She starts telling me all about how her sisters turned their hobbies into a sustainable venture and how she wants to do the same.
“You were right. I should be sticking to what I know,” she rambles. “I’ve been busting my brain, trying to figure out how to get an online business up and running instead of focusing on what’s right in front of me. A traditional brick and mortar business. I ran a sandwich shop for years. I know how to work with suppliers and manage inventory and serve customers. Of course, a flower shop and a sandwich shop are two very different beasts but I think that, at the end of the day, I can piece it all together based on what I already know.”
I’m grinning from earlobe to frigging earlobe, absorbing her excitement. Her passion is unbelievably sexy. I find myself growing a hard-on just listening to her.
She gets up and starts pacing the kitchen floor as she lists off her lengthy to-do list on her fingers. “I’ll need to develop a website, come up with a company name, and apply for an LLC.” She instinctively flips on the kettle and grabs my favorite mug from the cabinet. “I’ll need to think about suppliers and marketing and competitor analysis.” She’s absently pouring hot water over a chamomile teabag and setting the mug in front of me. It’s like she doesn’t even have to think about it; taking care of me comes naturally to her. Tiny acts like that make me appreciate her even more.
She carries on for about ten minutes. Hell, she’s making me dizzy with how much she wants to get completed this week but I love seeing her in this state.
She’s still talking. “Of course, I’ll have to figure out financing and—”
“I’ve got financing covered,” I blurt out.
She stops. She stares at me. “Jude, I’m not sure I want to complicate—”
“I can have Cannon’s lawyer write up a contract. There. Complication solved.” I grab her by the hem of her tank top and pull her into my lap. I breathe her in.
Iris twists around to watch me. “Do you seriously want to help me? I don’t want you to feel obligated.”
This woman has no idea, does she? I smooth my hands up her bare thighs. “Of course I want to help you, Iris. Do you know how sexy it is watching you go after your dreams? I want to be a part of that in any way I can.”
“Jude…” she cups my cheek.
I kiss her shoulder. “I want to help. Just tell me what you need.”
Her smile lights up the whole room, and for that smile, I’ll gladly pull an all-nighter. Fuck—if it would help show Iris how much she means to me, I’m game to skip sleep all damn week.
Her eyes dart around her messy kitchen table. She’s almost vibrating with excitement. “Okay.” She nods. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
Iris hands me a stack of papers and slips into her own chair. I put my head down and get to work just relieved that she'll let me get involved. That she won't fight me off with declarations of independence and feminist manifestos. Because I don't want to take her power away from her. I just want to bask in her light, let it wash over me.
Side by side, we do research and toss around ideas into the wee hours. Eventually, Iris lays her head on her outstretched arm.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” I ask when I glance up and our eyes connect.
She strokes her fingertips reverently across my knuckles. “You fixed me, Jude. My heart was in pieces before you got here. And now, I feel whole again. You fixed me.”
I grab her little hand and kiss the inside of her palm. “You fixed me first. I was broken, body and spirit. You put me back together with your shy smiles and your sweet affection. You have this way of seeing the parts of me that nobody else notices. I’m still trying to figure out how you do it.”
She just smiles. “Shy girls get a bad wrap. Everybody thinks we’re boring or we’re cold. Everybody expects the heroine to be bold and sassy and larger-than-life. But us quiet ones, we have our own superpowers, you know?”
I brush my fingertips down the bridge of her nose. “I didn’t know it before…but I sure as hell know it now.”
When I look up from my work a few minutes later, she’s breathing evenly, soundly asleep.
I chuckle to myself as I tenderly brush breadcrumbs from her forehead.
This woman is everything I didn’t realize I needed. And it’s fucking time I make it official, make her mine.
41
Jude
Iris meets my eyes across the room and my lips curl into an insta-smile. From my seat here on my parents’ couch, I have a great view of her curvy, little body where she and Penny are in the kitchen, talking and laughing and helping my mother prepare some healthy game day snacks for the rest of us.
