Page 41 of The Dating Pact

Jude’s fingers curled into fists, and I ducked my chin, embarrassed.

“So she cleaned it and herself up on her own then crawled into bed. Imagine, she had no hair from chemo, her port still in, and was recovering from a life-changing surgery, but he couldn’t handle it. Told her he wasn’t strong enough. Can you believe that?”

I covered my heated face with my hand. I’d informed Jude about Tom. He’d known that my ex had left me at the worst possible time, but I hadn’t gone into detail. Too humiliated. Too traumatized.

Jude shook his head, nostrils flaring, and I couldn’t take it, that feeling of inadequacy. It had been years since Tom and I had broken up, when I’d thrown my engagement ring at him, but it still pained me to remember. To think I still might not be enough.

I began to turn away, but a warm hand wrapped around my wrist. Before I could protest, Jude had me enveloped in his arms, his mouth against my temple. “You didn’t deserve it.”

I nodded against his shoulder.

“He’s a piece of shit, and you’re amazing.”

When I didn’t respond, he took my head in his hands, his palms on my cheeks, forcing my eyes to his. “Honeybee, listen to me. You have nothing—nothing—to be ashamed of. You’re one of the best people I know, and all those voices in your head? They’re wrong. Everything he made you believe about yourself, it’s bullshit. You’re perfect. You were then, and you still are now. You hear me? You’re perfect.”

I sniffled, eyes stinging. Who’d have thought I’d be so emotional in the middle of a candy shop on a Sunday afternoon.

“He’s not worth your tears.” He kissed my forehead, only for Sabrina to clear her throat.

She held up her cell phone. “I’m gonna head outside and give Everett a call.”

I supposed this was one way to get her to shut up. I leaned back into Jude’s hug. “Thanks. For the candy and for what you said.”

“It’s my pleasure. All of it.” He held me at arm’s length, the glimmer in his amber eyes making me think he wasn’t only referring to today, but I didn’t have it in me to truly examine the innuendo and I stepped away from him.

“You’re too generous.”

“Not when it comes to you.” He pressed his hand between my shoulder blades to escort me outside, where Sabrina played on her cell phone. He offered her a hug goodbye. “I’ll let you know when the candy shipment’s delivered.” Then he hugged me again, saying, “I’ll text you later.”

His message finally arrived after I’d changed for bed.

Jude

I hope your ex’s dick gets gangrene and falls off.

Jude

But in the interim, I would like to know his last name and address.

Why?

Jude

No reason.

??

Jude

Me and the boys want to take a trip. Say hi to him.

You’re funny.

Jude

I’m not kidding.

You gonna beat him up for me?

---