Within These Walls (Within These Walls #1)(66)

Hand in hand, we walked down the beach, talking and laughing, as others passed by. It was the most normal morning I’d ever had, yet it felt extraordinary and exhilarating. It was a feeling I never wanted to end.

“I didn’t think this would happen,” I admitted.

We came to a stop not too far from where we’d started.

“I never thought I’d have a day like this, a day where I wouldn’t have to think about what others were doing while I was stuck at home.”

“We’ll have a lot more days like this,” he promised, tilting my chin.

He captured my lips. The kiss started sweet and delicate as our mouths brushed lightly against each other. As his fingers found their way into my hair, pulling me closer, while he fisted strands of my blonde waves in his palms, it turned into anything but sweet.

“We need to get off this beach,” I urged, pulling away breathlessly.

“Yes, good idea,” he agreed.

He grabbed me at the knees, and I was tossed up into his arms. We reached the car, and he set me down.

“Where to now?” I asked.

“We’re going home,” he answered, his eyes blazing with fire.

And my belly clenched in anticipation.

We drove several miles and pulled into an older apartment building lined with palm trees and a faded wooden sign. Jude pulled into a marked spot, which I assumed was his, and he shut off the engine.

“Stay here, and I’ll get your door,” he offered before disappearing out the driver’s side.

I heard the trunk pop open, and moments later, he was at my door. I took his hand and stepped out, taking a moment to look around. Even though the building was showing its age, it was well maintained, obviously by a dutiful manager or owner.

Our apartment was similar in style and had much of the same feel. The owner had inherited it from his father and strived to make sure his family’s legacy lived on. He didn’t have much, but he was a loving landlord, and he was always there to help when something had gone wrong. Our appliances weren’t brand-new, and our carpet had a few years of age, but everything worked perfectly. I was fairly certain he was undercharging us as well, which was the reason my mom had stayed for the last fifteen years.

Jude walked us over to a flight of stairs and stopped. “Sorry, second floor, no elevator.”

“It’s okay, Jude. I can manage a few stairs,” I said, taking the first one as I pulled him along.

He followed as we made our way up. A cool breeze from the ocean tickled my neck as our feet found the final step, and he turned to the right to take us along the open hallway. Passing by three or four other doors, we came to a stop, and he fished out a key before opening the door.

I peeked inside, seeing a small love seat and kitchen table, as he dropped my bags on the floor in front of me. I’d just crossed the threshold and heard the door shut when he pushed me against it, and his mouth closed over mine. My gasp of surprise quickly turned into a longing moan as his hand skimmed up my bare thigh.

“You have no idea how long I’ve waited to have you to myself without anyone else around. No distractions,” his husky voice rumbled. “No interruptions.”

My belly tightened, and my legs quivered from hearing him speak. Just his voice alone had me nearly panting. “And now, you have me,” I answered, not believing the bold words that had just escaped my shy, innocent lips.

His lips curved upward as he repeated, “Now, I have you.”

His mouth slammed against mine, and I lost myself in his touch. He pulled my thigh around his waist, fingering the delicate edge of my panties running along the curve of my butt under my shorts. Every nerve ending in my body was on high alert as I felt his touch against my skin. His free hand curved around the back of my head, angling it, as his tongue thrust deeper and harder.

A tiny beeping sound behind my ear startled me like a bucket of cold water, and my eyes flew open. I felt the warmth of Jude’s hand leave my neck, and then he held it in front of him, looking at a watch. Curious, I looked up at him, waiting for an explanation for the beeping.

“Time for lunch and your pills,” he said, pushing a button on the side to turn off the high-pitched noise.

“You set an alarm?” I asked.

“Yep, I have alarms set for each one of your pill times and every meal. I might have put one in there for a once-a-day vitals check.”

“You are pretty serious about this.” I laughed.

“Nothing will ever be more important than taking care of you. Ever,” he said.

Oh…

Well, I couldn’t think up much of a cheeky response to that.

I love you. Will you marry me? Yeah, that would probably be a bit too soon.

“Now, stop distracting me with your womanly ways, and let’s get you fed and medicated.”

He kissed me briefly on the cheek and slapped my butt, which caused me to yelp. Picking up my bags where he’d left them in the middle of the entryway, he started down a hallway, and I followed. There were two doors, which I presumed were the bedroom and bathroom.

He stopped in front of one and turned. “You don’t have to sleep with me. You can take the bed, and I’ll sleep on the floor or the couch. I don’t want to rush you,” he said hesitantly.

I took a step forward and then another until I brushed up against him. My fingers moved around his stomach, up his chest, and to his shoulder where the strap to my bag was resting. Sliding my fingers underneath, I lifted it and placed it on my shoulder.