Julian takes me to the beach, and I’m having one of the best times of my life. And God, I could swim forever! Be with Julian in this beach house, far from everything else. Something about the seawater and sunlight makes me feel alive.
When I wish to rest, I sit on a mat on the white sand. Julian then drops next to me.
“This is nice,” I say.
I sense his heated breath as his gaze falls over my body. “We’ve only just begun. It feels good to be with you.”
I rock myself while hugging my legs and admiring the skyline that meets the ocean. “I never expected this. I’m scared because it’s too perfect. Too much happiness does not always last. Something bad could happen one day. It’s just the way life goes, but I don’t mean us. Nothing is ever truly perfect.”
“You’re quite sentimental, aren’t you?” He beams with delight. “I couldn’t agree with you more. There are some things I haven’t even told you about.”
“Then tell me.”
“You’ll find out about it. Soon.”
I examine his features. “Why not right now?”
“There is a time for everything.”
“Is it bad?”
His jaw twitches. “No. I’ve waited two years to see you again, so please give me more time.”
I have no idea what that is, but I’m intrigued. I draw a heart in the sand while resting my chin between my knees. In the center, I write J. “Hey, I was wondering...”
“Mm?” Julian casts a glance at me.
“What does Stella really want from you? You said you’d tell me.”
He sighs deeply and takes a moment to respond. “Would you like to know the truth?”
“As I prefer.”
“Alright. Rafe acquired Sapphire Entertainment, her former label, and their artists. Stella, on the other hand, has a few stakes with Sapphire. So she, my father, and Rafe agreed to bring her to Sebastian Records in exchange for transferring her shares to them.”
“They agreed?”
“Yes.”
“How could they? They know she stole your songs.”
“I’m pretty sure my brother thinks it’s better to have her as a business partner than an enemy. Rafael hates being bossed around—even our father listened to him. Stella, after all, is still in her prime. Her albums and concerts are both selling out. Along with the agreement, she agreed to tell the world that I wrote those songs for her when we were still together.”
“What?!” I snap, looking up at him. “That is still cheating! You didn’t write the songs for her.”
“Rafe said it would clear things out. People would still recognize those as mine.”
God, I don’t think I ever want to meet his brother. He seems very different from Julian or their other brothers.
“What about ethics?” I shake my head in disapproval. “It means no one will know what she did. In the end, she did manage to save herself.”
“I can’t deny that she still has talent. She can actually sing; that’s what Rafe wants. It’s all just business.”
What the hell? He sounds like he’s both praising and defending her. What about the time she lied to him?
“Let me remind you, Julian, she betrayed you. Or was it alright with you?”
“Of course not,” he says emphatically. “I didn’t want them to bring her in, but it wasn’t my call. I’ve already left the label.”
“So you don’t really want to go back?”
“I’m content with where I am right now. Away from the conflict.”
“Why? What is your true reason?”
Silence. I guess he still isn’t going to answer me.
“I’ve been thinking about it,” I go on. “I didn’t ask because I knew it was a private matter. But Julian, we were past that stage. I’d just like to know.”
“I left New York because of what happened with Stella, as I previously stated.”
“I know, but I don’t think that’s all.” I search for his eyes. He’s been avoiding my gaze. “Is it because you haven’t moved on?”
“Hold on.” Julian’s brows furrow. “Are you seriously thinking that?”
“I’m not blind, Julian!” I state emphatically. “I sensed the tension between you and her. I saw a different side of you with her.”
“I still hate her,” he admits. “If that’s what you want to know. But I’m done with her, Anya. I can assure you.”
“What about when you stopped making music?” I question directly, and I hate having to do so. “Yes, you teach them in class, but have you actually written anything again? At least for yourself?”
“That’s different,” he hisses, almost admitting guiltily. “I just... I don’t think I’ll be able to write again.”
I knew it! “She has done a lot of harm to you. You can’t let her do whatever she wants.” Damn. I hope this isn’t my jealous side speaking. Okay, maybe a piece of me.
He looks at me, puzzled but amused. “You always see right through me, don’t you? I tried to stop Rafe, but he didn’t listen.”
I exhale a frustrated sigh. “Here’s a summary of what I can understand. Because of her, you left the label. Okay, but that was in the past. How about right now? I’d give anything to write songs like you.”
“You can. You are exceptional.”
“You’re not getting what I’m saying.” I fix my gaze on his eyes. “Look, it’s not about me. Your songs touch people’s hearts. It moved me, but you’ve tried to avoid it because you hate your ex. That is why we are here—to be free of our pasts.”
“Oh, love. You’ve already set me free.”
“Then you understand what I’m saying. I faced my fears and trusted someone again.” I press my palms against his smooth, flawless chest. “It’s still difficult, but thanks to you, I can write decent lyrics, and you’re just giving that up.”
“You’re saying you want me to write again?” he asks, his eyes shining.
“I believe in you.” He truly belongs there, just as Peter Greenwood believes.
Julian encircles me with his arms, pressing me against him. “I can’t believe you’ve thought about that... about me.”
“I think about you a lot.”
He grabs my shoulder and looks at me again. “I like teaching at Whitlock.”
I smile at him. “You didn’t have to stop that. Trust me, we need professors like you who understand his students’ shortcomings. Hey, do you have a piano in here?”
“Upstairs, why?”
“Would you like to hear the new song I’m working on for the preliminary? It’s not done yet, but I wanted to let you know how much you inspire me. Is that okay?”
“I’m not one of the judges, so it’s fine. Fine, show me.” He grasps my hand and intertwines my fingers with his.