Page 140 of Still Bruised
“Good,” Roan said.
A couple of Roan’s cousins appeared at the doorway, squealed, and cruised in to peek at the baby.
Jude moved to the bed. “I’m getting out of here so it’s not too many people for you and the baby.”
“Not even,” Mia said, snagging his hand. “Come here.”
“Hey, guys—do you mind waiting outside? We asked Jude and Anton to be here now, and we don’t want too many people in the room at one time,” Roan said to his cousins. “I promise it won’t be too long.”
One of the cousins glared at Jude and Anton. “Sure. Whatever.”
As the pair exited, Jude sat down beside Mia, shocked Roan had spoken up. Mia wrapped one of Jude’s arms over her shoulder and leaned her head on his chest. “I missed this.”
Jude chuckled. “Me, too.”
“You know, we could go if you want your cousins to come in,” Anton said. “I get wanting to keep the vibe chill in here.”
“Did you see them?”Roan asked. “They just walked in like they owned the place. Didn’t bother to ask if they could come in. We didn’t invite them. We asked you guys.” Roan looked at Jude. “Ourrealfamily.”
Jude smiled at Roan.
Roan grinned back before he sat down beside Anton on the small loveseat at the back of the room and smiled down at his baby girl.
“Do you see him?” Mia asked, smiling as she eyed Roan. “In protective dad and husband mode?” She glanced at Jude. “How could you think I still have the hots for you when I’ve gothim?”
Jude laughed.
“Did you ever see me and Roan together?” Mia asked.
Jude looked over at Roan and Anton. “Not in a million years.”
“Me either. He’s totally not my type. I thought he was the biggest nerd when we were in school.”
“Maybe that’s a good thing,” Jude said. “That he’s not your type.”
“Probably is. I used to pick the absoluteworstmen.” She turned to look at him. “Present company excluded, of course.”
“Oh, no. I was the worst person for you, too. Boyfriend-wise, that is.” He smiled. “I make a much better friend.”
“You make an amazing friend.” Mia smiled. “We havea lotof catching up to do.”
“Indeed.”
Mia pulled
“Well, give me a little time to recover and then you’re coming for dinner. I won’t take no for an answer.”
“As long as it’s not Thanksgiving. I’ve had a hell of a time convincing them to leave me alone. I don’t want to argue with a new mom, too.”
“No worries. We’re not going to dinner either. I just told my mom this afternoon that I’m not taking my newborn into a room full of people and their germs. She’s going to deliver plates to our house.” She snorted. “And a pie. A whole one. Just for me.”
“I can send Chinese your way. That’s what I’m having.”
“That actually sounds kinda good. Damn, now I want some Egg Foo Young.” Mia chuckled. “And here I thought the cravings would stop after I gave birth.”
Jude grinned. “Ant and I can go get you some and sneak it in.”
Mia gasped. “I can’t ask you to go run across town to get me food when there’s food here.”
