Page 40 of Dirty Dealer
“On?”
“Do you want the bedroom with the adjoining shower and Jacuzzi tub?”
Her mouth hangs agape and nervous laughter bubbles out. “Um, yes?”
“Then, the master suite is through that door.” I point at my bedroom.
“Jude.” She rolls her eyes, and her shoulders relax. “I already told you I’m not sleeping with you.”
“Not with me. I’ll take one of the guest suites. You can have my bedroom. It’s more comfortable and the bathroom is right out of a magazine.” Literally. The design was featured in a lifestyle publication last year. Also, there’s something thrilling about the thought of her laying in my sheets. On my bed. Even if I don’t get to be there to experience it.
“You are not giving me your room. Seriously, Jude.” She exhales and her shoulders slump as if she’s weighed down. “This is all too generous.”
“Come on, sweetheart. One night in my sheets and you’ll never want to leave.”
Her eyes widen. I think I’ve stunned her into silence.
With a chuckle, I reach for her bags and walk them straight to my room. Satisfaction fills my chest. I’ve won this round. I can’t wait for the next one. By the time her Iron Maiden is ready, she’ll never want to leave, and for some reason that doesn’t sound as scary as it should.
23
Rachel
What am I doing here?Jude’s condo is right out of a movie set—and I’d know. If my luck holds out, they’re where I work.But oh, God, this place. I could get used to this bedroom. Seriously, it’s like a serene hideaway made up of rich woods, the softest fabrics, and a layout that must’ve been designed by a feng shui expert. It’s decadent. Nicer than any room I’ve ever set foot in, and I’ve had my fair share of adult sleepovers. But that was the old Rae, and those were bedrooms of men I pictured sharing a forever with. Which only begs the same question.
What the hell am I doing here?
Obviously, it’s to avoid my vile roommates. But agreeing to stay with Jude? That’s insanity. I don’t even know him. Not really.But you wanted to kiss him.I did. I couldn’t help it when he started talking about Walter. Something came over me, an urge so basic and animalist I almost gave over to the pull. I wanted his lips on mine. I swear by the look in his eyes he wanted it too.
Which is stupid, dangerous, and not at all a good idea. The logical side of my brain agrees. But the other . . . it wonders how his hard body would feel pressed to mine. Part of me knows it’d be explosive—the best kind of good. My stomach twists and dips, my nerves bubbling with anticipation. No, I can’t go there. I amnotgoing there. It’s been a long day and I’m not thinking straight. I’m in a vulnerable place. That must be it.
Even now as I unpack in Jude’s home, I feel unhinged. Reckless. On edge.
My hands shake with anger as I remember this morning’s altercation.
The thought of facing Crystal again, or anyone in that apartment other than Jenni, boils my blood. But I’ll deal with that in a few days. Once Iron Maiden is back from the mechanic I’ll have to go back and face them. Apologize. Smooth things over. What other choice do I have?
My shoulders tense and I glance down to see my hands balled in fists. I force them open, along with an exhale. I’m wound so tight, my entire body aches. I can’t even imagine sleeping, but I need to if I want to be my best self tomorrow on set.
Down the hall, I hear movement and the running water of a shower. Jude. I can’t believe I accepted his offer to stay here and to take his room. I still don’t understand him. Every moment I think I do, he goes and does something that catches me off guard. His kindness. His friendship is something I am in desperate need of. And he’s that. A friend. A surprisingly witty, ever-charming, and strikingly handsome friend. One who is down the hall naked and standing under a spray of water. I shake my head and smile.I shouldn’t be thinking about my friend that way.
But Jude has the right idea. A hot shower would do wonders to relieve the day’s stress. I finish unpacking my clothes into the dresser he said I could use, and grab my toiletries along with a T-shirt and boy shorts before heading into the bathroom. I flip on the light and gasp. Holy wow! This bathroom is bigger than my room at the apartment. Seriously, there’s room for two beds in here. I shut the door, lock it, and lean against the sturdy wood, taking everything in. Marble. Glass. Stone. A bathtub built for at least two full-grown adults. Oh, my goodness, look at all those jets! I may never leave.
It’s been so long since I’ve enjoyed the luxury of a clean bathtub and I take full advantage, filling it with water so hot it almost burns, along with a generous pour of bath salts that fills the room with a heavenly scent. I strip and sink into the water, letting loose a groan. Settling my head against the edge, I exhale and allow all the tension of the day to dissipate from my tight muscles. The lavender-scented water makes me feel as if I’m at a spa. Not so far-fetched since Jude’s bathroom is nicer than any spa I’ve set foot in.
It’s nice to let my worries go, if only for a short time. I almost fall asleep, body warm and stomach full from the dinner we grabbed after vacating my apartment. But when my fingertips turn to prunes and my bladder begs for its own release, I begrudgingly drain the tub and towel off. After changing into my pajamas and getting ready for bed, I head back into the bedroom.
Strange.The door that leads into the hall is open a few inches. I swear I closed it earlier. A shiver runs up my spine but I shake it off and peek out into the hall. Everything is dark except for a beam of light that runs below a closed door. The guest bathroom, if I remember correctly. Jude’s still inside. A long time for a man, though with his perfect complexion, I wouldn’t doubt his nightly beauty routine rivals my own. I wonder if he sleeps in lounge pants or boxers? Maybe boxer briefs? He rocks the kind of confidence needed to sleep in the nude. I push the tantalizing thought away.
I am not here to sleep with Jude.Fantasizing about him is a surefire way to sway my resolve.
He’s a stranger. But that’s a lie. We’re far less unfamiliar now, and the more time I spend with him, the more my interest sparks.
He’s a good friend. That’s better. And I appreciate him more than he probably knows. I need to change that. Maybe I can do something special for him this week.Special naked. No! My sex-starved libido cannot be trusted for decision making. I need sleep.
Closing the door, I pad over to the bedside lamp and shut it off after checking my cell phone alarm and sending a quick text to my brother so he knows where I’m staying. I leave off that it’s Jude’s condo, but fully know when I wake up tomorrow it’ll be to texts demanding to know the name of my friend.
I lie back onto the sheets.Sweet mother of five-hundred-thread-count linen. This bed is the most comfortable thing I’ve ever rested on. I curl onto my side and snuggle into the pillows, stifling a yawn.God, I’m so tired. Earlier, I worried I might not be able to fall asleep here. I shouldn’t have been. My thoughts slow along with my breathing, exhaustion pulling me toward blissful sleep. Darkness. Utter relaxation. Hello, Mr. Sandman.