The girl makes me salivate, wearing nothing fancier that her jeans and a T-shirt. She’s quickly becoming a delicious habit I can’t kick. And what’s worse, I don’t want to. The more time we spend together, the more I become wrapped up in the woman she is, the more I want to find a way to make this work.
I get a sharp elbow to the ribs, and I grunt at my abuser. Cannon’s eyes dart suggestively between Iris and me. He’s trying to hold a conversation with me with just his eyebrows.
I pretend like I don’t know what the hell my idiot brother is silently asking. I shove his arm away. The faintest grin dances on Walker’s face where he’s sitting in a recliner, observing the interaction. Lexi is here, too, fluttering back and forth between the bathroom and Cannon’s lap. My brother is content to feed grapes to his pregnant wife and tend to her every need. We’re crowded around my parents’ television on this Sunday afternoon, watching the Paragons compete against Miami. Callie and Jessa pop in and out of the room, but mostly they spend the afternoon playing by the pool.
My brothers know I’m in deep for my roommate and I don’t even care to hide it. It’s getting harder and harder to act all macho. When she’s around, I’m a muscled pile of goo.
I force my attention to the game. The boys might actually have a shot at winning today. Watching my team on the field without me was hard when I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be able to play football again. But now, with my future and career suddenly back in motion, I can breathe a whole lot easier. It’s only a matter of time until I’m back out there living my dream.
While Iowa’s defense is on the field, my eyes drift back to the kitchen for another peek at my girl. My mom catches me staring before I can look away.
Ma puffs up so full with giddy happiness, I swear she’s about to explode. I give her a guilty smile. She does this weird thing with her face before exploding into a wide grin.
Wow. What was that? Did my mother just try to wink at me?
Cannon belts out a laugh, confirming what I think I saw.
Ever since she busted us during our hot and heavy workout session, Ma’s been in a frenzy over the idea of me and Iris together. So she’s downright pleased to see our budding relationship playing out now. When I passed her in the hallway earlier, she yanked on my ear and discreetly promised to put in a good word with Iris for me.
Christ, she’s going to screw this up for me before I even make it official.
All day, there’s the usual banter and teasing that comes with being around my family, and I’m in the best of moods because Iris is here with me.
Callie streaks through the room in a blur of giggles, Jessa hot on her heels. In a flash, they're gone again.
During a commercial break, Cannon and Lexi fill us in on the new business venture they’re setting up together.
“It’s basically a non-profit consulting firm to help Crescent Harbor’s small business community,” Cannon explains as he loops an arm around his wife’s shoulder.
“Cannon always has all these ideas about how to make the local businesses more efficient so we figured, why not set up an organization to provide the town’s businesses with the resources they need.” Lexi cuddles against my brother’s side. “We’ll be having the first one-on-one consulting sessions in a week or two.”
From across the room, I give Iris ‘the eyes’
. This is exactly the opportunity she needs. I may be able to help out financially, but I don’t have the first clue about running a business. That’s Cannon’s expertise.
At the look of interest on Iris’s face, I address my sister-in-law. “Lex, you think you can save a spot in your calendar for Iris and me?”
I feel the heavy weight of the room shift my way.
“Okay…” Lexi says, her eyebrow slowly inching up her forehead.
Cannon rests an elbow on his knee. “You two going into business together?” His eyes move between my roomie and me.
Iris nervously bites her lip. “We’re going to partner up and put in an offer for the flower shop.”
My mother’s whoop of excitement fills the air. It seems like half the room is speaking at once. There’s rambling. And hugs. Lots of hugs. It’s all enthusiasm. It’s all love.
Soon, the ladies bring in several platters of fruits and veggie-based snacks, arranging them on the coffee table. Penny sits in an armchair and, as usual, she and Walker pretend to not be stealing constant peeks at each other across the room .
I pat the couch next to me, silently telling Iris to come sit by my side. She eyes be bashfully. But thankfully, I’m irresistible as fuck, so she joins me. My fingers are itching to touch her body. I discreetly play with the back of her shirt, teasing the soft skin at her waistline. The world feels right when she sighs and leans into my hold.
