by Karli James
When I get there, I just let myself in. Jude is lounging on the couch in gym shorts and a soft white tee, looking delicious and intoxicated. His eyelids are at half mast, and his full lips are parted as if he’s two seconds away from passing out.
“Hi Jude. You doin’ okay? Drink any water?” He’s smiling at me with his whole face as he stretches his arm out to reach for my hand.
“Yes, and yes. I’m mostly just tired at this point. Come here doll, I wanna snug.” I chuckle.
“Do I really need another nick name?”
“I can’t help it. You do this to me. You make me wanna call you all the cutie names.”
“Oh my gosh, let me pour my wine first, but then yes, I’m down for a good snug.”
“Glasses are in the top corner cabinet next to the fridge.”
“Got it.” I pour my wine and make my way over to the couch. I sit right down next to Jude and burrow into his side. Taking a small sip, I look up at him.
“Hi.”
“Hi.” His voice is gruff and sleepy and I want to ruffle his hair and kiss him all over.
“Thank you for coming to the bar tonight.”
“It was fun. Glad I got to meet Allison, and your bro. He seems like a good guy. If it wasn’t for a couple of snarky comments though, I might not have known you guys were related.”
“Yeah, he’s much quieter than I am, but he drops some good zingers when he’s got a mind for it. I’m glad you guys got along. Makes me happy.”
“You make me happy.”
“Yeah?”
“Fuck yes.” I laugh.
“Well alright then. Hey Jude…”
“Yeah, Boops?”
“Are you too drunk to kiss me like you mean it?” He shifts his body, takes the wine glass from my hand and sets it on the coffee table. Stares at me with a mixture of lust and something else; something I don’t recognize and my breath catches.
“I’ll never be too drunk to kiss you like I mean it, Kara. And I will only kiss you, because I mean it.”
“Damn. There he is. The romance writer.”
“Maybe a little, but I mean what I say. Now give me those luscious lips before I die over here. I’ve been waitin’ all dang night to taste you again.” Umm, yes please. I lean into him as he lowers his head and brushes his lips against mine; softly at first. Sweetly, seductively. I whimper and he tugs on my bottom lip—biting, and sucking it into his mouth before he glides his tongue inside and against my own.
Pretty soon our hands are everywhere, grappling at each other like a couple of horny teenagers. I find myself straddling his lap and I can feel his need against my own. Slowly I rock my hips back and forth, riding him over his shorts.
“Dammit, Kara.” His want for me is such a turn on, and I’m ready to strip our clothes and take this further when he pulls back, holding my face.
“Kar, you are the sexiest fucking thing I’ve ever seen in my whole life. You’re killing me here, and while I hate to run the risk of pissing both you and my dick off, I don’t want to take this further with you until I’m a hundred percent sober.” I can’t even be mad. He’s right, and suddenly I’m so glad I know Jude. I’m so glad he acted a little bit like a stalker and tracked my ass down. I’m so glad I texted him, even when I was scared. I’m so glad I know him. What other man in my life has ever cared enough to take their time with me? To make sure it’s perfect? None. No one. Ever.
“Can we kiss a little bit more? Get in some more snugs?”
“Girl, don’t play. Snuggle back in here and give daddy a smooch.” I pull back with raised brows. “Yeah, that was too much. I’m sorry. It happens sometimes. Can you forgive me? Give Judey a kiss.” I continue to stare at him. “Still too much? Damn girl, alright, I get it. I’ll fix this.”
“Today? Will you fix it today?” He grabs the front of my shirt and tugs me down in one quick jerk.
“Shut up.” And then he lands his lips back on mine and I’m in heaven. My thighs are clenching on the outside of his, and my hands are threading through his hair as our tongues tangle, and our lips and teeth are nipping and tugging and sucking and it’s so glorious. This kiss, it’s everything.
