Page 38 of Do It Yourself
Elle and Patrick have retired to the loft. Jude went downstairs shortly after dinner, leaving me, Mama and Lola to cuddle up on the couch.
“I’m sorry again for leaving a mess in your bathroom, Mama. The water pressure is just so good.” I don’t really need to push about the reason I ran into her room after greeting them but I’m so anxious about the lie, I need to get an idea on if she believes me.
“Oh, baby, no worries at—” Mama’s words are cut off by the sound of the front door opening. Our heads all turned to the door in unison, catching Anika trailing behind Paul who’s carrying a sleeping Henry in his arms. Exhaustion is evident in their expressions. I’m quick to jump off the couch, grabbing the luggage out of Anika’s hands.
“I was about to head to bed, let me help you to the rooms,” I whisper, slipping my hand into Anika’s and pulling her along. Lola falls in line with our group heading downstairs.
“Goodnight, my darlings. See you in the morning.” Mama kisses us all on the cheek as we walk past her.
I can’t sleep.
Paul and I chatted for a few minutes after he got Henry settled in his bed. Anika had put up a fight about driving together, and the ride had been tense and Henry had picked up on it. It sounded like a hard time, as he described it.
A soft knock at my door almost pulls a scream out of me.
“Mabel, it’s me.” It’s so soft but Jude’s voice is unmistakable. I’m out of bed and pulling the door open in seconds. Jude fills the doorway, he’s still wearing his clothes from earlier but he’s clutching a pillow to his chest.
“I’m confused.”
“I stole one of your pillows during my escape, I brought a replacement.”
This fucking guy.
“Get in here.”
I reach out and take a fist full of his shirt and yank him into my room. My door shuts with a soft click. Grabbing the pillow out of his hands, I toss it over my shoulder and shove him against the door, pulling him down until our mouths are joined.
I’m under no illusion that I’d be able to move Jude’s body around like this without his consent, turning us and pushing him back until we hit my bed
“Will you stay with me? I know it’s not the best idea with everyone here now but I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep withoutyou.” The vulnerability in my voice hurts but, somehow, he’s become my safe place and I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep if he leaves this room tonight.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
JUDE
Mabel’s body pressed against mine is driving me wild. I’d talked myself into believing that our time together was destined to become a one-time thing. Her wink at dinner squashed any fear that she regretted what happened, but being around her family felt like a slap of reality. It reminded me who we are to each other and how outside of the bubble of the cabin there was no possible way we could keep this going.
I didn’t want to leave her lacking a pillow, I should have brought in a new one when everyone was still upstairs but I didn’t want to risk someone possibly coming downstairs and catching me sneaking in or out of her room.
So, I waited. Listened for everyone to settle then counted down from a hundred.
Twice.
Just to be safe.
I half-talked myself out of going to her door, sure she was asleep. I could feel the edges of exhaustion pulling on my brain and didn’t think it was too far of an idea that she might also be at least a little bit tired as well.
Not that I’m complaining, especially not now that I’m here.
Having Mabel in my arms again is heaven.
Mabel’s question rings through my head.
“Of course I’ll stay. If that’s what you need.” Deciding to push my luck, I lean down and angle my mouth against hers in a soft press of our lips. She returns the kiss with an intensity that has the bottom of my spine starting to tingle. Too soon, I’m the one to break our connection, resting my forehead against hers.
“Do you need anything before we get in bed?”
“Only you.” Mabel whispers.
