Chapter 18 – Let’s Go

 

Noah Blake

I went after Juliet. We kissed again, harder, deeper, like the world was ending. Then, at the peak of it, she told me to stop. I saw it in her eyes: she was waiting for me to say something, anything, that proved I could give her what she “wants and needs.” But I can’t. So I said nothing.

I locked myself in my club office and watched her on the monitors all night. Those eyes don’t just call to me; they speak. And still, I can’t give in.

She says she can’t be the kind of woman I like. Truth is, she’s exactly the kind I want… and apparently the only one I can’t have.

Saturday came. I had to go to the office; I really do need an assistant. The France trip is in ten days. Declan came to help, and like every Saturday we decided to grab lunch together. He called Atlas to join us.

“He’s taking Ju to lunch,” Declan told me on the phone.

My blood turned to fire.

We walked into the restaurant we always go to, and there they were. She was laughing, wine glass in hand, looking more beautiful than any woman has the right to. And the way Atlas was looking at her… He wants her. And if he keeps making her smile like that, he’ll have her.

Declan headed to the table. I changed direction and went straight to them.

“I hope I’m not interrupting your date,” I said, failing to hide the edge in my voice.

Juliet’s smile died. She just stared. Atlas answered, cool as ever.

“Blake. What a coincidence.”

“Shouldn’t be. We eat here every Saturday.”

“Right, but Reed called a while ago. I thought you’d already eaten.”

“You thought wrong.”

“We’re done eating, but we still have half a bottle of wine. Join us if you want.”

He was calm, almost daring me to make a scene. I signaled Tatiana.

“We’ll sit with Wilson. Prepare everything and let Reed know.”

“Of course, Mr. Blake.”

I took the chair beside Juliet.

“Well, well…” Declan arrived, pulling out his own seat. “How are you, Ju?”

“I’m good, Mr. Reed.” She smiled at him. At me? Nothing.

“Please, call me Declan. I like my name in your mouth much better than ‘mister.’”

Atlas and I both snapped our heads toward him. Declan knows exactly what he’s doing; he can smell blood in the water.

“Alright… Declan,” she said softly.

I got lost staring at her lips, remembering how they felt against mine less than twenty-four hours ago.

“So,” Declan continued, “how did it go at the store?”

“Man, you were right. Ju is incredible,” Atlas said, eyes shining. Not just professional admiration. He’s enchanted.

“Atlas is exaggerating,” she blushed.

“Atlas?” I repeated, sarcasm dripping.

“Yeah,” he shot back. “Like Declan, I asked her to drop the ‘mister.’”

The waiter came. We ordered. Atlas insisted Juliet get dessert. Food arrived. I barely touched mine. She devoured her dessert, laughed with Atlas, chatted easily with Declan about everything and nothing. She was light, funny, brilliant.

“Ju, I could actually use help with some spreadsheets too,” Declan said. “Would you do me the same favor you did Atlas today?”

Her eyes flicked to Atlas. He gave her an encouraging nod.

“Of course. Just tell me when and where.”

“At the office. Same place you interviewed. Noah’s still without an assistant and France is in ten days. You’d save my life.”

She glanced at me, bit her lip; fuck, I almost dragged her out of there right then.

“Just let me know, Mr. Reed.”

“Great. Monday if possible. And please, Declan.”

She smiled. “Okay.”

Almost an hour later she spoke up.

“I have to go. It’s a long ride to Brooklyn, and I need to be at the club tonight. My bosses are very strict about punctuality.”

“Only if you’re talking about Noah,” Declan teased. “Atlas and I are pretty chill.”

She laughed. Atlas stood.

“I’ll give you a ride.”

“No way, it’s too far. Subway’s faster. Don’t worry.”

“Then let me at least walk you to the station.”

His phone rang before they could leave. When he hung up, urgency filled his voice.

“I’m so sorry, Ju. My sister needs me.” We both knew Athena’s issues. “Can one of you make sure she gets home safe?”

“I got it,” Declan said.

Atlas kissed the top of her head. “Sorry for bailing like this. Thank you for today.”

“Thank you. See you tonight.”

He left.

“I’ll settle the bill and walk you out,” Declan told her.

“I’ll take her,” I said.

Declan raised a brow. “You sure?”

“Yes.”

“You guys really don’t have to—”

“I’m taking you. End of discussion.”

She opened her mouth to argue, met my eyes, and shut it again.

We walked out. Declan said goodbye. The valet brought my Aston Martin.

Once inside, I turned to her.

“Address.”

“I can take the subway. Traffic on the bridge this time—”

“Juliet. Give me your address. Or I’ll find it myself.”

She stared at me with those ocean eyes. Something new flickered there, defiance.

“You know I can still get out of this car.”

I reached forward and hit the central lock. Click.

I turned to her with a half-smile.

“Let’s go, Miss Pierce… I dare you to try.”