Chapter 168
Nora's POV
I assumed Julian would drive us back to Silver Ridge Estate after leaving my aunt and uncle's place, but the car veered toward the city's outskirts instead. The highway stretched ahead, dark and quiet under the evening sky.
"Where are we going?" I asked, glancing at him.
A mysterious smile tugged at his lips. "Somewhere I've been meaning to take you."
"Julian."
"Blue Ridge Resort," he said finally. "A friend of mine developed it. I'm an anonymous investor."
I raised an eyebrow. "A resort?"
"We finally have time off, so of course I'm taking you somewhere to relax." He glanced at me. "It's got everything—pools, stables, orchards, a small zoo with ostriches, peacocks, capybaras..."
"Capybaras?"
"They spend all day floating in water looking brain-dead," he said with a smirk. "Kind of like you after a twelve-hour shift."
I smacked his arm. "I do not look brain-dead."
"You do. Adorably brain-dead." He caught my hand before I could hit him again, threading his fingers through mine. "I'm taking you somewhere you can actually relax. No work. No stress. Just us."
The warmth in his voice made my chest tighten. I looked out the window to hide the ridiculous smile spreading across my face.
---
An hour later, we pulled into a pine-lined driveway. The main lodge glowed with warm light, but Julian drove past it, following a narrower path deeper into the property.
A manager met us at the entrance, recognizing Julian immediately. "Mr. Sterling. Your cottage is ready."
Julian nodded, his hand resting on my lower back as we climbed into a golf cart. The manager explained that the resort had two sections—the front half for regular guests, the back reserved for investors and VIPs. Six private cottages sat tucked into the forest, each completely secluded.
Julian's was the farthest from the main lodge.
The structure came into view—a Northwest-style timber cabin surrounded by birch and maple trees. Julian pushed open the door, guiding me inside. The interior was stunning: floor-to-ceiling windows, a stone fireplace, minimalist furniture in warm wood tones.
Through the open doorway, I glimpsed the bedroom. Rose petals scattered across the bed. Two towel swans arranged on the pillows, their necks curved together in an embrace.
Heat flooded my face. I spun toward the living room. "I'm going to check out the pool."
His low chuckle followed me.
I stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the outdoor pool, arms crossed, trying to steady my pulse. The door opened behind me.
Julian appeared with a black garment bag. He unzipped it, revealing a cherry-red bikini.
"You bought me a swimsuit?"
"I wasn't sure of your size, so I guessed." He held it out. "Go try it on."
I snatched the bikini, cheeks burning. "You guessed my bra size?"
"I pay attention." His gaze dropped briefly, then returned to my face with a smirk. "Very close attention."
I fled to the bathroom before I combusted on the spot.
---
When I emerged, Julian was still in the living room, scrolling through his phone. He looked up—and froze.
The bikini fit perfectly. The cherry-red fabric contrasted sharply with my pale skin, and I'd left my hair down, waves falling over my shoulders.
Julian's eyes darkened. He set his phone down slowly, his gaze traveling over me like a physical touch.
I crossed my arms self-consciously. "Stop staring."
"Not possible." His voice was rough.
I wrinkled my nose at him, then bolted for the sliding door before he could say anything else.
The outdoor pool was surrounded by lanterns, their reflections shimmering on the water's surface. I slipped in, the cool water soothing against my heated skin.
A few minutes later, Julian appeared in black swim trunks. I splashed water at him playfully.
He dodged, then leaned down and kissed me—deep, unhurried, possessive.
The doorbell rang.
Julian pulled back with a muttered curse, then went to retrieve the wine the manager had delivered. He returned with two crystal glasses and a bottle of red, pouring barely an inch into each.
I got out of the pool and went to the lounge area nearby.
"To us," he said, raising his glass. "To your family accepting me."
We clinked glasses. I took a sip, and he moved behind me, his hands settling on my shoulders. His thumbs pressed into the tight muscles there, kneading slowly.
I let my eyes drift shut, leaning back against him.
"You did great tonight," I murmured. "They really like you."
"Good." His lips brushed my temple. "Because I meant every word I said."
I twisted to look at him. "Even the part about marrying me tomorrow?"
"Especially that part." His hands slid to my waist, holding me steady. "But I also meant what I said about waiting. We'll go at your pace, baby. Always."
My chest ached. I turned fully, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I was happy tonight. Hearing you say those things..."
I hesitated, then spoke the thought that had been troubling me. "When Kyle and I broke up, I thought I was over it. But I'm not. Not completely."
Julian's jaw tightened, but he stayed silent, waiting.
"My aunt warned me once," I continued quietly. "She said I shouldn't date someone from a completely different world. That the gap in status and background would create conflicts we couldn't solve."
"Baby—"
"I know you're not Kyle." I pressed a finger to his lips. "But I still wonder sometimes if your family, your political circles, the life you're used to... if it'll become a wall between us. If one day you'll have to choose, and I'll be the one who loses."
Julian's jaw tightened, his eyes darkening. When I finally stopped talking, he didn't respond immediately. Instead, he moved closer.
"Nora," he said quietly, his voice low and measured. "Do you really think we have 'different values'? Or is it..." He paused, studying my face. "Do you think what I feel for you is just novelty? That I'll wake up one day and decide you're not worth the trouble?"
The question hit harder than I expected. I opened my mouth, then closed it. Because that wasn't it. Not exactly.