Finding Julian by Shane Morgan Page B

you’d like the clothes
here.”
    He was learning so much about me in the
short amount of time I’d been here. “It is my style. It’s just that…” I was too
ashamed to admit I couldn’t afford the clothes in the store. How would I appear
to a guy like Seven, who could buy anything he wanted?
    He raised my chin and I stared into his
eyes innocently. “Pick out some stuff and try it on. Don’t worry about the
price.”
    “No,” I shook my head. “I don’t want you
to do that for me.”
    “Jules, it’s okay. Let someone else take
care of you for a change.” The corners of his mouth curled into a gorgeous
smile. My heart felt as if it was melting inside my chest. Why did he have to
be so darn sexy and sweet?
    I made to protest again when Seven spun
me around and nudged me towards the rack I was browsing before. I guessed there
was no arguing with him.
    Being a guy, Seven went back over to the
men’s section as I tried on a few things. Finally, I selected a few items—the
cheapest on the rack. As I bundled them together and made my way over to Seven,
my eyes glimpsed a shapely woman with curly red hair coming into the store. I
almost ignored her when a familiar douchebag entered as well. It was Mr. Monroe
and Claire—the nerve of them.
    Instinctively, I knew I had to find a
way to get Seven out of the store without him seeing them. I darted over to
where he was and hauled him to the closest cashier.
    He grinned broadly at me when I settled
the clothes on top of the counter. “You are simple.”
    I forced a smile as he took his wallet
out of his pocket and handed his credit card to the cashier after she rang me
up. Waiting for him to sign the receipt, I glanced behind to see where Mr.
Monroe and Claire went. I had to make sure they were out of sight before
leading Seven to the exit.
    “Thank you for coming, enjoy your day,”
the cashier’s high-pitched tone drew back my attention. I smiled and took the
bag from her. Seven reached for it but I gripped his arm and hurried him
towards the store exit.
    I almost succeeded at getting him out of
the store without any drama, when a flamboyant laugh reverberated behind us.
Astonished, Seven twisted around at the sound. A dark look formed on his face
instantly. My chest ached for him.
    Peering in the direction Seven’s eyes
were locked in, I saw that Mr. Monroe and Claire were tightly pressed together
in a passionate kiss.
    He took a step forward, his fists clenched
and his jaw stiffened. I wanted to do something, try to calm him down before he
lunged at the lovers, still engrossed in each other and unaware of Seven’s
presence or mine.
    Then Seven relaxed his shoulders and
spun around, storming out of the store. His reaction surprised me. I scurried
out behind him, turning back to glance at the cheating couple one more time
before heading down the street to where Seven’s car was parked.
    On the drive back to Narragansett, Seven
was as quiet as a church mouse. I watched him twist his face in agony, pushing
back tears. I lifted my hand to slowly reach over and rest it on top of his,
but decided against it as I remembered I’d kept his father’s affair a secret
from him.
    When we got back to the estate, I walked
gradually behind him down the side steps and across the lawn towards the
guesthouse. I deliberated following him when he suddenly diverted and went down
to the beach. My legs wouldn’t let me though. I had nothing to say. No words of
wisdom for a situation like this.
    I entered the guesthouse and went into
my room, watching Seven from the balcony. He dropped down on the sand and
stared emptily at the ocean. From behind, he seemed like he needed a friend—a
really good one. Not the kind who knew what was going on and didn’t tell him.
    I wasn’t sure how much time had passed
but the sun was starting to set and Seven was still outside, sitting on the
sand. I continued watching him from my balcony, feeling helpless.
    After another few minutes, I’d