Page 98 of Taking the Pitch
“But they weren’t.”
“I haven’t had a drink since that night. I–I’m afraid I won’t be able to stop once I do. I don’tthinkI’m an alcoholic. But Ialso didn’t think I was drunk that night either. I just don’t trust myself.”
“There’s nothing wrong with not drinking,” I reassure him. “But if you do want to have a drink to unwind or just to have a drink, I’ll be there with you. If you can’t handle it, then we address it and get you help. Okay?”
He nods and glides his thumb back and forth over the back of my hand and he gives me a soft kiss on my head. “I am so sorry I caused you more pain, Amelia. I–I completely understand if you don’t think you can be with me. If it’s too painful. If–”
I cut him off, snaking my hand around his neck and pulling him to my lips. He’s careful with the cut on my lip, letting me control the pressure. My fingers sink into his hair, and I open my mouth to let him in. His tongue tangles with mine as we get lost in each other.
When Judd finally pulls back, we’re both breathless. He rests his forehead against mine. “When I saw you in the parking garage today, my entire world stopped. I’ve never been so scared in my life. I don’t know what I would have done if I lost you.”
“But you didn’t. I’m right here and I’m not going anywhere, Judd. The saying ‘life is short’ hit home today and I don’t want to waste any more time fighting my feelings.” Lifting my head from his, I cup his cheeks with my hands, looking into his mossy green eyes that I want to get lost in forever. I tell him what I’ve never told another man before. “I love you, Judd Davis. And I want to spend the rest of my life loving you if you’ll let me.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
judd
“Areyousureyou want to go to my parent’s house?” I ask Amelia again, coming up behind her and wrapping my arms around her bare middle, dropping a kiss on her shoulder. The one that’s not bruised. It’s been four days since Bruno and Amelia were attacked. The bruises around her neck and shoulder look worse, but she’s reassured me multiple times that they look worse than they feel. While both of them are doing significantly better, I don’t want the chaos and noise that are my family and friends to set back their healing.
She sets her makeup down, looping her arms around the back of my neck. “Judd, it’s Thanksgiving. We’re not missing spending time with your close friends and family.”
“They would understand if we didn’t make it.” The day after the attack, I told my parents and Kessler what happened. My mom, being the amazing person she is, came over to my place right away to make sure Amelia and Bruno were really alright and to bring us dinner so we didn’t have to cook.
Amelia had me do a group FaceTime to Hazel and Charlie so she could tell them what happened. Like Amelia predicted,Charlie was upset she didn’t contact her right after it happened because she would have come home. Amelia told her that’s exactly why she didn’t and reassured both her and Hazel she was okay. Telling them both she would be fine because she had me here and to enjoy their holidays.
She also had a session with her therapist and when she got back in the car after her session, she told me that’s the first time she’s left her office around the holidays without being in tears.
I hope I had some part in that.
Amelia rolls her eyes at me. “And I told you, Bruno and I are fine. The doctorandvet gave us both a clean bill of health yesterday at our re-checks. We’re healing great and will be good as new in no time.”
“You’re lucky you’re still sore or I would spank your perfect ass for rolling your eyes at me.” It’s hard enough keeping my hands to myself while she’s in nothing but a black lace bra and underwear, wearing a blue silk robe that matches her eyes.
Her gaze turns heated, and she runs her fingers through my hair at the nape of my neck, giving it a small tug. My dick jumps in response. “Amelia,” I warn. “If you want to make it to my parents’ house, you better stop, or I’ll spend all day and night eating my dinner right here in our bathroom.”
Oh yeah, another thing that happened over the last few days was we decided to move Amelia in with me. It didn’t make sense to have separate apartments in the same building. So, after Amelia starts feeling better, we’re moving all her stuff in here, at least until we can buildourdream house.
She gives me a seductive smirk and takes a step back, dropping her arms from my neck. “Maybe later, Davis. My hair actually looks good, and I’m almost done with my makeup. I don’t need you ruining it.”
“I won’t ruin it,” I tell her, backing her into the counter and dropping to my knees. “And you’re beautiful with or without makeup, hair done or not.”
“Juddson,” she says in a warning that only encourages me.
“Hmm?” I hum, dipping my head down to kiss up one thigh, then the other.
A soft moan leaves her lips and when I look up, Amelia’s head is tipped back and she’s gripping the counter with both hands. I reach up and hook a finger on both sides of her underwear, dragging them down her legs. She steps out of them quickly and I toss them aside.
“Are you wet for me, Shortcake?” I ask, planting more kisses between her thighs. She spreads her legs wider, opening up for me. Using my pointer finger, I dip it into her center, feeling exactly how much she wants me and trail it up to her clit, tracing around the sensitive bundle of nerves. “You’re soaked. Do you want me to help you with that, baby? I can get you all nice and clean before we have to leave.”
She whimpers and nods her head.
“Say please.”
“Please, Judd. Please, fuck me,” she pleads.
“No time for that, baby. I don’t want to hurt you. So, I’m going to have my dessert before dinner.”
Wrapping a hand around her calf, I lift her leg and place it over my shoulder, giving me better access to her center.