“Where’s the real food?” Dad huffs. “I thought there’d be meat. Wings. Ribs. Real food.”
Mom playfully slaps his arm. “Jude has to stay in shape so I thought we’d go a little healthier this time.” She smiles lovingly at me, and I can almost hear my brothers’ eyes rolling around in their thick skulls.
Haters, I tell you. Haters.
I grin around the room just to piss off the other Kingston men.
“It’s really not that bad,” Iris says in defense of her healthy finger foods.
“Try this one.” Ma holds a cauliflower tater tot to Dad’s lips.
“If you eat one of those, you won’t be able to stop,” I warn, proud of my girl and her cooking.
Dad looks skeptical but he opens his mouth to accept the snack from my mother anyway. One taste and he’s instantly reaching for another one. He bites my mother’s shoulder when she laughs at him.
“This is nice,” the Kingston matriarch sighs wistfully, glancing around the packed living room at us all. “When Eli gets home, we’re going to have to do this every Sunday.”
“When Eli gets home?” Walker spits out a bitter laugh as he munches on a treat. “You’ll be waiting a long time for that.”
Mom looks downright guilty. She and my father share a glance.
“What?” Walker leans forward in his seat. “What’s going on?”
Dad clears his throat and speaks up. “Actually, Eli might be released early. When I spoke to him last week, he said some lawyer took over his case pro bono.”
Cannon clears his throat uncomfortably. “Actually, that’s Frank. My lawyer.”
“What the hell? You spoke to him last week? He’s getting released early?” Walker doesn’t look pleased.
“We’ve been going to visit him.” Ma makes the quiet confession.
My oldest brother turns his glare on Cannon. “Your lawyer is responsible for all this?” He looks around the room incredulously. “So, you’re all in on this?” I flinch when his heat sweeps over me. “Well, thanks for keeping me in the loop.”
“He’s our brother, Walker. You don’t expect us to help?” Eli is no angel but I want him home where at least, we all know that he’s safe.
“The guy caused this family a world of hurt with his bullshit. He abandoned his kid. Broke our mom’s heart. Tarnished the family name.” Walker huffs. “But by all means, let’s throw a fucking fiesta for the prodigal son.”
“Language,” Dad grumbles, glancing around for Callie.
Walker isn’t done ranting yet. “Eli needs to learn his lesson, he needs to serve his time. Otherwise, he’ll just continue this crap.” He towers above us all when he rises to his feet. “And next time, he’ll steal from one of us.” On that, Walker storms out.
“This is why we didn’t tell you, by the way,” Cannon hollers after him.
Despite everything, I understand Walker’s point of view. He’s a former military man. Honor. Principle. Those values matter to him. Sometimes more than pure blood does.
“I’ll go talk to him,” Penny tells us, her eyes apologetic as she stands from her chair.
Mom smiles gratefully. “Thanks, Penn. You’re the only one who can get through to him when he’s in this mode.”
After my brother’s grumpy departure, it takes a while for the tension to dissipate but I make an effort at cracking a few jokes to keep the mood light.
Iris cuddles up next to me for most of the game. At one point, I glance her way and notice a sweet, contented look settled on her face. When I turn to see what she’s looking at, I find my mom perched on my dad’s lap. They snicker and giggle together like frigging teenagers, while their recliner teeters dangerously.
“They’re cute,” Iris whispers into my neck, making me shiver.
“They’re…something.”
I try to imagine me and Iris together like that at my parents’ age. Yeah, I could totally see that…The thought makes me smile.
My gaze catches on Lexi’s. My sister-in-law is giving me this really weird look. This isn’t the first time I’ve found her glaring at me today. I’m not sure if she’s constipated or if she’s giving me the stink eye. But based on how protective she is when it comes to her friends, I’m guessing it’s the stink eye.
I get where she’s coming from. She doesn’t want me to hurt her best friend.
