Fool for Him (Foolish at Heart Book 1)

by R. C. Martin

  Needless to say, I never expected when I went to Judah’s house, I’d end up on his arm at a ballet. In spite of feeling rudely underdressed, I had the most wonderful time. It was marvelous. Every moment magical. When it was over, I was left speechless. Moreover, I was in awe of the man who sat through the three-hour production with me. At every turn, he surprised me. It was enough to make my head spin.

  When we got back to his house, he walked me to my car and kissed me goodnight. It was that memory which had more than my head spinning. Just the thought of it threw my whole world off balance. In the minutes racing toward midnight, in the cool air beneath the moon’s glow, his body holding mine as he explored my mouth with his own—it set me on fire. My heart raced even thinking about it.

  Still short of breath, I rolled over in search of my phone. I unplugged it from my charger and unlocked the screen, hardly even cognizant of the time. I needed my sister the day before but talked myself out of calling her. That morning was different. That morning, I needed her to know about Judah and me. I needed it to be real.

  “Hey, Teddy Bear. Can you hold on just a second?”

  “Yeah, sure.” I put the phone on speaker and rested it on my chest as I stared up at the ceiling. Judah still at the forefront of my mind, I was on the precipice of falling back into a memory until I heard my sister giggle. I raised my eyebrows, suddenly wondering what I interrupted. A few seconds later, I heard what sounded like a click of a door, and then she was back.

  “Sorry. I’m alone now. What’s up?”

  “Are you—are you at Ben’s?”

  “He’s actually at my place.”

  When I grabbed my phone to peer at the screen, I did so with the sole purpose of checking the time. My eyebrows lifted even higher when I saw it was barely seven-thirty.

  “Harper Isla, are you having sex with Ben?”

  It was an intimate question, I knew—but we didn’t keep secrets from each other.

  “Only since he started calling himself my boyfriend,” she answered honestly.

  “Boyfriend? Wow. When did—”

  “Just last night,” she interrupted. I could hear the smile in her voice as she whispered, “I think he’s a keeper. For real.”

  “That’s great, Harp.”

  “Yeah. Anyway, what’s up? It’s early. Is everything okay?”

  “Oh, right…”

  I drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Suddenly, it wasn’t the previous night I had in my head; it was the night I met Ben. It was the night I told Harper Judah was bad cop. Yet, so much had happened since then. There was a this; and while I couldn’t be absolutely certain, this felt exclusive. I knew Harper was all for the idea of Judah in the beginning, but hearing her on the phone so excited about Ben—I began to doubt whether or not my dating Judah would be weird. The facts were, I was her younger sister dating her boyfriend’s older brother.

  “Teddy, are you there?”

  “I’m dating Judah.” The words fell out of my mouth without the slightest bit of finesse. Even worse, once I started, I couldn’t stop. “It sort of just—happened. It would take too long to tell you the whole story, but we went on our first date last night. Harper…” I lost my words for a second. With my eyes sealed shut, I gushed, “It was amazing. He took me to dinner, and then a ballet, and then—god, he kissed me goodnight, and I could hardly drive home after. He’s an incredible kisser. Like, out of this world, the best kisses of my life. And—”

  “Oh, my god, Teddy!” She laughed and insisted, “Take a breath. Let me catch up. Holy shit.”

  “Sorry,” I mumbled.

  “First, when—how—? God, I don’t even know where to begin. Why didn’t you tell me this was going on?”

  “Honestly, I didn’t think it was. Not exactly. Not until last night.”

  “This is a big deal, Teddy Bear. You haven’t dated a guy in—”

  “I know,” I interjected, well aware of the length of time which had passed since Justin. “I’ve been in my head about it. Truth? Sometimes I still don’t know if it’s a great idea. But I like him. I like the way he makes me feel. I can’t say for sure where we’ll end up, but—”

  “Hey, you don’t have to explain it to me,” she murmured. “I’m glad you told me, though. I’m really proud of you. Seriously. You deserve to be happy. You deserve a guy who makes you feel good inside. It’s what I want for you. And if Judah does that for you, I’m glad you’re giving him a chance.”

