Page 42 of Crossroads of Innocence
“Has Cruz called you this morning?” she asked, crossing to the giant refrigerator and pulling out bowls filled with diced fruit.
“No, why?” Wade asked. “Did something happen?”
Zoe shook her head. “Nah. That detective from Mill Harbor got into town early this morning. Wasn’t sure if he reached out yet. I’m sure he will soon.”
A shiver raced down Jude’s spine. She’d made up her mind to speak with anyone who could help but the idea of bringing in someone else from the town she’d run from didn’t sit well with her.
“Y’all can worry about that later,” Chet said. “Grab some food first. Can I whip something up for you?”
“I know what they want.” Zoe winked then swiveled around to scoop cinnamon rolls from a pan on the marble counter. She handed one plate to Jude, one to Wade. “Coffee?”
“As long as it’s not instant,” Jude said, wrinkling her nose.
Zoe chuckled and poured two mugs. “You guys eating in here or want me to take these into the dining room?”
“Here’s fine.” Jude set her plate on the island and settled onto a stool. She peeled off a flaky chunk of pastry and slid into her mouth. “Holy crap, Chet. You made this?”
“Don’t act so surprised.” He turned back to the stove and stirred whatever was in the pan.
She accepted the warm mug from Zoe and took a sip. “Only thing I’ve ever seen you make is a bowl of cereal.”
Chet shot her a scowl, a small grin poking through his beard, then went back to his cooking.
The slapping of hurried footsteps approached the kitchen, and Jude stiffened.
A woman with long blond hair poked her head inside. “Zoe, we need to head into the studio.”
“Tasha?” Wade asked, mouth agape. “Your hair.”
A light blush swept over her pale cheeks. “You like it? I just dyed it yesterday.”
“Looks great,” Wade said. “I wouldn’t have even recognized you.”
Jealously swept through Jude, and she worked her jaw back and forth. How many beautiful blonds roamed around Wade, batting their eyelashes and blushing at his dimples?
Zoe untied her apron and hung it on a hook by the door. “I told her I feel like I have a new employee to train. The blond is so different than the dark hair. I love it, though.”
“Everyone’s changing their hair color around here,” Wade said, shooting Jude a wink.
She managed a small smile, touching her own locks. She’d dyed hers back to her natural color after the pink didn’t work to keep her safe. The petite woman in the doorway with the small mole above her lip was probably just looking for a fun way to pass the time and experiment with her appearance.
Tasha gave her a tentative grin, her gaze landing at her feet. “Hopefully most people don’t comment. I hate being the center of attention. Much better to sit behind a desk at the yoga studio and follow Zoe wherever she needs me. I’m Tasha, by the way.”
Jude let her smile grow. “Jude. Nice to meet you.” Tasha couldn’t be much older than mid-twenties—if that—and the shy way she stayed a little bit hidden behind the doorframe reminded Jude of how she used to put whatever she could between herself and her father. A tingling sensation in the pit of her stomach told her there was more to Tasha than met the eye.
“I know you have a lot going on,” Zoe said as she crossed the room toward the door. “But if you get a chance, I teach a yoga class here this evening. I’d love to see you and Wade there.”
Wade snorted. “You haven’t gotten me in one of those classes yet. Don’t think I’ll break that streak tonight.”
“You never know,” Zoe said with a shrug. “Sometimes all we need is the right person to give us a little push…or in your case a shove.” With a wave, she disappeared alongside Tasha.
Jude considered her words before focusing questioning eyes on Wade. “A shove, huh? What’s that mean?”
Chet let out a low, rumbling laugh.
“Dude, watch it,” Wade muttered.
Interesting. She’d been so caught up navigating her past and present dilemma, she hadn’t considered who Wade really was now. And Lord knew he hadn’t offered much information. If anything, he’d been tight lipped and secretive. She cringed inwardly. Sleeping with him last night might have erased her worries for a few hours, but it had brought nothing but more questions and insecurities with the light of day.
