Chapter 100 I Will Carry You Back to Your Apartment
Julian stood tall, and his presence was intimidating. He lowered his gaze at Rosalie, his voice deep. “I’m heading to the restroom.”
Before Rosalie knew what was going on, Ursula winked at her and pointed to the corner of her mouth.
Rosalie froze for a second. She subconsciously licked the corner of her lips, and only then did she realize she had a little smudge of barbecue sauce there. She quickly grabbed a napkin and wiped it off.
When Julian came back, he had washed his face again. A few drops of water trailed down his sharp jawline and disappeared into the neckline of his black T-shirt.
He also held a bottle of ice-cold water in his hand, the knuckles sharp and well-defined.
A moment later, Rosalie started feeling hot, so she grabbed her hair and threw it into a bun. Her fair,
delicate neck came into view, shining in the light.
Sitting next to her, Julian caught his breath. The next instant, he was on his feet again. “Be right back.”
Rosalie was caught off guard for a second. After a beat, she reached for the cornbread that was a little too far away. As she got up, her arm accidentally brushed against his.
The moment she sat down, he tensed up. Then, he just stood up and bolted for the restroom again.
Rosalie was utterly confused. Even Crispin could tell something was wrong.
He scratched his head and earnestly explained to her, “Don’t get the wrong idea, Rosalie. Captain Yarwood is never like this back at the station. He has a bladder of steel, and he can hold it longer than
any of us.”
Another firefighter quickly added, “Plus, he can knock out 20 reps at 265 pounds on the bench press like it is nothing. We’ve never seen anyone who can top Captain Yarwood.”
Crispin nodded vigorously. “It’s definitely the heat. Captain Yarwood is sweating like crazy.”
Rosalie hummed in acknowledgement and didn’t press further. She realized Julian was constantly
sweating, even though the air conditioning was running at full blast.
After they managed to wrap up the dinner, they walked to the door and found it was pelting down outside. The rain hammered the pavement loudly.
The shop owner dug around in the store for a while but only managed to find one umbrella.
Ursula waved her hand. “I drove here, so I don’t need it. I’m heading out.”
With that, she dashed into the pouring rain.
Edmond took off after her, screaming over the rain. “What the hell did you mean by that? Explain yourself.”
Rosalie turned her attention away from them. She was too busy thinking about her own problems. After all, she didn’t have a car or an umbrella.
The other firefighters waved goodbye and cheerfully jogged out into the soaking rain, making a run for the fire station just down the street. Suddenly, she found herself alone at the doorway with Julian.
The owner of the joint handed her an umbrella. “It’s a little small, but it should do the trick for the lady
here.”
Julian took it and opened it. It was a small umbrella with a playful cartoon design, looking like it was
meant for a kid.
He offered her the umbrella, but she didn’t take it. Instead, she looked at him with concern. “Are you sure you should be out in the rain? What about the wounds on your back? They haven’t fully healed.”
His low voice blended with the sound of the rain. “It’s fine. I can just make a run for it. The station is right
there.”
Rosalie shook her head, insisting firmly. “That won’t do. Why don’t you take it? Then, you can head to the station and bring back another umbrella. I don’t mind waiting.”
Julian fixed his intense gaze on her. After a pause, he said flatly, “We don’t have umbrellas at the station.”
She was taken aback and was about to protest. But he suddenly crouched in front of her with his broad back facing her. His voice was husky. “I’ll carry you back to your apartment. That way, we both stay dry.”
Rosalie hesitated. “What about your injury-”
Julian interrupted. “It’s still better than getting drenched. Besides, you weigh nothing, and it won’t mess with my injury.”
The owner of the joint started urging them from the doorway. “Just let your husband give you a piggyback ride. Why are you two acting like shy newlyweds? I’m closing up now.”
Rosalie was speechless. She had no choice but to slowly climb onto Julian’s back.
She was mindful of his injury as she eased onto him, gently settling against his back. The moment she pressed softly against Julian, every muscle in his body tightened.