  “Really?” As soon as she spoke the words, I realized how much I needed her to say them. “It’s not weird? I mean, with Ben and—”

  “I heard it in your voice. That night we all went to Aussie’s? I could tell he affected you before we knew he was Ben’s brother. It’s not weird for you to finally be opening yourself up to someone. But shit, Teddy—I’m going to need a hell of a lot more details. A ballet? He gets major points for that.”

  As much as I wanted to tell her, I hadn’t forgotten her company. Speaking through a grin, I replied, “It’s a really long story. Trust me, we need a true phone date. Something tells me Ben might get lonely if you leave him by himself for too much longer.”

  “You’re right. I should be getting back. Call me tonight?”

  “I will. Promise.”

  “M‘kay. Love you.”

  “Love you, too.”

  We disconnected, and I freed a big sigh of relief. On my next inhale, I knew I had one more call I needed to make. Geoffrey spent Friday night comforting me. The update I had for him would be no small shock. I knew him. I’d been on the receiving end of his protective nature more than a few times. He was my best friend, and he’d witnessed all the ups and downs of my relationship with Judah thus far. I knew my story was one I had to tell him face to face.

  “Hey,” he answered groggily.

  “Hey, babe. Listen—I have something to tell you. Want to brunch?”

  “You sound…good.”

  “I feel good,” I admitted. “That’s why I’m calling. So, brunch?”

  He grunted and then said, “I don’t want to wait that long. Breakfast. Half hour. Morning Glory?”

  “Okay,” I agreed through a knowing smile. “I’ll meet you there.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  It was a quarter after seven on Monday evening when Judah entered the pub. He headed straight for the bar and ordered a scotch—neat. With his suit jacket neatly folded in his car, he had the freedom to roll up his shirt sleeves before he pushed them toward his elbows. He was loosening his tie when his scotch was set in front of him. It had been a long day, and he still had his drive back to Fort Collins ahead of him, but that didn’t stop him from taking his first sip.

  He hoped the alcohol would help him shed the agitation of his day. If nothing else, he knew dinner with his brother would do him some good. Judah was pleased when Benjamin informed him he could make the time for dinner while he was in town. Now, as he waited for his brother’s arrival, he was relieved by the promise of his company.

  “Hey,” said Benjamin a few minutes later. He clapped Judah on the shoulder, beckoning his attention. “Good to see you.”

  “Glad you could make it,” he replied.

  His brother shed his jacket, hanging it on the back of his chair before he took his seat. “Me, too. What brought you down here?”

  “Work bullshit,” Judah muttered with a shake of his head.

  “Uh-oh. It’s not often you talk bad about the job. What happened?”

  “Someone fucked up, and I had to pick up the pieces. You know I’d rather be designing than worrying about that kind of shit.” He shrugged, lifted his glass to his lips and then added, “Guess it comes with the territory.”

  “That’s why they pay you the big bucks, right?” teased Benjamin.

  “Yeah. Something like that.” He took another sip of his drink, and Benjamin flagged down the bartender. “What about you? You good?”

  “Yeah. Yeah, things are good. Busy.” He paused long enough to order
his drink, then ran his fingers through his blond hair as he shifted his attention back onto Judah. “Won’t complain, though. Great job. Great girl—what do I have to gripe about?”

  “You and Harper?”

  His brow dipped in a frown and then relaxed in an instant. If Judah hadn’t been looking at him, he would have missed it. As the bartender returned with Benjamin’s beer, he replied, “That’s right. Interesting you actually remember her name.”

  “Why wouldn’t I remember? It’s only been a couple weeks since I’ve seen you last.”

  “That’s bullshit and you know it.” He grabbed the neck of his craft beer with three fingers, but the bottle merely hovered between the bar and his mouth as he inquired, “What exactly are you doing with Harper’s sister?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Don’t fuck with me, Jude.” He took a swig of his drink, never taking his eyes off his brother. “I like Harper—a lot. I don’t need you screwing things up for me by messing with Teddy.”

