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“Really? Then I think we need to fix that.”
He raised his glass. “Agreed.”
“You know, I really am sorry for what I said earlier. It’s not my place.”
“But you were right. I don’t treat people like people. I’ve never had to. I spend most of my time alone.”
“Why?”
“I don’t have anyone to spend time with. No one of importance, at least. And I decided a long time ago to stop spending time with people who weren’t important.”
“Any reason why?”
He shook his head. “That’s a story for another night.”
Our conversation remained on frivolous topics the rest of the dinner. We discussed our trip to the beach. He asked me multiple times which one I wanted to go to, and if I wanted to go at night or during the day. He was actually interested in what I wanted. My outburst from earlier had done some good.
As we left the restaurant, he offered me his arm to escort me to the town car, and I realized I didn't want to go back yet. For the first time in what felt like a lifetime, I was on a real date, like something out of the movies.
“I don't want to go back yet.”
“Aren’t you exhausted? I mean, I know you slept on the plane…”
“It doesn't matter.” I took off my shoes, and held them by the straps while I started to walk down the cold cobblestone street towards the beach. “You promised.”
He started to chase after me, but I could hardly run in the heavy gown, and even after I pulled it up above my knees, it still dragged in the back.
“Let me take those for you.” He offered his hands to my shoes after we slowed down.
“Oh that's very nice of you. Have you ever done anything like this before?”
He shook his head. “I don't think I've ever been to a beach at night.”
“No, I mean offered to do something for someone else just because it was a nice thing to do.”
He stopped in the middle of the street. “Do you ever just let things happen?”
I turned around. “Not really.”
“Why are you always analyzing me?”
“That's part of what I do. I'm just trying to figure out who you are.”
“Why do you want to know so badly?”
“Because there's something here. There’s something between us, and I just have to figure it out. Because as much as you infuriate me sometimes, all I want you to do is kiss me.”
There was something about the wine that had made me incredibly honest. I turned around, and walked to the beach, while he stayed several feet behind me. When my toes reached the sand, it was cold and squishy under my feet, so I held my dress up so it wouldn’t get dirty. Right before I reached the water, Hudson came up behind me and ran his fingers along my neck. He whispered in my ear, “We agreed, no strings attached. You’re not playing by the rules.”
I turned around. “I don't feel like that’s an option anymore.” I wanted him to kiss me so desperately it hurt. Hudson made me feel crazy, and it was intoxicating.
He dropped my shoes in the sand, and they landed with a thud. “I want to watch you swim.”
“But I don't…” He reached his arms behind me, and undid the clasp that held my halter together. Slowly, he pulled down the fabric in front of me. I felt my exposed breasts meet the night air, and goose bumps broke out on my skin. He kissed the side of my neck, and allowed the dress to drop the rest of the way down into the sand. I was left with nothing, but a pair of nude underwear.
“Are you happy with your purchase?”
“You have no idea.”
