Page 170 of Jude

‘Jude, stop, are you even for real?’ I gasped, twisting beneath him.

‘I’m very real, and serious, about you, and giving you whatever you need babe, including good loving,’ he insisted, raining a dozen fast kisses across my jawline and neck until I was breathless and shrieking with laughter.

He stopped, hovering inches above my face, his expression melting into a savage and genuine adoration.

‘Sofia, if acreage, nature and fields gives you peace and happiness, we’re buying a place with it all. Believe me now?’

Gazing into his eyes, I saw the certainty in them that broke through my doubt.

‘Sarebbe fantastico,’ I murmured with a beaming smile. ‘It’ll be pure heaven.’

Chapter 35

SOFIA

After browsing catalogs and online listings over the next few weeks, one morning I asked Jude to drive us out into the rolling hills outside of Nashville.

‘Where are we going again?’ Jude rasped as he navigated the winding roads.

I read out the brochure.

‘It’s not quite a ranch, but it’s a beautiful, sprawling estate surrounded by ancient oaks, open pastures, and a creek. Tucked away on five private acres in Forest Hills, the luxury Nashville 6-bedroom property offers a rare combination of privacy, updated design, and a prime location. Minutes from Green Hills and the downtown grid.’

The scenic, tree-lined entrance road with high security gates led to a secluded two-story grey-and-white house in a park setting, boasting sweeping treetop and skyline views.

I’d gotten the keys from the selling agent the day prior, and I unlocked the front door to let Jude and me inside.

Stepping into the main foyer, we both gasped as natural sunlight poured through oversized windows and a skylight.

The home also featured exposed cedar beams, reclaimed century-old timber accents, and bespoke solid-wood barn sliders that brought an elevated warmth to the architecture.

Automatic window shades let in light, and an integrated Sonos sound system pulsed soft music in the background.

At the heart of the home stood a chef’s kitchen featuring thick marble countertops, custom timber cabinetry, a built-in Miele coffee machine, and a Wolf gas range.

A beverage refrigerator sat flush to the island, which boasted ample storage and leather stools.

Next was a walk-in pantry and a butler’s wet bar, seamlessly connecting the culinary zone to multiple entertaining spaces.

Several distinct living areas centered around rustic stone fireplaces, offering flexible layouts for everyday survival, working from home, or hosting our circle of friends.

One wall featured floor-to-ceiling doors that slid open for indoor-and-outdoor hosting, all overlooking an extensive, stunning pool with a wraparound deck.

With a view of a bijou lake, the private stone terrace had an outdoor hearth and multiple seating areas.

The secluded primary suite was a true retreat.

Expansive glass panels let in pristine treetop views, oversized walk-in closets, and a spa bath with heated tile floors that warmed our bare feet.

Five other bedrooms featured the same amenities, creating the perfect environment for rest and offering stunning views of a green valley.

The basement level included a cinema room, a half bath, a custom bourbon bar, and a climate-controlled wine cellar.

However, the crown jewel of the lower tier was a spacious additional room.

The moment we walked in, Jude stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes lighting up.

‘Sofia, this is it,’ he rasped, his timbre rising with uncharacteristic enthusiasm as he stepped out of the dimensions of the floorboards. ‘Look at the acoustic potential in here. The sound isolation is already halfway built into the foundation. I can fit twice as much gear as I had at the old place. I’m going to run the cables through this wall, and mount the master mixing console right in the center. I’ll build a full, custom isolation booth for recording vocals in that back corner.’