Page 2 of Stuck on Jude

“I have an entire backpack filled with paperback novels.” Books that have been piling up on my nightstand unread for months because work has been so chaotic. “I’ll make myself comfy by the fire while you ladies catch some powder. Or however you say that.”

“I don’t like the idea of you staying cooped up in this room all by yourself while we’re out all day,” Teagan says.

“I won’t. I’ll change into something else.” A new sweatsuit, which probably isn’t as cute as she’d like me to be while we’re somewhere that’s crawling with handsome strangers. But it’ll be clean. “And I’ll take my books down to the lounge and read by the big fireplace.”

I can order another mug of hot cocoa. Though, this time I’ll be more careful not to spill it. And maybe as a special treat, I’ll add a shot of Fireball to it.

“Great.” Teagan claps her hands together. “It sounds like you have a plan. Ciera, we should get out there. I don’t want to miss this ride. The next one isn’t for another hour.”

“She’s right. You should get going.” I squeeze sweet Ciera’s hand. “I swear, I’ll be fine.”

“If you’re sure?—”

“Go. I insist.”

At my urging, Ciera joins Teagan in last-minute preparations for their day away. I give them both hugs good-bye. Alone, I take a deep breath. It really is tempting to stay put. I work ten-hour plus days, and I have a roommate back in Chicago. It’s rare for me to have this much peace and quiet.

But, I promised Ciera I’d get out of the room.

After a quick shower, I pull my hair up into a messy bun on top of my crown. I change into another pair of sweatpants. I start to grab a pair with stars all over it but change for a velvety set instead. Teagan joked that they’re my dressy sweats, and she isn’t wrong.

Once I’m dressed, I grab a book and start for the door. Hand on the knob, I freeze. Glancing down at the book. It’s of the self-help variety aimed at helping women finding their greatness. So many people have recommended I read it. And it sounds good. But what if I get started and I wanted fiction.

Turning back, I pull out another paperback. This one is a historical fiction about three women who live in the same London house at different points in history. I start for the door but pause. So, this story sounds amazing. But what if it ends up being heavy? Shouldn’t I grab something a little light and fun?

By the time I leave the room, I’m carrying a stack of eight books. I know there’s no way I’m getting through even two of these. But, at least I won’t have to run up and down the stairs while I try to find the one I’m in the mood for at the moment.

I start down the steps, admiring the wood walls. Yeah, we could be staying in a luxury hut on an island. But this place is kind of cute too.

I’m arching my neck to check out the massive chandelier when my foot catches on a step. I barely have time to scream as my books—and I—fly down the steps.

Then, all I see is darkness. I’m not sure how much time passes. But when I come to, my head is throbbing.

“Come on,” a deep, gentle voice urges. “Go ahead and open your eyes.”

Though that sounds terrible, I follow the man’s instructions. At first, all I see is stars and light. I blink against it, groaning.

Someone rubs my shoulder in comfort.

“That’s okay,” he says. “Take a deep breath through your nose. Slowly let it out and try again.”

This time, when I open my eyes, there isn’t blinding light. Instead, I’m staring into the most handsome face I’ve ever seen.

TWO

JUDE

When the beautiful brunette opens her eyes for a second time, I suck in a breath. Her eyes are quite possibly the most beautiful shade of blue I’ve ever seen. They’re dark and rich, like the waters around the glaciers just off the coast.

Plus, the way she’s staring up at me right now—like I’m a hero or something—has my heart-rate picking up speed.

Clearing my throat, I shake my attention and turn my attention to the top of her head.

“Lucy, my name is Dr. Jude Knight.”

“I’m Lucy.”

I grin at that. Apparently, she missed the part where I already knew her name. I can’t really blame her. She did just hit her head after falling down several steps.

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