The End of Beginning

CHAPTER 31

He kissed her knuckles, then leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a slow, lingering kiss that sent a shiver through her.

Julia raised a brow, not completely following what he meant by his last statement.

Joe's expression turned more serious. "It shouldn't make a difference on this trip, but eventually, people are going to find out about us."

Julia's stomach twisted slightly. "You mean... publicly?"

Joe nodded. "Yeah. I don't plan on making some big announcement, but the second we're seen together in public, it's only a matter of time before a picture is taken and people start talking. I want to make sure you're okay with that."

Julia hesitated—not because that was a deal breaker, but because she had never considered what it would mean to date someone in the public eye.

Joe must have sensed her apprehension, because he squeezed her hand. "It's not something we need to figure out today," he assured her. "We'll take it one step at a time."

Julia exhaled and nodded. "One step at a time sounds good."

Joe smiled. "Perfect."

For their afternoon outing, Joe took Julia to the Glenbow Museum, a popular spot showcasing Alberta's history, Indigenous culture, and art exhibitions.

Julia was fascinated, taking her time looking at the artifacts and exhibits while Joe followed beside her, fingers intertwined with hers.

As they walked past a massive painting of the Rocky Mountains, Joe sighed. "I hate that I have to film tonight."

Julia tried to hide her disappointment. "I know. It sucks."

Joe nudged her playfully. "I did get it cleared for you to come watch, though. If you're interested."

Julia's eyes widened. "Wait, really?"

Joe smirked. "Yeah. Thought you might like to see me in action."

She grinned, squeezing his hand. "Are you kidding? That's an understatement! More like a dream come true!"

At the studio, Julia followed Joe closely as actors and crew members bustled around.

Joe kept a protective hand on her waist as they walked, and suddenly, Julia spotted someone familiar.

"Hey, Juno," Joe called out.

Julia nearly froze. Juno Temple.

Juno smiled warmly as she approached. "Hey, Joe." Then she glanced at Julia, curiosity sparking in her eyes.

Joe tightened his grip on Julia's waist. "This is Julia. My girlfriend."

Julia nearly choked.

Juno's face lit up. "Oh, wow! Nice to meet you, love!"

"You too," Julia managed, still completely starstruck.

Juno turned to Joe, nudging him playfully. "Girlfriend, huh? It's about time."

Joe rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright. I get it."

As Juno walked away, Julia was in disbelief. She muttered to Joe, "About time? Has she known about me?"

Joe chuckled. "Of course, I talk about you all the time. All these guys must be sick of me by now." He pressed a light kiss to her forehead.

Julia pulled out her phone and quickly texted Chloe.

JULIA: Okay, so don't freak out... But Joe and I are official now, and you may or may not be the second to find out—because the first was Juno Temple.

Chloe's response came instantly.

CHLOE: WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK.

CHLOE: I don't even know where to begin with that text!

CHLOE: KEELEY KNOWS BEFORE ME?! You have SO much explaining to do!

Julia stifled a laugh, tucking her phone away.

On set, Julia was in awe. The scene was set in a quiet suburban neighborhood, dimly lit for the night shoot.

Joe's character was supposed to pull up in an old, beaten-up Bronco. She watched from behind the cameras as he got into position, wearing his backwards cap and gripping the steering wheel with intense focus.

The director called action, and Joe drove up slowly, stopping just outside a house. The tension was palpable.

Then, he stepped out, pulling a prop gun from his holster and aiming it at the second-story window.

Julia held her breath. He looked so different like this—so intense, so in character.

The scene played out multiple times—Joe walking across the street, breaking the fake side window of a car with the butt of the gun, an old woman approaching him on the street.

Even though she had no context for what was happening in the scene, Julia's pulse raced.

By the time they wrapped, it was just past midnight. Joe walked over, still in costume, his face breaking into a grin.

"You ready to go?" he asked.

Julia nodded, still a little breathless from watching him work and seeing his character be so different from the actual him.

He leaned in. "Let's sneak out while I still have this on."

Julia's stomach flipped. "Yes, please."

As soon as they got inside his car, Joe turned toward her, his expression dark with intent.

"You couldn't stop looking at me," he murmured.

Julia swallowed hard. "Watching you act is mesmerizing. And it doesn't help that you look this fucking good... Gator."

Joe leaned in and his lips brushed her ear. "You have no idea what a guy like Gator Tillman would do with you."

"How about you show me?" she whispered before his mouth was on hers again, their bodies pressed close.

Tonight wasn't over yet.