Page 38 of No Control

Jude eventually turns off the main highway to a more residential road, taking it another few miles. Finally, a modern, luxurious beach house comes into view. My lips part as I take in the white and black colors. It’s elegant—and mysterious.

“Home sweet home,” Jude mutters, hitting the garage door opener. It’s got a four-car garage, which seems like a little much, but as we pull in, there’re only two cars. A black Ferrari and gray Bronco. “He’s not here.”

I turn to Jude, seeing the frustration in his expression. I don’t know what to say to him, so I push the passenger door open, sliding out and heading for the backseat to get Duke.

Jude climbs out and heads to grab my luggage—which isn’t much. I was so ready to get out of my house I just threw everything in there…

And now I’m hoping I didn’t forget anything.

“Come on,” Jude jerks his head as he stands with the garage door open. He hits the button and the overhead door jars, sliding toward the ground.

I nod, figuring I’ll take Duke out in a little while. I fish my phone out of my pocket as I follow Jude. I drop a pin and send it to Emma.

This is where I’m staying if something happens.

My phone instantly pings with a response.

That’s only fifteen minutes from my place. It’s a good area. Enjoy it!

I like the message, so I don’t trip up the steep stairs. The scent of sandalwood and Henry’s cologne hits my lungs as Jude opens the door into the warm lit mudroom area. It’s the kind of house you see in the magazines, perfectly put together and appearing like no one lives there at all.

“I’ll show you to your room,” Jude says as he kicks on the light in an ornate kitchen, following the same black and white scheme as the rest of the house. There’s minimal décor, and what is hung on the walls is abstract.

And it only adds to the mystery.

However, I’m met with a wall of windows overlooking the crashing waves and desolate beach. It’s breathtaking.

“It’s got a good view.”

“Yeah, most definitely,” I say, looking over to Jude, who’s watching me with careful eyes. I feel like a science experiment or something.

“Let’s keep going. I’m ready to set these down.”

I nod, though my eyes keep going back to the ocean. Duke stops to try and smell everything, but I tug him onward, keeping up with Jude. We head through a living room with black leather furniture and white carpet, which draws my attention away from the gorgeous waterfront sight.

Oh boy.

I glance down at Duke. I’ll have to keep an eye on him. Dogs and white carpet don’t always go together…Especially when it’s my dog.

“Your room is the first door on the left,” Jude gestures to a black door as we enter a long hallway. “Henry’s room is that one.” He points to the one at the end of the hallway. “You have a bathroom attached to your room, so you don’t have to leave for any reason.”

“Except to eat,” I point out.

He laughs easily. “Yeah, that’s true. I have no doubt Henry will feed you well. He won’t let you starve or fend for yourself.”

I nod, not sure if I’m relieved or not.

“Upstairs is another spare room and office. You probably won’t have a reason to go up there, but that’s what it is. That’s where I stay if I need to crash here.”

“Do you do that often?”

He looks me dead in the eye, his voice flat. “No, but I have a feeling I will be more often.”

I’m not sure how to take that so I choose to just smile. I know he didn’t mean it in a romantic way based on his tone, and I lean more toward the idea of a babysitter.

But surely, he’s not talking about me.

I step into my new room behind him, taking in the large queen-sized bed. It’s basic, but nice. The comforter is black, which is easily becoming a common theme in the house. There’s a wooden dresser and nightstand on either side. A small writing desk sits in the corner with a leather desk chair.

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