Jinxy slinks forward as I rub him, stretching until I stroke his entire back all the way up his tail. He spins around for more, and I happily oblige. Before I know it, he’s purring like a pickup truck.
"He likes me," I say, delighted.
The group laughs, and I swear I see Mr. Bruce wipe a tear.
We spend the next two hours practicing for the segment with my simple new creation featuring pistachio cream. Jinxy is the purr-fect gentleman, and Mr. Bruce adds a splash of snark; there's a nice chemistry between us, and I can't help but think the audition is going to go off without a hitch.
In the quiet pause, my mind bounces back to Jude; what does this turn of events mean for us?
When we left to get ingredients earlier, we didn’t talk about our relationship or the text I last sent. In fact, we barely spoke at all. It wasn’t until we got back to my place that the awkwardness faded, and we eased into our old, comfortable groove. It’s as wonderful as it is worrisome; I still love Jude, and I’d do anything to have him back in my life.
"Well,” Mr. Bruce says as he comes to a stand. “I best get going so Jinxy and I can get our beauty sleep." He grabs his coat by the door, and I follow, giving little Jinxy an affectionate squeeze. The eccentric animal has thoroughly stolen my heart, and I'm excited about having him on the show tomorrow.
Nellie shrugs into her coat, too. "I'm relieved things are going so…" She looks between me and Jude, who’s hand-drying a baking sheet. "Sogoodfor you. I was worried when you took off. I thought panic had you in its claws again. Or should I say paws?"
We chuckle lamely, and Nellie rolls her eyes. "Hey, I'm sleep-deprived, remember?"
I do remember. Nellie, nearing her mid-40s, is going back to school. It's an online, move-at-your-own-pace type of deal, and she's been studying to get testing out of the way before Christmas.
After handing Jinxy over to Mr. Bruce, I give Nellie a squeeze. "I'm proud of you," I say before kissing her cheek.
"I'm proud of you too.And…" she adds under her breath, "I wantallthe details."
She pulls back to shoot me that look that says a million words at once.Areyou two back together? How did this happen? I can't believe how hot Jude is.
“I know,” I say with a nervous grin.
Once I’ve seen them out, I spin around, ready to finally get to business with Jude, and startle as I realize he’s right behind me.
“I better get going, too,” he says, loosely tossing the scarf around his neck.
He already has his coat on. My mind races. I want to ask when we can talk. When I’ll see him again. I want to know if he misses me the way I miss him.
He slips a hand around the back of my head and pulls me toward him, hypnotizing me with his spicy, masculine scent. It’s like a spell, making me want to grab him by the collar and kiss him long and hard. I’m only human, for…for crying in a bucket.
“Good luck tomorrow,” he rasps.
“Thanks,” I say softly, meaning it with every molecule. Jude’s in high demand, after all, and he spent practically the whole day with me. He wouldn’t have done it if he didn’t care.
Still, I can’t help but wonder where we go from here. Will this be it? Isthisour final embrace?
My eyes sting with tears at the thought. “And thanks for being here today.”
“You bet.” Jude kisses my forehead, his heated breath teasing my skin as he speaks up once more. “I catch a flight to Sydney in the morning, which means I’ll miss the show.”
I hate how much the news hurts. Not that he’ll miss the show, but that he’s leaving. He’s going home for Christmas, and I’ll be celebrating with Nellie and her family or Mr. Bruce. It’s odd, but it feels like we’re breaking up all over again.
I’m going to miss him.
“You coming back after the new year?” I confirm, suddenly afraid that he’s leaving forever.
He nods, then offers one last sentiment. “Make ‘em melt, Lady G. I know you can.”
CHAPTER 12
Do I dream about a different goodbye between me and Jude? One where he gushes over how much he misses me before pulling me into his strong arms and kissing me senseless?
Nope, I don’t.
