“Let’s get you into bed. We can talk about how we’re a couple of chickenshits in the morning—or laterthismorning—okay?”
“Sure,” I said as Jude picked up the washcloth and finished cleaning my face. We headed to his bedroom, and he helped me out of my clothes. I faked a little extra weakness so he would undress me. I was still me in spirit, even if it was a little battered tonight.
“You can wear this.” He rummaged through his drawer and tossed a Kelly Lakes PD softball jersey onto the bed. “Thought it would give you a thrill.”
“It does,” I said as I slipped it on. “What are you looking for?” I asked when he dug deep into the bottom of his closet.
“My sleeping bag.” He stood, holding up a large black backpack. “I’ll sleep on the floor.”
“You don’t tell a woman you love her and then sleep on the floor next to her right after. What’s wrong with you? Haven’t you ever watched a rom-com or picked up a romance novel?”
He dropped his chin to his chest with a loud exhale. “My bed is tight—”
“And we always make do. So?”
“So, you’re injured, and I don’t want to hurt you. You have enough bumps and bruises.”
“You’ll hurt me if you make me sleep alone. Strip and get into bed, Davis.”
“Don’t threaten me with a good time either,” he joked, stepping out of his uniform and pulling on a pair of boxers.
I tucked my hands under my head, carefully avoiding brushing against the bruises, as I shamelessly ogled the man I loved. Even if I wasn’t up to physically appreciating every inch of his perfection—and most likely wouldn’t be for a little while as I healed—a thrill ran through me because he was all mine.
And mine to keep, because I was here to stay. My stupid idea to run back home to Brooklyn was forgotten once the man I loved had reminded me that home wasn’t there anymore. Home was here—with him and the life we could build together.
“Easy,” he whispered as he climbed in next to me and wrapped his arm around my waist. “Are you okay?”
“Not quite yet. But I will be.” I rested my chin on his chest to peer up at him, soaking up all the love in his blue eyes. “The one thing I do regret is that game of darts. I thought he was just one of those jerks who didn’t think women could do anything and”—I darted my eyes away from his—“I wanted to impress you. I didn’t realize I’d enrage him that much by showing off.”
“Don’t regret that. I loved it.” He smoothed a stray lock of hair away from my forehead. “You were so damn sexy. Every time you hit the target, I got a chill.”
I chuckled against his chest.
“But then I asked you for a fake-couple game of darts, and you wouldn’t even look at me.”
“You know why I didn’t. I was a jealous idiot throwing a tantrum but still very,veryturned on.”
He ran his hand up and down my back with a wicked glint in his eye.
“I wouldn’t have given me another shot after that if I were you. I’m a lucky man right now for a lot of reasons.” Jude wrapped his other arm around my waist and gingerly pulled me closer.
“Another thing.”
“What?” Jude snapped his head to mine.
“I love you.”
He chuckled, lifting my chin with the tip of his finger to press his mouth to mine.
“I love you too. Gets easier every time you say it, right?”
I nodded against his chest as he turned off the light.
Saying it might’ve been hard, but loving Jude was the easiest thing I’d ever done.
28
CLAUDIA
