Page 39 of Crossroads of Innocence
Brooke waved a hand through the air as if batting away her argument. “Nonsense. Lincoln and I have a big night planned of organizing files and cleaning gym equipment. What every newlywed looks forward to, right?”
Lincoln winced then wrapped an arm around his wife’s waist. “I’m at your disposal.”
The simple gesture and easy acceptance squeezed Jude’s chest. She’d just met Brooke and Lincoln, but their connection was easy to see, their love pure. She’d had that once with Wade. They’d been so young, but she’d always wondered if those untested and natural feelings would have continued to develop or fizzle out with the pressures of adulthood.
She chanced a peek at Wade, whose attention was fixed squarely on her. Heat climbed the back of her neck, but she didn’t break their connection. Didn’t look away from the longing and worry and hint of pain in his eyes.
No, despite years and miles apart, nothing had fizzled between her and Wade. But she had no idea what that meant for a future, and she didn’t have the energy to try and figure it out right now.
“Cruz made it sound like you wanted to bunk together, so I put you in the second room to the left. Wade, you know where it is. You two can head down, or I can show Jude around if she wants.”
Jude swallowed hard, finally tearing her gaze from Wade. “A tour isn’t necessary. I’m pretty exhausted.”
“I understand. Maybe tomorrow, if you’re up for it. Make yourself at home while you’re here. Wade knows his way around but make him give you my phone number. Call any time, okay?” Brooke handed her a key.
Jude nodded. “Okay. Thank you.”
“Goodnight, guys. Thanks again and let us know if you find Benji.” Wade captured her hand and led her down a wide corridor, stopping in front of the door Brooke had mentioned. “Here we are.”
She used the key, heard the lock click, then pushed open the door.
Macey bolted inside, jumped on the couch, and curled into a ball.
The room was just as cute as the rest of the lodge she’d seen. An open concept with a miniature version of the fireplace on the far wall, a loveseat and couch facing it, along with a rocking chair in the corner. A two-person table sat on the tiled kitchen floor, and a queen-sized bed took up the far corner.
The door closed behind her. She jumped then swiveled around.
Wade dropped his bags to the floor and grimaced. “Sorry.”
She pressed a hand to her heart, willing it to slow down. “For what? Closing the door? Geez, I’m wound so freaking tight. I just want this day to be over—I want this nightmare to be over.”
The numbness that had encased her since escaping the clutches of the man who wanted to kill her slowly melted away. She wanted it back, wanted it to surround her and paralyze all her emotions so she didn’t have to be so damn scared. Tears pressed against the backs of her eyes, her breaths hiking high in her throat yet refusing to leave her mouth.
“Hey, now,” Wade said, hurrying to her and gathering her in his arms. “You have an entire village looking after you.”
She sniffed back more useless tears. “I don’t want to think about it anymore. I just want to go to sleep and forget everything for a few hours, but every time I close my eyes all I see is his face and the gun. I hear his voice. I relive you running out of that apartment and the fear I felt when I didn’t know if you’d come back.”
He held her closer and pressed his lips to the side of her face. “I did come back, and I’m fine. We’re both going to be fine.”
His words broke something loose inside her, his arms comforted her in a way she hadn’t had for years. She melted against him, never wanting him to let her go.
The thought struck her like a clap of thunder, and she pulled away. She was getting too comfortable. Relying too heavily on the one person she should be staying away from.
Wade frowned and ripples stretched the length of his forehead. “What’s wrong? What do you need?”
She considered the question and only one answer dominated her mind. And for this one night, it’s the only answer she wanted. “You, Wade. I need you.”
* * *
Jude’s whisperedwords stole Wade’s breath and made his knees a little wobbly. He tightened his grip around her slim waist. He’d spent years wishing for Jude to come back into his life, to return to Pine Valley and tell him she’d been wrong and still loved him. Still wanted a future with him.
But as much as he wanted to be exactly what Jude needed in this moment, he wasn’t sure if swooping in with no conversation about what it meant was the smartest idea.
Unwrapping one arm from around her, he cradled her cheek with his palm. He had to tread lightly. His feelings about Jude were muddled, and he didn’t want to ruin anything by not picking his words right. “What do you mean by you need me? Darlin’ I’m right here.”
She stared up at him with wide, blue eyes, her jaw set in the determined way he’d seen way too many times. “Are you going to make me spell it out for you?”
He grinned, loving the sass sparking in her voice. He’d seen glimmers of the spitfire he’d known and loved, but she’d been hidden behind a wall of fear for the most part. “Maybe. I don’t want to misconstrue what you mean. I’m just a dumb bar owner.”
