Chapter 18
Claire
I’m dragging ass this morning.
Something fierce.
I was supposed to get off at three, but we had a group of owners of some sports teams come in, and Ms. Prissy wasn’t letting me leave until I gave them a show. Which I did, and yes, I walked away with more money than I make in a week, but still I’m beyond tired. But when I see Jude strutting toward me from the vocational building, my mood picks up a bit. His face is bright, a big grin on his lips with his hair falling in his eyes. He’s wearing jeans and a Henley, and when I glance down to see I’m wearing the same old sweats, I suddenly wish I was dressed a little better.
“Have you seen me in anything but sweats?” I ask when he stops in front of me.
He smiles. “I’ve seen you naked.”
I laugh as I smack his chest, but before I can take my hand back, he grabs it, pulling me into his arms. Pressing his lips to mine for a quick kiss, he pulls back, his grin still on his lips as he says, “And it was a wonderful day, the heavens parted, and God released one of his angels for me to turn into a dirty little demon.”
I roll my eyes as I wrap my arms around his neck. “You’re impossible.”
“True, but really, I like the way you look. Jeans, booty shorts, sweats, naked, I’m not picky as long as it’s you, looking at me with those eyes and grinning at me with those lips. All I need is you.”
Biting into my lip, I lean into him, pressing my lips to his. His arms come around me tightly, squeezing me as I deepen the kiss, our tongues playing in a slow, teasing way. When we part, I dust his jaw with small kisses, the hair on his jawline tickling my lips and tongue. When I reach his lips again, his fingers bite into my back before he takes over the kiss. With his body enveloping mine, his mouth is dangerous, and I am a willing victim to his assault. I can’t get enough.
Pulling away slowly, his mouth follows mine, causing me to smile as I stop, his own smile crashing against mine, leaving me breathless. I love this. I love how playful but sexy we are together. I’ve never ever been so turned on in my life but at the same time so happy. It’s crazy and ridiculous, but Jude Sinclair makes me giddy.
As we part, his hands come up to my face, holding me tenderly as his green eyes bore into mine. “Told ya I’d kiss ya hard,” he says and I smile.
“Best kiss ever.”
“Oh, you just wait, I have way more in my arsenal.”
I giggle as I hug his chest, resting my chin on it as I look up at him. “Promise?”
“Swear.”
We share a smile, and he lowers his head to kiss my nose before asking, “Are you still mad at me?”
“I was never mad, more annoyed.”
“Okay,” he says, giving me a look. “Are you annoyed?”
My mouth turns up at the side as I slowly shake my head. “I can’t be annoyed when I’m looking at you.”
He smiles before leaning down to kiss me softly. As he pulls away, his arms tighten around me as he asks, “What do you have next?”
“Nothing, I’m going home and sleeping.”
“Want some company?”
“If we sleep, yes. If you want more, you know the answer.”
He gives me his best innocent look, and it does nothing but make me laugh out loud. “I promise to be on my best behavior,” he vows, and for some reason, I believe him. Or maybe I hope he won’t so I can get another delicious piece of Jude pie. Either way, I lace my fingers with his and we head toward my dorm.
“Is Skylar there?”
“Nope, she has classes the rest of the day. I’m supposed to meet her at practice.”
“Okay,” he says, flashing me a grin, but when I set him with a glare, he holds his two fingers up. “Scout’s honor, I’ll be good.”
“Were you even a Boy Scout?”