CHAPTER SIXTEEN
"I KNOW WHAT I KNOW"
Juliana shifted on the bench, her book open but forgotten in her hands. Her attention was drawn, unbidden, to the table of high school girls nearby. Their conversation bubbled with the carefree confidence of youth, punctuated by giggles and exaggerated whispers. They were talking about their sophomore dance, tossing around terms like "second base" and "third base" with a casualness that made Juliana's cheeks flush.
She wasn't sure what she felt more—curiosity or discomfort. At least part of her was intrigued by their seemingly effortless mastery of relationships, but another part—the quieter, more vulnerable side—felt embarrassed. She was at least their age, maybe older, yet sitting here, she felt like a freshman in the School of Romance, awkward and unsure.
Her thoughts snagged on the words of one girl, a confident blonde with a high ponytail and a laugh that rang like bells across the courtyard. "You have to let them at least get to second base," she said, twirling a strand of hair around her finger, "or they'll lose interest."
Juliana's stomach twisted. Was that how it worked? Was there some invisible clock ticking down on relationships, milestones that had to be met before interest faded? Michael's voice came to her like a balm, a memory of his steady reassurance: "You're in total control. We don't have to do anything you're not ready for." It had comforted her in the moment, but now, sitting here under the weight of these girls' giggles and casual bravado, it felt less like a reassurance and more like a question she wasn't sure she could answer.
What if "ready" never came soon enough?
She glanced at her watch. Tony was late, as usual, a small reminder of the mundane uncertainties of her life. Her thoughts drifted back to Michael—the way his hand fit so perfectly in hers, the warmth of his smile that felt like sunlight breaking through a cloudy day. Lately, though, her feelings had shifted. Her heart raced whenever he kissed her, and her skin tingled with the thought of his touch.
Maybe this wasn't about keeping him interested. Maybe it was about letting herself lean into what she already felt—something thrilling and terrifying all at once. Her cheeks burned as her eyes skimmed the pages of her book, though she wasn't absorbing a single word. Was she ready to risk it all for a love that felt both slow-burning and fierce, or was she destined to remain locked away in her own hesitations?
The girls' laughter pulled her back to the present. They were giggling now about a boy named Jake and how he always smelled like cinnamon gum. Juliana smiled faintly. Their world was sweet and simple, full of carefree flirtations and crushes. But love—real love—felt more complex, like a slow-burning fire, equal parts exhilarating and daunting.
Maybe that confident blonde wasn't entirely wrong, she mused. Perhaps it was time to stop overthinking, to stop letting self-doubt dictate her choices. Love wasn't a test with right or wrong answers; it was a journey—a series of steps, sometimes tentative, sometimes bold. And maybe, just maybe, her next step wasn't about fulfilling someone else's expectations, but about trusting her own heart, however uncertain it might be. Perhaps it was about opening herself up to what she already knew to be true. Nothing extreme, she thought. Just...a little.
A car horn cut through her reverie—Tony, finally. With a resigned smile, she gathered her book and stood up, giving the group of sophomores one last lingering look. Their laughter, like fading notes of a long-forgotten song, trailed after her.
In that quiet moment, Juliana realized she didn't have to have everything figured out. Not yet. All she needed was the courage to trust her heart and take the next step—no matter where it might lead, even if it was as uncertain and complicated as the very love she longed for.
—
Juliana sat cross-legged on the floor in the cozy living room of the beach house, the soft murmur of the ocean outside mingling with the golden hues of the setting sun. Her guitar lesson with Michael had just ended, leaving her with an overwhelming fullness in her heart—a happiness so complete it nearly brought tears to her eyes.
Life had unfolded in ways she'd never imagined. She now had friends who felt like family, a creative spark that had been rekindled, and Michael—a man who was so much more than her boyfriend. He was her soulmate, her safe harbor, and her best friend. His patience, kindness, and endless talent were surpassed only by the way he saw her—truly saw her—in a way that made her heart ache with gratitude.
Carefully, Juliana placed her guitar back in its case, her fingers lingering on the latch as she stole a glance toward him. Michael stood by the window, his silhouette bathed in the soft, amber glow of the setting sun. The light framed his profile like a tender painting, accentuating the quiet thoughtfulness etched into his features. Her chest swelled with such fierce love that it almost hurt, and when he turned, his warm, dreamy eyes locked with hers, making her breath hitch.
