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“You can’t tell me you don’t feel this.”
“I feel it,” she admitted, turning around to face him. “Doesn’t mean I should act on it.” She thrust her chin forward, straightened her shoulders. “I’m not a teenager anymore. I’m not easily swayed. I know most things that feel good have a dark side to them. And you are definitely on the dark side. Besides.” She shrugged. “I’m not looking for a relationship. I’ve been burned twice. I’m not going there again.”
His eyes glittered. His nostrils flared.
Something inside Rebecca liquefied until she felt like she was coming apart. The air crackled with energy, and damn, but it was hot. A thought hit her then. One so crazy she didn’t have time to think about it before the words fell out of her mouth.
“Not saying I wouldn’t consider something casual.”
Jesus. Did she really just say that? Rebecca didn’t do casual. Hell, she didn’t do anything these days.
“You and me and casual are three things that don’t go together,” Hudson said softly. Dangerously.
Rebecca came to her senses and stepped around him. She walked back inside and leaned against the door. She had started something, and that probably wasn’t a smart move. But damned if she wasn’t going to own it.
She arched an eyebrow. “Who said anything about you and me? Ethan Burke has a lot going for him.”
That was the truth. And contrary to what she’d told Kimberly, Ethan was interested. He’d asked her to dinner; she just hadn’t given him his answer yet. Maybe it was time she did. Maybe it was time she lived a little.
But Hudson Blackwell was never the guy to underestimate. He didn’t hesitate. All it took was one step and he was in her face, his lips close to her ear.
“You’ve forgotten a few things, Becs. I don’t like games, and I don’t like to lose.” He licked her lobe, and she gripped the edge of the door as he stepped back, eyes so intense, they made her knees weak. “But…” His gaze dropped to her mouth.
Keep it together.
“If you want to do this.”
God, it’s hot.
“If you want to play this game, I’m in.”
So hot.
“But I want you to remember something.”
Okay. Calm the hell down.
“What’s that?” she managed to croak.
“I play to win.”
Chapter 15
It was still raining the next morning when Hudson headed to town. He’d slept like shit, was out of cream, and hated black coffee. The bitter taste was still on his tongue, and he grimaced as he drove through the downtown core and headed to the hospital.
He’d spent most of the previous day with Sam Waters, and by the time he’d gotten to the hospital, his father was asleep. He’d waited for nearly an hour, but when the nurse told him that John was most likely down for the night, he’d gone to Rebecca’s.
His scowl darkened as he slipped from the truck and headed inside the hospital. Ethan Burke? The guy had no business being anywhere near Rebecca. And maybe it was a prick move on his part, but Hudson would make sure Burke took a step back.
“Jesus, Hudson. Who crapped in your cornflakes this morning?” Regan Thorne was at the nurses station, a bemused look on her face as she watched him get off the elevator. “Coffee?” she asked when he reached her.
“No. I’m good.”
She tossed her own cup into the bin. “You look like shit.”
“Is that your professional opinion?”
“Pretty sure anyone who crosses your path is going to say the same thing.” She flashed a smile. “Cheer up, though. Your father is doing much better.”
