Chapter 31 Jude
THIRTY-ONE
JUDE
The memory of this morning replays in my mind. It already feels like eternity has passed since I felt her head nestled perfectly on my chest. We belong together—she belongs in my arms for the rest of our lives.
“Hey, daydreamer!” Max’s voice cuts through my thoughts as he approaches me from behind, his hands firmly gripping my shoulders.
I jolt, startled, nearly leaping out of my skin. “Thanks for scaring me, asshole,” I mumble, my heart racing. I was so in the image of Faith and me entwined in bed, and I barely registered that my best friend was sneaking up on me.
“That’s what best friends are for,” he says with a playful grin, giving my back a reassuring pat. “Did you get enough sleep last night?”
“Definitely got enough sleep and then some.” I stare at him, wiggling my eyebrows.
A look of curiosity flickers across his face. “I know you came back to your suite last night, and you sent me some cryptic text. What’s the deal?”
“I’m sure you’ve pieced it together by now…I was with Faith,” I say, watching as Max nods in understanding. “And we didn’t just sleep.”
I share a bit about last night, leaving out the intimate specifics of our special moment, but I tell him just enough for him to understand that I’m invested and not letting her go.
“It sounds like things are moving in the right direction for you two.” Max reaches his hand out for a bro hug.
“She said that being in my arms makes her happy, and that’s what I’m holding onto. For the first time in a long time, I have hope that we’ll end up together.”
“That’s exactly what you wanted,” Max says with a wide smile.
I’m ecstatic about all that’s happened. We are on the road to mending our hearts from the past, each shared story and heartfelt apology stitching us back together.
“Thanks. I never imagined this would ever happen—especially during this trip.” I shake my head, caught between disbelief and the hope that now makes me grin. “And she’s going to be my date for the sunset cruise tonight.”
“Then I’m looking forward to getting to know her…” He glances at his watch. “Oh shit, we better get ready before Klara has my balls.”
“Yeah, your balls, not mine.”
“Soon enough Faith will have yours…or maybe she already does.” He nods at me like he already knows he’s right. He laughs as he retreats to his suite.
Asshole.
With the widest smile stretching across my face, I stride to my suite with a buzzing in my veins.
I’ve already set my clothes out on the bed.
I peel off my board shorts and tank top and slide into my lightweight tan pants before buttoning up my short-sleeve shirt.
There’s only one thought that fills my mind—her.
When she flashed that bright smile and agreed to be my date tonight, my heart soared, and I felt like screaming my happiness to the world.
I’ll make sure I’m ready with time to spare; I’m eager to knock on her door at three.
Having her on my arm throughout the night will be a perfect evening, and it feels as if everything in the universe has aligned just right for us.
Before leaving the room, I carefully slide on my Claddagh ring, its silver band glistening under the soft light.
I reserve it for special occasions, and wearing it always brings her to mind.
The thought of her lingers with the bracelet I gave her last night—it’s a piece that will match mine.
Excitement brimming and unable to wait any longer, I walk out the door.
Max is sitting on his patio dressed and ready for tonight. “Looking good, man,” he says.
“You too,” I say, barely able to contain my excitement over seeing Faith again.
“We’ll see you and Fatih on the boat. It’s going to be a blast.”
“Yeah, we’ll be the life of the party,” I say, pumping my fist in the air with excitement.
After smoothing my shirt, I make my way to Faith’s room. I knock on the door, and within seconds, the door flies open. Faith is standing in front of me, beautiful as ever. My eyes light up, my heart stumbles, and I’m radiating desire.
For her.
She clearly spent some time getting ready this afternoon.
Her hair is smooth with those blonde highlights, and her makeup is light.
It’s just enough to brighten her sky-blue eyes and perfect skin.
The tropical-themed fitted dress shows off some cleavage and hits her mid-thigh.
Her bare legs are begging to be touched, and I can’t help but stare as I imagine them on my shoulders.
“My eyes are up here,” she says with sarcasm in her voice.
The moment I step into her room, the sweet scent of vanilla wraps around me.
I take her soft hand in mine, feeling the warmth, and gently spin her around, taking in the full view of her.
Her laughter fills the room as I pull her closer.
