Chapter 21 – Mabel
Chapter Twenty-One
MABEL
Ihate how right it feels to be in Jude’s arms.
I could stay here forever if his arms could stay wrapped around me, gripping my hip like there was nothing else he’d like to hold onto. His fingertips running up and down my arm, my new favorite sensation. His soft, reassuring words settled the storm raging against my nervous system.
Greedily, I take huffs of Jude’s unique scent, honey and sunshine, that always reminds me of home. He’s so strong but it’s not uncomfortable to be in his arms, a layer of softness covering his muscles. It feels like he’s my missing puzzle piece, our edges connecting perfectly.
“Hey, I need to bring in the food, are you okay for a few minutes?” Jude’s question is a whisper against my cheek.
I can’t stop my pulse from starting to pound at the idea of no longer being in his arms but I offer a jerky nod.
“Alright, Trouble, I’ll be right back.” He stands with me still in his arms, turning and placing back onto the couch softly, tucking me in and placing a soft kiss on the top of my head.
He’s gone before I can truly react, but my belly swoops at the action.
Once I hear the door squeak open, I curl into myself and close my eyes, trying to stay calm by taking deep breaths.
I know he’ll be back but my body is responding like I’ve been abandoned, which is ridiculous.
If I wasn’t completely emotionally drained, I would be irritated with myself.
Instead, I keep my eyes closed and listen to the sounds of Jude bringing in and unloading all the food for the weekend.
I must have drifted off because before I know it, a soft touch on my cheek and sweet whispers have my eyes fluttering open.
Jude’s face fills my vision and I bite down hard on my lip to stop a soft smile from appearing.
“Hey, it’s getting late. Will you have something to eat and drink before I get you in bed?
” I don’t even have the energy to tease him about the possible innuendo.
My gaze flicks to his hands where he’s holding a string cheese and a glass of water.
I appreciate that he doesn’t expect me to try and eat a full meal. I don’t have it in me to attempt more than the bare minimum.
I offer a short nod, holding my hand out for the water glass.
He hands it over and starts to open the cheese stick as I take small sips of water.
There is something so fascinating about how his hands flex as he pulls apart the plastic.
He doesn’t stop there, either. He starts to pull apart the cheese into smaller strings.
My heart flutters as he holds up the first string.
I alternate between sips of water and strings of cheese until both are gone.
“Feel any better?” I can’t talk, embarrassment finally crashing over me, so I offer a shrug.
“Do you want anymore?” I shake my head, Jude nods and takes the glass from my hand.
He stands and takes care of the trash and puts the empty glass in the sink.
I can’t stop myself from continuing to take in how his body moves.
My lips are dry, that’s the only reason my tongue darts out. No other reason.
“Alright, Trouble, let’s get you to bed. Downstairs?” I nod and stand, getting ready to tell him he doesn’t need to help me but I can’t bring myself to open my mouth as Jude walks back up to me and picks me up again.
Despite my new found silence, I can’t stop the squeak as he cradles me in his strong arms. I shouldn’t love how it feels to be picked up and carried around.
I’m a big girl and I’ve never been manhandled before.
He’s not manhandling me, really, he’s being incredibly sweet as he slowly walks us down the steps.
I gesture to the door of my temporary bedroom.
As Jude tucks me into my bed, I remember that I never got dressed today and I’ve been in a pair of shorts and a tank top with no bra.
Jesus. I don’t think this could get anymore mortifying for me.
“Alright, get some rest. I’ll do a round and make sure everything’s all shut down.
” Jude reassures me as he tucks the blanket into my sides.
“Wait!”
This is it.
This is how it gets more mortifying.
Jude’s eyes mirror mine as they widen, both of us surprised by my outburst. “Could you, uh,” I cough, the words fighting to come out, “Would you mind staying with me for a little longer?”
I don’t want to be alone and Jude has been so sweet to me.
Jude nods and kicks off his boots, laying next to me over the blankets in the bed.
“Yeah. I can stay. You just relax.” I can’t stop the sigh of relief, deciding that comfort is more important than any embarrassment I’ll feel tomorrow morning.
“Thank you.” I mutter as I close my eyes, snuggling as close to his body as possible.
The bed shifts as Jude gets comfortable and I give in to what I’ve been craving, lifting my head and using his chest as my pillow.
His arm wraps around my shoulder, pulling my body flush against his side and I feel like I can finally breathe for the first time since seeing those baby toys.
I’m so content, I almost convince myself it’s all in my imagination when I hear a rough “Anything for you, Trouble.” before I snuggle even closer, if that’s even possible, and slowly drift to sleep again.