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“No, we didn’t.”
“I don’t even know what to ask,” he chuckled.
“I’ll go first then,” I smiled, even though he didn’t see it. I racked my brain for something to ask him. I didn’t want it to be something stupid or irrelevant. Finally, I breathed, “Why me? Why am I different?”
He chuckled, turning to look at me again. His gaze was intense as he grinned. “That was two questions, Tater Tot.”
“They’re similar, so it counts as one.” I stuck my tongue out at him.
Sobering, his eyes darkened as he gazed at me. I saw a million different things in his eyes, none of which I could figure out. “Because you just are.”
I laughed, “That’s a really sucky answer and you know it.”
“It’s the truth,” he lifted his shoulders in a small shrug. “Even in high school there was always something about you that caught my eye.” Chuckling, he pinched the bridge of his nose. “I think you carved a permanent spot in my heart when you kicked me in the balls. You were so beautiful and fierce.”
“You’re a strange guy, Jude Brooks,” I shook my head. “Most guys would be turned off if a girl did that to them.”
“What can I say?” He smirked. “I’ve always been different.” He shifted so he hovered above me. My breath stuttered at his proximity. “You wanna know what I think is the most attractive thing about you?”
“What?” I whispered, scared to move.
“That you’re completely unaware of how beautiful you are.”
I didn’t know how to respond, so I didn’t. He lowered his head, and my heart rate picked up, convinced that he was going to kiss me.
I turned my head away before he could try anything and he sank down beside me, letting out a heavy sigh.
Wanting to alleviate the awkward tension hanging in the air, I said, “Your turn.”
He bit his lip, thinking carefully before searing me with his dark brown eyes. “Do you think you’ll ever stop hating me?”
I wasn’t expecting that question and was unprepared with how to answer. After a moment, I replied honestly. “I don’t know.” I knew that wasn’t the answer he wanted, but it was all I had.
He scrubbed a hand over his face. “At least that’s better than no.”
With a groan, he stood and held out a hand to help me up. I reluctantly placed my hand in his, ignoring how my whole body zinged at the touch.
He draped the blanket over his arm and we headed back to the truck. It didn’t take long for the house to appear and it was just as beautiful as I remembered it.
“I know it’s not the nicest place—” Jude started but I quickly cut him off.
“It’s magical.” Before I could feel embarrassed by my words I jumped out of the truck.
His grandpa was expecting us and opened the door before I could step up onto the porch. His smile widened and then he asked, “Jude, who’s this pretty girl? Have you finally settled down?”
Jude chuckled, shoving his hands in his pockets. “This is Tatum, she’s a…” He peered at me, tilting his head, “friend from school.”
His grandpa snorted. “I’m old, not blind.” Turning to head inside, he kept a hand on the door and said, “Come on in, Tatum.”
“Play along,” Jude mouthed unnecessarily.
“You know,” his grandpa chuckled as he headed to the kitchen, “I should’ve known you weren’t his girlfriend. You’re too pretty for him.”
I laughed at the same time Jude groaned, “Pap!”
“What?” Jerry shrugged innocently. “It’s true.”
Jude shook his head, muttering under his breath before asking, “What did you make for dinner? Something smells delicious.”