Her eyes meet mine with a playful smirk on her lips, and I can feel the electricity in the air.
Unable to resist any longer, I swing her around with a swift motion and pin her gently against the door.
I claim her mouth, and she responds with her lips moving with mine.
At this moment, I know that I’m not alone in this overwhelming desire. She’s right here with me.
While fixated on her lips, I say, “I can’t help it. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.” My breath speeds up, and I nuzzle into the crook of her neck. I hesitate, wanting to stay here with her, but finally relent. “Ready to go?”
“Are you?” She glanced down at my obvious erection. “Is there something that needs to be handled?”
Isn’t she funny! I love seeing her relaxed and able to say whatever is on her mind. Dirty, dirty girl.
“Not now, but I’ll handle you later.” I wink at her as I adjust myself. It’s going to be a long night at this rate.
Tonight, we’ll celebrate with Max and Klara, and I’m eager for them to get to know her. I’m certain they will love her as much as I do. Now I’m thinking about the future where Faith and I will create a new, beautiful life together. It’s hard not to keep thinking about it.
As she wraps her arms around my neck, she whispers, “Full of promises.”
“I’ll fulfill all of them later. Now, we party.” I thread my hand in hers as we walk out the door and stroll to the lobby. There’s a party van to drive us to the sunset cruise.
I notice her thumb gently brushing against my ring. She lifts our hands to get a closer look and the emotions run through her eyes. She asks, “You still wear it?”
“On special occasions, I do. It also reminds me of you.” I bring her wrist to my ring. “It matches your bracelet.” I gently hold her wrist and kiss it.
Still holding onto me, she glances off into the distance, clearly lost in her thoughts. I decide to stay silent and continue toward the van, not wanting to interrupt her. When she’s ready, she’ll share her thoughts with me.
She stops us and turns slightly to gaze deeply into my eyes. “I can’t shake the feeling that all of this is both familiar and exactly where I want to be.”
I gently slide my hand behind her neck, feeling the softness of her hair as I pull her closer. She wraps her arms around me, and it feels right. I’d be a fool to let her go. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her. If she asked, I’d set the entire world on fire.
“I’m exactly where I want to be, too.” In the middle of the lobby, I bend down and kiss her cheek.
Her lips are soft and a beautiful shade of pink, and as I gently graze them with mine, I feel an electric thrill jolt through my body.
With a teasing swipe of my tongue, she opens for me.
The refreshing taste of spearmint dances across my senses as our tongues intertwine in a slow rhythm.
My free hand finds its way to her face, caressing her cheek to draw her even closer, though it seems we’re already as near as two people could be.
Suddenly, the rumbling of a vehicle cuts through our moment, and I pull back, left gazing at her slightly swollen lips, longing to be kissing them again.
We turn to see our friends lining up to find seats in the van.
Faith waves to her friends while I nod. Finally, everyone is seated, and I casually drape my arm around her shoulders as a smile plays on her lips.
As my fingers brush against her skin, the feeling of tiny sparks ignites every nerve ending and flood my body with electricity.
I lean in close, brushing a stray hair behind her ear, and whisper, “This is us, and I can’t wait to see where it all leads.”
As we leave, lively chatter and laughter fill the van.
We’re here to celebrate the love shared between two of the most wonderful people I know.
Their closest friends gather to make this the most unforgettable experience imaginable.
That’s the magic of destination weddings.
Drinks are being passed around, and the clinking of glasses and chatter echoes through the van.
We’re getting the party started even before we arrive.
We pour out of the party van like a bunch of excited kids, our laughter loud in the air. Everyone boards, and I look over the edge to see the waves lapping against the boat as the sun warms my skin.
Faith’s hand rests on my forearm. I further guide her hand until our arms intertwine. “Tonight is for Max and Klara,” I whisper in her ear, “and it’s our date night. A night to remember.” Her eyes, filled with affection, meet mine, and she squeezes my arm tighter, leaning into me.
I watch as the DJ finishes connecting cables and arranging speakers.
I discreetly added a couple of old favorites to the playlist—songs that Faith and I used to dance to wrapped in each other’s arms. Tonight, as the music plays and the sun sets, I want her to remember how she feels in my arms… the sparks, the warmth, the love.
All of it.