge to find out where he'd been all week.

Had I said or done something to chase him off? Was his flirting only good-natured teasing and not a sign of stronger feelings as I'd suspected? Julian's light dimmed and tiny frown lines formed on his forehead. Christ, had my obsessive thoughts and confusion manifested into an angry scowl? I took a deep breath and let my joy at seeing him shine through in a smile. The one he sent me back was so bright it temporarily blinded me, and I nearly staggered into a waiter carrying a tray of drinks. I apologized and continued toward my personal beacon.

My sisters must've followed Julian's gaze because they let out a squeal of happiness. They rushed forward and smothered me with gentle hugs in deference to my shoulder. My MRI results had been favorable. I hadn't torn anything, so I was looking at weeks of wearing a sling and going to physical therapy instead of having surgery.

"How's little Raylon?" I asked Shelby.

She rubbed her baby bump and smiled. "Growing. I can't believe he'll be here in a few more months."

"Uncle Topher can't wait to meet the little man."

Shelby looped her arm through my good one and led me toward Julian, where I wanted to be anyway. "I bet you can't wait for another male in the family." My sister expressed what everyone else had assumed about me.

I leaned toward her and whispered, "Honestly, I'd been hoping for a little girl to spoil. I even had my eye on a little pink fishing pole."

"My son can fish with a pink fishing pole if he wants to," Shelby said.

"I bet you end up having the little girls, Topher," Emma added.

I'd never given fatherhood much thought because all my attempts at relationships had failed miserably. I adored kids but raising them without a partner wouldn't be my first choice. "Maybe," I said.

By then, we had reached Julian, who looked at me quizzically. "What agreement are they trying to wrangle from you?"

Before I could respond, Emma said, "Shelby and I think Topher will be the Carnegie to have little girls."

Julian's smile faltered, and his brow lifted higher. "Does that mean one of the proposals landed?" His tone was light and carefree, but I knew it was a loaded question.

"Nope. Still single." I wanted to point out that he'd know that if he hadn't disappeared, but I didn't want to reveal my needy, confused feelings.

"Hey, is that Coy Beaufort?" Emma asked.

I turned and searched the crowd until my eyes landed on the tall blond dressed in a charcoal gray suit. My nemesis cleaned up well, though I'd rather eat glass than admit it out loud. "What's that asshole doing at a charity event?" I asked.

My sisters chuckled, but Julian sighed and shook his head.

"People can grow," Julian offered.

I looked back in Coy's direction and caught him fidgeting with his tie and shirt collar as he searched the crowd. He was clearly out of his comfort zone and looking for someone. Was he trying to impress a new lady friend? The guy I remembered from high school wouldn't have donned a suit and tie to please anyone, so whoever the lady was, she must've made one hell of an impression on him. Coy turned his head and locked gazes with me. His blue eyes widened briefly, but he held up his hand to offer an awkward wave. I wanted to flip him my middle finger, but I nodded instead.

"See? Growth," Julian said.

I still wanted to know what Beaufort was doing there but forced my thoughts back to something more pleasant such as the way Julian's vest molded to his sculpted torso.

"Now that's an asshole," Julian said, nodding to a dark-haired man across the ballroom.

Emma, Shelby, and I turned to see who'd caught his attention.

"Oh," Emma said. "Do tell."

"If he's an asshole, he's a handsome one," Shelby added.

I knew exactly who my sisters were drooling over. Thaddeus Arisen, Julian's ex-boyfriend, looked like a damn prince in his black suit, white shirt, and black tie. I'd overheard more than a few conversations between Harper and Julian about the man. Though their breakup had occurred before Julian moved to Savannah, the bond between their families meant Julian ran into him every time he went home to visit his parents and sister.

"That's Thad," Julian said.

"Ahhh," Emma and Shelby said, proving they'd heard his name mentioned before too.

I played dumb and acted like I didn't know who they were talking about since Julian wouldn't have expected the deep dive I'd performed on the guy. I'd googled him, checked his record, and stalked his social media to get an idea of the kind of man Julian liked.

