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"Do you collect clocks?"

There's a shuffling noise. "Only when I find the exact right ones."

"Bronze and copper? Antique?"

"They don't have to be antique. It's more the color of metal.” She steps out of the bedroom, smiling. "There's something about a warm-toned clock that’s very autumnal to me. It makes me think of that pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg in your coffee. Apple pie. Lighting the fireplace for the first time that season. You know?"

My brain is split into two. One half is memorizing every word she says. The other one is attempting to close my mouth so I don't drool all over my new pants.

"Holy shit," I blurt. "You’re a goddess."

Julia's dark blue dress is relatively demure. Simple. Classy. Not too short, not too low-cut, but between the generous swish of her hips and her beautifully toned legs, I can't stop staring. From the bronze clip holding half of her hair up at the back to the black ballet flats, my eyes can't stop scanning up and down. I should not be staring at her breasts like this. It's completely inappropriate. I yank my gaze to her lips instead, which are now pulled into a smirk.

"Is this fancy enough? Thank you for the dress. It’s perfect."

"The thing with musicians is that they'd let me in even if I were in cut off jean shorts and a baseball hat with a beer logo." I shrug. "People don't expect much from us."

She laughs, then looks worried." I'm sorry I can't do heels. These are the nicest shoes I have that won't tweak my stupid ankle."

I frown. "Ignoring the look of them, what footwear will keep your ankle the most stable? I will not have you make it worse on my account."

Her eyes widen. "Really? Well, the boots I had on today have the best ankle stability."

They're sitting just a few feet away. Taking her hand, I guide Julia into a chair, then kneel to slip off her flats. I'm not really a foot guy, but when I see her cute little toes decorated with bright pink polish, I want to nibble them.

"Where do you keep your socks?"

"Top drawer on the left. But⁠—"

I'm already on my feet and selecting a thick pair of deep blue socks. Once I get those on, and her boots securely tied, I take her hand to help her stand.

"Thank you." This time when she blushes, she’s not flushing red with embarrassment. There's just a tiny blush of color at the top of her cheeks.

"I always want you to be comfortable with me. Okay?"

"Okay."

I've driven to dinner a million times. I've never driven to dinner with a girl who has the scarf I gave her tied to her purse. Never had a woman, or anyone, seem so dedicated to my writing process.

I feel Julia could be the one. I know she would be good for me, and I’m sure I could be good for her. Help her with her fears. My God, I want nothing more than to care for her every moment.

I already feel that we belong together.

5

JULIA

Wow. And also, wow.

When I agreed to accompany Sam around the city for a couple of days, I didn't realize how many firsts I’d be experiencing. The first time hanging out with a rock star. The first time having my photo taken so many times in a day. The first time putting real thought into my outfits and considering my facial expression as I turn toward strangers with phones in their hands.

It's also the first time I’ve felt so close to a man. There's something about Sam – is it his relaxed attitude? His warmth? His humor? No, I think the thing that's truly making my heart sing is the way he cares for me. Every gesture is designed to make me as comfortable as possible in what could easily be an awkward situation.

Our dinner was incredible. I've never had food that amazing. But even better, it was accented by sparkling conversation. Now, walking the few blocks to the art gallery, there's a definite connection between us. At least, I think so. I can't tell how much he's faking for the cameras and how much is real, but we're becoming friendly, at least. If that's all that comes out of this, I'll be content.

Sam slips an arm around me, guiding me to the front window of the gallery to admire two large paintings featured in it. "Hanging in there?" he murmurs.

"I think so. Dinner was incredible. Thank you."