Inside Out (12 page)

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Yes. Hop your skinny ass up and come on.” She grabbed my arm and tugged on it until I stood.

“Where are we going?” I looked towards the kitchen down the hall.

“I spend eight hours a day in this joint. Don’t think I’m sitting in the damn kitchen that overlooks the office for my hour lunch break.” She grabbed a lunch box from her desk and kept a grip on my arm. “Let’s eat in the car and chat.”

“Not Jude’s car.” I piped in and shoved open the exit.

“I meant mine, duh.” She made a ridiculous noise with her lips and released my arm. “I’m so happy you’re back. I’ve been meaning to call you. I’ve been busy, with Ricky.” She turned to flash a sexy smile.

“For crying out loud, don’t elaborate any further. That skanky smile says it all.” I laughed wildly and shook my head.

“Samantha, he’s gorgeous, sweet and let me just tell you… he’s a freak in more ways than one.” She purred like a cat and deliberately shivered.

“I think I might hurl. Can’t we talk about this after lunch?” I teased.

“How are things with what’s his name?” She questioned.

“His name is Jude. Things are splendid, couldn’t be better” I lied. Things could be better and they had been better up until this morning. Kara was putting a wedge between us before she even made an appearance. She unlocked her car and stepped inside. I crawled in on the passenger side, releasing a deep breath of air. “He’s letting an old childhood friend move in with us.”

“That’s what that sour puss look is all about? What’s the big deal?” She shrugged her shoulders “not like he’ll be sharing a room with y’all, right?”

“She. No,
she
won’t be sharing a room with us.” I emphasized the word she and turned up my nose.

“Oh…” Randi realized the cause of my dilemma. “I hope that works out.” Her eyes grew wide and she flinched at the thought. “Jude seems into you. I really don’t think you have anything to worry about. From the looks of it, he only has eyes for you.”

I pictured his face the day at the restaurant with Mitch. He was worried about me and his love for me reflected in the way he looked at me. I should have just let go of the petty jealously and put my trust in Jude. “You’re right. I just, I don’t like the thought of another woman prancing around the house with him. What happens when I come to work and she’s alone with him? What if she’s pretty?” I spilled out my insecurities.

“If he loves you, and I believe he does, there won’t be anything to worry about. Samantha, you’re pretty and your personality ranks top ten in my opinion. You’re the bomb, okay? Just, eat your lunch, trust your man, and forget about Karen.”

“It’s Kara. You have a serious problem with names.” I spoke with a mouth full of turkey and bread. I checked the clock on my phone and noticed a text message from Jude.

Samantha, I hope you’re having a wonderful day. Thanks for the leftover Chinese food. Told you I’d take you, now you’re probably starving while I’m chowing down on this delicious orange chicken. Miss you, talk to you soon. I smiled at his words
. I decided to reply:

Hello, crazy, beautiful man. I hope you’re having a nice day as well. I’m chowing down on a fantastic sub as we speak. So, enjoy that cold chicken, ass. See you soon, love.

“It’s about that time.” Randi tapped her watch. “We need a two hour lunch break. This one hour nonsense is for the birds.” She complained.

“Oh, quit your whining. Let’s get inside.” I sent the message and smiled at my sarcastic reply. I dragged ass back into the building, and took seat at my desk once more. I stared at the clock way too often causing the day to crawl by. I was anxious to get home to Jude. I prayed that she hadn’t made it there yet. Maybe he’d changed his mind, or her and her asshole boyfriend had made-up. I almost convinced myself that somehow, plans had changed and I’d go back to the normalcy of our home, alone together. The shuffling of chairs and desks pulled me from yet another daydream. I saw the clock read 5:30,
it
was time to go. I raced through the task of turning off my computer and tiding up my desk. My mind had been so preoccupied all day, I hadn’t accomplished any real work. Hopefully, I’d get home and life would be just as it was.

“See you later, Randi.” I called to her as I walked out of the door.

“Bye, sugar.” She blew me a quick kiss and vanished into the parking lot.

I stepped into Jude’s car. His smell lingered throughout the vehicle. I closed my eyes, almost feeling his fingertips on my skin. I missed him so much already. I couldn’t wait to get home and wrap my arms around him. I pressed the accelerator a little faster than I’m sure Jude would have appreciated, but, I needed to see him. I needed to see that look in his eyes that reassured me I was his only one. My heart thumped when I turned down our street. I could see Jude standing in the yard, wearing nothing but light gray sweat pants. His hair was disheveled and he was barefoot.

