Page 33 of Resisting my Roommate

“Sure you have,” she snips back, her words laced with disbelief. “That’s why you still live in the same damn house. It’s been three years, Jude.”

“So you just want me to forget?” I bite out, trying to keep my voice low, even as my emotions threaten to boil over. “Do you tell Presley the same thing? Tell her she just needs to get over losing the most important person in her fucking life?”

“I’d never ask her or you to forget. It’s like asking the sun not to rise or the rivers to stop flowing. It won’t happen.”

She sets the knife on the cutting board and steps toward me, giving my tense forearm a reassuring squeeze.

“But like I tell Presley… Her mom would want her to have the best life. The same goes for you, Jude. And maybe this is exactly what you need so you can finally have that.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

ABBEY

The soft hum of music fills the room as I flow from one yoga pose to the next, solely focused on my breath and maintaining balance and harmony.

After I ran out on Carson, I never thought I’d feel centered and at peace again.

Now, I feel more at peace than I have in a long time, thanks to Jude.

A smile tugs at my lips at the mere thought of him. Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen a completely different side of him than the man I first met on the night of my bachelorette party.

Granted, his grumpy side makes an appearance on occasion, but I’d like to think I’ve learned the secret to cracking through that tough outer shell.

And when I do, there’s nothing better than his laugh. And don’t get me started on those dimples.

As I transition into a reverse warrior pose, the doorbell interrupts the peaceful serenity of the townhouse. Assuming it’s just a delivery, I remain in the lunge position with one arm extended over my head and the other along my leg, maintaining steady breaths.

Then a feminine voice breaks through.

“Abbey? Are you in there? It’s Danielle Lawrence. Jude’s mom. I know he’s out for a run, so I figured now would be the perfect time to drop by.”

I straighten, nervous butterflies taking flight in my stomach over the prospect of meeting Jude’s mom. But I have nothing to be nervous about. It’s not like I’mdatinghim or anything. I just work for and live with him. Temporarily.

That’s it.

“I brought banana bread and blueberry scones,” she sings.

“Coming,” I call out, quickly rolling up my yoga mat and propping it against the wall.

After turning off the music on my phone, I hurry toward the front door, pausing by the entryway mirror to check my appearance. My complexion is slightly flushed, my dark curls pulled back into a messy bun on the top of my head. Not exactly presentable, but it’ll have to do on such short notice.

Drawing in a breath, I turn to the door and open it to reveal a petite woman with a plate of baked goods in her hands. She looks like an older version of Dylan — blonde hair, green eyes, and a heartwarming smile.

“I hope I’m not interrupting.” She scans my attire — tight fitting tank top and slim black yoga pants. “I thought I’d drop by to meet Jude’s new roommate and bring you a little something.”

“You’re not interrupting at all. I was just doing some yoga, but I’d much rather eat. Come on in.”

I step aside, and the smell of freshly baked bread fills the air as she walks inside.

“I’d much rather eat than do yoga, too. My body doesn’t bend that way anymore.”

I laugh politely and follow her into the kitchen. “Would you like some coffee, Mrs. Lawrence?”

“If it’s not any trouble. And please. Call me Danielle.”

“Okay, Danielle.”

I head toward the one-cup brewer and prepare a few cups while she takes a seat at the bistro table, unwrapping the plate of goodies. Once I’m done, I place two mugs onto the table, along with milk and a variety of sweeteners.

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