  Judah shifted his body, so he was facing Benjamin directly. He contorted his face into an expression of disapproval, which made them mirror images of each other. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but you said she was fair game.”

  Benjamin’s eyebrows shot up in an instant. “For the night! She was fair game for one night. Which, by the way—care to explain how the girl who practically ran away from you a couple weeks ago wants anything to do with you now?”

  Judah offered him no more than a smirk before he lifted his glass and took another sip of scotch.

  “You are such a dick,” muttered Benjamin through a barely stifled laugh.

  “I’m pretty good with it, too,” Judah said, his smirk growing into a sly grin.

  Speaking through a grin of his own, his brother said, “God, I want to strangle you. I’m serious. What’s going on with you two?”

  Judah’s smile fell a bit, Benjamin’s insistence an indicator of the gravity of the moment. The fact that the two of them were even having such a conversation was Judah’s proof that Teddy talked to Harper. Exactly what information had been shared from one contact to the next, he wasn’t sure. While he surmised the Fitzpatrick sisters were close, he had the feeling Benjamin and Harper were on the verge of something serious.

  After deciding to keep his answers simple but honest, he replied, “We’re dating.”

  Benjamin gaped at him in response. It took him a moment to find his words, but when he did, he muttered, “What do you mean—dating?”

  “I’m sure you don’t need me to define the term, Ben.”

  “I’m surprised you even know what it means, Jude.”

  “Just because I don’t make a habit of it doesn’t mean I don’t know how to do it.”

  “But why Teddy?”

  “Why Harper?” he challenged.

  This, apparently, had been the right thing to say. Benjamin fell silent, the validity of Judah’s rebuttal indisputable. Yet, even after a long pull of his beer, his brother was not ready to let the issue lie.

  “If you hurt her and it fucks up my relationship, I’ll beat the shit out of you.”

  Judah chuckled, amused his younger brother thought he stood a chance against the likes of him in a fight. He then went on to say, “I sure as hell hope Harper and Teddy are capable of making decisions independently.” His amusement waning, he continued, “My relationship with Teddy has no bearing on your relationship with Harper. At the very least, I hope we’re all grown up enough to realize that.”

  “Your relationship with Teddy? Who are you? What have you done with my brother?”

  “Still me, Ben.”

  “Yeah,” he guffawed. “That’s what worries me.”

  Silence fell between them, and they both took a drink. Judah polished off his first pour, then signaled for another.

  “She’s nine years younger than you, brother.”

  “I fail to grasp the relevance of your observation. Our age difference has not changed since the last time we saw each other.”

  “Just—be careful with her, okay? We’re not all as hard as you. Don’t string her along like it’s some game.”

  Judah thought back to Saturday night. He remembered the trigger Teddy pulled—the undeniable urge he had to stop her from walking away from him. He remembered the way her body seemed to resist him at the same time it surrendered to him. But the memory that stood out above the rest was the sight of her—in jeans and a t-shirt—waiting for him at the end of his drive.

  He didn’t need his brother to tell him what he had with Teddy wasn’t a game. It ceased to be a game the instant he saw her kiss another man. The jealousy he fought and lost changed everything. He had been ready to forget her, and then there she was—unavoidable, unforgettable, and completely irresistible.

  “I’m not a monster,” he mumbled in his defense.

  “No, you’re a player,” countered Benjamin.

  “Perhaps,” admitted Judah. Truth of the matter was, with Teddy, he felt different. He was convinced it wouldn’t last; such things never did. Nevertheless, these were thoughts he did not feel inclined to share. “I always play fair,” he added.

  “Just,” Benjamin started and then stopped on a sigh. “Remember what I said. Don’t hurt her.”

  “I hear you, Ben.”

  He took a pull of his beer, then set aside the bottle and reached for a menu.

  “Let’s eat. I’m starving.”

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  It wasn’t our first date. And if you asked Geoffrey, it wasn’t even our third date—but it felt as important as a first date. It felt intentional, and I felt anxious. My stomach was a tangled mess of nerves and excitement. As I paced around my apartment, it would have been a lie to say I wasn’t a little afraid of history repeating itself. He said he would come—but he’d said that before.