Thaddeus Arisen was everything I wasn't—rich, powerful, and connected. I was willing to bet my dick was bigger than his, but that would only get me so far, especially since I was the king of Dullsville. Thad was the kind of guy Julian's family wanted him to date and marry. Thad, and guys of his ilk, could whisk Julian off to Italy for a lover's getaway on a whim. I could only take him to Olive Garden.

What the hell are you doing so far away from home, Thad? Had he and Julian rekindled their relationship? Is that why he'd pulled a disappearing act?

"Damn it," Julian hissed. "I hoped I had a few more weeks before I had to deal with that prick. But I should have realized he'd be here since he sits on the board of trustees for a national organization that raises funds for pediatric cancer research. I bet they've partnered with the Anderson Cancer Institute, which we're all here to support."

Okay, so they hadn't rekindled their relationship. Where had Julian been? Giving his Grindr app a workout? I had no right to be petty and jealous since I'd stayed silent about my growing affection for him, but petty and jealous I was.

"Wow," Emma said. "I bet he was hard to get over."

Julian snorted. "Surprisingly not."

His tone was as sincere as ever. Julian wasn't one to bullshit or beat around the bush. It was one of the things I admired most about him. I turned my attention to Julian, who immediately looked my way as if he were as tuned in to me as I was to him.

"He's not all that," I said. "I think you could do better."

Julian's beautiful eyes softened. They looked greener beneath the ballroom chandeliers. He eased closer to me until only a few inches separated our bodies. As cliché as it sounded, the world around us disappeared, fading to a fuzzy backdrop I no longer saw or heard. He reached up and straightened my tie. I'd used a doorknob to form the knot before looping it over my head and tightening it in place.

"You're too sweet," Julian said.

There were so many things I wanted to say. My thoughts must've knotted up in a ball and lodged in my throat because I suddenly couldn't speak. Julian watched me with a curious expression, so I swallowed hard and said, "I meant every word." But that wasn't good enough. It barely scratched the surface of my emotions. My instincts told me it was time to stop dancing around my feelings and take action. I reached out and placed my good hand on Julian's hip and guided him even closer. "I've missed you and your magic hands this week."

The light in Julian's eyes grew impossibly brighter, and he looked at me with unabashed desire. "I've missed you too."

This wasn't the playful, flirty banter I'd gotten used to and had started to crave. This was deeper and delicious. Someone cleared their throat behind me. Ignore them , I implored Julian with my eyes. He must've recognized the irritating voice because he broke eye contact to look beyond my shoulder. Annoyance replaced the longing in his gaze.

"Thad," Julian said tersely. "I'm surprised to see you here tonight."

I stiffened and turned to meet the interloper head-on and realized Emma and Shelby had wandered off at some point.

"Why? We attended dozens of these types of events all around the country when we dated." He turned and looked at me. "This must be Christopher, the boyfriend I've heard so much about," Thad said.

The remark caught me off guard, and Julian looked like he wanted a giant hole to open up in the floor so he could fall through it. What was going on?

"I never said Christopher was my boyfriend," Julian said.

"So you're not dating? Because I heard you were bringing him to your sister's wedding to meet your family." Thad raked his eyes over Julian and didn't bother to conceal his interest. Maybe Thad did have a professional reason for being there, but his heated gaze said the appearance was more personal. It took everything I had not to growl like a possessive beast.

"I, um…" Julian's discomfort was painful for me but an apparent source of delight for his ex, and that I just couldn't abide.

I looped my arm around Julian's lower back to rest my hand on his opposite hip and pulled him into my side. Julian was so surprised it took him a moment to reciprocate the gesture. The warmth of his body pressed against mine nearly made me forget my mission until Thad aimed a pitying look at his ex. I dug my fingers into Julian's hip to keep him in place and dropped a kiss on his head. Julian lifted his gaze to meet mine.

"Boyfriend seems like such an inane word to describe our relationship. It's a Britney Spears title when we're more suited to Van Morrison lyrics." As soon as the words left my mouth, the melody for "Crazy Love" played in my head.

"Who?" Thad asked. The dude was so unworthy of Julian's affection.

Julian snorted and looked at his ex. "He means deep and insightful."

