Page 94 of The Surrender

“So why would I be upset if Dad went for a drive?”

“Because he went for a drive to Oxfordshire. And he brought me along too.”

I jerk so hard, I could have been electrocuted. “What?”

“What?” Jude mouths.

“I said don’t be mad!” Mum cries, and it all falls into place.

Oh. My. God.“You’re here?” I screech.

“Oh, Amelia, it’s rather fancy, isn’t it?”

“Wait,” I say, abrupt, as Jude moves back, obviously concluding I’m not a risk to myself anymore. His face. Christ, he looks like he’s seen a ghost. “Where, Mum? Whereexactlyare you?”

“In the lobby.”

“They’re in the lobby,” I say, despite knowing he heard because his eyes widen slightly. “Don’t move.” I hang up. “They’re in the lobby. My parents are in the lobby.” I’m going to kill them.

Jude’s cheeks expand, and his eyes fall to his open jeans, where his dick is shrinking before my eyes. “Jesus,” he mumbles, fixing himself. “I thought I’d have a little more time to prepare for this.” He takes my arm and helps me off the counter.

“I’ll go,” I say, while Jude swipes up my top and slips it over my head. I feed my arms through and grab my leggings, hopping on one leg as I feed my other foot through. “I’ll tell them you’re out on business.”

He turns his eyes onto me, not impressed. “I’m a grown man, Amelia. I’m not hiding from your parents.” Leaning in, he reaches for my elbow and steadies me so I can get my other foot in and pull my leggings up. “It’s not ideal, but here we are.”

“Jude, please, I beg you.” I bunch his T-shirt in my fists and immediately regret it. “Fuck.”

“Will you stop fucking hurting yourself?” He snatches my hand up and checks it, shaking his head. “You need to have this looked at—it should be healing by now.”

“I don’t think our relationship is ready for my father yet.”

“You mean strong enough? What the bloody hell is that supposed to mean?”

“No, I don’t mean that. I mean, I ...” WhatdoI mean? “It’s ...”

Jude smiles at my stammer, kissing my cheek. “I can handle your father.”

I snort. “Your bravery is commendable.”

“I’m not avoiding them, Amelia, and since they’ve taken it upon themselves to pay us a surprise visit, I will accommodate them and show your father that you’re in good hands.” He cups my boobs and gives them a cheeky squeeze.

“That’s not funny.”

“Stop stressing.”

“You don’t know my father.”

“Well, I’m about to. Get your trainers on.”

I jut my bottom lip out, and Jude curses, lifting me onto the counter and getting them on himself. “Your lack of cooperation is only delaying the inevitable.”

“I’m happy to delay it.”

“I thought you sorted things out with your father.”

“I did, but that means nothing, and it certainly doesn’t mean his brain-to-mouth filter is fixed.”

Jude lifts me from the counter, takes my hand, and starts leading the way. “I’ve told you; I have wide shoulders.”