  I raked my fingers through my hair, tossing the red wavy locks down my back as I forced in a deep breath. My black heels clicked to the beat of my pace as I traveled from my bedroom to the kitchen and then back again. I raced home after work in order to get ready, and it was apparent I completed the latter a little too quickly.

  When I glanced down at my outfit, I worried with all the insecurities of a woman about to go on her first date. I wanted to be prepared. I spent a night at Judah’s side with him in a suit, and me in a pair of jeans. Even though that hadn’t been my fault, I wanted to make up for it. All the items I picked for the evening were like relics from a different life—each piece of clothing hidden in the back of my closet until I plucked them from their hangers. I wasn’t an incredibly fashionable human. Any bold choices I owned were because of Harper. I dressed up for work, but I didn’t want to look like I was about to step into the gallery. I wanted to feel like Judah’s date.

  Oh, my god—did I pick this because of her?

  As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I hurried back to my bedroom and closed the door so as to see my reflection in the full-length mirror that hung there. It hadn’t occurred to me, until that moment, that I was trying to compete with the blonde from the previous weekend. The black leather skirt I was wearing hugged me from my waist down to my knees; and the green top I had on clung to my small breasts and narrow frame. The material was cut so it left my shoulders bare, the sleeves extending down to my elbows. I didn’t have many curves to boast of—but my outfit was a reminder they did, in fact, exist.

  Before I could decide whether or not my sub-conscience had dressed me, there was a knock at my door. I checked my phone and saw he was right on time. Eight o’clock. With a shake of my head, I exited my bedroom and walked toward the door. I grabbed my purse, from where it was sitting on the couch, and reminded myself no matter what I was wearing, I was me—not anyone else.

  After I opened the door, I felt confident in my choice.

  Judah was dressed in a gray suit. The top couple buttons of his white shirt were loose, and he wasn’t wearing a tie. The cut of his pants showed bare ankles above his chestnut brown loafers
, and he looked somehow sophisticated and relaxed at the same time. Though, it wasn’t his details which made me feel good about my outfit. It was the way he looked at me. It was the way he reached for me before he said a single word. His hands gripped around my waist, he pulled me against him, and my breath caught in my throat. I looked up just in time to see him leaning down for a kiss, and I knew then—I looked just fine.

  “Hi.” I felt the rumble of his deep voice through his chest, his lips still so close to mine.

  Peeking up at him, I noticed his face was covered in the faint shadow of a day’s worth of stubble. Suddenly, I couldn’t wait to go out with him.

  “Hi,” I managed.

  “You look fantastic.”

  My cheeks heated in a blush, and I was embarrassed I couldn’t keep the effects of his compliment from showing on my face. Nonetheless, I replied, “Thank you.”

  “You ready?”

  I nodded and he kissed me one more time before stepping away from me. I locked the door behind me, and we walked to his car in silence. Once we were both inside, I asked, “Where are we going?”

  “Spades. Have you been?”

  “No. Where is it?”

  “Old Town. It’s a little spot beneath The Archibald,” he told me as he pulled out of my apartment complex.

  “Beneath? How’d you find out about this place?”

  “A while back, I worked on the hotel’s remodel.”

  “Really? I didn’t know that.”

  “Yeah. It was a pretty big undertaking. There were a couple of us designers who had to pull our weight.”

  Shifting so I was facing him, I boldly asked, “Will you show it to me sometime?”

  He glanced at me as he eased his way to a stop at a red light. “If you’d like.”

  “I would.”

  Intrinsically, I was sure to see any of Judah’s projects would be like peeling back his layers. While I knew he was beholden to the vision of his clients, I was also aware of the impression Judah was capable of leaving in a space just by entering it. I wanted to know him. I wanted to see more of the man he was underneath his arrogant façade. I wanted to know as much of him as he would let me; and the idea of seeing some of his professional work was thrilling. It was a promise I wouldn’t soon forget.