name on your lips proves that our week together still has a place in your heart. Even if you deny those memories of us, I’ll still have them. And now I have this one. That one kiss is one for the memory vault.”
Stephanie didn’t say a word. Her blue eyes conflicted and her cheeks red. Holding her again brought back all the memories. His dreams and fantasies never did her justice. She was beautiful. Even more beautiful than when she was eighteen. Her lips still perfect. But the way she kissed felt more practiced, not as innocent as she’d been. The thought had him frowning. She had been with other men since him. He knew that the possibility that she hadn’t was unrealistic. He’d be a hypocrite if he were angry over it because he had been with other women since her. He’d been trying to forget—the way she breathed, the way she smiled, the touch of her lips, and that moment when she reached that peak of pleasure he gave her—in the touches of other women. But he could never forget any aspect of Stephanie. His heart didn’t want him to.
It hurt him to know that someone else had seen her moan and sigh. Someone else had experienced the feel of her. Had she just stayed, he would have been it for her. For life. That was the thought he had the moment he took her virginity. That she owned him. Breathing out and trying to vanquish the image of another man pleasing her, Julian brushed her curled blonde hair away.
“I’ve finally found you,” he softly stated. Julian leant in and pecked her lips, memorising and loving the burst of pleasure he felt when they made contact. Pulling back, he saw her uncertainty in the way her facial features tensed. She didn’t see it his way. That it could have been perfect for them. She was reluctant. He could see it in those cloudless blue eyes of hers.
I have to make her remember how good we were together.
That no man she has been with could compare to me.
I will be it for her.
He let his thumb brush along her bottom lip, feeling her shiver under his touch. He still had an effect on her, and he noted that as a victory. He’d find a way. He wasn’t leaving Melbourne as long as she lived here.
Dropping his hands from her face, Julian leant towards her ear. “I’ll see you ‘round, Blondie,” he whispered with a smile.
Walking away was a bold move. But for Julian, it was his moment to leave an impression. As in Thailand, he was choosing to use his ‘you’re going to miss me’ approach. It had worked four years ago, and he prayed it would work this time. He’d have to be careful because another bold move could send her running all over again.
Having sex in Thailand had been that bold move.
Standing next to the dance floor, Julian continuously scanned the room, his gaze landing on a woman he’d never seen before. Her hazel eyes had a nervous gleam to them. Her frown looked out of place for a wedding reception. Letting his curiosity get the better of him, he walked towards her as she sipped her drink.
“I’m guessing bridesmaid?” Julian asked as he took in her pastel purple dress.
She lowered her glass and smiled at him. “Nope. Wedding crasher who happened to dress the part,” she played along and set her glass on the table behind her.
“Knew it!” He smiled victoriously.
She rolled her eyes and then stared sadly over at the bride and groom. “I should be angry with her, but how can I be when she’s that happy. She never had that smile when she was with my brother.”
Julian gazed at her and gave her an understanding nod. He knew who she was—Liam’s younger sister.
Ally.
He remembered when he’d first heard of her back in New York, when he had taken unapproved leave for Alex’s birthday. Tara gave him an ass kicking, but he didn’t care. He needed out and an excuse as good as Alex’s birthday was his escape. Taking in Ally’s appearance, she was attractive and had that cute factor working for her. Julian noted that her hazel eyes were a pair he liked and so was the way she smiled. But what he’d heard of the O’Connor’s—and especially Allison O’Connor—was off-putting. Sydney did things to people. And he had been one of them. No doubt Ally was one of them, too.