Run to Love (Triple R Book 1) (14 page)

Of course he’s here with Emerson … his line of “there’s nothing happening” was only a cover-up.

Jude searched the busy room and turned back to us. “I’m sure something will open up soon.”

Rahl and I met eyes and an unspoken question flowed between us.
Should we invite them to sit with us?
I nodded in acquiescence.

“Would you like to sit with us
until
something opens up?” Rahl offered reluctantly.

“That okay with you, Presley?” Jude stepped closer.

“Of course.”

Not sure.

I slid out and back in next to Rahl, his bulky size made the booth a cozy place to be. Emerson huffed at me before she slipped onto the bench seat. Jude sat across from me. His eyes bore into me but I avoided his penetrating gaze.

The waitress returned to the table. Emerson ordered a chocolate martini and Jude a beer. Rahl added a beer for himself. I decided to stop drinking and asked for a glass of water. I didn’t want to get out of control again, and considering my heart had already started to pound after catching Jude’s brain-scrambling cologne scent, I needed to do everything I could to eliminate the potential for lessening my discomfort with alcohol.

During our conversations, several tables opened up. Emerson nudged Jude but he ignored her. Every time she touched him, the urge to rip her hair out strand by strand tensed my hands. I tried to remain calm and unaffected by my still-raw feelings.

Success was a grey scale at this point.

“You work this weekend, Rahl?” Jude inquired.

“No, I have this one off, you?”

“Yeah. I’m up this one and off the next.”

“I saw your bike outside of the bar. What is that? An ‘05 or ‘06?”

“It’s a 2005.”

“Nice. I have a 2008 Harley Road King Classic. Haven’t had it out this year. The weather’s been too unpredictable.”

“Impressive bike. I’d enjoy seeing it some time. I took a chance and it worked out Saturday night. Don’t really love driving that late at night with drunk drivers out, but I took backstreets to get home. Also keeps me from drinking while working.”

“Hear that.” Rahl lifted his beer for a drink. “Speaking of drinking while working, did you notice Sage on Saturday night?”

“Yeah, what was up with her?”

“Not sure, but that was a whole lot of vodka she drank. I thought Sam was going to can her ass. I drove her home and she rambled on and on. Mostly incoherent things, like something about ogres finding happiness and eyesight issues with cats and dogs.”

“Huh. That’s weird?”

Rahl seemed genuinely concerned. “She’s never seemed like the kind to drown her troubles. She did a fine job that night. I checked in on Sunday by text and she said she was moving slowly.”

“Maybe it was a fluke.” Jude drank his beer. “Sometimes people need a temporary outlet to express their real feelings.”

“I think Presley’s outlet used to be mass quantities of food. Right, Presley?” Emerson offered with a cunning smirk and a sip of her martini.

Jude and Rahl both frowned at Emerson. My face heated with embarrassment. I dropped my eyes to my water, drawing abstract figures in the condensation on the outside of the glass.

Everything was silent until Emerson exclaimed, “God, you were huge! I bet—”

“Stop!” Jude roared, and Rahl swore under his breath at Emerson.

I flinched at Jude’s loud voice. My eyes watered, and my breath spasmed in my chest.

Emerson had killer instincts of what buttons to push. She’d perfected her intimidation skills, and with razor sharp accuracy, her words could cut a person open from the inside out.

“Not another word to Presley, Emerson,” Jude growled.

“Whatever, grumpy butt. I need to use the restroom.” She waved for Jude to move.

After she left, I could feel his eyes examining me, but mine remained safely on my water glass. I was afraid if he showed any regret or concern I might lose hold of my emotions.

Rahl’s friend approached the table. “Sorry to interrupt. Presley, right? I’m Joe Weston. Nice to meet you.”

I shook his hand.

Joe glanced beside me. “Hey, Rahl, I have a flat tire. And I just bent my jack. Could I borrow yours?”

Rahl said nothing. Then I realized he didn’t want to leave me alone with Emerson and Jude. He glared across the table.

I leaned to him. “Rahl, I’ll be fine. Please, help your friend.”

Rahl’s hand fluttered lightly on my back and he lowered his mouth to my ear. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.” I slid out.