I start to pull back to gain some air when his hand comes back around the back of my neck to pull my head back down to his. His eyes have darkened and his expression intense; so un-Jude like. “Did I say we were done?” His voice is so damn serious and authoritative and oh hey, I like it. I like it a little too much, and if I don’t get off his lap right this instant I won’t be able to stop. I pull back for real this time, sucking in air to refill my lungs as I rub my fingertips across my swollen lips.
“You’re hot when you get bossy during sexy times.”
“Oh really?
“Don’t let it go to your head. I specifically stated ‘during sexy times.’”
“I’ll boss you the fuck around all the sexy times then. Where you goin’ girl? Didn’t we just agree that Jude was the boss? Get back here.” He’s doing his best to reel me back in, but it’s apparent his exhaustion has taken over his ability to…well, move.
“I can’t. It’s hotness overload, and if you’re gonna pull a dick move like that and use it against me, I might not be able to resist taking advantage of you after you’ve so sweetly suggested we wait until you’re sober.”
“I’ll show you a dick move.”
“Really?”
“I mean…I guess I’ll wait. Being a noble gentleman is for the birds.” I laugh.
“Let’s talk for a bit before I head home to bed.”
“You’re gonna leave me?!”
“Jude, I can’t stay here. Naughty things will happen. It’s too tempting. You’re too tempting.” His eyes flare and his gaze shoots to my lips.
“You can’t say shit like that to me, Presh. It makes me wanna do the naughty things.”
“Me too.”
“Stop. It.”
“Okay, okay, okay. How about this, what did you and my brother talk about tonight? When I walked over there, things looked serious.”
“Oh, well, so glad you asked actually. He told me about your dream of opening your own bar someday. How come you never mentioned that when we were talking about your job before?”
“Oh well damn, I don’t actually usually tell people that because it feels so far away; and who knows if I’ll ever actually be able to do it. Because…money.”
“Yeah, but your brother wants to invest.”
“My, my, my…weren’t you guys a couple of Chatty Cathies, tonight?”
“Yep. So, how about it? When ya gonna set the boozing world on fire with your own bar? I watched you tonight in your little shaker show, and I got a boner by the way. So hot.”
“Oh my God, you ass.” He bursts out laughing.
‘It’s true. I can’t help it. Hot. Shakin’ it up. Pouring all those draaanks. Shoot, girl. You so fine.”
“Stop it right now before I walk out of here.” He pulls me tighter into his side.
“You’re not going fucking anywhere. Now as I was saying about your bar…Drew says he’ll invest. Why don’t you let me invest too?” What?! I pull back to gape at him. Mouth hanging open; just flappin’ in the breeze. He puts a finger under my chin and closes my unhinged jaw for me.
“I can’t have your mouth hanging open that wide girl, gives me ideas.” He waggles his brows and I hate him, but I’m too distracted to even comment.
“What the hell are you talking about? You can’t invest.”
“What the damn woman, you don’t know me. Yes, I could. Can. If you let me.”
“Jude, investing takes a lot of money.”
“Umm, Kar, I don’t like to toot my own horn, but, toot fucking toot. I kind of make good money and I live fairly cheap. I’m doing just fine.”
“What are you, like secretly rich?”
“Weeellll I wouldn’t say rich, but I mean I definitely have a rainy-day fund.”
“You, sneaky wealthy bastard.” He laughs and kisses the to
p of my head.
“Just think about it is all I’m saying. I would gladly invest in you. You’re like a little star behind the bar. Oh look, rhymes. I got em’.”
“Why would you do that for me? We’ve barely been…doing whatever it is that we’re doing.”
“Because I believe in you, and I mean why not? I’m sharing your brother’s mentality that you could turn me a nice little profit with them slingin skills. Oh and, we’re dating.”
“You…believe in me? And we are?”
“Absolutely, I believe in you. And, Presh, I’m dating you so hard.” I lean up and kiss his cheek. This man is constantly surprising me.
“Let’s revisit the bar topic another time; when you’re sober and I’m not in shock over discovering I have a sugar daddy.”
