Page 56 of Taking the Pitch
Don’t.
I have to. I’m not it for him.
Judd gives me a wink, turning back around and pulling out of the parking garage.
Lord, give me strength.
“Wow, it’s so beautiful. You grew up out here?” We’re about twenty minutes into our drive on the outskirts of the city. Neither of us really talking, but it’s been a comfortable silence.
“Yeah, born and raised. You should see it before all the trees lose their leaves. It’s one of the most beautiful things to see.” Judd gives me a smirk. “Besides you, that is,” he adds.
My cheeks heat and I roll my eyes. “Smooth, Davis.”
“I thought so.”
I shake my head, deciding to change the subject. “I’ve been meaning to ask…how did you know how to help me with my migraine? Did you research that, too?”
At this point, I wouldn’t doubt that he did.
He shakes his head. “No, I get them if I read too much without wearing my glasses.”
“You read?” The shocked comment flies from my mouth before I register what I’m saying.
Judd barks out a laugh and rubs his cheek. “Yes, Amelia. I can read.”
“Shit, sorry. That was rude.” I cringe. “What I meant to say is, what do you like to read?”
Nice save, Millie, not.
Judd shakes his head and looks at me when he brings the car to a stop at the stop sign, amusement in his grin. “Fantasy, mystery, thrillers…” He shrugs. “I’ll have to show you my library sometime.”
“Is that code for your dick?” I slap my hand across my mouth, horrified.
Why is my brain saying the first thing that pops into it today? Normally, my filter is solid. The only time I’m this candid around people is when I’m around Hazel and Charlie. Am Icomfortablewith Judd?
Judd’s deep baritone laugh draws me out of my thoughts. “No, Mills. Anactuallibrary. I’ve built up quite the collection over the years.”
“Oh.” is all I allow myself to say as we turn into a driveway that has a beautiful sign on one side of the stone entrance that readsDAVIS, indicating we’ve arrived at his parents’ house.
Butterflies take flight as we make our way up a long gravel driveway lined with various shrubs and bushes that are all dormant for the upcoming winter. The driveway ends guarded by two giant oak trees, revealing a beautiful two-story home with a stone chimney with smoke lazily billowing out the top.
“You grew up here?”
Judd nods, a faraway look in his eye when he looks out at the house through the windshield. “This is home.”
We sit in silence for a few breaths, both staring at the cozy home that should be in one of those home design magazines with its cute black shutters that pop against the creamy exterior.
The front door opens and a woman with dark brown hair the same color as Judd’s walks out onto the porch and waves at us, giving us a warm smile. Her inviting smile eases my nerves.
“Ready, Shortcake?” Judd asks, reaching across and giving my hand a squeeze. “If you get overwhelmed or anything becomes too much, just let me know and we can leave. Mom won’t be offended, I promise.” I look from the house to Judd, taking in his features. He has his mom’s nose and hair color, but that’s where the similarities end, and I find myself wondering if he looks more like his dad.
“Amelia?”
I shake myself out of my thoughts and nod. “Okay. I’m ready.” I tell him and reach for my handle.
“No, don’t move. I’ll open your door,” Judd says, getting out and jogging around the front and opening my door before I can even protest.
“I can open my own door, Judd,” I grumble when I get out.
