Page 44 of Accidentally Falling

---

“I think you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in this town who doesn’t read that paper front to back now that you’re writing.”

“Are you trying to butter me up, Jude Rhodes?” she teases, her tone a little lighter than it was when we first started talking.

“Maybe.” I grin, and she eases back against the seat. “Any chance you’ll let me come with you to Chicago? Even for the weekend?”

“I think I just need to do this myself.”

She’s struggling and I don’t want to add to it, so I just nod. “All right. Maybe you can scope out the hot spots and we could go another time?”

“And by hot spots you mean…”

“Food.”

She chuckles and reaches for my hand, and I barely hold back the audible exhale that’s pure relief at her initiating the touch.

“I think I’d like that.”

“Me too.” I swallow hard, letting her trace the lines and scars covering my palm. “I need you to do something for me while you’re gone.”

“Okay…”

“Text in the morning and text at night. Or a call. Hell, you can text me all day but I just need those two.” When she opens her mouth, I add, “Please.”

“Is that so you can get the lowdown on all the things I eat?”

“It’s definitely a bonus.”

“I will text you.”

Cupping her jaw, I pull her toward me until we’re a breath away. “Thank you,” I whisper before taking her lips in a kiss that’s so much more than right now. It’s a promise that I’ll be here—that I’ll be waiting.

It’s a silent promise that she’ll be mine.

24

JUDE

ARDEN: I had pizza today—it was really good

ARDEN: (link to pizza place)

ARDEN: (picture of pizza)

Ismile, my whole body relaxing a little more as I lie in bed with Dez curled up next to me. It’s been four days since Arden left for Chicago, and begrudgingly, I think she was right. She needed the change of scenery.

I just wish I could be there with her.

JUDE: (Picture of Dez sleeping)

JUDE: I know you can’t tell but he’s jealous you had pizza

ARDEN: I can tell

ARDEN: Are you up for a call?

JUDE: Always for you

My phone ringsand I settle in against the pillows, propping my hand behind my head as I do. “Evening.”

---