Chapter 9

nine

. . .

Julius led Hillary up the stone steps to the front door of the sprawling estate, watching her eyes widen as she took in the grandeur of his childhood home. He couldn’t quite read her expression. Was it awe, or something else? he’d wanted to show her he wasn’t just the actor from the big screen, but maybe the house was too much. She’d seemed on edge ever since they arrived, and he wasn’t sure why. Maybe showing her where he came from would help put her at ease.

He unlocked the door and held it open for her. “Well, this is it. Home sweet home, or at least when I was a kid. The rest of our little trip down memory lane will be focused on the inside. And I promise, I don’t expect you to give me the same tour.”

Hillary hesitated on the threshold, glancing around nervously as if unsure whether to proceed. A pang of worry flashed across his mind. Was bringing her here a mistake? Did she think he could be dangerous?

He laughed lightly, trying to break the tension. “Don’t worry, it’s just us, and I assure you I’m not a threat. My parents don’t live here anymore. They retired to a villa in Italy and left me this old place. Guess they figured I needed somewhere to escape the craziness of Hollywood now and then. Now it’s mostly an Airbnb rental.”

Her tense shoulders sagged a bit as she stepped over the threshold. A small grin tugged at the corners of her lips before disappearing.

“It’s beautiful,” she said softly, her voice echoing in the cavernous foyer. “I can see why you’d want to get away here.”

Julius closed the door behind them, drinking in the sight of her in his home, in his world. Her chestnut hair glowed in the warm light, her green eyes seeming to sparkle as she slowly turned to take it all in. His heart swelled with an unfamiliar feeling, one he couldn’t quite name. All he knew was that he wanted to give her more glimpses into his life, to peel back the layers of mystery she no doubt saw him as being a big celebrity.

He reached for her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. “Come on, let me give you the grand tour. I want to show you everything.”

As he led her deeper into the house, Julius felt the nervousness from earlier transforming into a fluttering anticipation. Sharing his past with Hillary suddenly felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Julius guided Hillary through the sprawling rooms, each one holding a piece of his childhood. In the living room, he pointed out the fireplace. “My sister and I used to roast marshmallows there on chilly evenings. It was more fun than doing it in summer with all the bugs. We’d always try to see who could make the biggest s’more,” he chuckled, the memory warming his heart.

Hillary’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “And let me guess, you always won?”

“Of course,” he grinned. “But only because I cheated and used two marshmallows.”

Their laughter mingled, filling the space with a comforting vibe he wasn’t afraid to admit the place had been missing when he came here alone.

As they moved into the kitchen, Julius ran his hand along the worn, but still in perfect shape, dark granite countertop. “This is where my mom taught me to cook,” he said softly. “She always said that the way to someone’s heart was through their stomach. I’m still not very good at it, but I haven’t killed myself yet.” He added a small wink.

Hillary leaned against the counter, her gaze gentle. “She sounds like a wise woman.”

“She is.” Julius smiled wistfully. “I think you’d like her. She’s quiet, like you, always watching.”

The tour continued, each room unlocking another piece of his past. By the time they reached his childhood bedroom, Julius felt like he’d shared more of himself with Hillary than he had with anyone.

Pushing the door inward, he watched as she stepped inside, her eyes roaming over the mostly barren walls. A few faded posters clung to the pale blue paint, remnants of his teenage obsessions of films similar to the ones he starred in now.

“Do you still sleep here?” Hillary asked, turning to face him. “Instead of the master bedroom?”

Julius nodded, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Sometimes, when I need to remind myself of where I came from. It keeps me grounded, you know? To be surrounded by the actors who made me realize I wanted to tell stories for a living.”

She smiled softly. “I can understand that.”

As she roamed the room, Julius couldn’t deny the inexplicable pulled toward her, like a magnet to metal. He wanted to reach out and tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear, to pull her close and breathe in the scent of her.