Michael's lips curved into a soft, knowing smile as he stepped toward her, his movements unhurried, as though savoring every second of this quiet intimacy. He tilted his head slightly, a teasing spark dancing in his eyes. "What's on your mind, Jul?" he asked, settling onto the couch and patting the cushion beside him with a gentle invitation.
Juliana rose slowly, each deliberate step in sync with the rhythm of the waves outside. When she reached him, she stopped just short of the couch, her gaze unwavering as it met his. "I was just thinking about how unbelievably lucky I am," she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. "To have found my best friend for life... my soulmate."
Michael's smile deepened, and he reached for her hand. His touch was both grounding and electrifying, a promise that made her heart leap. "Funny," he murmured, his eyes reflecting a steady tenderness, "I was just thinking the same thing."
Her free hand rose to his cheek, her fingers brushing lightly against the soft stubble along his jaw. "You're everything I ever dreamed of, Michael," she whispered, her voice laden with awe and vulnerability. "And more than I ever thought I deserved."
He cupped her hand against his face, his eyes never leaving hers as he leaned into the touch. "You deserve all of it, Jul," he said, his voice quiet but unwavering. "I promise I'll spend the rest of my life proving it to you."
Their eyes held a thousand unspoken words as the golden light deepened into twilight. Michael continued, his voice low and sincere, "Every time I hold you, I feel as if the world pauses—every worry, every doubt, fades away. I love you more than words can capture, and I want you to know that you are my home."
Juliana's heart swelled at his words. "I used to think I wasn't enough," she admitted softly, her eyes glistening. "But with you, I feel seen and cherished. You make me believe in love."
He leaned in further, their foreheads touching in a tender, shared moment. "You are more than enough, Juliana. You are my inspiration, my joy, and I'll be here—always."
Juliana sank onto the couch beside him without hesitation, her body instinctively seeking the comfort of Michael's warmth as his arm slipped gently around her shoulders. His fingers traced soft, deliberate patterns along her bare arm, each tender stroke sending a shiver of delight through her. In that precious moment, the rest of the world faded away, leaving only the two of them cocooned in their shared serenity.
Turning to face him, Juliana's eyes traced every familiar detail of his face—the gentle curve of his lips, the quiet strength in his eyes, and the soft smile that hinted at unspoken promises. "Michael," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, "being with you makes everything else seem so far away."
He smiled, his gaze warm and inviting. "I feel the same, Jul," he replied softly, his tone laden with emotion. "With you, I'm home."
Encouraged by his words, Juliana reached for his hand and, with a reverence born of deep affection, lifted it to her lips. She kissed each calloused finger tenderly, as if imprinting the memory of every touch. "Every mark on you," she said, her voice trembling with sincerity, "tells a story I love."
Michael's eyes softened further, and he brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. "You make even the smallest moments feel like magic," he whispered.
With a playful glimmer in her eyes, Juliana turned his hand over and pressed a lingering kiss to his palm, her lips warm against his skin. "And you, Michael, are my safe haven," she replied, her words wrapping around them like a gentle promise.
He pulled her closer, his voice low and tender as he murmured, "I promise, Jul, I'll always be here for you. I'll cherish every moment we share."
In that quiet space, punctuated only by the soft murmur of the ocean outside and their whispered vows, every touch and every word spoke of a love that was as profound as it was gentle—a love that, in its tender simplicity, made everything else disappear.
Juliana gazed into his eyes holding them with hers. She pulled his hand to her and placed a kiss on his wrist.
Michael's breath hitched, his eyes never leaving hers. Encouraged by the way his body softened under her touch, Juliana trailed her kisses up his arm, her lips brushing against his skin like whispers until she reached the curve of his neck.
He let out a quiet sigh, his head tipping back as her kisses deepened, lingering against the base of his neck. She felt him shudder beneath her lips, his quiet exhale sending her pulse into a wild rhythm. She pushed him gently back against the couch, her body following him as she hovered over him.
Her hands framed his face, her fingertips tracing the sharp angles and soft curves she had memorized long ago. As she threaded them into his thick, silken hair, she pressed gentle, lingering kisses along his forehead, the line of his jaw, and the hollow of his cheeks—worshipping all of him with each touch. And then—after a breathless pause—she pulled back slightly, her eyes searching his. "Michael…" she began softly, her voice trembling with both excitement and uncertainty. "I—I've never done anything like this before… I mean, showing how I really feel… all of it."
