Chapter 10

ten

. . .

Hillary pressed her back against the door, letting out a breathy laugh as she touched her fingertips to her still-tingling lips. The warmth of Julius’s kiss lingered, leaving her still in disbelief over the day’s events. She closed her eyes, savoring the memory of his mouth moving against hers, of his strong hands cupping her face before letting her slip inside her building.

It had been less than two minutes since he’d pulled away, but it seemed as if forever had passed. She wasn’t used to this, to being so all-encompassed by anything other than work. For as long as she could remember the only thing that made her giddy or feel special was telling a story that helped others. It wasn’t exactly what Muse was known for, but she had a stepping stone to greater things.

“Did this entire day really just happen?” she whispered aloud, not caring if her Aisha, her roommate, was in the apartment. She wasn’t even able to contain the giddy smile stretching across her face.

Part of her still couldn’t believe Julius Theon, the movie star she had admired from afar for so long, had actually just kissed her. Multiple times.

She allowed herself a moment to simply bask in the joy bubbling inside her since it seemed Aisha wasn’t home to tell her. “Alright, go do something,” she still hadn’t stopped smiling as she pushed off the door and kicked off her heels. Padding across the hardwood floor in her stockings, flashes of their date kept replaying in her mind—the way Julius had looked at her so intently as they talked, hanging on her every word like no one else existed, the spark every time his hand brushed hers—all of it seemed branded into her mind on a continuous loop.

Hillary plopped down on the couch, hugging a pillow to her chest as she continued to grin uncontrollably. Her mind was still reeling, but one thing was crystal clear, she couldn’t wait to see Julius again and find out where this unexpected journey would lead. For once, her usual worries and insecurities were silenced, drowned out by the thrill of having someone like him basically focusing on someone like her.

Her gaze drifted to the window, where the city skyline glittered against the inky night sky. This view was why she used most of her salary on rent, and it seemed somehow more enchanting than usual, the lights twinkling with a newfound brilliance that mirrored the spark Julius had ignited within her. She hugged the pillow tighter, marveling at how a single kiss could make the world feel so alive with possibility.

A flicker of uncertainty crept in amidst the euphoria. Why would someone like him, with his devastating good looks and magnetic charm, be interested in a quiet, unassuming girl like her? It didn’t quite make sense, and her old insecurities threatened to resurface.

But then she remembered the sincerity in Julius’s eyes as he’d gazed at her, the genuine warmth in his smile, and the way he’d seemed unable to control himself when they kissed. There had been no pretense, no artifice. Just a real connection. Whatever his reasons, Hillary knew deep down that his interest was sincere.

She sighed contentedly. “Stop overthinking it, Hillary,” she murmured to herself. “Just enjoy the moment and see where it leads.”

Rising from the couch, Hillary moved to the window, her fingers lightly tracing the cool glass. The city stretched out before her, its endless sea of lights seeming to wink at her knowingly. An unfamiliar thrill of excitement came over her as she realized that this was just the beginning of a new chapter. One where she could embrace the unexpected and let herself shine.

“Dinner, go do dinner.”

Hillary headed to the kitchen a few steps from the small living room, her mind already spinning with possibilities for the future. She knew there would be challenges ahead, moments where she’d hate being in the news and moment he’d likely hate having to train her how to be in the news. But for now, she was content to bask in the glow of this magical night, letting the memory of Julius’s kiss carry her forward on a wave of glee.

As Hillary busied herself in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and humming softly to herself, she couldn’t help but imagine how different things might be at the office tomorrow. The thought of facing Olivia, of asserting herself more confidently, sent a flutter of nerves through her stomach.

“You can do this,” she whispered, her knife slicing through a crisp red pepper. “If Julius sees something special in you, then it’s time you start seeing it, too.”

She pictured herself walking into the magazine’s sleek offices, her head held high, ready to tackle whatever challenges came her way. There was even a chance she’d pitch the daring story idea she’d been mulling over for weeks. The one that always seemed too bold, too risky because it essentially attacked the publishing industry.

Lost in thought, Hillary barely registered the ping of her phone until the second alert sounded. Setting down her knife, she wiped her hands on a dish towel and reached for the device. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Julius’s name on the screen.

“Hey there, superstar,” the message read. “Just wanted to let you know I’ve got a big audition coming up soon. But don’t worry, I fully intend to make time for a certain beautiful journalist, if she’s interested.”

Hillary’s lips twisted back into a grin, something she feared would happen anytime he texted no matter how many times he did. Her fingers hovered over the screen, suddenly uncertain how to respond. She took a deep breath, remembering her newfound resolve.

“I’m definitely interested,” she typed, hitting send before she could second-guess herself. “Can’t wait to hear all about this audition. And potentially celebrate with you after?”

The reply came almost instantly, “It’s a date. I’ll be counting down the minutes until I see you again.”

Hillary set her phone down, a warmth spreading through her chest. She turned back to her half-prepared meal, ready to make the most of everything from here on out. The world felt full of possibilities, and for the first time in a long while, Hillary was ready to embrace them all.

As she dropped the vegetables into the pan, Hillary couldn’t contain the excitement buzzing through her veins. She let out a high-pitched squeal, the sound echoing off the kitchen walls. It was a noise of pure, unadulterated joy. A sensation she hadn’t experienced in longer than she could remember.

“Get it together, Hil,” she muttered to herself, shaking her head with a grin. “You’re acting like a teenager with a crush.”

But wasn’t that half the fun? The giddiness, the anticipation, the feeling that anything could happen? Hillary had spent so long playing it safe, keeping her head down and her heart guarded. Maybe it was time to embrace the thrill of the unknown.

She reached for her phone again, re-reading Julius’s message. His words seemed to leap off the screen, making her pulse race and her skin tingle. How did he have this effect on her, even from afar?

Hillary’s mind drifted to their upcoming date, to the promise of more stolen moments and electric touches. She could almost feel the warmth of his breath against her cheek, the gentle pressure of his hand in hers. The anticipation was delicious, a heady rush that made her feel more alive than ever.

With a contented sigh, Hillary turned her attention back to the task at hand. She had a feeling she’d need all her energy for whatever lay ahead—both in the office and with Julius. But for once, she wasn’t afraid of the challenges to come. She was ready to meet them head-on, with a newfound confidence that she really did have a movie star to thank for.