Page 49 of More Than Friends

A week ago, Jude finally told his parents about Ava after getting the paternity test back. It was obvious that Ava was his child, but I can’t help but wonder if part of the reason he waited to tell his parents was to confirm she was his biologically. I wasn’t with him when he got the results, but I know he was stressed beforehand. He already loves her so much, and he was afraid of losing her if they came back negative.

I look over Ava’s head to narrow my eyes at Jude. “You said your parents took the news great.”

He smiles as if he wasn’t expecting me to call him out like that. “They did,” he responds slowly, the cocky tilt of his lips doing funny things to my stomach. “They’re thrilled to have a grandchild and upset that they’re out of the country with commitments and can’t make it here for a few weeks to meet her. Even with all of their excitement, they had a ton of questions. I answered what I could, but I don’t want to have to answer the questions of people who aren’t family. I want to keep Ava as private as I can.”

All I do is nod as I try to think how to respond. To be honest, I have questions for Jude as well when it comes to Ava, the biggest one being who her mother is. Does he still talk to her? Does she really want no involvement? I want to know, but I also don’t want to be rude. If he wanted to tell me, he would. “You show up and introduce her as your daughter, tell everyone she’s perfect, and then say you won’t be answering any more questions about it. You’re Jude Kensington. People listen to you. And even if they do ask questions, it doesn’t mean you have to answer them.”

He stares at me for a bit before his gaze flicks to Ava, then focuses back on me again. “Why do you have to be right?”

I can’t help but smile. “Telling me I’m right? You might as well be talking dirty to me.”

Jude’s eyebrows rise to his hairline, and I freeze because I realize I definitely shouldn’t have said that.

Ava squirms in my lap as she plays with a piece of my hair, but I can’t focus on her. I can’t focus on anything but Jude. His lips spread into a smile I can only describe as lethal. He lets his gaze slip to my lips for just a moment before his brown eyes meet mine. “Give me a chance, Char, and I can talk far dirtier than that.”

My entire face gets hot. Even my chest feels flushed as my lips part, and I fail to even come up with a response.

We’re toeing a dangerous line. I know it. He’s got to know it too. But that knowledge doesn’t stop my body from shivering, even though I’m not even remotely cold.

Before I can say anything else, a knock at the front door captures our attention.

Jude rips his gaze from mine, his smirk disappearing as he stands up and makes his way to the door.

“Were you expecting anyone?” I ask, my voice coming out breathier than I intended it to.

Jude shakes his head as he stops in front of the door. “Not that I know of.” He looks through the window and then looks over at me with wide eyes. “Oh shit,” he whispers.

My grip on Ava tightens. “What? Who is it?”

Jude presses his back to the door as his eyes scan the room. “It’s Lucy and Cal.”

It’s my turn for my eyes to go wide. “What? She told me they weren’t coming until next week.”

“Well, they’re here,” Jude mutters. He leans to the left and glimpses through the window next to the door again.

“You know we can see you, right?” Cal yells from the other side. “Stop ignoring me and open the door.”

I frown. “Have you been ignoring him?”

Jude shrugs. “I just didn’t know how to tell my best friend over the phone that I’m a dad.” His words come out quiet but rushed.

“Jude!” Cal yells from the other side of the door. “You’re being weird. Open the door.”

I know it isn’t the time, but I can’t help but laugh at the sight of a wide-eyed Jude. He stares at me as if I’m supposed to help in this situation, but I don’t know what he expects me to do. Cal’s already seen him, and he’s incredibly stubborn. He won’t be leaving until Jude opens the door.

“Everything okay in there?” Lucy asks, my best friend’s voice softer and gentler than her fiancé’s.

“I think you’re going to have to open the door and tell them about Ava,” I whisper. I give him an encouraging smile. “Think of it as practice for telling everyone else at the club.”

Jude groans before turning around, grabbing the handle, and opening the door.

TWENTY-NINE

JUDE

My heart slamsagainst my chest as I open the door and meet my best friend’s gaze. I plaster on a smile, hoping I don’t look as guilty as I feel about avoiding him for so long.

Cal and Lucy stand on my front doorstep with curious looks on their faces.