Later that evening, as Lexi stood barefoot on the balcony, the wind playing with her hair, Julian came up behind her.
“Next week,” he said softly, “is my birthday.”
Lexi turned to look at him. “Really?”
He nodded, pulling her closer by the waist. “And I’ve decided to throw a party. Not one of those miserable business dinners. Something... beautiful.”
Lexi smiled. “Do I get to plan it?”
“Only if you agree to be the star of the night.”
She blinked. “You want me in the spotlight?”
“I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
Lexi’s heart stuttered. “That’s not exactly subtle.”
“Nothing about how I feel for you is subtle,” he murmured, brushing his lips across her forehead. “Let them talk.”
She didn’t say yes. But she didn’t say no either.
The following morning was all movement. Julian wa
