Status Updates From Wilde Nights in Paradise (W...

“Her father warned me away from her. Again.” “So?” Jude smiled, but this time it came easily. “Careful. You’re starting to sound like me.” “Devil must be building an igloo.” “Must be.”

The realization hit her full force in that moment as she watched Jude all but steam with rage, his hands opening and closing into fists at his sides. That’s why she wanted to cry. No more hiding equaled no more Jude, and she wasn’t ready to say good-bye again. Not yet. Not when he was finally starting to show his true colors after all these years.

Jude felt better than he had in days. Sure, his back was sunburned all to hell—damn Libby for being right about the sunscreen—but even that discomfort couldn’t put a damper on his mood. Damn near perfect day. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt this light, this free. He could become addicted to this. To her. Maybe he already was.

Now here he was again. Back in her life, offering only part of what she truly wanted, and she couldn’t bring herself to take even that. She couldn’t put herself through the heartbreak of falling in love with him again, and she was terrified that she wouldn’t be able to help herself if she spent more than one night with him.

It’s over.” “Unless… we make it a full 24-hour deal?” Tempting. But if she gave in, she’d always give in. She was well aware she had a weakness where Jude Wilde was concerned, and she couldn’t let it get the better of her. Not again. Living through that heartbreak once in a lifetime was enough, thank you very much. “No. One night. That’s all.”

“Fearless Libby,” he said in such a low tone that she almost couldn’t hear him over the wind. She saw the kiss coming. Could have avoided it, but dammit, she wanted it. Wanted to know if having his mouth on hers was as erotic as it had been earlier when he’d kissed her in the hallway.

Jude stared at his former instructor, fury burning hot in his gut. “You want me to pretend to be her lover? Like none of the past sh#t happened and we got back together?” “It’s a plausible reason for you to be around her all the time.” “No.” Dread coiled its greasy fingers around his throat and squeezed. “No, no, no.”