Hey Jude (Lennox Valley Chronicles #1)

“I mean, I could use someone like you on my team. Because—and I hate to stereotype you, but—you do kind of have that whole big strong man thing down,” I say, gesturing to his incredible body with a grin.

Jude smiles, arching an eyebrow. “Yeah? And you like that, don’t you?” He chuckles softly, his fingers grazing my lower back.

I nod. “Mmm, like, one thousand sexy lumberjack points to you, sir, seriously.” I laugh and kiss him, tracing a finger over his chest.

“I do chop my own wood,” he replies dryly, putting on an air of aloofness.

I throw my head back, a joyful sound escaping my throat. “Oh, please let me watch you. Pleasepleaseplease.” I kiss his nose and wiggle closer.

“Wow. First laundry, now chopping wood?” He chuckles again and shakes his head.

“Mm-hmm,” I say, nodding enthusiastically.

He sucks in a slow breath, as if thoughtfully pondering my request. “Okay. I guess I’ll let you watch. But only if you’re well-behaved,” he teases, narrowing his eyes at me, then quirks a half-smile.

“No promises,” I say, smiling, as I unbutton his jeans.

48

OLENA

“Jude! Come on, I can’t wait! Carol said she’d turn the lights on for us at eight thirty!” I pull him by the hand down the dark forest trail, using my phone as a flashlight so we don’t trip. My camera thumps into my chest as it swings around my neck. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning, getting to see the property from across the river for the first time.

The night is warm for early April and I’m so ready to be outside. After spending hours stuck indoors this afternoon while we waited for my lawyer to call, Jude and I had finally heard: unable to afford bail, Sean will be held in jail until his court date. Facing felony stalking and misdemeanor harassment charges, he’s looking at jail time, hefty fines, and court-mandated rehab, plus a court order is being drawn up to prevent him from contacting me for at least five years. The feeling of relief is immense. All I want to do right now is let this sense of freedom wash over me.

A light breeze ruffles my floral print dress against my bare legs. I shiver, pulling the collar of my jean jacket tighter around me with one hand. I’ll probably regret the mosquito bites coming my way, but there’s a lightness in my step and, right now, I don’t care.

“I’m going as fast as I can, Olena!” Jude laughs behind me, gripping my hand. “You’ve got the light in front of you. I can’t see a damned thing.”

“Sorry! I’m just excited,” I say quickly. “Oh, I think I can almost see it!” I catch a glimpse of golden light between the dark mass of trees.

After winding our way around another sharp bend in the trail, the trees clear and the river—and the Faulkners’ property across it—comes into view. I stop short and inhale, bringing my hands to my mouth as Jude comes to a stop beside me.

“Look!” I breathe.

Taking off again, I clamber down the small set of stairs that takes us to the floating dock. Completely out of the forest now, I have an uninterrupted view.

I’m speechless. My vision for this place has finally come to life and it’s more beautiful than I could have hoped for. It’s glowing. The lights, woven through the trees and strung between posts, twinkle a soft yellow, like a beacon of calm perched up on the cliff across from where we stand.

Jude slips his arms around my waist. “Gold stars, MacMillan,” he whispers in my ear. “You did good.” He presses a kiss to the side of my head.

I break into a huge grin. “Actual gold stars.” I laugh, sliding my hands over his. I pause, almost mesmerized by the view. “I did, didn’t I?” I say quietly.

I still feel uncomfortable giving myself credit. When I catch myself wondering if we should have put more lights closer to the house, I push down the familiar whisper of self-doubt, and embrace my new mantra: good enough is good enough. My new therapist will be proud.

I pull up my camera and snap a few photos of the property.

“It’s perfect,” Jude says, kissing my cheek as I reach back to touch his face. “I told you, you’re excellent at your job.”

I finally tear my eyes away from the sparkling lights and turn to him. “So are you.”

He scoffs. “I was just the muscle, remember?” He leans in and kisses me, his lips smiling against mine. “This was all your vision.”

“Hey, well, thank you.” I tuck my hair behind my ear. “For your muscle.” I arch an eyebrow as I run my hands down his strong arms.

He smiles. “Here,” he says in a low voice, taking my hand and sitting down on the wooden dock. He sits with his legs bent in front of him, forearms around his knees. I sit down beside him, sloping my knees toward him, my ankles crossed. I tug down the hem of my dress. We look out again at the sparkling gold light in the distance as he slips an arm around my shoulders.

“I think the property is gonna need a new name,” I say, turning to Jude.