Thad didn't look convinced, so I turned Julian toward me, rested my forehead against his, and started singing the opening line to "Crazy Love," changing the pronouns to suit us. Julian sighed, looped his arms around my waist, and melted into me. My feet moved of their own volition, and Julian matched me step for step. We slowly swayed as I sang to him. Once again, I got lost in Julian's eyes, and the world around us faded into the background.

Julian darted a glance to the left and right as I finished the first verse, then he smiled up at me and said, "The coast is clear now."

But I didn't stop singing or swaying. It would've been easier to stop breathing.

Julian smiled up at me, then said, "Careful before I think you mean it."

I started to tell him that I meant it very much, but a guy with dark, slicked-back hair tapped him on the shoulder. Not even the interruption burst our bubble until the guy said, "Harper needs you." Then poof !

Julian retracted his arms from around my waist and stepped back. His smile was tentative and unsure, something I'd never associated with him. Julian always seemed so sure and confident with every decision, whether when designing fashion or flirting with me. "I, um, owe you an explanation, but duty calls first."

"You don't owe me anything of the sort," I said, though based on the conversation with his ex, perhaps he owed me a tiny one.

Julian rose on his tiptoes and kissed my cheek. The encounter was brief, but it zinged straight to my groin. It took everything I had to keep from reaching for him when he took two steps back. "Can we talk privately after the gala?"

"Of course."

Julian blew me a kiss before he walked away. I watched him until he was out of sight, then turned to look for my family's table. My parents were already sitting with Emma and her fiancé, Reno, and Shelby and her husband Dallas. There were two empty seats at the table, and I presumed one was for me and the other for Julian. All eyes shifted to me when I approached, and I could tell by their wide-eyed stares that Shelby and Emma had been filling them in about what they'd witnessed between Julian and me.

Mom stood up and leaned forward so I could kiss her cheek.

"You look amazing, Mama," I said, taking in her floor-length lavender gown. She'd swept her dark hair back in an up-do. Little wispy curls framed her face. She looked down the length of her body and met my gaze again. "Are you sure I don't look like I'm trying too hard?"

"Trying too hard to do what?" I asked.

"I think this strapless gown might be too young for me." She'd worn one of those super short lacy sweater things in the same color purple to cover her shoulders. She pulled it tighter around her as if it were a security blanket.

"You look incredible," I assured her.

"What about me?" Dad asked as he stood up and hugged me.

I slapped his back and said, "You look amazing too." We usually only saw Dad dress up for funerals and the occasional wedding, but everyone had stepped up to support Harper on her big night.

"So how is she?" I asked. By my somber tone, they all knew I was inquiring about Harper's mental state. I always thought pageants and public speaking came so easily to her until she confessed to experiencing high anxiety before each event.

"She's doing pretty good," Mom said. "Julian created the most beautiful dress for her, and he knows how to settle her nerves better than anyone."

"I think there's something about Julian that moves us all," Shelby said. "Don't you, Em?"

Emma, who'd just taken a sip of water, set her goblet down and smiled at me. Yep, these two brats had filled everyone in on the sparks they'd witnessed. "I think Julian inspires some of us a little more than others. Wouldn't you say, Toph?"

I darted a glance at my parents, who wore matching smirks.

"Is there something you'd like to tell us, son?" Dad asked casually.

I rubbed the back of my neck, unsure how to respond. There was no denying my attraction to Julian, but I wasn't sure how to word it. Up until recently, I'd considered myself straight. Sure, I noticed when guys were exceptionally handsome or well built, but I hadn't wanted to pull any of them close and kiss them until Julian came along. I knew there was something special when we first met, but even then, kissing him and…more hadn't been on my radar. My attraction to him had developed over time.

Of course I recognized Julian's physical attractiveness, but it was his personality that had sucker punched me. First, I admired the confidence Julian felt in his own skin and how he tried to help others achieve the same comfort. His quick wit and intelligence always kept me on my toes, but what moved me most was Julian's depth of love for those who'd won his loyalty. I'd witnessed it with Harper first, then with my parents and siblings. Since I'd moved in with Harper, I'd gotten to know Julian better, and my curiosity had grown into a strong desire to know him intimately.

"Son," Dad prompted, pulling me out of my reverie. "You must know we'd support a relationship between you and Julian."

