Page 112 of Jude

‘Count on it,’ he murmured.

Saying goodbye to my new friends, I wandered into the high-end shopping district near the Via dei Condotti.

I kept my purchases demure, to ensure I didn’t spend too much of his money.

In a quiet, scent-infused apothecary, I selected a small bottle of local orange-blossom perfume, and then stopped inside a leather boutique.

There, I used his card to purchase a handcrafted, minimalist brown leather planner for myself and a sleek, embossed music notebook cover for him.

With my bags in hand, I was struck by the appreciation of having a husband who took care of me.

The cashier handed back the titanium card, and I strolled back toward the hotel, soul content.

The evening air was balmy, carrying the distant melody of a street violinist three blocks over.

I paused at a fountain and an ivy-draped archway, snapping photos of the golden-hour light hitting the ancient stones and sending them to Jude’s phone.

I got back a kiss and a love heart emoji.

My heart flew as I walked through the vibrant city, surrounded by the laughter from outdoor cafes and the timeless beauty of Rome.

All the doubts about us seemed to vanish, unable to stand a chance against the real emotion blooming between Jude and me.

Chapter 23

SOFIA

Iwalked into our hotel suite and found Jude in his bathroom, shaving.

Elation hit at the sight of his handsome face, and I rushed toward him as he turned around from his reflection in the mirror.

Taking me into his arms, he lowered his head and kissed me, his mouth hot, firm, and gliding over mine with fervor, wiping a bit of shaving cream on my chin.

‘Hey, babe,’ he muttered over my lips, his strong hands catching my waist. ‘Missed you.’

‘Missed you more,’ I said, raking him in.

He washed his face and went into the bedroom to tug on a charcoal linen button-down shirt, jeans, and boots, dashing and stunning as always.

‘We’re heading out to explore the city,’ he said, reaching for his wallet on the dresser.

‘Again?’ I teased, my mouth quirking.

He looped a finger through one of my belt loops, tugging me closer. ‘Yeah, again. I just love spending time with you, Sofia. Deal with it.’

‘I think I can manage,’ I said, laughing as I held up my shopping haul. ‘Here, I got you a little something while I was out.’

He took the packages from me, his fingers brushing mine as he inspected the embossed leather cover of the music notebook I bought him.

A slow, genuine smile softened his rugged face.

‘This rocks, babe,’ he rasped, tracing the detailed stitching with his thumb. ‘Real sweet of you. Thanks.’

He pulled me to his broad chest, burying his face in my hair.

After I showered and dressed in an effortless linen dress, he guided me back out into the warm night.

Rome at night transformed into a magical atmosphere.