by Martin, R. C
At the gallery’s closing time, both Geoffrey and Andrew stayed behind. After a quick goodbye, Theodora took her leave, locking the front door behind her before she hurried to her car. She was starving; but as she drew closer to Judah’s house, she wasn’t sure which she wanted more—Judah’s company or food.
She parked her vehicle on the street in front of his house, approached his front door, and knocked twice before she granted herself entrance. Almost as soon as she stepped inside, Judah called out to her, alerting her to his whereabouts. When she heard him in his office, she went to discard her things in the bedroom. She kicked off her heels and then hurried to greet him. He looked up at her entrance, freeing a sigh at the sight of her. He leaned back in his chair, and her belly tingled in response to his unconscious reaction to her.
Yeah. You do that to me, too, she thought to herself as she eliminated the space between them.
As soon as she was in reaching distance, Judah slid his arm around her waist and pulled her into his side. Sweeping her hair behind her ears as she did so, Theodora leaned down to greet him with a kiss. It didn’t go unnoticed that he’d yet to shave—his stubble long enough that it looked intentional, but short enough that it wasn’t exactly a beard. All the same, with their lips pressed against each another, the hairs on his face tickled hers.
“Hi,” he muttered when she pulled away.
“Hi.” She traced her finger across his jaw and announced, “It’s still here.”
He merely winked before he queried, “Have you eaten?” She shook her head in response and he told her, “There’s some food on the stove. I left it out just in case. Open some wine, if you want. I’ll be in here for about another hour—hopefully not much longer than that.”
“Okay,” she murmured.
She was a little disappointed they wouldn’t be eating together, but only a little. In an hour, he would be free of his office, and that was promise enough.
Before she turned to leave him to his work, he gently tugged at her blouse, signaling her to come closer. She was smiling when she brought her mouth to meet his again; but he soon licked the expression from her face as he sought out her tongue with his. Theodora leaned into him as she leaned into the kiss, savoring it for all it was worth. When he pinched her side, she giggled and righted herself before he playfully shooed her away. It was then that her stomach reminded her she hadn’t had a real meal since breakfast, and she hurried back to Judah’s bedroom in order to change out of her work attire.
Theodora plucked the pair of little, bright pink, cotton shorts she brought with her out of her bag and then went into Judah’s closet for one of his plain, gray t-shirts. As she walked in bare feet toward her bag of belongings, she pulled her long, ginger tresses into a ponytail. With her hair out of her way, she collected her computer and then headed for the metal staircase.
As Judah promised, dinner was left on the stove. He made chicken with steamed broccoli and wild rice. Always a sucker for Judah’s wine collection—and in the mood to sip something slowly while she ate and worked on editing photos—Theodora opened a bottle of chardonnay. She settled herself at his dining room table and felt a certain comfort just being in his space. Soon her dinner was gone, her glass was almost empty, and her attention was completely captivated by the image on her screen. She didn’t even notice Judah had joined her until he was pouring her another serving of wine.
“Oh, hi.” She looked up and him and said, “Thank you.”
“I like that one,” he stated, jerking his chin at her screen. “You’re good, Teddy. You could sell that.”
“What?” she laughed bashfully. “No way. I mean, I’m flattered you like it—but it’s not worthy of a price tag.”
“You think anyone could take that photograph?”
She watched him as he walked into the kitchen, fetched a glass, and began to pour himself a serving of wine. His glass was full by the time he pulled out the seat next to hers.
“Well?” he pressed as he sat.
“You sound like everyone else.”
“Everyone else?”
“Harper, Geoff, Andy—everyone else. But I know it’s not true. You’re all just biased.”
Frowning, Judah replied, “You’re telling me, the three men in your life who make a livelihood based on their eye for design, talent, and art are wrong when they tell you how good you are?”
Theodora stared at him for a moment, taken aback by his question. “No one’s ever—no one’s ever put it like that before.”
“Show me more,” he insisted as he brought his wine to his lips.
She hesitated for a moment, still in awe of the way he saw her work, and then proceeded to show him what she’d been working on over the last couple of evenings. When she came upon an unedited photo, she was quick to tweak it until she was satisfied. She acted without second guessing herself, almost as if she had no audience at all.
“I want that one,” declared Judah when she was finished.
“You do?”
“Yes. 18x24, preferably. And I’m paying you for it—so name your price.”
“Judah,” she laughed with a shake of her head. “I can email this to you right now. You do not have to pay me.”
“Let me be your first sale. I insist.”
“Fine.” She rolled her eyes. “A dollar.”
“Theodora,” he muttered disapprovingly.
She only shook her head as she stood to gather her abandoned dishes from the table. “Jude, you took me to that spot. You’re the reason that photograph even exists in the first place. You already paid for it.”
“I took you to Beaver Creek. We went on a hike—I didn’t pay you to take that picture.”
While she rinsed her dishes, she couldn’t quell her amusement. “You’re being ridiculous.”
“And you’re being irritatingly humble.”