“That’s right baby, I knew you liked it when I called myself daddy.”
“Shit. The jig is up.” We’re both grinning like fools and I decide it’s probably best for me to go. I’m so tired, he’s so tired. I can see the sleep all over him. Bless.
“Jude, honey, I’m gonna go. I need sleep and so do you.”
“I can’t even fight you because I’m about to drop right here. But I will miss you. Give me kiss goodbye, and text me when you make it into your apartment so I know you didn’t get kidnapped on your way.”
“I literally live one building over.”
“Dateline. So much Dateline.”
“Understood.”
“Good girl. Now give us a smooch.” I lean down and lay a soft kiss on his puckered lips.
“Good night, Jude.”
“Good night, Presh.”
Chapter 15
Jude
I feel like total garbage. Excuse me while I wrap myself up in black plastic, and go sit out on the curb. Absolute. Trash. Because I got trashed. Seems fair. I swipe my tongue around my nasty cotton mouth as I scrounge for my phone. I have no idea what time it is, but I need a shower for both my mouth, and my ass.
I smell like a distillery, and my body aches from passing out on this too small couch. I really need to remember that I’m getting older. This shit stopped being easy about four years ago.
Glancing down at my phone I see that I have a text from Kara. I smile instantly; that little cuteness is texting me already at, oh holy shit it’s noon. Guess I’ll be working late tonight.
Kara: Good morning / afternoon / welcome back from death – whatever applies. Just wanted to check in and see how you were feeling, as well as say thank you again for coming to the bar last night.
She’s such a nugget.
Jude: Warmed over death, thank you very much. I’m headed for the shower, a pot of coffee, and some ibuprofen. Why’d you serve me so much Kar? Aren’t there laws about that kind of thing?
Kara: Are you seriously blaming me for your poor choices?
Jude: Sorta. Wrong move? Not charming?
Kara: I see you didn’t drink away your ridiculousness.
Jude: Absolutely not, Presh. What is your cute little boot up to today? Please tell me it includes stopping for a little make out sesh at some point.
Kara: Did you just rhyme cute with boot?
Jude: Absolute…ly. I also rhyme it with scoot sometimes. Booty just doesn’t allow for the same flow. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to me eventually. Or not.
Kara: Incredible. Anyway, don’t you need to write all the words today?
Jude: Yes, I really do need to write all the words today. However, I will gladly take a break at some point. In fact, if you want to just come over and chill while I’m writing I’m fine with that. Just you know, don’t talk to me. Or wear anything cute. Or be perfect. Muss it up a little girl; rub some dirt in it, come in with some stank.
Kara: Rub some dirt it in it, seriously?
Jude: Fuck yes, I’m serious. Look I want you here, but I can’t have you looking the way you normally look and get work done. Just go outside, grab some dirt, smudge it on a bit. Wear your worst outfit. Keep it on LOCK.
Kara: How about I just wait until you’re done writing or are ready and able to take a break.
Jude: Stop making sense. I want to see you. I’m going to have to make up for sleeping in like an asshole, so I will be writing late. Just bring your e-reader, or watch my Netflix, or something! Just come. Be. I’ll leave you alone probably.
Kara: Well, I do have more Poppy Lawson to catch up on.
Jude: See! It’ll be perfect. During my breaks we can make out and then discuss my writing genius.
Kara: Maybe sign you up for a course in humility.
Jude: Why though?
Kara: Hate you.
Jude: Adore you. You coming or what? I need just a bit so I’m not disgusto-barfo when you get here.
Kara: Yeah, I’ll be over. I’ll give you an hour. But I’m not bringin’ the stank.
Jude: Dammit, Kara.
An hour later, true to her word Kara was walking through my door not looking like shit. Fucking Kara. She never listens. How am I supposed to focus on Sarah when she comes waltzing in here in those damn yoga pants, and eighties style sweater shirt thing that does that whole droopy off one side of the shoulder, business? Hi. John Hughes called about your casting call—you’re hired. Also, I already bought all the tickets.
