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She was still humming Christmas songs when she got home and checked her watch. Liam was with Hudson out at the lodge, doing whatever it was that men did when getting ready for an open house. Rebecca planned on making the most of her time alone. She filled the tub with hot water and slid inside. She had two hours all to herself before swinging by Violet’s to pick up her special present for the man she loved. She smiled at the thought and closed her eyes.
Christmas Eve Night
Hudson
A year ago on Christmas Eve, Hudson had been nursing a whiskey in some dive bar in DC, trying like hell to forget about the holidays. It said something, this turn of events, that found him in a place he loved, surrounded by people he loved even more.
And sure, some of those relationships needed work. Like anything, relationships weren’t simple things. They were messy and complicated. Sometimes painful and hard. He’d made amends with his father, as best he could, and hoped one day his brothers would find a way as well. At least before the old man passed. Neither one of them had been able to make it back for Christmas, and though John accepted their lame excuses, Hudson knew it hurt.
He also knew his father expected it. He’d said about as much when he and Darlene had left an hour earlier. “Thanksgiving wasn’t exactly a success, son.”
That was an understatement. It had been awkward and uncomfortable. Travis had left town within twenty-four hours of arriving. Hell, Wyatt had only managed to stay a few days longer. He’d stuck around to accept an award given out by a local car enthusiast organization. Given the fact he’d somehow managed to get into a fender bender leaving the ceremony, Hudson was guessing Wyatt wished he’d left when Travis did.
Nash slapped him on the shoulder. “This place looks great. You and Becca did an amazing job.”
The two men had just finished gathering up glasses and trays. Rebecca had taken Liam up to bed, and once Nash was gone, that was exactly where Hudson was headed. The thought brought a smile to his face as he tossed a dish towel onto the counter.
“Seriously, Hudsy. You keep that goofy look on your face, and Rebecca is going to know.”
“Know what?”
“That she’s got you fully and completely by the balls.”
He followed his friend from the kitchen. “She’s the only one who’s got permission to go near them. Totally fine with it.”
“Yeah,” Nash murmured as he slipped into his leather jacket. “I see that.” He glanced outside. “Taxi’s here.”
The two men stared at each other for a few moments and then slapped shoulders and hugged the way men do.
“Look at us,” Nash said, hand on the door. “All respectable and shit. Never thought we’d both be back here, me with a bar and you with this place. When you opening?”
“We’ll start slow. Advertise for some bookings in the summer and go from there.”
Nash nodded. “Merry Christmas, Hudsy.”
Hudson closed the door and locked it. He turned off the lights and made sure everything was off in the kitchen before heading up to the second floor. The main lodge featured four bedrooms, with the large master at the back, overlooking the lake. The door was open slightly, and soft light spilled onto the hallway.
He walked inside and found Rebecca sitting in front of the fireplace. She’d wrapped herself in a large blanket, and he paused, drinking in her profile as the light cast shadows over her face.
It hit him then—hard in the chest. Could a guy get everything he wanted? Was it possible to have this much love and keep it?
“Everyone gone?” she asked, turning slightly and gazing up at him.
Hudson nodded. He didn’t answer, because there was no way in hell he could speak. His throat was closed up as tight as a damn drum. Being here with Rebecca had him humbled. The woman didn’t know it, but she could bring him to his knees if she wanted. That kind of power was scary.
But then, being totally and unequivocally in love with someone was scary and thrilling and wonderful and a whole bunch of things he didn’t have words for.
“Everyone’s gone,” he replied. He sat beside her and gazed into the fire. “It was a great party.”
She nodded slowly and turned to him. “It was.”
Her eyes were luminous, their depths like glass. Hudson couldn’t help himself. He leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to her mouth. Already his body was hot and tight, filled with the need for a woman he
would never let go of. She opened beneath him immediately, letting him inside, and he kissed her with all the passion and want and need he possessed. When he finally dragged his mouth away, he was breathless.
He rested his forehead on hers. “Hold on, babe. I need to do something before we get carried away.”
With his heart nearly beating out of his chest, Hudson got to his knees and reached into the front pocket of his jeans. There, nestled for the entire evening, was a small box. He fingered it for a few seconds and then withdrew it. It was black velvet and delicate.