Rahl strolled out of the building with his friend, but glanced back.

I cleared my throat of the lump of emotion that had gathered as I returned to the booth, moving more into the middle. Jude followed my move so he was face-to-face with me.

A rush of air escaped his mouth. “Presley, I’m really sorry.”

I closed my eyes. “For what, Jude?”

“Emerson. How she treats you. Lots of things.”

“Are you sorry for me or embarrassed by Emerson?” I tamped my emotions and attempted to grow a backbone. Scary as hell but when I looked him in the eye it was as if he shared his strength and hope with me.

“I’m sorry for being an idiot and mortified at Emerson’s behavior.”

I shook my head. Didn’t change anything.

He sighed. “Presley, if I told you I went the wrong direction, what would you say?”

“I’d ask what you’re talking about. What wrong direction?”

“Presley, I find you fascinating. Strong, and yet so vulnerable. Open, and yet so guarded. Innocent, and yet so damn sexy. I made a mistake. A big one. I’d like to get to know you better, outside of training. Please.”

“But I … I thought…” My shoulders began to creep forward. I sat up straight to stop the physical response.

“I was wrong and rash for what I said. Presley, I can’t stop thinking about you, day and night.”

My hand dropped from my water glass to the table. He reached across the table and covered my chilled hand with his warm one. His long thumb stroked slowly along mine, dipping into the curve before my thumb. My body shook with a small tremor of suggestive thoughts.

He lowered his voice. “Please, Presley, can you forgive me? Will you give me a chance to make it up to you?”

I yanked my hand back to my lap and glanced out the picture window to where Rahl was helping his friend. “I don’t know. I’m so confused. What about your date?”

“I know you’re confused and I’m to blame for that, but I’m not confused. Emerson is nothing to me. You are what I want, not her.”

Legitimately I wanted to just say “thank God” and give in to him, but I needed to know he was authentic and he hadn’t shown me anything near that kind of commitment.

My eyebrows rose and I sat back. “Does Emerson know that? Who invited who tonight, Jude?”

He straightened. “I asked her to come here with me.”

“So how am I supposed to believe you would like to be a part of my life when you invited a person who can tear me apart in two sentences or less?”

“Again, I’m sorry. Fuck!” He rubbed his face with his palms as if to erase some feeling. That move never worked. I’d tried it before. “Presley, when it comes to you, it’s like I can’t think straight. I go left when I should go right. If you want to know my real reasoning then here is the lame excuse. I’m sorry for asking Emerson, but I thought if I showed up alone I wouldn’t have had a chance of sitting at the same table as you and she’s the only female I knew who would say yes, and legitimately part of me was jealous that it wasn’t me sitting at this table with you instead of Rahl.”

“You’re right. That’s the lamest reasoning in the world.” I scowled at the bouncing blonde making her way back to us. Our eyes met.

She narrowed hers. “What’s your problem, Princess? You really look like you need to eat. I think there’s an all-you-can-eat buffet open at the casino.”

“Emerson, stop it.” Jude stood and faced her. “Now.”

“Why should I, Jude? She’s nothing.”

Jude stared down at Emerson. “That’s where you are fucking wrong. Presley’s more than you’ll ever hope to be, Emerson. You are the nothing to me.”

Emerson’s head spun like something from
The
Exorcist
, her eyes glared, and her jaw hardened. She rotated back to Jude. “Her? You’re fucking interested in
her
? You have to be kidding! You want a fatty slab of porterhouse when you can have a fine filet mignon every night?”

My eyes popped open. I’d heard enough. Being compared to a cut of beef was beyond what I ever imagined could come out of Emerson’s hateful mouth.

Rahl walked in the front door and waved his oil-covered hands. “I’m gonna go wash up.”

I smiled lightly and nodded. He cocked his head at me in question of what was happening but after I waved him on he walked down the hallway to the restrooms. I didn’t want to get him involved in what I needed to handle myself.