Michael's gaze softened as he gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. "Hey," he murmured, his tone warm and reassuring, "I love that you're opening up. It's like… every little kiss is a secret language only we understand."
A nervous laugh escaped her as she tucked her hair behind her ear. "Secret language, huh? I guess I'm still learning the words."
He chuckled softly, leaning in so that his lips hovered near her ear. "Well, I'm fluent in them—especially if it means hearing you say things like 'I'm so lucky to have you'."
Juliana's cheeks flushed at his teasing, and she bit her lip before continuing, "You're everything I ever dreamed of and more, Michael. And sometimes… I worry that I'm just too much. Too excited, too in love… too everything."
Michael reached out, taking her hand in his, his thumb caressing her skin with gentle assurance. "Jul, if you're 'too much,' then I'm all in. I love the way you love, fiercely and honestly. It makes me want to be the best man I can be, just for you."
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears and laughter at once—a cocktail of raw vulnerability and genuine joy. "You always know exactly what to say, don't you? It's like you've got a manual for my heart."
He grinned, his eyes crinkling with humor. "Maybe I stole it from you," he teased. "But really, you have no idea how happy it makes me to see you like this—open, fearless. I mean, who else would kiss every calloused finger and steal little secrets along the way?"
Juliana laughed, the sound light and genuine. "I suppose it's a deal then. As long as you keep being my favorite wordsmith and my rock, I'll keep sharing all these messy feelings with you."
Their laughter mingled with the distant murmur of the ocean, and for a moment, time seemed to slow. In that tender, playful exchange, every insecurity and every joy wove together into a tapestry of shared truth.
Michael drew her closer, his voice quiet but full of promise. "Juliana, I know it might seem overwhelming, and maybe I'm not perfect. But every day, every kiss, every silly secret brings me closer to you. I wouldn't trade this for anything."
Juliana rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, a silent pledge of reassurance. "I love you, Michael," she whispered, her voice both fragile and strong. "I'm learning, and I'm falling even more in love with you with every little step."
Michael pressed a tender kiss to her hair. "And I'll be here to catch you if you ever stumble, to laugh with you, and to love you through every moment—no matter how 'messy' it gets."
In that quiet, golden moment on the deck, under a sky that promised endless tomorrows, their whispered confessions and shared laughter became the foundation of a love that was as deep as the ocean and as warm as the setting sun—a love that was perfectly, beautifully, and unapologetically theirs.
When their eyes met again, her breath caught. The intensity in his gaze unraveled her, speaking a language only she understood. People always teased him for being unreadable, for rarely smiling, but they didn't know what she knew. His emotions were always there, alive in his eyes, unguarded just for her. And his smiles—God, they were there too, secret and real, meant only for her.
She closed her eyes, breathing in his intoxicating scent, the warmth of him settling deep into her bones. Her hands moved to the back of his neck, fingers kneading gently, easing the tension away. A low groan rumbled in his chest at her touch, sending a shiver down her spine.
"I love you," she whispered, her voice trembling with the weight of everything she felt.
Michael exhaled sharply, as though her words had stolen the air from his lungs. His hands found her waist, pulling her closer until there was nothing left between them but heat, devotion, and years of unspoken longing finally answered. "I love you more than I have words for," he murmured, his voice rough with emotion.
She kissed him then, a kiss that was soft but insistent, every ounce of her love for him pouring into the way their lips moved together, her world narrowing to the sensation of him against her. His hands gripped her waist, anchoring her to him as the kiss deepened, a quiet promise exchanged without words. She lost herself completely, her low moan spilling into the space between them. It was as though everything she felt—her love, her gratitude, her longing—was pouring out through her touch, binding them closer with each passing second. Just as their kiss deepened and the world around them seemed to fade into a blissful silence, a sharp knock on the glass door shattered their bubble of intimacy.
"Hey, lovebirds!" Micky's voice boomed, laced with mischief as he leaned against the door frame. "I hate to break your spell, but there's food sizzling on the grill—and you know Stacy's serious about her portions. You two have five minutes before she starts devouring them!"
