Page 38 of Free to Judge (Amaryllis Heritage #2)
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Finding time to get together is difficult between his duties to take down the Tiberis and Byrnes, not to mention my responsibilities and my family.
Then there’s the fact Grace doesn’t have a clue the same way Laura does.
I never thought I’d resent having a roommate, but in the month since Declan and I started being whatever the hell we are, we’ve seen each other four times alone.
Every other time, someone else has been around like an overbearing chaperone—namely, Jon.
Tonight is the first night we have more than a few hours alone. Grace was invited back overseas—this time to consult on an ear. Everyone in my family plans to get together for a family dinner, and I’ve warned them I’ll be leaving early.
My body feels as taut as a stretched tightrope, every muscle quivering with sharp tension.
I roll my shoulders repeatedly, trying in vain to shake off the almost unbearable tingling of adrenaline coursing through me—a sensation rivaling the electrifying start line moments of an unforgettable race in my storied career.
Tonight is a different kind of anticipation—a charged readiness pounding through me that has nothing to do with competition and everything to do with wanting a certain stubborn man’s hands on me.
I change clothes three times before deciding on yoga pants and a camisole topped with a jean jacket. Every part of me is alive, every cell humming, and I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want him.
Or worse, been so afraid to hope for what we might become.
I know he wants what I do. He just can’t see beyond the horizon of his mission, and I’m terrified he’ll retreat into the undercover world, leaving me behind.
He’s never done this and doesn’t know if he can. But he told me he wants to. Told me he wants to try.
I do too.
I shake my head, trying to clear the “hope for the best but prepare for the worst” attitude. I’ve never been like that. I’ve always been balls to the wall and letting things play out.
I need to stop acting like I’m a different person because he’s in my life.
I need to be me.
A knock sounds at the door and a frown mars my brow. “I’m supposed to be meeting everyone at the farm.” Curious as to who it could be, I pull it open.
Declan braces one arm on the jamb, eyes raking over me like a man starved. His hungry gaze lingers on my body, making me feel like I’m wearing nothing at all.
He’s here.
He’s not backing out.
He’s braving a family dinner.
The relief that floods my system is intense and overwhelming. “Damn, Kalie.” His voice rumbles with a raw, aching need.
A slow smile crosses my face as I step back to let him in. “What are you doing here? I thought you were just going to meet me there.”
He brushes his lips across mine in greeting, setting my blood on fire before I capture the hint of vulnerability he tries to hide. “I hoped you wouldn’t mind company on the car ride.”
“I’m glad you came. I could use fortification before facing the family.” I pull him in, my heart flipping. He cups my face, kisses me again, and I swear my bones liquefy.
He pulls back, his eyes dark and heated. “It’s getting harder to leave you.”
I savor his words, trying to memorize the way they feel inside of me. “Then don’t.”
His chuckle is low, sending a jolt of arousal through me. “You’re dangerous.”
“You have no idea,” I tease.
He follows me into the kitchen, leaning against the counter as I grab my keys. His lips twitch. “I’m not going to be skinned alive once I walk through the door?”
“Not now.” I step closer to him. “You’ve been invited by how many members of my family?”
“Eight,” he answers unhesitatingly. “Including your mother, aunt, and cousin.”
“Then, you’re fine.” I pause. “Wait. There’s a very important question I have to ask you.”
His face pales. “What?”
“Did anyone warn you about the dancing?”
His face relaxes in amusement. “Jon mentioned something sounded funny when he told me about it. All the women in your family dancing on tables? As if.”
My smile is slow as I pick up the keys. “Oh, you’ll see.”
“Check the group chat. Uncle Phil tried to insist on having a light meal tonight once he got his cholesterol results back,” Laura’s voice explodes in laughter over my Bluetooth. Fortunately, Declan insisted on driving my vehicle so I can do just that.
I frown, wondering why she’s laughing so hard. “Is there a problem?”
“No, Uncle Phil just ate like garbage the week leading up to his test. He openly admitted to having no self-control. Mama said that’s his problem, and she’s not going to be subjected to crap food because he can’t control himself. Uncle Jason agreed.”
“Ohh, this should be good.” I unlock my phone just as it chimes with more messages. The screen floods with texts:
Mama:
Apparently, Phil’s basic comprehension of fasting for bloodwork is worse than his understanding of scheduling.
Aunt Cass:
I’m not going without because you can’t follow directions. That’s where I draw the line.
Aunt Em:
Don’t make me spit on you on purpose.
Aunt Cori:
It’s either that or the women are eating somewhere else—in protest.
Uncle Phil:
RED ALERT! JASON! HELP!
Aunt Cass:
Don’t know why you bother asking for Jason to intervene. You know he doesn’t respond to these texts.
Nic:
Don’t worry, I’ve already placed everyone’s take-home orders from the bakery.
Mama:
You can forget mine. Keene doesn’t deserve anything that tastes good.
Kalie:
Mama, are you still punishing Dad?
Aunt Cori:
Oh, the places I can take that comment.
Uncle Phil:
I want to escape this chat. La, la, la.
Aunt Em:
We can make that happen, Phil.
Aunt Cass:
Be careful what you wish for, brother.
Uncle Phil:
I’ll take Keene’s portion of goodies as therapy, Nic.
Kalie:
Now, now, Uncle Phil, don’t be rude. We have guests coming.
So, I claim dibs on Grace’s portion.
Uncle Phil:
I guess that’s fair.
WAIT. WHAT GUEST?
Mama:
I love how you get to the salient part AFTER you worry about your stomach.
That’s fine, sweetheart. I’ll save them. Cori baked brownies.
Laura:
You. Will. Share, Kalie.
These Hudson men eat a lot.
Kalie:
Truth.
Uncle Phil:
Noooo! Not another Hudson man.
Aunt Cass:
Shut up, Phil.
Aunt Em:
Can it, Phil.
Mama:
FFS, Phil.
Aunt Cori:
And I was going to make you caramel for your suffering.
Grace:
I’m missing home so much.
Aunt Holly:
Miss you, too, baby. Hope you’re having a blast.
Grace:
I am. Someone take lots of pics for me.
Uncle Phil:
Umm, Gracie. You do know who your mama is. Right?
Aunt Holly:
#lesigh
Aunt Cori:
Phil, if you don’t stop, I’m going to make you help me in the kitchen.
Uncle Phil:
See you all soon! I’m going to walk on the treadmill now.
After a flourish of XOXOs, I’m cackling like a hyena as I read the text to Declan. He noticeably relaxes. “Think they’ll be like that in person?”
“Are you kidding? It will be worse.”
“How could it be worse?”
“Do you remember me mentioning the dancing?”