I mean, I’m not trying to hide anything. If I was, I wouldn’t have my hand halfway up the back of Iris’s T-shirt. She and I have basically given up most pretenses at home. We spend most of our days together and sleep tangled up in the same bed every night. But we still haven’t sat down to discuss what’s happening between us. That discussion is long overdue.
Either way, it’s clear that Lexi is onto us. And Cannon. And my Mom. Christ.
The Paragons score again, widening their lead over Miami. My family hoots and hollers.
“I bet Maxwell’s excited to have you back, huh?” Cannon asks, as my team kicks the extra point.
I’m grinning. “Yeah, he’s pumped. Hell, I am, too.”
My brother’s eyes stay on the TV. “They’ve had to rely on their running game without you, and that’s been hell to watch.”
I sip my drink and nod in agreement. “It’s been painful.”
“When will you be released from the injury reserve list?” Dad asks me.
“Not sure yet. Probably in the off season,” I say. “As long as I’m on pace to be a full participant at pre-season camp next year.”
The mere idea makes my muscles vibrate. I’m ready to sprint down the field and catch one of Maxwell’s bombs. It seems like years since I’ve stepped foot under the blinding lights of an ear-splitting stadium.
It’s funny how slow time moves when you’re waiting for something good.
But then my gaze falls on the woman tucked into my side. She looks at ease, happy, as she raptly absorbs the action on the screen. I have to admit that this wait hasn’t been all that bad. Actually, in some ways, it’s been amazing. I never want to relive the injury that brought me down, but I realize that if I had the choice, I wouldn’t not do it again.
Because all these events have led me here, back to Crescent Harbor, and right into Iris Merlini’s arms.
42
Iris
Let’s go somewhere.” My fingers play in the hair at Jude’s nape. I stare amorously at him from the passenger’s seat.
“We did.” He captures my hand and brings my knuckles to his lips. “We’ve been hanging around my annoying family all day.”
I laugh and it sounds happy, unrestrained, even to m
y own ears. “They’re no more annoying than you are, trust me.” I flash him a grin. “Let’s go out. Grab a drink. I’m just not ready to end this day yet.”
Usually, I’m a homebody. I prefer hiding out in my humble abode than mingling and socializing. But tonight is different.
This thing I’m feeling tonight, it’s not a feeling I’m used to. I feel light, open, free. I feel…in love.
Gosh, it’s terrifying admitting it to myself. Because I don’t even know how I got here. All I know is being with Jude gives me wings and I want to spread them and go on an adventure with him.
He tilts his head, weighing my suggestion. “You sure you don’t just wanna take me home and have your way with me?”
I roll my eyes and try not to smile. “You’d better believe I plan on having my way with you tonight. But first, I wanna dance.”
He makes a big show of releasing a sigh. “Fine. Frosty Pitcher it is, then.”
I settle into my seat and turn up the volume on the sports commentary coming through the speakers. Jude tends to get very creative with his insults, so listening to him hurling disses at his radio is an unconventional form of entertainment. Tonight the announcers are discussing the Paragons’s win against Miami and Jude is on fire with his retorts.
At my snort-giggles, his hand reaches over and slips into mine, resting on my thigh. I fight back a sigh.
Today was wonderful. Jude made sure to make me feel included and the Kingstons welcomed me into their fold without hesitation. It’s a feeling that was missing in my life for so long and now that Jude has stepped on the scene, it’s like there’s a place for me no matter which corner of his life he drags me into. His family, his friends, his career. He always makes sure I fit. It’s virtually impossible to not love him when he works so hard to make me feel valued.
There’s a slight chill in the autumn air as we emerge from the car. Jude holds open the heavy door to the Frosty Pitcher and I duck inside under his arm. It feels good to get out. And it’s even better with Jude. Even something as simple as sharing a drink and yelling into each other’s ears over the loud music sounds perfect to me.
Mister Baller: A Small Town Enemies-to-Lovers Sports Romance (Bad Boys in Love Book 2) Page 22