Juliana jerked away, her cheeks blazing red as she hastily tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Michael laughed, tilting his head back in a mix of amusement and playful exasperation.
"We'll be there in a minute, Micky," he called out, his tone light yet teasing.
Micky shot them a conspiratorial wink. "Don't dawdle! I'm not above snatching your burgers if you're too slow," he quipped, then sauntered off onto the deck, his laughter trailing behind him.
Juliana let out a soft giggle as she shook her head. "Well, so much for our perfect moment," she said with a mock sigh.
Michael turned to her, his eyes warm and unhurried as he reached for her hand. Interlocking their fingers, he pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "Don't worry," he murmured, voice filled with tender promise, "there's always another moment waiting for us."
With a playful glint, he added, "Our love is like that grill—always hot, always sizzling, even if a hungry interruption comes along!"
Juliana laughed, her heart fluttering as she squeezed his hand. "You're impossible," she teased, though her smile spoke volumes of affection. "But I wouldn't have it any other way."
Hand in hand, they rose and strolled toward the patio, their steps light and their spirits high. The aroma of grilled food mingled with the joyous chatter of friends, and the interrupted moment only added to the charm of the evening—a promise that their love, much like a perfectly cooked burger, would always be worth waiting for.
—
After weeks of grueling improv training, endless takes, and more coffee than any human should consume, the boys finally managed to catch a breather. But rather than collapse into a well-deserved nap, they did what only the slightly delirious and overly ambitious could—plan a Halloween bash at their rented beach house.
News of the party spread like wildfire, and the girls were buzzing with excitement. Almost immediately, the idea of couples' costumes took over. "It'll be so cute!" Stacy practically skipped in place as she imagined herself as a princess on the arm of her charming, albeit reluctant, prince.
Gina, the resident Halloween fanatic, declared with a devilish grin, "Mickey, you're going to be a werewolf, and I'll be a vampire. We'll be the ultimate power couple of the undead!" Mickey groaned dramatically, feigning protest. "You know I'm not built for fangs and fur," he joked, though his smile betrayed his amusement.
Meanwhile, Willow had an even quirkier plan. "I'm going to be a Dalmatian!" she announced, beaming. "And Peter, you'll be my fireman." Peter raised an eyebrow and smirked. "So does that make you my pet, or are you gonna have me on a leash?" he teased. "Exactly!" Willow shot back, her tone as playful as her idea.
Juliana, however, had her own plan—and it starred Michael. Finding him lounging on the couch and flipping through a magazine as if he were lost in a world of his own, her eyes lit up with mischief. She perched next to him, practically bouncing with excitement. "Okay, I've got it all planned out," she declared.
Michael glanced up, feigning wariness. "This sounds dangerous… what are you cooking up now?"
"Not dangerous—just adorable!" Juliana waved a dismissive hand. "We'll go as a cowboy and cowgirl. You've already got the boots, and I'll find the perfect hat. It's simple, it's cute—it's us!"
Michael rubbed the back of his neck, pretending to ponder. "Cowboy, huh? I don't know, Jul. It's a little… obvious, don't you think?"
Juliana gasped in mock offense, leaning in with a sly smile. "Obvious? Obvious is timeless, Michael! Besides," she added in a conspiratorial whisper, "I promise to make it worth your while."
He smirked and shook his head. "You're not playin' fair, you know that?"
"I never said I would," she replied sweetly, though her eyes danced with mischief.
After a moment of dramatic, feigned deliberation, Michael sighed, "You know I can't say no to you."
"Yay!" Juliana clapped her hands, already mentally planning every detail of her outfit—down to the fringe on her vest.
And just like that, the party prep was officially on. The beach house was about to transform into a spooky, sparkly, chaotic Halloween wonderland. As the boys reluctantly bickered over costume ideas and the girls debated the perfect amount of cobwebs for the décor, one thing was clear: this party was going to be one for the history books. Whether it ended in epic fun or total disaster, it promised to be a night none of them would ever forget.
—
The Halloween party was a roaring success—music blared, laughter echoed, and jack-o'-lanterns flickered under the starry night, creating the perfect festive atmosphere. Everyone had gone all out with their costumes, earning cheers and compliments as they mingled and danced.