I stood and grabbed my purse. “Emerson Welch, grow up and get over yourself! Your opinion of me means less than you seem to think. Actually, I think you’re all talk.” I stepped closer and she backed up a step. “That’s what I thought.” I turned to Jude. “I’m not feeling well. Please give Rahl my apologies.” I threw my bag over my shoulder and hightailed my way out the door.

“Presley, wait!”

I kept walking. Jude caught up to me as I got to my car.

“Presley, just one more minute of your time. Please.”

I backed against my car door. “What, Jude? I’m tired of listening to your excuses and reasons. So make it quick.” My purse fell off my shoulder as if it were just as frustrated as I was.

“I was a fucking idiot! There, I said it and I mean it. When it comes to last Saturday and telling you I should only be your personal trainer, I thought I was wrong in pursuing you because of a three-hour sexual harassment seminar at Triple R. I was totally off base because I knew there was something between us from that very first day.” His posture was straight but his shoulders slumped. He rubbed the back of his neck.

He continued, “For some reason, I’m failing miserably at doing and saying the right thing, but I want to keep going because I know you’re worth it. Normally relationship stuff comes easy to me. But nothing about this is easy. It feels kick-me-in-the-nuts and heart-twisting and I actually think that’s a good thing. It means something when it feels this way. Presley, I didn’t mean to hurt you. I promise you that.” His eyes lifted. “Just one more chance, please.”

“You
are
a fucking idiot,” I mumbled quietly back.

I’d never said that to anyone and part of me didn’t like calling him that. He wasn’t an idiot. He was … Jude. Handsome. Honest. And he wanted me. I just said it so he knew I’d been listening.

Jude chuckled. “Right.”

I sighed. “I’ll think about giving you a chance, tomorrow.” I gazed into his eyes and they seemed to relay the right words. “All right last chance. Good night, Ponytail.”

His lips broadened into a big smile. “Okay, I’ll see you after drawing class tomorrow. Good night, Presley.” He opened my car door and I got in.

Tomorrow… I will see him … all of him … again. Crap.

Chapter Twelve

“At least you stayed where I told you to.”

“I can’t believe you’re interested in her, Jude! Don’t you know what she used to look like?”

“Stop! Presley was right. You seriously need to grow up. I’m done with you and I don’t give a flying fuck if you ever give me another referral. I can find another gym to work at, and no, I’m not giving you a ride home. Figure it out yourself.”

She huffed and stomped her feet as I walked away.

“Rahl?” I walked to the booth and pulled out my wallet to lay money on the table. “Presley wasn’t feeling well. She went home. She asked me to apologize on her behalf.”

“I thought she was in the bathroom,” he said. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

His eyes told me he didn’t believe for one second that was why she left. I’d have to come clean with him soon if Presley and I worked things out, but for now I’d just leave it. No need to give him more ammunition to be an ogre to me. Plus, tonight I’d seen another side of him and maybe there was a chance he and I could be friends. Maybe.

I finished my beer. “I’m going to head out, too. My coworker is staying. In case you’re interested, I’m going to let you know that she’s a complete monster and any guy who thinks the outside of that package is representative of anything on the inside is in for a rude awakening. She is possibly the most disrespectful and miserable person I’ve ever met.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t get that Friday. I could smell her foul stench a mile away. She ever talks about Presley or anyone else like that in front of me again, and—”

“Agreed.” I held up a hand to stop him from finishing his threat. Or his promise. I assumed he was the second type of guy. “I’ll bring a shovel and you can carry the body, Rahl.”

He stood and clapped my shoulder. “Deal.”

He really isn’t an ogre. Huh, wonder if Sage meant him?

“Good night, Rahl. Have a good weekend off.”

“If you need someone to fill in for you, call me, please. I could use the extra money.”

“Will do.” We shook hands.

“Later, Jude.”

Outside, Emerson leaned against the passenger door of my truck.

“Just a ride home. I won’t ever ask you for anything else.” She flipped her blonde hair over her shoulder.

Since I wasn’t an asshole, I’d do it. I told her I would get her here and home and I kept my promises.

“Fine, but not a word on the way there.”

She pretended to zip her mouth shut. If only that could happen for real.

I drove her to her apartment in silence. She slammed the truck door. I accidentally honked the horn when she was right in front of the truck. Letting out a small shriek, she glared at me while I backed out of the parking spot.

