Chapter 11: Corks, Keys, and Confessions

Lately, for some reason, Julian kept showing off his body, making me start to crave him.

He paraded around in tank tops and low-slung sweats, half-unrolled yoga mat on the floor like he’d just finished a home workout. I tried not to stare, but it was impossible.

Eight-pack abs—I didn't dare look directly. Just glimpsing made me want to drool.

He caught me gawking more than once, smirking like the devil himself.

He must be doing it on purpose, tempting me to give in.

Or so I thought.

I debated whether to confess or just pounce. Camila would say go for it—she was all about living dangerously.

But I couldn't resist, started thinking how to get him.

I plotted little schemes, daydreaming of ways to make him mine.

Until one day, seeing a wine discount on Amazon, I spotted a bottle of red wine.

Two-for-one, the label—Apothic Red—practically begged for a rom-com night. I added it to my cart, imagining a scene I probably couldn’t chicken out of.

Suddenly, my eyes lit up.

I rubbed my hands together, plotting like a villain. Operation: Seduce Julian was a go.

"Autumn Lane, are you sure you're adding this for the deal?" When it arrived, Julian shook two bottles of red wine in front of me, skeptical.

He held up the bottles, eyebrow raised. I shrugged, feigning innocence.

I quickly replied, "Each bottle is about fifty bucks—don't drop it."

I snatched them, hugging them close. He just laughed, shaking his head.

"What are you buying that needs this wine?" he asked.

He set the bottles down, eyeing me with suspicion. I glanced away, cheeks burning.

I smiled awkwardly, not answering.

I fiddled with the corkscrew, avoiding his gaze. My face felt hot.

He opened another package—two bags of chips.

He dug through the Amazon box, pulling out snacks. I looked guilty as sin.

I felt guilty. Oh no, I'm busted.

Julian grinned, shaking his head.

"The chips are the real deal, right? Suddenly buying red wine, planning to get me drunk and take advantage?"

His tone was playful, but I caught the challenge in his eyes.

I got even guiltier, snatched the wine. "Narcissist, it's for my dad."

I tried to sound convincing, but he wasn’t buying it.

Julian smiled. "Autumn Lane, after twenty years, how could I not see through your little schemes?"

He tapped my nose, laughing. I pouted, defeated.

"Why so direct! Give me some dignity!" I couldn't help but scold, poured a small glass of wine to boost my courage. "I do want to take advantage of you—so what?"

I tossed back the wine, feeling bold. The cork popped, the bouquet blooming in the room. Julian’s eyes widened in surprise.

With that, I grabbed his collar, stood on tiptoe, and kissed his lips.

The taste of wine mingled with his lips. I pressed closer, heart racing.

Oh, I'm so bold.

I heard a gasp—my own or his, I wasn’t sure. Julian paused, then lifted an eyebrow, a soft “Can I?” in his eyes before he deepened the kiss, pulling me in.

Julian was stunned by my sudden move, then responded, turning passive into active.

He wrapped his arms around me, guiding me to the couch. My mind went fuzzy, dizzy with excitement.

He pushed me onto the sofa, unbuttoning his shirt.

His hands were warm, deliberate. I reached for his buttons, impatient.

"So slow at undressing, let me help!" Just as I stood up, the living room lights suddenly turned on.

A blinding flash from the floor lamp. Somewhere in the hall, keys jingled, the door latch clicked, and then—bright, unforgiving light.

The light stung my eyes. Just as I wondered what was happening, I met my mom's eyes.

She stood in the doorway, eyebrows raised, mouth open in shock.

My mom?

Her lips curled into a knowing smirk. I shrank, praying for a time machine.

My mom!

Julian fumbled, scrambling for his shirt. My heart nearly stopped.

Julian realized too, quickly got up, embarrassed. "Go—godmother."

His voice cracked. I hid behind a throw pillow, face burning.

Time seemed to freeze…

The silence stretched, heavy and awkward. I braced for impact.

Ashamed, I lowered my head, waiting for my mom to scold me.

I rehearsed my apology in my head, wishing for the earth to swallow me whole.

My mom always disapproved of dating, let alone seeing me and Julian like this—she'd be even angrier.

I expected a lecture on respect, boundaries, and the dangers of young love—though lately she’d hinted she might approve the “right guy.”

Just as I was about to apologize, unexpectedly my mom smiled happily. "You two do your thing, I'll go to my room, won't bother you."

She waved her hand, practically skipping to her bedroom. Julian and I stared, stunned.

??????

My jaw dropped. Did I hallucinate that?

I looked up in disbelief.

Julian was equally lost, eyes wide. We exchanged glances, silent panic rising.

Did my mom just say that?

My mom absolutely just greenlit this.

I glanced at Julian; he was also surprised.

He mouthed, "What just happened?" I shrugged, bewildered.

Definitely a trick.

This couldn’t be real. There had to be more to the story.

Thinking that, I tiptoed to my mom's room, pressed my ear to the door, trying to find out why.

I held my breath, listening for clues. Julian joined me, miming Sherlock Holmes with an invisible pipe.

And I heard my mom and godmother chatting.

Their voices were animated, giggling like teenagers.

"Lisa, the plan worked!" My mom sounded excited. "I didn't expect Autumn and Julian to really have feelings."

She sounded overjoyed, practically dancing.

Couldn't hear what godmother said.

Her reply was muffled, a thrilled whisper I couldn’t quite catch.

"Our efforts paid off," my mom smacked her lips. "We got a trip and matched up these two—we're almost in-laws!"

Her words rang with pride. I groaned, realizing how deep the plot went—church picnic seating charts, Fourth of July barbecue “coincidences,” the family group chat full of heart emojis… all of it.

Julian saw my expression grow strange, came over and asked, "What's wrong?"

He looked worried, but I just shook my head, laughing.

"Damn, we were set up." I grabbed his hand, heading to the living room. "Getting you to move in was just to get us closer—the trip was a cover."

I grinned, feeling oddly happy about it. Julian squeezed my hand, relieved.

"That's great." Julian patted my head. "Both families approve. Weren't you worried your parents wouldn't accept?"

He smiled, his eyes warm. I relaxed, leaning into him.

I nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, makes sense."

I let myself be happy. Maybe fate wasn’t so cruel after all.

"Autumn." Julian gripped my hand tighter. "Everyone wants us together. We have to be good."

He pulled me close, whispering in my ear.

"No matter the past, present, or future."

His words echoed, full of promise. I smiled, tears prickling my eyes.

"Mm." I turned, smiling, and hugged Julian, my chin resting on his chest. "We will. We'll definitely be good together. I’ll stop running at the first blush of panic."

He held me tight, and for once, everything felt exactly right—plus, there’s that team poster competition in the lab next month and a family barbecue looming. Life wasn’t slowing down; we’d face it together.