“Hey, Sammy.” Jude leaned into the car. He wasted no time as he pressed his lips to mine, kissing me with an intensity that put my worries at ease for a moment. I could feel it in his kiss that he missed me, just as much as I missed him.

“I missed you.” I rubbed his face. “Work dragged by.”

“Well, you could always quit. It’s not like you need the money.”

“Jude, are you crazy? What if you break up with me or something? I would be screwed.” I scolded.

“That’s not ever going to happen.” He gripped my hand, pulling me from the car. I leaned my back against the car. Jude stood in front of me, leaning his body against mine. “Kara is on her way.”

I was queasy at the thought. “That’s nice.” I rubbed my fingers along my chin, searching for words. Jude didn’t give me a chance to dwell on anything; he engulfed me in another mind-blowing kiss. His hand gripped my thigh, pulling it up against his waist. “Jude, the neighbors!” I said through a smile.

“Do you care?” He mumbled through light nibbles on my ear. As good as he looked and smelled I was pretty sure I wouldn’t object to a quickie right there on the car. I groaned when he ran his hands up and down my hips, teasing my flesh with his warm fingers. I wanted to feel his bare skin on mine. “You’re so damn gorgeous.” His hand slid beneath my skirt, slipping his fingers into an area that ached for his touch the most. I sucked my bottom lip between my teeth, hoping to stifle a moan that threatened to escape. “I can see you want me, too.” I rolled my hips in a circular motion, deepening the feeling of his finger inside me. “She’s here.” He removed his hand and broke free from my grasp. I couldn’t even find words from the sudden shock to my body. I clinched my legs together, trying to numb the sensations that were blazing out of control. “I’m sorry, Sam. We’ll pick this up later.” He shot me an apologetic smile and waved to the car that had pulled in front of the mailbox. “Pull it over here,” he called to the driver, motioning to the far side of the yard. I straightened out my skirt and hurried to pull my hair from the tight bun. I swung my hair around, letting it fall loosely on my shoulders. Jude looked at me curiously, but, kept his lips sealed.

“Hey, Jude.” A delicate voice called from beside the black mustang. I saw dark, long brown curls come bouncing around the side of the car. Her eyes struck me first. They were mesmerizing, as blue as a sunlit sky. I gasped for air and searched for a flaw. I saw nothing. Only two beautiful lips, painted a rose pink that lifted on each side to bare a beautiful smile. Perfect, she was lovely. She was a flawless, tanned beauty that would turn the head of any normal man. “You must be Samantha.” Without thinking I took her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you, I’ve heard wonderful stories.”

“I… I uh, it’s nice to meet you too.” I forced a smile and searched the yard for Jude. He stood at the side of her car with his hands tucked away in his pockets. My expression must have portrayed the whirl wind of emotions storming through me. I was not expecting a model to move into our home. Jude frowned and walked towards the house without saying a word. I smiled once more at the beautiful stranger and stormed off to follow Jude.

“I’m just going to grab a few of my bags. I’ll be right in.” I heard Kara call as I raced for Jude.

“How could you?” I growled at Jude.

“How could I what, Samantha?”

“She’s only the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on! You never told me that. You didn’t make it clear I’d be sharing space with… with that!” I cried and wiped tears from my face.

“Samantha, I don’t understand. You’re crying because she’s pretty?” He extended his hand, wiping the moisture from my cheeks.

“She’s not just pretty. There’s not even a word to describe that. I can’t believe you’d do this. It’s not fair. You’ll be here alone with her while I’m working. I can’t take this shit!” I groaned and smacked his arm.

“Do not feel inferior to her. She has nothing on you. This is temporary, I promise. You can trust me.” He kissed my wet face and rubbed his hands through my hair.

“Whatever.” I stormed off towards our room and slammed the door. Maybe I was being petty. I really didn’t care. I didn’t like this arrangement and I damn sure wasn’t going to pretend I did.

“Sam…” Jude called as he knocked on the bedroom door. “Let’s talk, please?” I ignored his pleas and sat on the edge of the bed. I’d never wanted to be away from him, not until now. I wished I could vanish for a moment.

