Chapter Seven #2
Ross cleared his throat. “Don’t worry. He’s always like this. One of the best men I know, but intense. Always serious. Are you okay?”
She nodded, released his shoulder, and took a step now that she felt steadier on her feet.
The agent Jude had called Jon got her a bottle of water and a protein bar before helping the other men get the ATVs parked inside the trailer.
When she noticed Jude returning, her pulse ticked up as she drank him in.
As he got closer, she noticed his expression was murderous.
His jaw was tight and there was a scowl on his face.
He closed the distance between them, thrusting his phone toward her when he approached.
“Call Ash. Make sure he’s still at Jess’s house.”
Her heart was pounding for a different reason now as she quickly tapped the numbers on the screen. “Why what’s going on? Did something happen?”
“My friend Red called—Mason, the one who drove your brother last night. The police are at your place. Someone broke in.”
She wrapped one arm around her waist, trying to settle the nausea roiling in her gut. The phone only rang once before it was answered.
“This is Ash Nelson speaking. Is this Jude Hayes?”
“Oh, thank goodness. Ash, it’s Ivy. Are you still at Jess’s condo?”
“Yes, are you safe? Are you still with Jude Hayes?” Before she could answer, she heard footsteps over the line.
“Hi, Ivy!” Jess’s enthusiastic voice sounded in the background.
“Can you put me on speaker so I can talk to both of you?” she asked her brother.
Ash muttered something and his girlfriend quickly shushed him.
She could picture Jess jumping down off the couch, reaching over Ash, and hitting the icon so they could both hear the conversation.
“Hey, Jess. Thanks for letting Ash crash. Listen, guys. I have some bad news.” She took a deep breath.
“The apartment was broken into. The police are there now, and everything is going to be fine, but right now, we should all stay away from there.” She glanced up at Jude for reassurance, and he nodded.
“You can stay here too,” Jess immediately suggested.
“But Jude Hayes should go to his own house.” Although Ash’s voice remained monotone, his comment made her recognize how worried he must be about her being with a stranger.
At the mention of Jude’s name, she glanced up at him.
There was a spark of amusement in his eyes, as though he’d heard the comment about staying at his own place.
“He will. He was only helping me.”
“Ash, be nice,” Jess whispered.
“Ivy, tell your boyfriend that he can stay.”
“Thanks, Jess, but he’s not my…” She paused and glanced around at the four men staring at her. She cleared her throat and continued. “Anyways his friends just picked us up.”
“I’ll drop you off after you give your statement,” Jude said. “It might be a few hours yet.”
She swallowed and licked her dry lips. Jude seemed to be studying her hard, as if the last thing he wanted to do was cart her around San Diego.
She could always take a cab or an Uber. Then Jude could get back to his weekend solitude, which she had undoubtedly destroyed.
She didn’t expect the statement to take too long, as she’d only been in the men’s presence for a few minutes.
Plus, she’d gotten everything on voice recording.
“I’ll be over at some point tonight, but please don’t worry.
I’m safe.” Ivy didn’t need to ask to know Jess’s doors would be locked.
Her parents had been very particular about safety when she moved out on her own.
Jess may have Down syndrome, but she’d never let anyone’s expectations of what she could accomplish hold her back.
Like Ash, she lived mostly independently and, with the help of her mom, managed a bustling online business selling her resin artwork and giving online tutorials.
“Us too,” her brother promised and they disconnected the call.
Jude’s team immediately began voicing their apologies about the apartment as she passed the phone back to him, promising to do whatever they could to help make her and Ash feel secure.
She appreciated their concern but already knew she wasn’t going to reach out for help.
She and Ash had been living alone for a long time now.
Neither of them would be okay with letting fear rule their lives, even for a short time.
Jude took a step toward her and lifted his arm, as though he was going to reach out and touch her shoulder. He seemed to change his mind and dropped it back to his side.
“I’ll drive the truck back.” He held out his hand to the others, waiting for the keys.
“Sure thing,” Ross said reaching in his pocket, and tossing the fob to Jude before glancing at her. “If you want to come with us, we’re headed right back to the office. Once we’re there, we can get you some clothes, and there’s a locker room where you can take a shower if you want.”
She glanced at Jude, not wanting to separate from him. His agents had known Jude far longer than she had. Maybe they knew he’d rather be alone.
Jude held her gaze for a moment. “Your choice,” he said, then turned to walk toward the truck.
She gave the three men a genuine smile, hoping to show her appreciation for coming to the rescue.
“Thanks for the offer, but I’ll catch a ride back with Jude.
” She gave a small wave and moved quickly after him.
Jude suddenly paused and glanced over his shoulder.
His brows raised in a momentary expression of surprise, but it was gone so quickly.
She couldn’t tell if her presence was appreciated or unwanted.