Hey Jude (Lennox Valley Chronicles #1)

“Don’t worry about it.” I turn and grab a glass from the cupboard and fill it at the sink. I put the water in front of him and pull out a second glass for myself.

“I don’t know, man, she didn’t look like a don’t worry about it kind of girl,” he says with a knowing look. “Looked to me like you were doing a lot of worrying about it, in fact.” He raises his eyebrows with a smirk.

I roll my eyes.

“What’s her name?” He tries again.

“None of your business.”

“Okay, cool, cool. I can take a hint.” He gets up and walks over to the couch, then falls heavily into his usual seat with a sigh before he seems to have a better idea and moves to lie down. “Say no more,” he says as he adjusts into a comfortable position. He closes his eyes.

I grab a spare blanket and pillow from the hall closet, then walk back to the couch, dropping them heavily onto his stomach. A satisfying oof noise escapes his mouth in surprise. His eyes fly open, then he narrows them to look at me.

“How long do you need to stay this time?” I ask, looking down at him, both of us knowing I won’t kick him to the curb.

“I dunno… two, three days, max?”

“Great,” I say, puffing out a breath before I walk away. I don’t bother to ask why this time.

I pick up my phone and dial Barry’s number.

25

OLENA

I’m still shaking as I pull into the parking lot of my apartment complex. The events of last night run laps in my head and this morning’s humiliation colors everything that felt beautiful with a sickly hue of regret.

I can’t believe I thought I could be with him. I’m in no state to be with anyone. No one should be saddled with the ugly emotional baggage that’s clearly still weighing me down, drowning me at every opportunity. My trauma from the robbery is obviously not something I can escape with time and space—or even with the distraction of a gorgeous man who literally makes me see stars.

Oh, God, but it was so good. He was so good.

I lean my head back on the headrest and close my eyes at the memory of Jude’s deep voice against my skin, then his green eyes smiling up at me after my first brain-melting orgasm. A shiver passes over my body, just thinking of it.

I squeeze my eyes shut and a tear runs down my jaw. I swipe at it with a finger. Everything’s ruined. Now he’s not going to want anything to do with me. I’ve shown him the truth: that I’m an unstable mess who collapses into a helpless, sobbing heap the moment any vaguely alarming misunderstanding crops up. It was just his brother visiting. Sure, he was drunk and loud, but…

I flinch again at the memory of Miles pounding on the front door.

Oh, God. I behaved like such a chaotic, walking disaster. I’m sure I scared Jude off with my overreaction.

Some small, naïve part of my brain remembers his words from last night: I’m done running. But no. That was before. Who wouldn’t want to run from a broken train wreck like me?

I pull out my phone and text Nat.

Still up for our usual run? I’m home earlier than expected and need to blow off steam. Long story.

She writes back a minute later.

Oh no! Big hugs. Yes to the run. On my way asap.

I go upstairs to change. When Wyatt sees my face, he looks concerned. “You’re home early.”

“I’m… not ready to talk about it yet,” is all I can manage in a shaky voice. I walk most of the way to my room, then stop and come back a few steps to where he’s sitting at the table. “I’m going running with Nat. I need to… move my body.” I blow out a breath, fighting off the tears that threaten to spill out, and he nods in understanding.

I know exercise, wretched as it may feel right now, will help me process my intense emotions. Wretched exercise, I think with resentment. The most wretched part is that it fucking works.

“Okay, sweetie.” He nods again. “I love you,” he calls out as I go into my room. “Whatever you need. Let’s talk when you’re ready.”

I change quickly and leave the apartment, avoiding Wyatt’s concerned glances on the way out. I’m already outside waiting for Nat when she pulls up.