Page 56 of The Invitation

I nod.

Be sensible.

Simple.

Except Jude Harrison has proved he’s anything but simple, and I’m not very good at being sensible around him.

Chapter 14

I lie in bed the next morning almost scared to get up. And that’s unheard of. I’m always up early, whether it’s a weekday or a weekend. In the gym by six on weekdays, showered by seven, and in the office by eight. On Saturdays, in the gym by eight and M&S by ten buying my weekend treats and healthier weekday meals.

It’s Saturday. It’s now nine thirty. I’ve not worked out, not showered, and not thought about what I need at M&S. I heard Abbie leave at six thirty to go to the wholesalers. Apparently, her newly acquired apprentice—a.k.a. my mother—is doing a second shift today. She didn’t knock, even though she knew I’d be awake. But she did text telling me to let her know if I’m going.

Take his offer.

Or . . . don’t.

I dare you to say no.

I dared. How ridiculous. I wonder if my subconscious is keeping me under the sheets, telling me the chauffeur will come and go if I remain in bed and don’t answer the door. Probably. Wise subconscious. The problem is, Jude Harrison is far more powerful than my subconscious.

And my resistance.

I slide my mobile off the nightstand, calling Dad to see what he’s up to—and how he’s taking Mum’s newfound ambition. She’s alwaysbeen steadfast in her role as wife, mother, and homemaker. I’m happy for her, but I’m certain it will have thrown my dad for a loop.

“Morning,” I say when he answers, propping myself up against the pillows.

“Morning, darling,” he chirps back, surprising me. I expected sulks.

“What are you up to today?”

“You mean because your mother is off gallivanting on the weekend when we should be spending time together?”

I smile and roll onto my side. “You’re supposed to be retired, therefore have all week to spend time with Mum.”

“Exactly,” he says over a laugh. “I retired and your mum goes and gets herself a bloody job.”

“She’s helping out. And you’re not retired if you still go into the office most days.”

“I like to know what’s happening.”

“Right,” I breathe, throwing the covers back and getting up. “So, what are you doing with yourself?” Let’s steer the conversation away from working. I must look into those golf lessons.

“I’ve got a suit fitting.”

“Oh, nice.”

“And Clark and I are having lunch with his best man, what’s his name?”

“Grant.”

“That’s the one. Grant. And the ushers.”

I put the kettle on. “Lovely.”

“Then your brother is taking me to some of those microbrewery places he always raves about.”

“Don’t get drunk.”

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