My sisters leaned forward at the same time. If I hadn't felt panic rising inside me, I would've laughed at their reaction.

"I… We…" I took a deep breath, still unsure what to say. Maybe I'd know more after Julian and I had our private talk.

"Leave him alone," Mom chided gently, then winked at me. "This isn't the time or place for this conversation."

Dad lifted Mom's hand and kissed it. "Of course. You're right." He changed the subject to an upcoming music festival where we were scheduled to perform. With me out of commission for a while, he wanted to discuss rotating instruments and changing up the songs in each set. The topic bummed me out a little, but it didn't make my heart race or put me on the spot.

Soon after, the waitstaff came around with our entrées, but the seat next to me remained empty. My worry volleyed between Harper having a panic attack and Julian trying to avoid me after the encounter with Thad. I decided I'd investigate if the dessert arrived without any sign of Julian, but I suddenly felt his proximity without turning to look. The hair at the back of my neck stood up, and there seemed to be a charge in the air. Part of me insisted I was being ridiculous, but I told it to shut up when Julian pulled his chair back and sat down a moment later.

He smiled shyly at me, then laid his napkin over his lap. "At least I made it in time for dessert."

"Are you hungry?"

"Starved, but I don't want to cause a fuss," he said. "It's not the waitstaff's fault I'm so late."

"Is Harper okay?" Mom asked just as I flagged down a blonde server.

"She's just fine. Someone carelessly bumped into her backstage and sloshed a drink on her dress. It was nothing a little club soda and a fabric brush couldn't fix."

The server stopped at our table and asked how she could help. I quickly explained that Julian had been assisting the gala host backstage and had missed dinner.

"Oh, we have plenty leftover," she said sweetly. "Would you like chicken, fish, or steak?"

"I don't want to put you out," Julian said.

"It's no bother, sir," she said.

I could tell he was about to argue, so I placed my hand between his shoulders. "Please eat."

Julian huffed a frustrated sigh. "Fine. I'd love a steak, please."

"My pleasure," she replied. "Would you like me to bring out your dessert at the same time?"

Julian snagged my fork off my plate and speared a bite of chocolate cream pie. "I'll just eat his."

The server smiled at me. "Would you like a second helping?"

I'd been eyeing Reno's serving of banana pudding since they set it down in front of him. "We'll take a banana pudding too," I said.

She smiled warmly. "You've got it."

Julian helped himself to another bite of pie and let out a contented sigh. I should've removed my hand, but I kept it on his back until his meal and the banana pudding arrived.

"I want half of that," Julian said before I could take the first bite.

I drew a line in the whipped cream to separate the halves, then dug in. Moments later, the lights in the ballroom dimmed, and the festivities began. Harper looked like she was born to be onstage. Her strapless fuchsia bodice cinched tight around her torso and waist, and the tulle skirt fell in frilly layers to the ground, but a long slit showed a lot of leg when she moved around the stage. The color and style perfectly accentuated Harper's skin tone and figure.

I leaned toward Julian and said, "That's some dress."

Without taking his eyes off Harper, he said, "She's one amazing woman."

My sister had never shone so brightly, not even when she'd been crowned Magnolia Queen. She introduced the various entertainers and conducted the silent auction with humor, wit, and elegance. We waited around after the gala officially ended so we could congratulate Harper on a wonderful evening. She was thrilled the event had flowed so smoothly but was exhausted from having to be on for so long.

She fanned her face and said, "It's going to take me forever to decompress."

Mom, Emma, and Shelby offered suggestions to help her relax, and I took their distraction to get closer to Julian.

"Do you want to have a private chat now?" I asked.

A shadow of doubt crept across his expression, and I regretted bringing it up, especially if he was going to confess he wasn't that into me. "Sure. Walk me to my car?"

"Of course."

The late summer humidity held the city in her tight grip, not even loosening a little after dark. The air felt as heavy with moisture at ten o'clock as it had at six. Julian remained silent until his car was in sight.

