Damaged and the Knight (Damaged #2)

Farah and I used those days alone to bond. We did each other’s hair and painted our nails. Staying up late, we talked about the sexy traits of our missing men. Afterwards, we shared a bed to avoid bad dreams. The anti-depressant might have kicked in too because I managed to go most of the time without overly negative thoughts. Even when I missed Judd the most, I didn’t automatically imagine him fucking a woman prettier than me.

Judd returned during the last hour of my Friday shift. Without seeing him coming as I wiped a table, I knew something was up because two large burly men flinched. Turning, I found Judd moving fast towards me. Before I could speak, his hands cupped my face and his lips were on mine. Murmuring at the deepening kiss, I tossed aside the wash towel and wrapped my arms around his waist. He felt like perfection.

Judd pulled away and stated to speak then his gaze focused on the two men watching us and smiling. His dark stare killed their enthusiasm and they returned to eating.

“Back less than a minute and you’re already losing me tips,” I teased, causing Judd to smile grudging. “You taste like peppermint.”

“I slept for shit and chewing gum keeps me alert.”

Caressing his lips, I couldn’t stop grinning. “You’re so fucking beautiful and you’re mine. How did that happen?”

Judd finally gave me a great smile. “I laid eyed on you and was done for.”

“Do you plan to hang around? Can I get you anything?”

Judd walked to a nearby booth, slid in, then pulled me next to him. “Coffee would be great, but first I want to enjoy the view.”

“Did everything go okay?”

“It’s done. I’ll tell you more later.”

Nodding, I ran my fingers under his leather jacket and caressed the hard flesh hiding just past the tee.

“Do you want me to sleep over at your place?” I asked, hoping his plans hadn’t changed.

Knowing what I was asking, Judd leaned over and nipped at my neck. “After your shift, we’ll go to the apartment, grab a few things, and head home. We’ll pick up the rest of your stuff later. Also, Kathy will round us up groceries, so you and I can spend the next few days hibernating.”

“I have work tomorrow,” I sighed against his cheek.

“Give your notice. Cooper said he’s hiring you on as his assistant. Your work duties will be figured out later, but he wants you around. That way, if he doesn’t trust something or needs your skills, it won’t seem strange for you to show up. Plus, this way you’ll have hours open during the day, so I can train you. Get these muscles tight.”

Grinning, I ignored the men that Judd was again glaring at because they were watching our affection.

“If I get stronger, won’t that also help my endurance and flexibility?”

Judd looked away from the men and into my eyes. “Shit, I missed you.”

Laughing, I cuddled against him for another few minutes then squirmed away to fetch him coffee.

Soon, I was on the back of his Harley for a quick stop at the apartment. Feeling like a stranger’s place now, I shoved clothes and basics into a backpack then followed Judd to the bike. He glanced around like everything about the place irritated him. Mainly, he was annoyed by the college guys wrestling around in the lamest example of touch football I’d ever seen.

“Drunk at four is a sign of a fucking moron,” Judd muttered, eyeballing the guys.

“Who cares? I don’t live here anymore, right?”

Judd gave me a half grin. “It’s just storing your shit until we move everything to our place.”

I licked at his lips before climbing on behind him. “You’re so fucking sexy when you get all domesticated.”

Judd squirmed on the Harley as his jeans ran out of room. “We need to get you naked.”

“Break a few speed limits then, stud.”

Giving me a cocky smile, Judd proceeded to drive like a man involved in a race for his life. We nearly drove on the sidewalk at one point. By the time we reached his parking garage, I was frazzled, yet excited to see what all of Judd’s pent up need would feel like inside me.

Riding up in the elevator, Judd kissed me as he removed my backpack and held it in one hand. Once we were at his place, he fumbled with the keys, too wired to keep his hand steady. I didn’t make things easier by leaning against him and laughing at his desperation.

“Normally, I have Kathy dump the junk mail,” Judd said, pushing the door open. “I told her to save it though, since I figured you might see something you’d want for your collection.”

Touched by his gesture, I smiled up at Judd and made a little confession. “I came over once to check on Pearl. I also got naked and rolled around in your bed.”

“Fuck,” he said, dropping the bags and tossing me over his shoulder. “No more wasting time.”

As he walked us through the living room, the cat looked up from her perch and meowed at him.

“Hey, Pearl, I’ll be busy for a few hours. We’ll talk later.”