As they walked through the city streets, the lights of the skyscrapers casting a golden glow over the sidewalks, Emily felt a sense of wonder. She had always loved New York, the energy and pace of the city infectious.
Julian led her to a small rooftop bar, the view of the city breathtaking. They sat at a table, Julian ordering them drinks without asking her what she wanted.
"So, what did you want to show me?" Emily asked, her eyes scanning the cityscape.
Julian's gaze held hers, his eyes intense. "I wanted to show you that I'm not the same person I was either, Emily. I've built a life, a business. I've accomplished things I never thought possible."
Emily's heart skipped a beat. "And what does that have to do with me?"
Julian's smile was small. "Everything. You see, Emily, I've been thinking a lot about the past, about what happened between us. And I've come to realize that I owe you an apology."
Emily's eyes widened, surprise washing over her. "An apology? For what?"
Julian's gaze dropped, his voice low. "For the way I treated you. For pushing you away, for not being there for you when you needed me. I'm sorry, Emily."
The words hung in the air, Emily's heart racing with emotion. She hadn't expected this, hadn't expected Julian to apologize.
"It's okay," she said finally, her voice soft. "It's in the past. Let's just focus on the present."
Julian's gaze met hers, his eyes burning with intensity. "I want to focus on you, Emily. I want to know what's going on in that head of yours."
Emily's cheeks flushed, her heart skipping a beat. "I don't know what you mean."
Julian's smile was small. "Don't play games with me, Emily. I know you better than that. You're not just here to be my assistant. You're here for something more."
The air between them crackled with tension as Emily leaned forward. "And what makes you think that?"
Julian's gaze held hers, his eyes intense. "Because I can see it in your eyes, Emily. I can see the fire, the passion. You're not just a corporate climber, you're a woman with a heart and soul."
Emily's heart was racing now, her pulse pounding in her ears. She felt like she was standing on the edge of a cliff, staring into the abyss.
"What do you want from me, Julian?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Julian's gaze held hers, his eyes burning with intensity. "I want to know what you're thinking, Emily. I want to know what you want from me, from us."
The city lights blurred around her as Emily felt like she was drowning in Julian's eyes. She didn't know what to say, didn't know what she wanted.
But as she looked into Julian's eyes, she knew one thing - she was in trouble. Big trouble.