I’m a nice guy, Emerson, not a pussy.

****

The next morning, my day off, I made it to the gym. I was halfway through my routine when I caught Emerson talking to Blake, and she was flailing a fake fingernail in my direction. She brought a manila envelope from behind her back, pulling out the piece of paper, and Blake’s eyes met mine in the mirror. I dropped the weights onto the rack and made my way to where they were standing.

Blake watched me do a set. “Jude, can I talk to you in my office, please?”

“Yes.” I followed him, ignoring Emerson’s childish glare while passing by.

Closing the door behind us, Blake rounded his desk and threw the manila envelope onto it.

Presley’s drawing.

“Want to explain that to me?” He pointed with his eyes.

I wiped my face with a towel. “What did Emerson tell you?”

“She thinks Presley is sexually harassing you.” His voice lifted like it was a ridiculous thing to say.

I laughed at the absurdity of that statement, then collected myself. “You want to know the truth or am I going to be fired no matter what I say?”

“I want to know the truth.”

It wasn’t lost on me that he didn’t confirm I wouldn’t be fired, but I didn’t give a shit anymore. I could find another job. I was the best at what I did and by now Blake knew that. Presley was what mattered.

“I agreed to be a nude model for a friend’s
private
art class.” I stood my ground as Blake crossed his arms. “By fluke, Presley is a student in the class. I saw her drawing, really liked it, and told her I’d love to have a copy. She dropped the envelope off at the desk on Friday after her session. Emerson kept the envelope and is using the drawing as blackmail against me because I won’t have a relationship with her.”

Blake’s eyes narrowed at me while we stood in a male showdown. “I need you to be honest with me, Jude, and I think I already know the answer to this question, so no bullshit. Do you want to have a personal relationship with Presley outside of training?”

“Yes.” I met his eyes and said the word with no room for question of my intent.

Blake sat and rocked back in his chair. “Please, have a seat.” He turned his attention to his computer and worked the screen silently for several minutes.

“Have you engaged in any sexual contact with Presley?” he asked.

“No.”

He raised an eyebrow and typed something into the computer.

I have dreamed and fantasized about doing anything and everything with and to her, but no … not yet.

“Have you engaged in any sexual behavior with Emerson?”

“Fuck no!”

Blake laughed at my response and typed additional information into the computer. He straightened in his chair and leaned forward. “Okay, now that we’re both on the same page. Jude Saylor, are you ready to be the man that Presley Bradenhurst deserves?”

My heart beat faster. “Absolutely.”

The word didn’t even come close to the honest truth. For a woman I only met ten days ago, she’d made her way into my head and heart, and if I couldn’t help her to see I was the right guy for her to take a chance on, I would compare every woman to her from here on out. None would compare.

Blake leaned back in his chair, his jaw tightened. “Here’s the deal. I was ready to fire Emerson before this happened. She claimed Mitch sexually harassed her. I knew she was lying but she kept screaming ‘lawsuit’ and I let him go instead of her. That explains the excruciatingly long and boring seminar on Saturday.”

“The seminar that had me nervous to pursue Presley?”

He shook his head. “That was unfortunate timing. Sorry. Anyway, I’d like Mitch and the clients he took with him back and to mend fences with him and those gym members. He’s a great trainer.” Blake leaned forward. “Maybe as good as you.”

“Thanks.”

“At this point I don’t give a fuck about Emerson. She’s toxic. It’s a lesson in hiring family that I won’t forget. She’s my sister’s daughter. I thought maybe she would mellow out over time but she hasn’t. Should’ve known, my sister is a nutcase, too. Emie will be gone before the top of the next hour.”

He went back to typing into his computer. In a few minutes, he raised his head again. “I’m moving Presley to Kai. Do you know what that means?”

“I’m hoping I’m not going to be gone with Emerson.”

Blake’s demeanor relaxed. “No, Jude,
you
are staying. Presley’s moving trainers because you can’t date someone you’re training. It’s unethical and you’re not that guy. And I fully expect to hear that Presley and you are going on a date by the end of the week. Do I make myself clear?”

