Strangely Normal - By Tess Oliver Page 0,46

from his throat as his hands trailed down my back and slipped beneath my shirt. He caressed the skin on my back and my hands encircled his neck to pull his mouth even closer to mine. I could not get near enough to him, and he held me so tightly that his grasp along with the intoxicating kiss left me breathless and lightheaded.

He lifted his face and stared down at me with a flood of passion that would have scared me if it had not been Jude.

His hands came up between us, and he deftly unbuttoned my shirt. Then his long, rough fingers slid between the open sides of my blouse and parted it. “There’s that damn bra again.” He leaned down and tugged down the top of my bra, exposing my naked breast to his mouth. His tongue traced circles around it and I pushed harder against his mouth. “Shit, Valley, do you know what you do to me?” he mumbled against my bare skin.

My thigh pressed between his legs and I laughed softly. “I have an idea, yeah.”

He lifted his face and grinned wickedly before continuing his trail of kisses down my neck. Heat swirled through my body and tugged at me with a need that I knew only he could satisfy. I’d been with other guys before, but none of them had ever elicited such a profound physical reaction as this. I felt completely out of control, and I loved every second of it.

We were lost in each other’s touch and scent when an urgent knock rattled the door of the pool house.

“Jude!” Cole called through the door.

Jude sighed loudly and pressed his forehead against mine. “If you want to live, Cole, go away.” His fingers traced the tops of my breasts.

“It’s Finley,” Cole said through the crack in the door.

We separated as if someone had thrown a bucket of ice water on us. Jude raced to the door, and I followed closely at his heels. He opened the door.

Even in the dim light it was easy to see that Cole looked upset.

“Where is she?” Jude asked.

“She went back to the house. Max mentioned going to—” Jude and I were out the door before Cole could finish.

My heart was pounding by the time we reached the back door. Jude slid it open so hard it nearly came off its slider. “Finley!” he yelled.

“Finley,” I echoed his call.

“I’m right here,” a small voice came from the couch. Aside from the lights coming from the clocks on the kitchen appliances, the room was dark.

Jude switched on the lamp, and Finley lifted up her hand to block the harsh light. Mascara rimmed her eyes as if she’d been crying. She hugged her knees to her chest.

I sat down next to her. “What happened?”

“Nothing. I’m never going to be normal, that’s all.”

I was relieved to see that she was not completely freaked out or in a panic attack. She was just upset, and I couldn’t blame her. “That’s not true, Finley. You’re more normal than any girl I have ever met. I’ve never bonded so quickly with anyone in my life.”

She wiped clumsily at her nose and looked at me. “Maybe you’re not normal either.”

“You’ve got a point. Maybe we’re both normal in a strange way.” I threw my arms around her, and she hugged me back. “We’re going to get you out of this world you’ve built yourself, Finley. Don’t give up.”

We sat back and Jude plunked down on the other side of her. She peered over at him. “I knew you liked her, you big boob. The moment you saw her in the gym that first day, I saw that hungry gleam in your eye.” Then her tone turned serious. “Jude don’t do anything to fuck this up. I know you thought this was a bad idea—”

“I was wrong,” he said abruptly. “I was totally and completely wrong. And besides, Valley claims she’s never lost her head over any guy. So it’s all good.”

I leaned forward, and his grin was as wide as the coffee table.

“Cocky bastard,” I mumbled as I leaned back against the couch cushion.

Cole appeared in the doorway. “I sent everyone home. Told them I was still feeling shitty from too much partying last night. Max said he’d call you later.”

“Finley, why don’t you tell him what you’re dealing with,” I suggested. “Max seems like a decent guy. I think he’ll understand.”

She leaned her head on Jude’s shoulder. “Maybe some time. But not yet.”

Cole plopped down