“I’m coming up with you.”He shifted, almost uncomfortably.“I want to make sure everything is okay before I leave.”
“You don’t have to do that.”A deep, unexpected longing to introduce him to Ash and Jess made her frown.
“I need to,” he ground out.
“Oh, right.”She did her best to ignore the pang in her chest.She’d witnessed something nefarious, and the Department of Homeland Security wanted to keep her safe.She was a source of information.A mission.At least, Jude was doing his best to convince himself of that.They walked to the elevator and took it to the top floor.As they moved down the hallway to Jess’s condo, Jude’s eyes narrowed, locating every security camera and emergency exit.How exhausting it must be to live your whole life with your head on a swivel, constantly waiting for something terrible to happen.Before they made it to Jess’s unit, the door swung open and her brother rushed out.She ran into a big bear hug, and he lifted her off her feet before putting her back down.Ash took in Jude from the corner of his eye, rubbing the tip of his nose several times as he assessed the man.
“Ash, this is Jude,” she said placing her hand on his shoulder.“The man who helped me get home.”
“Thank you.”Ash avoided the other man’s gaze, placed both hands on her shoulders as he half walked, half pushed her into the condo.
“Ash, that’s rude.”Jess was right in the doorway, her long blonde hair loose around her shoulders.“Tell him to come in.”
“We don’t let strangers in,” Ash protested.
“He’s not a stranger.”Jess slid past them, light dancing in her hazel eyes.“He’s Ivy’s friend.”
Ash’s discomfort was palpable as he crossed his arms tightly over his chest and began to pace the kitchen.Even though she’d eaten a burger and fries a few hours ago, something in the Crock-Pot filled the condo with the savory scent of melted cheese, garlic, and red sauce.
She inhaled the comforting aromas.“Did Jess make her Crock-Pot lasagna?”
“Yes.”He paced over and rested his hand on her head.“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, but I was very lucky that Jude was there to help me.”The worry was palpable in her brother’s eyes.She was so lucky to have a sibling who cared about her so much.
“You have cuts and bruises.”He tucked his arms tightly over his chest again.
“I do, but I’ll be okay.”
Ash let out a long breath, scrunching his nose.“You’ll be okay,” he repeated.
In typical Jess fashion, she came back into the condo with a wide smile, tugging Jude along behind her.Ivy was just over five feet and Jess was a few inches shorter.In comparison, Jude appeared even larger than he already was.
“Jude’s staying for dinner.”The clarity of Jess’s speech was sometimes difficult to understand, but in this particular instance it seemed the whole room heard her loud and clear by the stubbornness in her voice.For Jess, this was nonnegotiable.She wasn’t sure if she wanted to hug the other woman or cry.
Chapter Ten
Jude didn’t wastemuch time thinking about how his actions impacted others, but his words had hurt Ivy when he indicated she was just a mission, a means to uncover a criminal organization.He saw the flash of hurt in the golden depths of her eyes and hated himself for it.The expression had cleared as quickly as it came, but it had still been there.His heart recognized something special in Ivy, and his mind was doing its best to sabotage any chance he might have to get close to her.His body ached with exhaustion and the sensation of heaviness that he seemed to always carry.He was so tired of fighting to keep everyone away.Especially, Ivy.He’d only known her for two days, but the pull toward her was undeniable.
His mind warred with the overpowering desire to protect her and the need to keep a safe distance between them.At least her brother seemed to understand he was no good for Ivy, or maybe it was a natural suspicion of all people.It was almost comical how he’d quickly shoved Ivy into the condo.He was glad she had that, a brother who cared about her and wanted her safe.He was about to turn and leave, clearly dismissed by Ash, when a tiny blonde woman peeked around the doorframe and shot him a wide grin before scrambling out and wrapping her arms around his waist.
He was momentarily frozen, then found himself lifting his hand and patting her back awkwardly.
“Thank you for bringing Ivy back.”Her voice was slightly muffled, but he was still able to understand her.“Ash has a hard time meeting new people.Come in.Stay for dinner.”Her words we’re not a question but a demand.She gripped his hand and tugged him along with surprising force.Her not-so-subtle invitation made his chest tighten, and when she grinned at him over her shoulder, a wedge lodged in his throat at her easy acceptance.Like the rest of her, Ash’s girlfriend had petite features, a button nose, small lips set with mirth, and eyes that reflected light.He allowed himself to be pulled inside.
Ash’s brows shot up when he saw Jude.“It’s not time for visitors,” he muttered and paced a small section of the room.
He took a quick glance around.The condo was drenched in color, with resin art hanging on many of the walls.The couch held bright splashes of turquoise and fuchsia in the form of throw pillows and blankets.Then, there was the scent of something mouthwatering that lingered in the air.“Jude’s staying for dinner,” Jess said and patted the back of his hand before letting go.
“Not now.”Ash held on to the words, stretching them out in protest.He had light brown hair like his sister, but it was longer, skimming beyond his shoulders.He shared her golden eyes, save for the glasses on his face.
Ivy mouthed “sorry” to Jude from a few feet away.
He cleared his throat, able to commiserate on that front.“I don’t like people in my space either.”
Ash gave him a quick glance.“You don’t have visitors at Park Landing, apartment 34B, on South Lark Street?”
He masked his surprise that Ash was able to find not only his street name but his apartment, too.Jude did his best to remain unlisted.“No.Sometimes, Red, who you met yesterday, and another friend Sully will drop by, but I prefer my solitude.”
