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TWENTY-NINE
EUGENE
The weekend arrived. With Hudson’s approval, Holly and Roger decided to stay Friday night. I got off work at four that evening and met up with them at a steakhouse. A huge part of me wanted to bring them to Homestyle, but I felt like it would be too much to bring my friend into Hudson’s workspace, too. Hudson was allowing Holly and her boyfriend to stay over, so I’d wait to introduce them at the cabin. I might make it obvious that I wish he were with us if I showed up at Homestyle.
A small voice in my head said I could stomp all over Hudson’s territory, and he’d let me. That thought would lead me into hopeful expectations if I allowed it, but I wouldn’t be in his home forever.
It was the first time I met Roger, but he seemed like a decent guy. If he was willing to put up with me and Holly together, he must care a great deal for her. After we ate, we caught a movie at the cinema. Halfway through the film, I received a text from Hudson.
Hudson: Where are you guys?
Me: Movie theater.
I kept checking my phone for the rest of the movie, but Hudson never responded. It was hard to focus on anything happening on the screen. I forced a smile when Holly gushed about the film as we exited.
We were walking to our vehicles when I heard a husky voice. “Red.”
I spun around, my mouth dropping, as Hudson strode toward us. The white hoody he wore looked snug, like it was forced over his chest and arms. His blue jeans were loose, yet they looked far too good on him. I swallowed nervously as my heart raced. What was he doing there? He couldn’t possibly be out there for us.
“Hudson,” I mumbled, glancing at Holly, who continued to ogle my roommate. “Holly, this is Hudson. Hudson, this is Holly and her boyfriend Roger.”
Holly extended her hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Thanks for taking care of my girl.”
“Taking care of her is easy,” said Hudson.
My skin pebbled and my stomach fluttered with a million butterflies. It was like he touched me physically with those words. I was speechless as he shook Roger’s hand next, and the two men spoke. Holly peeked over at me, batting her eyes purposefully while gesturing with her head at Hudson.
I mouthed, “Stop it!”
She smirked.
If Holly kept that up, I’d murder her.
“What did you guys have planned next?” Hudson asked, looking at me.
I checked the time on my phone. “It’s late. We were going to head to the cabin.”
“Good. We can heat up the chili I brought home.” Hudson reached out and snagged my fingers with his, rubbing gently. “Be careful. It’s dark, and a deer might run out in the road.” He released my digits all too soon.
My skin felt electric as I whispered, “I will.”
After Hudson said bye to Holly and Roger, he walked toward the parking lot. Holly nudged my shoulder, leaning close. “How long do you think he waited out here? It’s freaking cold!”
I shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“Maybe he wanted to hang out with us. Didn’t you invite him?”
Of course, I hadn’t invited him. Hudson was still working when I left. I didn’t want to push too much by asking him if he wanted to hang out when he saw me all day long. Could he have wanted an invite? Was that why he showed up? The idea seemed crazy to me, but I wished I had invited him out with us.
???
Hudson must have loved feeding people. Why else did he feed me all the time? Roger and Holly devoured the chili he brought home from the restaurant. When it was me and Hudson, we always sat at the island and ate. With company, we ate at the table.
Holly patted her stomach and leaned back into her chair. “That was the best chili I’ve ever eaten.”
“There’s nothing Hudson can’t make,” I told her. “Everything he cooks tastes yummy.”
I caught Hudson staring with a smoldering gaze. He let those hungry eyes roam over me before smiling. What. Was. That? My heart raced. I blushed and focused on my friend.
