“Autumn?”
I shook my head. “If you’re looking to get laid there’s a snow bunny who made it clear she’d give you that.”
“I don’t screw other men’s women and even if I did, I don’t want her. She doesn’t make my blood hot.”
My eyes widened. Was he alluding that Ididmake his blood hot? “I’m not anyone’s casual fuck, Hudson.”
His eyes darkened. “I got that, angel, the second you strutted that fine ass through the restaurant. That’s not what this is about. Although for the record, you saying the word ‘fuck’ when you’re actually talking about ‘fucking’ in that sweet voice of yours…” He grinned. “Definitelymakes my blood hot.”
I blushed. Actually blushed.
Hudson laughed. “Oh that’s just making it worse.”
“Stop it!” I huffed, covering my cheeks with my hands.
“Jesus, you’re adorable. Didn’t know that was possible.”
“What?”
“Sexy, beautiful, and adorable. The trifecta of perfect.”
I smiled but said, “No one’s perfect, Hudson.”
“No, they’re not so give me a break here. Let me get to know you so I can find out for myself that you’re not perfect. Otherwise I’m going to pine my life away.”
He somehow managed to strike a perfect balance between smooth and coarse charm that seriously worked for me.Damn it. I sighed. “Fine. Ask me again tomorrow.”
“Or you could just say yes now,” he pushed. I gave him a look and he grinned. “Fine. I’ll ask you tomorrow.”
Finally, I made myself walk away. But I’d only taken a few steps when he said, “Nice skirt by the way.”
Meaning he was watching my ass.
I turned to look over my shoulder and rolled my eyes before strutting off.
His answering laughter made me smile all the way back to my suite.
3
The next morning I was a little tired because thoughts of Hudson kept whirling around my mind. A lot of them sexy thoughts. I missed breakfast with Catie and Kyle so they were already heading out to the slopes by the time I dragged my arse out of the shower.
Grabbing my ereader, I headed downstairs to the reception to double check the times for my manicure and pedicure appointments. Helena, the woman manning the desk, was so helpful and didn’t even blink when I asked her if there was a slot available for more treatments toward the end of my stay. I intended to use the hell out of that spa.
The reception area of Winterhaven Inn was impressive. Vaulted ceilings, a floor-to-ceiling marble slab fireplace that crackled and pop, flickering firelight around the room. There were comfortable couches and chairs near the fire for guests to warm up. I considered curling up on one of the couches to read but I really needed my morning coffee.
So I found myself eating breakfast pastries in the coffeehouse across from the inn while I sipped at an Americano and read. I was deep into my book so it took me a second to realize someone had taken the other seat at my bistro table.
I looked up from my ebook and my heart thumped hard in my chest at the sight of Hudson. This was followed by a flutter of butterflies that shocked the heck out of me since the last time I could remember having butterflies over a guy was when I was thirteen and still dancing ballet. I’d gone to a ballet “summer camp” of sorts in London to prepare for my audition at RSC (The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland). There I’d met Mikhail, a fourteen-year-old Russian dancer, who was superb, brooding and beautiful. He’d been my first kiss.
Butterflies. Wow. I didn’t think a grown woman could still get those.
Oh boy, was I in trouble.
Hudson wore a small smile as he studied me. I noted he was in a warm jacket and jeans, like me, and not in full snow gear. He still hadn’t shaved.
Yum.
“You want to finish that coffee and meet me on the slopes?”