I nodded, smiling. “Yes, sir. Can I tell Presley about the changes tonight at drawing class?”

“Yes, but make sure she knows she did nothing wrong when it comes to Emerson being let go or to her being moved to Kai for training.”

“I guarantee I’ll be crystal clear with the information. You want to keep the drawing or can I take it?”

“By all means. Presley is quite talented.” He smirked. “That’s all for now. Good luck, Jude.”

“Thanks, Blake.” I stood, grabbed the envelope, and opened the door.

“And Jude?”

I turned to face Blake.

“Hurt her and I reserve the right to act as her big brother, kick your ass, and fire you on the spot.”

“Understood, sir. I’ll do everything I can to keep any of that from happening.”

I left the gym without saying another word to anyone. I didn’t want Emerson asking me any questions or pissing me off more than she already had. I spent the rest of the day hanging with Zane and explaining the Presley situation.

“Wow, brother, you are an idiot,” Zane repeated the sentiment I was starting to accept.

“Will people stop saying that?” I mumbled semi-bitterly as Ninja jumped on the couch to see me. He’d been floor-friendly after he did an impressive gymnastics move off the top of my dresser last weekend.

Zane contorted his lips into a kind of smirk-scowl. “Yeah, when you stop being one.”

“I’ve heard that, too.”

He grinned. “Are you ready for tonight?”

“I’m packed. I’m hoping to talk to Presley before class starts.”

“Um, bro … maybe it’s not a good…” Zane made a weird face, then waved off whatever he was thinking. “Never mind. Good luck. I hope you get the girl. Now, can I talk to you about something else?”

“Sure.”

While his leg bounced with nervous energy, Zane told me that he was going to enter into a committed polyamorous relationship with both Yori and Britney. He was in love with both of them, they wanted him to move in, and he wanted that, too. This meant I would be living alone. Zane encouraged me to get a roommate but I told him I was too old to put up with another guy’s shit. I could barely stand his. Plus, he would need some place to crash when he was exhausted from all the polyamoring he was going to do.

He laughed but became serious. “Really, Jude, thanks for being cool with this. I’m shit-scared to tell Mom and Dad, but I was nervous to tell you. I value your opinion. You’ve never judged me in the past. I figured you wouldn’t start now, but still, it’s not exactly conventional.”

“I think it’s kind of cool.” I stared at my baby brother and wondered how he’d grown up so fast. “It’s hard enough to love one woman and let her love you in return. That you have enough love to share with two women and keep them both happy, you’re probably more of a man than anyone I know. I guess my biggest question is—are you happy, Zane?” I watched for any signs that his answer might not be the case.

“Happier than the last eight years of mind-numbing dating. Now I have two wonderful and gorgeous women, and I couldn’t imagine life without both of them.”

“Then why would you care what anyone thinks? I like Yori, I like Britney, they seem to really like you, too, or at least what I hear through the walls indicates they do. On that subject, I definitely won’t miss hearing their exaltations of your abilities. At all.” I deadpanned the comment.

Zane laughed. “I bet. I’m going to start the move tomorrow.”

“Sorry I can’t help. I have to work. Maybe Saturday, but I bartend this weekend at four  p.m., which sucks. Hoping to get a date in with Presley, if she’ll forgive me.”

“She will. Plus, as Mom always says, ‘The best things in life are worth a wait.’ No problem on the move. I asked a couple of friends from work to help and I think Britney can carry more than most women. She’s very … solid.”

It was my turn to chuckle. “And hey, don’t worry about Mom and Dad. They’ll come around. Dad will probably buy you a cigar for your impressive catch …
es
. And Mom, well, she’ll probably come around to seeing Yori and Britney as the daughters she never had, and that, my brother, might be
far
worse than her disliking them.”

Zane and I laughed at that truth.

I stood. “All right, it’s go time.”

“Good luck and go get ‘er, pumpkin!” With the creepy pep talk, Zane followed me out to go to the girls’ side.

“Fuck off!” I blew out a huge breath of nerves as I walked to my truck. “But thanks.”

And said a small prayer to the relationship gods.