"I owe you an apology," Julian said. "I'd made a misleading comment in my family's presence, and it led them to believe we were dating. It was a big dinner, and Thad and his family were there. The conversation turned to my love life, or lack thereof, and I was tired of the pitying glances from some and smug looks from others." I had no difficulty figuring out which camp Thad had been in. "I just blurted out that I didn't need anyone's matchmaking skills because I was already seeing someone special." Julian stopped by his car and pivoted to face me. "We'd shared a wonderful movie night before my trip, so I used your name when pressed for the identity of my new guy. It's a common name, and I didn't think much of it. I slipped and said Topher instead, though, which they recognized as belonging to Harper's brother. I should've cleared the air right then, but I didn't. I'm sorry."

I stepped closer, lifted my hand, and brushed the backs of my fingers over his flushed cheeks. Julian's skin was so warm, and even though it was already hotter than hell, I wanted to feel more of his heat.

"It's okay," I said. "I'm not mad."

"You haven't heard the worst part yet." He sounded so miserable, but a stupid smile tugged at my face.

"Lay it on me."

"Your CrimeStoppers appearance and post-apprehension press conference have gone viral on social media. Jorja told me my parents are smitten with you and are bragging to everyone that you're my boyfriend." Julian looked devastated, but my chest swelled with pride.

"You think I should be upset because your parents like me?"

Julian shook his head. "I wouldn't trust anyone who didn't like you. The problem is that now everyone expects you to attend my sister's wedding."

"I see. Well, there's only one solution."

Julian nodded vigorously. "I'll call my family tonight and explain everything."

"Nah," I said. "I've got a much better idea."

Julian tipped his head to the side. "You do?"

"I'll go to the wedding as your boyfriend."

Julian gasped and stared at me in utter shock. "You'll do what?" he asked once he recovered.

"You heard me. We'll convince your family we're dating. Later, you can tell them I'm a bore and that you broke things off with me."

Julian snorted. "Like anyone would believe me."

"Trust me. Every girl I've ever dated has told me I'm a drag."

"They're idiots," Julian said breathlessly. "And so are we if we think we can pull this off."

I leaned closer until my lips were nearly touching his. "I have faith in us."

Julian darted a glance behind me and stiffened. "Uh-oh."

Figuring the dickhead Thad was approaching, I closed the distance between us and kissed Julian. He stiffened at first, then melted against me. Julian's lips softened and parted, and I slipped my tongue inside his mouth. Fireworks ignited deep inside me, and I angled my head to deepen the kiss, wanting to get as close to him as possible. Julian moaned and fisted the back of my dress shirt, pressing himself tighter against me. Then he stood on his tiptoes, meeting my tongue stroke for stroke.

A sharp whistle and a catcall interrupted our intimate moment. Shit. I pulled back and stared into his dazed eyes.

"I was trying to tell you your family was approaching," he whispered.

Oops. I looked over my shoulder to see my entire family watching us with deliriously happy grins on their faces.

"Show's over," I told them.

"Damn it," Emma grumbled.

Shelby and Mom blew us kisses, but Harper formed a vee with her first and middle fingers. She pointed to her eyes, then to me in the classic I'm watching you sign, which I accepted with a nod. Julian groaned and buried his head in my chest as my family disbanded and headed for their vehicles.

"My family bought it," I said once they were all out of earshot.

Julian lifted his head and peered up at me. I smoothed the frown lines on his forehead. "These fake boyfriend plots don't work out so well in television shows and books."

I smiled down at him. "Afraid I'll fall in love with you?" The truth was, I was more than halfway there already.

Julian rolled his eyes. "Not hardly. I love your family so much, and I don't want to lose them when this all goes sideways."

"Our breakup doesn't have to be for heinous reasons. I'm a bore, remember?"

"I could never think that about you," Julian argued.

"Said every person I've dated until they learned the truth for themselves."

Julian shook his head. "No way."

I brushed my nose against his and relished his sudden intake of breath as he closed his eyes. "There's only one way to find out. Take me home to meet the family."

Julian slowly reopened his eyes and met my gaze. "I hope I don't live to regret this."

"It'll be fine. You'll see."

"Said every misguided movie or book character," Julian mumbled.

I placed my hand on his neck and felt his pulse racing beneath my thumb. "Just say yes, Julian."

"Yes," he whispered.