Page 76 of Taking the Pitch
I watch him walk away, his dark wash jeans clinging deliciously to his toned ass.
“Oh girl, you got it bad.”
I feel my cheeks redden and I grab my coffee, suddenly wishing there was alcohol in it.
“Don’t be embarrassed, Millie. Love looks good on you.”
I choke on my coffee mid swallow, spewing drops all over the counter in front of me. Once I’ve gathered myself and got my coughing under control, Hazel tosses me a wet rag to wipe up my mess. “When’s the last time you had your eyes checked, Haze? I think you’re seeing things that aren’t there,” I tell her, tossing back the rag.
“My eyes are just fine, girl. That fine specimen of a man is head over heels for you.”
“But we’re, we, we just started seeing each other. I mean, I think we’re seeing each other?” I shake my head, confused. “I don’t even know. He told me I ‘ruined him for anyone else.’ So, I guess that means we’re…together?”
Hazel leans on the counter with both arms. “Oh. girl. Thatdefinitelymeans you’re together.”
I hum in acknowledgement while I pick at my scone.
“Is that not a good thing?” Hazel asks, seemingly confused by my reaction.
I tip my head, still staring at my scone. “I don’t really know. You know how I am this time of the year. I just–” I blow out a breath. “I’m nervous? I guess? The closer it gets to the anniversary of my parents’ death, the more unraveled I feel.”
Hazel lays a hand over mine and I look up into her emerald-green eyes. “You know he would understand. He doesn’t strikeme as the type of guy to not care, especially about something like that. Just talk to him, okay?”
I nod.
Hazel’s right. Judd has been nothing but caring since the beginning. He’d understand my struggles.
I make the decision to open up to him about my past. But not today. I don’t want to ruin a good day by bringing up heavy things.
“So, what are you two up to today?”
“That’s up to Amelia,” Judd says from behind me, making me jump.
“It is?” I stare at him, squeezing back into his spot, letting my eyes wander over the body that I had my hands all over last night. Well, hands, lips, tongue… A shiver runs up my spine and I have to squeeze my legs together to ease the sudden ache that’s appeared.
Judd takes a bite out of his breakfast sandwich and gives me a smirk, like he knows what’s going through my mind. “Got something in mind, Shortcake?”
I feel my cheeks flush and clear my throat. “I might have an idea or two.”
Hazel leans on the counter, dropping her voice. “Oh, please do tell. Inquiring minds want to know.”
“Shut up, Hazel,” I laugh, tossing my napkin at her.
She catches it before it hits her face and laughs. “I guess I can wait for girls’ night to hearallthe things,” she says, giving me a wink.
Judd leans over and whispers into my ear, “I guess we need to give you a lot to talk about with the girls then, huh?”
My cheeks flame brighter, and I duck my head into my shoulder and whisper back, “I thought we did plenty of that last night…and this morning.”
Judd chuckles quietly. “Oh, Shortcake, I’m just warming up.”
My core clenches again as memories of last night flood my brain.
“Now be a good girl and finish your breakfast.”
“And if I don’t?” I challenge.
Judd grips the back of my neck and pulls me forward until I’m an inch away from his mouth. “Then I’m just going to have to fuck that attitude out of you later.”
