“I never use it. It gets more use as a storage space for clean laundry than a place to sit and eat.”
“So wheredoyou eat, Em?” he muses.
“Usually on the couch with the TV on,” I reply sheepishly.
“Hey, I’m not complainin’. When I was livin’ alone in Atlanta, that’s where I ate every night.” I swear it’s like this man knows the right thing to say every single time. “We’ll go in there, then. We could stand in the kitchen but I’d rather eat knowin’ you’re comfortable.”
It’s then I realize I’ve been feeling more like me since Jude arrived than I have the whole time since leaving Timber Falls.
I let out a long, slow breath, blanking my mind of everything that’s been weighing me down. Jude’s here. He bought me dinner.
‘I drove straight through after leaving your brothers this morning.’
“Though here,” I say, walking ahead into the living room. Stopping in front of my beloved corner couch, I sweep my hand out. “Take a seat anywhere.”
“After you.” His voice is like smooth velvet wrapping around me, making me feel safe. It’s strange but I’m not about to question it. Not when I’m feeling the closest I’ve been to normal in weeks.
Once I’m settled in my corner seat with a blanket thrown over my lap and my legs curled up beside me, he leans over and hands me my plate, his lips twitching as he does it.
I look over at the coffee table and freeze. “Damn, I forgot to get drinks. My mother would be horrified at my hostin’,” I babble, leaning forward to get up again.
I stop when Jude puts his hand up. “Stay there. I’m sure I can find the kitchen again and grab us somethin’. What would you like?”
“A ginger beer, please.”
That earns me another smile. “Comin’ right up.”
“Help yourself to anythin’. Whatever’s there,” I call out to his retreating back, getting a waved hand of acknowledgement in response.
While he’s out of the room, I grab my phone.
Em: Wanna tell me why Jude is here… in my HOUSE?
Dare: It’s not my place to tell you. Just hear him out.
Em: Hear him out about WHAT?
I type as fast as I can, but Dare doesn’t answer again before Jude heads back my way.
I’ve barely let go of my phone before he walks in, his gaze dropping to the device in question. He doesn’t comment though, just bites back a grin as he hands me my drink and takes a seat at the other end of the couch.
“I’d forgotten how nice this town is,” he says after a few minutes.
Now he’s making small talk? Have I somehow fallen into an alternate universe?
“I’m sorry, I just can’t concentrate knowin’ you’re here, totally out of the blue, and eatin’ dinner on my couch.”
He stills, his face going slack as his shoulders straighten. “I wanted to surprise you, but don’t want to impose. If this is a bad idea, I can…” He leans forward, placing his plate on the table and looking ready to bolt.
It hits me then that I don’t want him to leave. I don’t want to go back to feeling wrong in my own skin, my home, my oldlife, everything thathashappened since I left the mountain. Everything felt better the moment Jude stepped into my house.I just wish I knew why.
“No, I didn’t mean—.” I shake my head, trying to find the words to say. “I don’t want you to go. It’s just… I feel like I’m missin’ somethin’ here. I messaged Dare and all he said was to hear you out.” I lock eyes with his. “I guess this is me askin’ you toletme—hear you out, that is. What was so important that you dropped everythin’ to come here? I won’t judge or react or whatever. I just need to know.”
“Somethin’ happened,” he says, not making me wait.
My lips quirk up. “Well,duh. I didn’t think you just turned up at my door with no warnin’ just to say hi.”
He answers with a shrug. “I mean, Iwould. I’ve been known to be spontaneous on occasion.”