"Look at you two!" Stacy called out to a couple in a fairy-tale moment. She and Davy were a picture of enchantment—her shimmering princess gown and his makeshift regal uniform complete with epaulettes had everyone convinced they were the royal couple of the evening. Nearby, Willow's dalmatian costume garnered endless "awws," especially when paired with Peter's spot-on fireman getup. But the real showstoppers were Micky and Gina, in their chilling vampire and werewolf costumes, who swept the costume contest with thunderous applause.
Juliana glided through the party with her camera in hand, determined to capture every candid smile and spontaneous burst of laughter. At one point, she caught up with Micky. "Hey, snap a picture of me and Michael, will you?" she said, her eyes sparkling as she tugged his arm. Micky grinned and obliged, capturing the moment with a flourish.
She had poured her heart into planning her cowgirl outfit—a striking red fringed vest paired with a matching skirt, pristine white cowboy boots, and a hat that made her feel daring and undeniably cute. Yet nothing prepared her for the moment she saw Michael. Dressed in his effortlessly rugged style—worn boots, faded jeans, and a Western shirt—it was the white cowboy hat he'd dug out of his closet that truly stole her breath away. As he adjusted the hat with a casual flick, she felt her stomach flip like a rodeo rider in a bull ride.
As she took a step back from the dance floor, Stacy appeared at her side, linking their arms together. "Julie, this is officially the best party we've ever thrown," she declared, practically bouncing on her heels. "Did you see Gina and Micky? They're so in character it's actually scary."
Juliana laughed, stealing a glance toward the self-proclaimed "power couple of the undead," who were now locked in a dramatic, over-the-top staredown. "Yeah, I think Micky's having a little too much fun growling at people."
Stacy giggled, then nudged Juliana playfully. "Speaking of people having fun… you and Michael? Total couple goals."
Juliana's face warmed. "What? No, we're just—"
"Don't even try to play it cool," Stacy cut in, waving a hand. "The way he looks at you, Julie? It's like you lassoed his heart or something."
Juliana groaned, but she couldn't help smiling. "That was terrible."
"And yet, not wrong," Stacy sing-songed. "Seriously, you two are disgustingly adorable. He hasn't taken his eyes off you all night."
Juliana bit her lip, stealing a glance at Michael, who was currently talking to Peter and Davy, but as if sensing her gaze, he looked up. His expression softened instantly, his lips curving into that slow, lazy smile that never failed to make her weak in the knees.
"See?" Stacy whispered triumphantly. "Total. Swoon."
Juliana rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide the glow in her cheeks. "Okay, fine. Maybe tonight's been… kind of perfect."
Stacy squeezed her arm. "Then go enjoy it! Dance with your cowboy before I steal him for a twirl myself."
Juliana laughed, shaking her head. "You wouldn't dare."
Stacy smirked. "Oh, I totally would. But lucky for you, my prince is waiting." She winked and twirled off toward Davy, leaving Juliana standing there, heart full and pulse racing.
Taking a deep breath, she set her camera down and smoothed her skirt. Maybe it was time to stop admiring from afar. With a steadying exhale, she made her way across the room toward Michael, knowing that no matter what, this was a night neither of them would ever forget.
When she reached Michael, unable to contain herself, Juliana called softly, "Michael, you look incredible tonight."
He turned, catching her gaze with a lopsided grin. "Well, thank you, cowgirl," he teased, his eyes dancing with mischief. "I must say, you're rocking that look too."
Her heart skipped a beat, and she smiled broadly. "I've been waiting for this moment all night. Every time I see you, I feel like I'm right where I belong."
Michael walked over, his footsteps in perfect rhythm with the lively music. "I was just thinking the same thing," he said warmly, taking her hand. "You know, this party—it's amazing, but nothing compares to being with you."
At that moment, as they exchanged playful banter and tender smiles, the background buzz of the party seemed to fade into a soft hum. Juliana's mind raced with excitement and vulnerability. "I love how you make everything feel so real," she admitted softly. "It's like you've always known the secret to my heart."
Michael's gaze grew tender as he squeezed her hand gently. "And I love you for being exactly who you are. Tonight, you make me believe in magic again."
Their conversation was interrupted by a burst of laughter nearby, and they shared a knowing smile. The night was filled with both wild celebration and quiet, intimate moments like this—a perfect blend of fun and romance.