But he held back, the desire warring with his need to take things slow. This thing between them, whatever it was, was too precious to rush. He wanted to savor every moment, every tentative step forward.

So instead, he simply watched her, his heart swelling with a feeling he couldn’t quite name. And for the first time in his life, Julius realized that maybe, just maybe, he was ready to let someone truly see him - all of him.

Julius took a step closer to Hillary, nerves he wasn’t used to sending his heart thumping faster. She looked up at him, her green eyes wide and questioning behind her glasses.

He raised his hand, hesitating for a moment before gently reaching up to her hair. His fingers brushed against the soft strands, and a thrill ran through him at the contact. The same sensation he had when they kissed on the rooftop and just a bit ago in his garden.

Hillary’s breath hitched, and Julius paused, searching her face for any sign of discomfort. But she merely watched him, her lips parted slightly, as if waiting to see what he would do next.

Slowly, carefully, Julius tugged at the elastic band holding her ponytail in place. As he pulled it free, her chestnut waves cascaded down around her shoulders, framing her face in a soft halo.

He let his fingers linger, running them through the silky strands. It was a simple gesture, but somehow, it felt more intimate than anything he had ever done before.

Julius found himself captivated by the way it framed her face, softening her features and making her look even more beautiful than before. He couldn’t tear his gaze away, his eyes locked on hers as a powerful connection surged between them.

Hillary’s eyes fluttered closed, and she leaned into his touch, a small sigh escaping her lips. Julius’s heart swelled, and he marveled at the effect he seemed to have on her that didn’t appear linked to money or fame, only his touch.

Even as he reveled in the sheer power of her attraction to him, a part of him held back, unsure of how far to take things. He wanted her, there was no denying that. But he also wanted to do this right, to build something real. It was too early to say he wanted something lasting, but all signs pointed that way.

In that moment, all of Julius’s doubts and hesitations melted away. He knew with absolute certainty that he wanted to be with her, to explore this connection and see where it could lead. Unable to resist any longer, he leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a passionate embrace.

The kiss was like a bolt of electricity, charging through his body and igniting every nerve ending. As he pulled her closer, his fingers entwined in the soft strands of her hair. Hillary’s response was just as passionate, her lips eagerly parting for him as she matched his intensity. With every touch and caress, their need only grew stronger, pouring out with each breath and movement into the fiery kiss between them.

Julius’s mind went blank, all thoughts fleeing as he lost himself in the sensation of her mouth on his. It was like nothing he had ever experienced before, a perfect moment of connection and passion that left him breathless and aching for more as the kiss deepened, but remained chaste at the same time.

He marveled at the woman in his arms. The way she melted into his embrace, the way her lips moved against his with such perfect synchronicity.

There was nothing left but the two of them, lost in a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss. Julius’s hands roamed over her back, pulling her even closer as he poured every ounce of his desire into the kiss.

Hillary’s fingers tangled in his hair, tugging gently as she matched his passion with her own.

Time seemed to stand still as they continued to explore each other, their bodies molding together as if they had been designed to fit perfectly. He couldn’t remember ever growing ready so quickly with another woman, but the way her hips rocked against his was an invitation he wanted to accept. With each passing second, his connection to her grew stronger, the spark between them igniting into a flame that threatened to consume them both.

Julius knew that he should pull away, that they were moving too fast, but he couldn’t seem to find the willpower. All that mattered was Hillary and the way she made him feel—alive, desired, complete.

Julius’s hands slid beneath Hillary’s shirt, his fingers grazing the soft skin of her waist. He marveled at the way her body seemed to respond to his touch, arching into him as if seeking more contact. Slowly, reverently, he began to peel the fabric upward, exposing her inch by tantalizing inch.

Hillary’s breath caught on a small gasp as Julius worshiped her bare skin with his hands and his gaze. The intensity in his eyes made her feel both cherished and desired, a heady combination that set her nerves alight. She barely registered that they were moving until the back of her legs hit the edge of the bed.

