Page 48 of Unwrapped
“I wish I had grandparents. It would’ve been nice to make those kinds of memories,” he says sadly. I give his arm a sympathetic squeeze as he pulls out a chair for me. “Milady.”
“Thank you.” I settle and place my napkin on my lap, hoping the guests at our table won’t be as annoying as the people who crowded Jude earlier. Several women had the nerve to ask for selfies with him. Naturally, he was as gracious and kind as he’s been since the day we met. I was more than a little frustrated on his behalf. The man has been through so much; it would be nice if he could attend an event in peace.
He sits in the chair next to mine and drapes his arm over my shoulders. “I’m hungry.”
“Me too.” I was too anxious about Ryan to pick at any hors d’oeuvres, but now I’m starving. “The food smells amazing. I can’t wait to stuff my face.”
“Same. What entrée did you pick for me?”
“Filet mignon and lobster tails.”
He rubs his stomach. “I apologize in advance for eating like a wolverine.”
“I’ll be right there with you. I’m getting the same thing.”
His eyes light up. “I love lobster. The first time I ever tried it was when I treated myself to a fancy dinner after passing the boards.”
I smile, thinking back to my own celebration. “I bet it tasted even better, knowing all the pharmacy school tests were finally behind you.”
“Sure did.” He sets his phone on the table. “I don’t mean to be rude by having this out during our meal, but I’m expecting a call from one of my investors.”
“No worries.” I touch his arm. “I appreciate you being here in the first place. Please don’t ignore your work obligations—they’rewaymore important than this wedding.” The device dings as if on command, and the screen lights up with a notification from something called River Myst. The circular logo features the silhouette of a mermaid. “Ooh, Ilovemermaids.”
“Shit.” He swipes the message off the screen. “Thought I silenced that app.”
“What’s River Myst?”
“Nothing.” His face and ears turn pink. Snatching his water, he chugs it like that will erase the fact that I saw whatever it is that’s making him blush. He shifts in his seat and sets down the nearly empty glass.
“Doesn’t seem like nothing,” I say wryly. Jude isn’t a squirmer. Now I’m even more curious. “Just tell me.”
“I can’t. I signed a nondisclosure agreement.”
“That sounds kinda hot. Is it a porn site or something?”
His cheeks get even redder. “I really can’t tell you, Cami.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be so nosy.” I feel like an idiot for prying. “It’s none of my business.”
“You’re fine,” he says, as if sensing my regret. Then, after a few beats of silence, he releases a heavy sigh and leans forward in his seat. “Since I know some of your secrets, I guess I’ll tell you mine.” He drops his voice to a whisper. “River Myst is the cyber network affiliated with The River, a water-themed sex club where I’m a member.”
“Holy shit. Those places really exist?”
A low chuckle rumbles in his chest. “Oh, I can assure you, they most certainly do.”
“Wow. I’m intrigued.” I never knew Jude was into kink, but now that I think about it, the idea makes sense. He’s always been a thrill-seeker. “So, like, when you saycyber, I’m assuming you mean cam girls and such?”
He smirks. “Like I said, it’s top secret, so I can’t give you any details.”
I sip my second martini, a chocolate peppermint one this time. “So, are you a voyeur?”
His dark gaze meets mine. “Don’t ask questions you don’t want to hear the answer to.” Something catches his attention behind me. His eyes widen into saucers as he grips my shoulder. “Holy. Fucking. Shit.”
“What?” I peer up at his face, afraid to peek at whatever has him so transfixed—in case Ryan is on his way over to bother me again. “Why’d you say that?” I clutch his hand. “Tell me.”
Amusement dances in Jude’s cognac gaze. “Don’t worry, sugar. You’re about to find out.”
Someone appears at my other side and pulls out a chair. “Excuse me, is this seat taken?”
