Page 114 of Wanted

“Anything else going on with you this week before we end our session?” Christian smiles, and I want to curl my lip at the guy. Whatever progress happens in therapy, I’ll never wind up like that. The guy practically shines positivity out of his ass.

“I’m going to propose to my girlfriend.”

“That’s a huge step. Care to tell me about your plan?”

“Not this time, Doc.”

Christian smiles. “Next week, then. You can tell me how it went.”

Later that same night…

Frankie

“Honey, we’re going to be late!” I call as I slip my feet into a pair of black ankle boots. Ashe bumps her head against my knee, leaving a trail of white hairs on my skirt.

“Thank god for lint rollers.” I pat her head and rush out the door.

“Jude?” I call at the bottom of the steps.

“Right here, baby.” His voice comes from the kitchen.

I move that way, dropping my lipstick into my open bag and snapping my clutch purse closed.

“Are you ready? I’m starving. I’ve been working on that new commission all day. I can’t believe people actually want to buy my work.”

A couple weeks after the incident with Dillon, I called Lola and told her I’m staying in Minnesota. She excitedly added my art back to her online shop. Between her boutique and getting my name out around Fairview Valley, I’ve sold one new canvas and I’ve started on another.

As I enter the brightly lit room, the sight of Jude leaning against the counter dries my mouth.

It isn’t like he’s overly dressed, but the man has cleaned up from his usual jeans and tees. The dark wash jeans look brand new and cling to his muscular thighs. He’s switched out his dirty black boots for a pair of brown sneakers that could pass for a pair of expensive dress shoes. His muscular torso is encased in an untucked white button-down, the top two buttons undone to show the column of his throat, and the sleeves are rolled to his elbows.

His head is tipped down, but his eyes watch me enter the room. The look is totally adorable and shy for my usually confident guy.

I stop in front of him and run my hands from his chest to his shoulders. Three weeks ago, my cast was removed. Even though my arm is a little weak from disuse, it feels amazing to touch him with both hands.

“Is this for me?”

Those piercing silver eyes send a flare of heat to my belly. “Wouldn’t dress this way for anyone else.”

“You look sexy.”

“So do you.” He peruses my outfit, from the boots to the olive-green tiered baby doll dress I picked up just this morning. His hands settle on my waist and squeeze. “Maybe we should skip the ceremony.”

I smack him playfully. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“True. It’s hard to have a wedding without the best man.” He pats his breast pocket. “I also have the rings.”

“Then we better get out of here.”

We hustle to the van, and Jude gets us into town in record time. Cars line the street outside Jack and Whitney’s house on both sides. Not many. Enough for the guests of their quiet, intimate ceremony in their backyard.

Jude takes my hand on the sidewalk, and together, we walk into their home.

“You’re here!” Bree greets me and pulls me from Jude’s hold. She tucks a lock of my hair behind my ear. “I love this dress on you! The color is gorgeous.”

“Thank you. Your dress is beautiful too.” I squeeze her hands.

“Everything is ready in the backyard. We’re just waiting on Aiden.”

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