Her hair is pulled up into one of those messy bun things girls do, and I freaking love it. The lavender of her shirt is making the green ring of her hazel eyes shine like clovers, and the sweet irony is that I am indeed, the luckiest.
“You’re too hot for me.” She gasps, and stops in her walk over to me.
“Are you out of your damn mind? Have you met yourself? Own a mirror?” I toss her a lopsided grin.
“Of course, and I admit, it’s not a poor sight to behold. But this—” I wave my hand up and down in front of her— “this is stupid hot girl. Different level.” Her face flushes so red I think she’s having a heart attack.
“You’re certifiable. I’m just a normal girl here Jude, don’t place me up on a pedestal I may not be able to stay on once you see the real me.” I grab her hands, cock my head to study her; really read her eyes because I cannot figure out what the fuck she’s talking about. Again.
“Presh, what are you talking about? I’m standing right in front of the real you. The very real you. This is my favorite you so far. Casual Kara. I like her so much, and I just wonder why she cannot see what I see, or believe what I am saying? How could you get any more real?”
“Well. I mean, ya know…naked real. That is, if you ever wanna do that. Get me naked. Take my clothes off and stuff. In the light of day, or with a lamp on, or whatever. It’s super real then, and I’m not…I just don’t want you to have this build up because yoga pants can suck a lot in, and baggy shirts can hide stuff, and when you’re naked…you’re naked, and I’m not…well, I’m okay. I don’t HATE myself or anything, it’s just I know I’m not what guys are typically attracted to, and I’m rambling. Oh my gosh this is embarrassing. I’m gonna go. I think I should go.” She turns to leave and I yank her to my chest, and cup her face in my hands. I need her to see me in this moment. I need her to hear me. All jokes fucking aside.
“Kara. Babe. I most definitely wanna get you naked. In the light, without the light, in all the rooms, on all the surfaces, all of the times. I’m not building you up to something you can’t deliver; there’s no way in hell I will be disappointed in naked you. You know why? Because you’re my normal. You’re what I am attracted to. You’re what I want.
Let’s just clear the air here on some things okay? Just get it all out, acknowledge it, so you can fully understand and put these worries to rest once and for all. Kara, whatever version of yourself you think you need to be; long legged, or stick skinny, or whatever it is—sure those women can be beautiful too, but you don’t need to be that.
Have you ever considered just once that not all men want that type of beauty? Have you ever stopped to consider that I’ve already recognized that you’re built like a brick house? Do I thi
nk you’re fit? Yes. Do I see that you’ve got some thighs, and an actual, squeezable ass? Also, yes. Have you ever considered that your body is exactly the body that gets me all kinds of hot? I’m not picturing something else when I’m giving a little tug-tug, Kara. I’m picturing your delightfully curved and luscious ass, woman.
I don’t want that other brand of beauty. I want your brand of beauty. And you need to fucking OWN your brand of beauty. Because it’s not less than someone else’s. Get it? You are my fantasy come to life, Presh.” Her pupils have dilated, her breathing is staggered and her chest is heaving. There’s a sheen of wetness in her eyes, and she’s staring at me as if I’ve just asked her to marry me. Not yet Boo--later. Give me a week or so. Kidding! Sort of.
“I told you not to say tug-tug ever again.” She gives me a watery smile and we both burst out laughing.
“I didn’t want to lie to you. You inspire me.”
“That’s kind of hot.”
“You know what’s going to be super hot?” She shakes her head no, but her eyes focus on my lips as I start to lean into her.
“It’s going to be so hot to watch you own your sexiness; when I sex you up so good that you’ll forget to be afraid, or embarrassed, or insecure ever again.” I press a light kiss on her mouth, and watch her exhale a long shaky breath.
“Yeah, sure. That could be hot, too. Could take a while though—probably more than once you know, for me to really own it.” I smirk at her.