Page 22 of Saving Jared

"Watch what you say." Jared leaned toward his brother, his fists ready. "This is Willa we’re talking about here," he growled.

Jude’s features filled with red as he shoved the chair back hard under the table and got into Jared’s face. He jabbed a finger into Jared’s chest.

"Do you honestly think I’d disparage a girl I’ve known almost all of my life? One I respect?"

Jared grabbed his wrist and shoved his hand away from him. "She’s not a girl."

Jude blew out a harsh breath and backed a few steps away. "No. No, she’s not. But you’re not thinking straight. You can’t mess with her and then walk away like you’ve been doing with these other women the last few years since Macy."

"Who said I was walking away?"

"Oh, so, what, suddenly you’re in love with Willa? You’re going to have a real relationship with her? Marry her?"

"I didn’t say that." But everything inside him wanted to say yes that was exactly what he intended to do. He quelled that thought almost as fast as it reared its head.

"Then don’t start something with her you know won’t go anywhere. She deserves better than that."

Jared didn’t say anything, though Jude looked like he was waiting for some kind of reply. But, again, Jude was right. Willa deserved every happiness, and Jared wasn’t the man who could give it to her.

Their standoff lasted several more seconds, with Jude being the first to turn away when Jared remained silent. "I’m going to bed," he said resignedly, running his hands through his long hair. "We have a lot to deal with the next two days." With that, he stalked away, grumbling, "And you might want to wipe the soot off your face," before leaving Jared to stare after him as he left the kitchen.

Jared scrubbed his hands over both sides of his face, then surveyed the remnants of soot on the left one. What could Jared have said to refute Jude's words? He wiped his hand down his jeans leg.

Nothing.

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