Chapter 10: Barter Kisses and Aisles

The first few days with Julian, I was still a bit unused to it, especially when my mom and godmother called to check in—I felt guilty.

I played it cool on the phone, giving vague answers. Julian winked from the kitchen, mouthing "liar."

"Julian." Lying on the sofa, just finished watching TikTok videos, I suddenly craved barbecue and iced coffee. "I want barbecue, I want iced coffee."

I stretched, grinning at him. He didn’t even look up from his laptop.

"No."

He typed away, fingers flying. I groaned, rolling onto my stomach.

Julian typed away, not even looking up. "Eat less of that."

His focus was impressive. I threw a pillow at him, which he caught without glancing up.

"Julian—" I called him pitifully.

I pouted, batting my eyelashes for effect.

No response.

He ignored me, headphones on.

"Brother~" I bent over, blocking his screen with my face, blinking at him.

I leaned close, making silly faces until he finally sighed.

Sure enough, men are soft-hearted. Julian finally gave in. "It's not impossible. Kiss me and I'll take you out."

He pointed to his cheek, smug as ever. I groaned, torn between pride and hunger.

He even pointed to his cheek.

He tapped his cheek, grinning. I blushed, hesitating.

Damn.

Why was he so infuriatingly cute?

I blushed, hesitating whether to kiss him.

The longer I waited, the wider his smile got. I rolled my eyes, but my heart fluttered.

He saw my hesitation, kept encouraging, "Think about it, just one kiss and you get barbecue and iced coffee. Why not?"

His logic was undeniable. I weighed my options, calculating calories and embarrassment.

Made sense.

My stomach growled, and pride took a back seat.

And honestly, it was a good deal for me.

I wasn’t above bribery if it meant BBQ ribs and cold brew.

After weighing it, I figured I was getting the better end.

I leaned in, lips barely brushing his cheek. The heat rushed to my face, but Julian looked thrilled.

So I leaned in to kiss his cheek.

He closed his eyes, waiting. I took the chance—quick and sweet.

But the next second, Julian turned his face slightly, and before I knew it, I kissed his lips.

My eyes flew open. He lifted an eyebrow as if to ask, “Can I?” and when I didn’t pull back, he stole a real kiss. I jerked away, shocked.

I stared wide-eyed, backing away several steps.

My face burned even more. "Julian! You're playing with me!"

I grabbed a throw pillow, swatting him. He laughed, dodging easily.

Julian showed a victorious smile. "Let's go, barbecue time."

He grabbed his keys, swinging me over his shoulder. I yelped, pretending to protest.

"If I don't eat you out of house and home tonight, I'm not Autumn Lane." I muttered behind him.

I made a show of stacking my tray with a rib platter, extra sides to-go, and a second cornbread—Julian just shook his head, amused.

His lips' warmth lingered on mine; I pursed my lips, suddenly regretting not kissing longer.

Every so often, he caught me staring, and I’d blush, looking away.

That electric feeling all over, actually felt pretty good.

It was addictive, in a way. I wanted more, but pride kept me in check.

Julian noticed I wasn't beside him, turned and came back, grabbed my hand. "Spacing out while walking?"

He squeezed my fingers, making sure I kept pace. I smiled, grateful.

I was still daydreaming, not realizing he'd come up. I muttered, "Why didn't I kiss longer?"

My voice was barely a whisper. Julian leaned in, teasing.

Julian laughed. "Really want to?"

His eyes sparkled. I nodded, biting my lip.

"I'll satisfy you when we get home."

He grinned, voice low and promising. My heart raced, anticipation buzzing.

Only then did I react, body trembling.

I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to steady myself. Julian just laughed, dragging me to the checkout.

Embarrassed, I pushed him away, hurried ahead.

He caught up, slinging an arm around my shoulders, unfazed.

Since we were out, after barbecue we went to the supermarket, bought fruit and snacks, even a big watermelon.

He picked the ripest one, thumping it with expert flair. An elderly shopper chuckled, and a teenager whispered, “Goals,” as we passed.

He carried everything. With empty hands, I felt a bit bad.

I offered to carry a bag, but he just shook his head, loading himself down.

"Let me help carry some," I offered.

I reached for the watermelon, but he just laughed.

"No need." Julian refused. "I can carry it."

He balanced the bags with ease, flexing for effect.

"Sure? Don't push yourself." I teased.

He winked, shifting all the bags to one hand. In one smooth motion, he lifted me up by the waist.

He moved all the bags to one hand, then grabbed my waist and lifted me. "If I can carry you, these bags are nothing."

My cheeks burned. I squirmed, glancing around at the amused shoppers.

I quickly broke free, seeing people stare, hurriedly lowered my head. "So many people."

I pretended to be embarrassed, but secretly loved the attention.