lian and their conversation lingered. She couldn't shake off the feeling th

oticed a figure standing across the street. It was Jul

followed by a flutter in her

amppost and strode towards her. "Lexi," he said, his

ying to appear nonchalan

you again for the painting. And I was hoping... maybe we could grab

beat. Was this a date? O

heart of the city. As she walked in, she spotted him sitt

g up as she approached.

ng a flutter in her

the way Julian's eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled,

h their coffee. "I wanted to discuss som

d, her interest piq

ages. "I was thinking of hosting an exhibition at my gallery. We could featur

nded like an incredible opportunity, but she couldn't shake off t

at Julian's gallery could be a game-changer for her career. But s

pare for the exhibition. Julian was a constant presence

i's nerves began to fray. What if her paintings

be amazing," he said, his eyes locked on hers. "Your

tched to the breaking point. But as she walked into the gallery,

asts, all clamoring to get a glimpse of her paintings. Lexi's

s the room, his eyes fixed on her. He smi

ulian again and again. They talked about art, music,

sense of unease. There was something Julian wasn't telli

phone rang. He hesitated for a moment before answering

" Lexi asked, her voice

a moment, Lexi saw something there, s

ally, his voice low and roug

d into the night, leaving Lexi feeling c

off. Julian's sudden departure had left her feeling unse

xi's mind was racing. What had Julian

pt wandering back to Julian. She couldn't deny the connection they'd shared,

drifting off to sleep, Lexi

w and rough. "I'm sorry about

at kind of emergency?" she asked,

f the line, and for a moment, Lexi wo

w," he said finally. "C

t before nodding, even thou

aid. "I'll see

xi couldn't help but wonder w