“Go away. I need a minute” I barked through the door. The light taps ceased. I hated the feeling that was swirling around in my stomach. “Sam.” Jude’s voice called again after thirty minutes had passed. I rose from the bed and cracked open the door

“Stop acting like this.” His voice was demanding but sympathetic.

“I’m coming. Let me change my clothes.” I glared at him through teary eyes.

“I’m going to start dinner, come on. Kara is already helping set the table.”

“Oh, how precious.” I eased the door shut and shuffled through my clothes. Jude had unpacked everything, making it impossible to find what I needed. I grabbed one his flannel shirts from the closet and an old pair of my jean shorts from the dresser. I made sure my eyes were no longer tear stained before heading for the kitchen.

“Hey, Sam. Are you doing okay?” Kara questioned.

“Yes, I’m fine.” I pulled out a seat at the table without making eye contact. I watched the two of them dance around the kitchen completely comfortable with one another. Kara diced tomatoes and onions while Jude prepared the main course. I could see Kara deliberately brush her arm across him as she passed by on several different occasions. My stomach churned at the sight of the two of them. I felt like the third wheel, sitting on the side line in a lover’s paradise. “So, Kara, do you work?” My tone was bitter.

“Um, actually Jude and I were just discussing that. I was working with Kyle’s family at their feed store… seeing as how that’s over, I guess I’m jobless. Jude’s offered a job at the restaurant though. I’m super excited.” She smiled at Jude after a quick glance in my direction.

“Is that so?” I directed the question at Jude.

“Uh, yes. A steady income will help her get on her feet sooner.” Jude shook his head and narrowed his eyes at me. I could feel his anger burning into my skin through his stare. In this moment, I was sure that the heartache I’d expected all along was just around the corner. I began to mentally prepare myself for the devastating blow that was bound to come. I couldn’t compare to Kara, I wouldn’t even try. If feelings already exist for her or if her presence somehow stirred up a love he didn’t realize he had for her… I was just out of luck. I didn’t have the strength to fight for him. ‘
He loves you’
Adam’s voice echoed through my mind. I closed my eyes and smiled at how clearly I could hear the sound of his voice. It’d been days since I’d heard it. Somehow, in the most trying days, it was his voice whispering words of encouragement that pulled me through. “I’ll take over from here, Kara.” I jumped up from the table and ran over to take a place beside Jude. Kara eased away from the counter with a look of bewilderment. Jude carried on with the task at hand never missing a beat. I was already feeling better just by putting Kara back in her place. She was our guest; I wouldn’t let her prance around this house like she was anything more.

“After dinner, Jude, I have a few more bags that were a bit heavy for me to carry. Would you mind giving me a hand?” Kara ran her acrylic nails across the top of the table, making a sound that worked my nerves.

“Yeah, sure.” Jude replied without taking his eyes away from the stove. “Alright, dinner is served.” He switched the knobs on the stove off and set the pot on the counter to cool. Kara stood from her place and started fumbling through the cabinets.

“We have any wine?” She asked.

“Yes” I reached above her head pulling out a half empty bottle of Merlot. “Here.” I placed the bottle in her hands. I had an overwhelming urge to just pour the wine over her head and tell her if she ever rubbed her body against Jude’s again, accident or not, I’d slap the fire from her damn face. She carried on through the kitchen humming a tune under breath. Dinner was awkward. Neither of us made much conversation, I don’t think we had much to say. Kara’s face danced with expressions that led me to believe she had a head full of questions; just not questions for me. I rose from my seat and excused myself about half way through my meal. Jude watched me walk away, never saying a word. I didn’t like the strangeness that fell between us just since she’d been here. There was tension in the air and it was affecting us. I plopped down on the sofa and flipped through the channels while both Kara and Jude finished their meals. A jealous rage brewed inside me each moment I sat there alone. Their voices echoed through the house as they sat together, discussing her new position at the restaurant.

“Hey, want to help us get Kara set up in her room?” Jude kissed me on my cheek and set beside me on the couch. I was angry. That anger fueled my stubbornness.

“Doesn’t seem like you need me for much of anything” I hissed. Jude ignored my bitterness and laid his head on my shoulders, twirling his finger around the palm of my hand.