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“Gotta keep the chicks away from me, don’t you?” He chuckled, reaching for me and lifting me onto his lap.
“Hell yes,” I nodded with a grin. “You’re a slut magnet. These bitches best learn to back up off my man.” I wrapped my arms around his neck, staring into his eyes. “Don’t worry,” I leaned forward, my voice growing serious, “I trust you.”
“You do?” He asked, surprise coloring his tone.
“I do,” I stated firmly. My voice softening, I frowned. “I’m sorry I ever doubted you.”
He smoothed his fingers through my blonde hair and then took my chin in his hand. “It’s in the past now, baby. I’m over it. Sitting here with the woman of my dreams in my arms I’ve never been happier. That’s what I choose to focus on. Every relationship has ups and downs, Tate,” he smoothed his thumb over my jaw, “that’s normal. I’ve learned to cherish every moment you choose to spend with me.” His eyes dropped to my lips and his eyes darkened. “Because with you by my side I’m the luckiest son of a bitch on this whole damn earth.”
My lips quirked into a half smile. “That was quite the declaration.”
“It’s the truth,” he stated flatly. His eyes darkened with heat. “You’re worth it all, Tate.”
I grinned at that and he chuckled.
“Ah, there’s the dimple I love,” he leaned forward, kissing my cheek. “I still don’t get to see it often enough,” he added with a slight frown. “We’ve got to work on that.”
“Don’t worry, Brooks,” I burrowed my body against his, tucking my head under his neck, “I think you’re going to be seeing a lot more of it.”
He didn’t respond and I felt his body stiffen in my arms.
About that time I heard the sounds of the car.
I eased off of Jude’s lap to sit beside him. He reached over and grabbed my hand, squeezing it tight. His Adam’s apple bobbed with nervousness.
“It’ll be okay,” I assured him.
He nodded, his eyes never leaving the car. It came to a stop and dust from the gravel clouded the air.
“What do I do?” Jude asked, sounding panicked.
I stood, giving his hand a light tug. “You go say hi and we go from there.”
A tall guy got out of the SUV on the driver’s side. He appeared as nervous as Jude. His dark hair hung in waves over his forehead and his eyes were a piercing gray. He stood against the side of the vehicle with his arms crossed.
A woman, Julia I assumed, got out of the passenger side.
We all stood staring at each other for a moment and I decided it looked like I’d be the one to have to break the awkward silence.
I let go of Jude’s hand and stepped up to Archer. “Hi,” I squared my shoulders, determined not to show my nerves, “I’m Tatum, and this is Jude.” I pointed my thumb over my shoulder in the general direction of where Jude hovered. “This is all very awkward,” I whispered conspiratorially, like I was letting him in on a secret, “so why don’t we all just introduce ourselves and head inside for lunch? Sound good?”
Archer chuckled, and his laugh sounded so much like Jude’s I nearly reared back. Then, when he pushed his hair out of his eyes and I got a good look at his face I was even more surprised by the similarities. They had the same pouty lips and angular jaw. While their eyes were different colors they both had the same shape and piercing quality to them.
“I’m Archer,” he extended his hand, “but I guess you knew that already.” He winked.
Jude stepped forward and put a possessive hand on my shoulder. “Nice to meet you,” he said, but there was a hardness to his voice.
Archer’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Don’t worry little brother, I’m not trying to hit on your girl.” He held his left hand in the air, tapping his thumb against his ring finger. “Happily married for the last six months.”
“Oh.” Jude dropped his hand from my shoulder. Smiling sheepishly, he added, “Sorry.”
Julia came around the vehicle and smiled pleasantly at the both of us. It seemed she’d needed a minute to gather herself. “I’m sorry, I…it’s strange being back here after so long.” She looked up at the house behind us. “I spent many years at this house when I was growing up.” Julia turned and smiled at me, then at Jude. “Can I hug you?” She asked Jude.
He seemed startled by the question. He hadn’t said it, but I knew he expected her to hate him. After all, she’d caught Jude’s dad cheating on her with his mom. But looking at the kind woman in front of us, it was clear there was no bad blood—at least where Jude was concerned.
“Uh…” He paused, his brows furrowing together. “Sure.”
Immediately Julia enveloped him in her arms. It wasn’t the hug of a stranger either. No, she hugged him like a mom. I saw Jude relax in her arms and tears stung my eyes. Jude needed this more than anything else.
