CLAIRE

We stayed on the couch for a while, neither of us ready to move. Julian’s arm was around my shoulders, my head resting against his chest. I could hear his heartbeat, steady and calming.

“What time is your meeting with David tomorrow?” I asked.

“Nine AM,” Julian replied, his fingers absently tracing patterns on my arm.

“Do you want me to come with you?” I offered.

“No,” Julian said. “Whatever this is about, I should handle it alone.”

I lifted my head to look at him. “You don’t have to handle everything alone anymore,” I reminded him.

Julian’s expression softened. “I know,” he said, his hand coming up to...