Page 32 of More Than Friends

“I don’t think the kissing part was necessary.”

He shows off his dimples with his cocky grin. “It added a little flair.”

I tuck a piece of stray hair behind my ear and roll my eyes. “If I say yes, you have to promise that you won’t use your charm on me. We’rebothlocked in the friend zone. We don’t ever talk about the kiss again, and absolutelynoflirting.”

Jude lifts an eyebrow. “Flirting is part of my personality, and I can’t help it that I’m always naturally charming. I can’t promise you those two things, but I can promise to stay just friends. Nothing more. I swear it.” He does the ridiculous thing with his fingers again, and I can’t help but laugh.

“It really isn’t your job to take me in and give me a place to live.”

Something flashes in Jude’s eyes for a moment before he recovers quickly. “I know it isn’t my job, Char. I think I’ve been very clear that I want you to be here with me and Ava. I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want you here.”

I hold out my hand and smile. “Then you have a deal. You’re stuck with me as a roommate for the summer.”

I swear his dimples get even deeper as his entire face lights up. “Yeah? You’ll move in?”

I shrug before giving him a nod, unable to come up with any other excuses to say no. Not wanting to make things awkward between us was the main reason I was refusing to begin with. Besides, with how early people book things in the Hamptons, I know it’ll be almost impossible for me to find somewhere to live on my own. And if I’m going to stay with a friend, I might as well stay with Jude over anyone else. I spend the most time with him anyway. Lucy and Cal are sickeningly in love, and they spend all their time together. Even Camille and Ryker are witheach other every spare second they have when they’re not both running their own companies. Margo’s busy being a mom and an artist, and even Emma and Winnie are so busy that I’d feel bad asking to stay at their places. Jude is kind of my only option. And if we’re both agreeing to being just friends and forgetting about last night, then there’s no reason for me to say no.

My gaze travels to the monitor. I focus on a sleeping Ava. Her little lips are parted slightly, and I already miss snuggling up to her chubby cheeks. I love the idea of living here and seeing her more. I know Jude won’t ask for the help, but I know he could use it when it comes to Ava. Especially if he doesn’t want to get his family involved yet.

“So, when are you going to move in then,roomie?” Jude asks, breaking me from my thoughts.

“I’m off tomorrow. Is that too soon to bring my things over?”

He immediately shakes his head. “That’s perfect. Let me know if you need any help. I can bring Ava with me, and we can help you get packed up.”

I give him a smile. “I don’t have a lot. I think I can handle it. You focus on spending the day with Ava, and I’ll handle packing my things and coming over. Are you sure it’s okay for me to stay here? I can pay ren?—”

“I’m not taking your money,” Jude hurriedly gets out. His tone makes it seem like he might even be insulted that I offered. “I asked you to stay here. Yes, I’m sure. Save your hard-earned money, and stop overthinking this.”

I narrow my eyes on him. “I’m not overthinking anything. It’s logical for me to ask if you’re sure about me staying with you for the summer, especially after how much your life has changed today.”

“Then it should also be logical for me to admit how much you helped me today. You ease my mind about things with Ava justby being here. I want you here for the summer, Char. What part of that is hard for you to understand?”

My mouth snaps shut. There’s a vulnerability to his voice that I’m not used to. I don’t know if I like hearing it or not. It makes my stomach flip and my heart race, neither of which is good when just minutes ago, I was promising to keep him firmly in the friend zone.

“Okay,” I whisper, unable to say anything else. It looks like I’ll be staying with Jude for the summer. This might end up being the worst idea or the best, but right now, all I can think about is how excited I am to spend more time with him and Ava.

“Then it’s settled. You’ll be back tomorrow with your things, and we’ll be roomies for the summer.”

“Please never say the word ‘roomies’ again.”

“I know you’re excited to be my roomie,roomie.” He winks, and all I can do is roll my eyes.

I step away from the counter and make my way to his front door. It’s been a long day, and my exhaustion is starting to catch up with me. I’m ready to get out of my work uniform, treat myself to a bath, and put off packing up my things until tomorrow morning.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, then.” I don’t look at him over my shoulder as I slip my shoes on by his front door. I know he’s probably excited to get rid of me and have some alone time of his own before Ava wakes up. “I’ll leave my phone on ringer for the night. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need something with Ava.” I finish putting on the other shoe and look up, finding Jude closer than I expected him to be.

His face looks tight as he watches me carefully. The muscles along his jaw pulse as he quietly watches me.

“Enjoy your quiet time tonight, and again, don’t hesitate to call if you need anything. You’re a great dad already. You’ve got this.”

Jude nods. His arms lift before they drop at his sides. He stays silent, which is so out of character for him.

It’s quiet in the foyer as I wait for him to say something. All he does is keep his mouth closed so tight I wonder if it hurts.

I give him a shy smile before opening the door. “Good night, Jude.”

“Night, Char,” he finally responds as I step to the door.