As Julius lowered her down onto the mattress, Hillary someone came back to herself with the plush mattress underneath. She wanted this, wanted him, with an urgency that surprised her. But as his weight settled over her, a small voice in the back of her mind began to whisper doubts.

This isn’t me, she thought, even as her body cried out for more. I don’t do this. I don’t fall into bed with a man I barely know, no matter how incredible he makes me feel.

“Julius,” she breathed, placing a hand on his chest. “Wait.”

He stilled instantly, his eyes searching her face with concern. “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?”

She shook her head, biting her lip as she struggled to find the words. “No, it’s not that. I swear, every part of me wants to keep going, but it’s not true to who I am just to literally fall into bed with you because your kisses might be the most amazing ones on the planet.”

You did not just say that.

Hillary looked away, suddenly afraid to meet his gaze between her hesitance and her embarrassing revelation. What if he’s angry? What if he thinks I’m leading him on, or that I’m a tease?

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, hating the tremor in her voice. “I’m just... I’m worried about how you’re taking that.”

Julius’s expression softened, and he gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. “Hey, don’t apologize,” he murmured, his voice low and reassuring. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”

He rolled off of her, reaching down to retrieve her shirt from the floor. As he handed it to her, his fingers brushed against hers, sending a shiver down her spine.

“We can go as slow as you want, Hillary. Or as fast. It’s up to you.”

She sat up, surprised as he helped her slide her shirt back over her head. Somehow, the way he helped her dress was even more sensual than when he’d peeled the garment off of her. His hands skimmed along her sides, his touch feather-light and reverent.

How does he do that? she wondered, her skin tingling from his attention. How does he make even the simplest gesture feel so intimate?

As her shirt settled into place, Hillary forced herself to meet his gaze. “Are you upset with me?” she asked, hating the vulnerability in her voice.

Julius shook his head, his eyes never leaving hers. “The only person I’m upset with is myself,” he assured her. “I got carried away, and I shouldn’t have pushed.”

He reached out, taking her hand in his. “I mean it, Hillary. We’ll go at your pace. I’m just happy to be here with you. You’re so different from the people I’m forced to spend my days with.”

Why does that not sound like a good thing?

Julius gave her hand a gentle squeeze, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “So, what do you say? Want to watch a movie?”

Hillary couldn’t help but grin, the tension of the moment easing with his light-hearted suggestion. “Only if it’s one of yours,” she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Julius groaned, rolling his eyes dramatically as he led her out of the bedroom. “You just had to go there, didn’t you?” he complained, his voice laced with good-natured exasperation. “You know how weird it is for me to watch myself on screen.”

Hillary laughed, the sound echoing through the hallway as she followed him. “Oh, come on,” she cajoled, nudging him with her elbow. “It can’t be that bad. Besides, I want to see you in action while you see you in action.”

I want to see the man behind the characters, but if I see them at the same time, it might be interesting.

Julius led her into a spacious theater room, the plush seats and large screen promising a truly cinematic experience. He gestured for her to sit, his movements graceful and fluid even in this casual setting.

As Hillary settled into her seat, she couldn’t help but admire the way Julius moved, the confidence and ease he exuded. He’s so comfortable in his own skin , she mused, watching as he fiddled with the remote. It’s like he was born to be in front of the camera.

Julius glanced over at her, catching her staring. “What?” he asked, a hint of self-consciousness creeping into his voice. “Do I have something on my face?”

Hillary shook her head, a soft smile playing on her lips. “No,” she assured him, her voice warm and affectionate. “I was just thinking about how natural you are at all of this. It’s like you were meant to be a star.”

Julius ducked his head, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. “I don’t know about that,” he demurred, his modesty endearing. “I just try to do my best and hope people connect with the characters I play.”

As the opening credits of the movie began to roll, Hillary sunk down a bit in the seat to really relax, content to simply be in Julius’s presence. Whatever the future held, she knew one thing for certain: she was exactly where she wanted to be.