Theodora laughed. It felt good to banter with Judah the way they were. “I can recommend a site where you can have the photo printed and framed. That’ll cost you—and that will have to do.”
After she loaded her dishes into the dishwasher, she righted herself and looked over at him to find him staring at her contemplatively. Finally, he downed the rest of his wine and stood to his feet. Without saying a word, he crossed the room and reached around her to place his glass in the sink. He was so close, he smelled so good, and he looked even better with the dark hair that covered his face, she couldn’t help herself. Circling her arms around his middle, she eradicated the space between them.
He kissed her then, lingering only a moment before he muttered, “Send me the image and the site.”
“Okay,” she responded triumphantly.
“Ice cream?”
“The answer to that is always yes.”
“Pick your poison.”
She turned away from him instantly, headed for the freezer as he got them each a spoon. In the mood for something different, she opted for chocolate peanut butter cup, while Judah chose coconut gelato. He ate only four bites, but Theodora indulged a bit more as she told him about the latest developments for the exhibition. When she asked after his day, he told her about one of the projects he was working on, and she listened with rapt attention—his mind and creative process one she thought she’d admire until the end of time.
“Oh, my gosh,” she muttered when her spoon scraped the bottom of the pint carton. Stuttering through a pathetic giggle, she said, “I—I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—I’m sorry.”
Judah peeked into the carton and chuckled. He then took her spoon and shoveled out a heaping scoop. Speaking around his bite, he handed the utensil back to her and insisted, “Finish her off, sweetheart. Let’s get in bed.”
Anxious for any excuse to curl up with Judah, she didn’t hesitate to do as he said. Two bites later, they were headed for the bedroom. It wasn’t long before they were each prepared to slip between the sheets. When Theodora came from the bathroom, she found Judah propped up against his pillows, the television hung on the
wall opposite the bed turned on as a show from HGTV played quietly. It was so incredibly rare for her to see the electronic on; but rather than feel dismissed in any way, she felt like what they were doing was the most normal thing in the world, and she appreciated that.
She snuggled up close to him, and he wrapped his arm around her as they laid in silence. While the remodel show played on, Theodora spoke softly, as if reverently, asking what Judah thought about different design decisions that were being made. He was quick to answer, speaking low in response, as if whispered conversation was called for. Though, before the final reveal was shown, he got sidetracked, more interested in Theodora than the outcome. They made-out for a while, every kiss its own conversation.
When their lips were chapped and swollen, Theodora stared into Judah’s eyes—his face lit only by the light from the television. “This is my favorite way to end the day. With you,” she whispered. “Thanks for letting me come over.”
“You don’t have to thank me.”
“I want to,” she murmured, resting her cheek against his chest.
He switched off the TV and tightened his hold around her as the room was shrouded in darkness.
“I love you so much. And I’ll tell you again tomorrow. I promise.”
Judah pressed a kiss to the top of her head before he mumbled, “Goodnight, sweetheart.”
Theodora closed her eyes, sleep already beckoning her into its arms as she breathed, “Goodnight.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
It was Friday afternoon by the time I had a chance to step away from the office for the errands which could only be done during regular business hours. After a quick trip to the bank, I stopped by the florist in order to make yet another purchase. I chose a mason jar full of pink, peach, and white lilies and thought a moment before writing my note.
I’M NOT BIASED. I’M RIGHT.
JUDAH
I tucked the note into the small envelope, then pulled the crisp hundred-dollar bill from my wallet. Folding it just so, I added it to the envelope and sealed it shut.
“I’d like these delivered right away, if it’s possible.”
“For you, Mr. St. Michaels, that can be arranged,” replied Barbara.
“I appreciate it.” I waved my farewell and then made one final stop before returning to the office. My lunch hour had all but expired when I approached the building, a plastic container full of salad in hand. I arrived at the same time as Logan, who was headed for the door with not much more than her purse and a smile.
“Where are you coming from?” I asked as I held the door open for her.
“My doctor’s appointment. I was scheduled for an ultrasound today.”
With a nod, I replied, “Judging by your apparent mood, I presume all is well?”
“Yes,” she gushed. “We found out the sex of our baby.”
“Ah. And?”
She stopped to face me as we stood in the center of the lobby, resting her hands against her slightly protruding middle. “He’s a boy,” she announced.
“And you’re pleased, I presume?”
“I wouldn’t have minded either way. I’m sure everyone says this, but I just want him to be healthy and happy.” She shrugged and then added, “I am pleased to know how to proceed with decorating the nursery, though.”
“Blue?” I asked, quirking an eyebrow at her.
“No. I always knew I wouldn’t do blue or pink. I think I might do green. Not mint green—more of a forest green. I’ll have to do some research.”
“Well, I applaud your decision to stray away from the cliché.”
I dipped my chin in a slight nod before I started toward my office. I barely had a chance to take more than a step when she insisted, “Okay, wait. I’ve kept my silence all week. Since we’re speaking on personal matters, I have to ask.”
Slipping my freehand into my pants pocket, I studied her and prompted, “Ask what?”
“The facial hair.” Logan hesitated, the expression on her face rueful. “It’s been quite the topic of conversation amongst the ladies the last few days. Inquiring minds want to know—did you lose a bet? Are you just trying something new, or…?”
I extracted my hand from my pocket and grazed my fingers across my chin. While it was an obvious change, I hadn’t noticed anyone’s curiosity on the matter. There was only one woman’s opinion I cared to notice; and judging by the look in her eyes when she saw me on Tuesday, I felt confident to keep it would work in my favor. While the maintenance of it was an adjustment to my morning routine, it was well worth the effort.
“Don’t you all have better things to discuss than my personal hygiene preferences?” I finally asked, returning my hand to my pocket.
“Not this week, we don’t,” she spoke on a laugh. “Besides, I kind of just want to hear you say it.”
“Hear me say what?”
“The real reason you’ve chosen to sport the scruffy, debonair look.”
I scrunched my brow in confusion.
“Oh, come on,” she scoffed. “There’s only one reason why you would decide to change your look.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” I wondered aloud, unsure whether or not I should be offended.
“Just say it,” she pleaded. “I’m dying to hear you say it.”
Lifting a single shoulder in a shrug, I muttered, “I really don’t know what you want me to say.”
“Teddy asked you to keep it,” she blurted impatiently. “I mean, that’s got to be the reason, right?”
I offered her no more than a smirk before I turned away from her and continued toward my office.
“She’s a smart woman,” Logan called out unabashedly. “And, dare I say, impeccable taste, too.”
That I couldn’t deny.
Every impeccable woman comes with impeccable taste—and mine is no exception.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Upon receiving Judah’s gift, Theodora read his note and laughed. Then she relented. Only, rather than pocket the hundred-dollar bill she’d been given, as soon as she got home, she emptied one of the picture frames on her dresser and placed the money inside. As much as she didn’t believe she’d ever make another sale for her photographs, she wanted to remember the one time she did—and the man who insisted it be done.
She wasted no time before she packed a weekend bag and drove to Judah’s house. They went out for dinner before they turned in for the night, worshiping each other’s bodies until neither of them could keep their eyes open. The morning sunlight was pouring into Judah’s bedroom when Theodora felt rested enough to wake the following morning. Pulling in a deep breath, she propped herself up on her forearms and looked about the room in order to get her bearings. She frowned when she didn’t see Judah in the space beside her.
“She wakes,” he said, his voice coming from behind her.
She twisted to glance over her shoulder as he stepped into the room. He held a steaming mug of coffee in one hand, his tablet in the other, and his black boxer briefs clung low around his hips.
“Hi,” she mumbled.
“This was mine, but I can go make another if you want it.”
“Coffee?” she hummed hopefully.
“Cappuccino.”
With a gasp, she sat up fully and tucked the top sheet beneath her arms before she reached for his mug. “Thank you.”
Judah tossed his tablet into the empty space beside her as she took her first sip. When he propped himself on his fists—one on either side of her legs—she glanced at him expectantly. Her belly stirred in excitement when he leaned in for a kiss. He tasted her lips as if he was as desperate for the espresso as she so often was for him. Theodora hid her smile in her mug as he left the room, then adjusted her pillow and leaned back against it as she continued to savor her dose of caffeine. Judah was gone for less than five minutes, but it was long enough for Theodora to crawl out of sleep fully, her conscience reminding her of the day ahead of them and the plans it held.
All week, she tr
ied not to worry about meeting Judah’s parents. When she mentioned their plans to Geoffrey, he was so impressed she had a hard time not making it a big deal. Knowing her sister and Ben would also be in attendance gave her a dose of calm she clung to—but it didn’t silence her mounting insecurities as dinner drew closer and closer. For obvious reasons, the upcoming event called to mind the day Judah met her parents. She wondered what things would be whispered in secret between mother and son about the kind of woman she was.
“What’s got you so preoccupied?”
It wasn’t until Judah spoke that Theodora realized he returned. He sat on his side of the bed, positioned with one foot on the floor and his body facing hers as he held his mug to his lips.
She brought her own mug down to her lap and swept a tendril of hair behind her ear as she gazed into her morning beverage. “I was just—thinking,” she answered evasively.
“About?” he probed.
Peeking at him from beneath her lashes, she admitted, “Your mom. Tonight. Dinner.”
This time, he didn’t ask a question with his words. Nevertheless, Theodora could tell by the expression on his face he wanted more. His gray eyes told her she could tell the whole truth or carry the burden all on her own, but it was entirely up to her.
Theodora licked her lips and then asked, “What if she doesn’t like me? I know she’ll like Harper. Everybody loves Harper. She’s charming and brave. She’s good with parents—good with people in general, actually. She’s smart and pretty and—she’s got such a good heart. She molds young minds for a living. I work at the front desk of an art gallery. And you—”
