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Charlie
Hudson stands before me baring his heart and I’m absolutely speechless. This rugged man that drips sex appeal just told me, the queen of dorks, that he loves me. I blubber out a laugh that sounds more like a snort because I’m also crying. With his hands cupping my face, he wipes my tears away.
“I know I’m coming at you with a life-altering decision,” he says, laughing now too. “I’m sorry, let me slow down a minute. Will you go out with me? Let me take you to dinner?”
“Dinner?”
“Yeah, dinner. A date. Nice dress, no wig required.” He winks and makes me laugh again. I’m a mess and remember all too well how good our night was when I wore that black wig.
“I would love to go out with you,” I tell him, feeling giddy and wrapping my arms around his waist. He leans down to kiss me, and I hop up on my toes to meet him halfway, so excited to feel his lips again. Before the kiss can get too deep, we hear the boys cheering and break apart to peer at them. Their clapping and we both laugh as we squeeze each other tight. He whispers in my ear that he’s not done kissing me and nibbles my ear, proving his point. At my squeal, the guys make gagging noises and laugh at us but then get back on the bus.
“I still can’t believe you’re here.”
“I’m sorry I left.”
“I love you.” I watch his face light up and his smile widen.
“I am so in love with you, Charlotte. I don’t know that I’ve ever been loved by anyone, but I feel it radiating from you and I give you my word that I will do everything in my power to never lose that.” His nose brushes mine in an adorable and intimate way.
“Want to come up to my apartment?”
He groans and pulls me even tighter against his body. “I would love to have you right now, but I want to take you out on a proper date. I want to show you that I love and respect you. I want to give you the world, Charlotte, and I know I need to earn your trust. Let me do that.”
If I weren’t already in love with this man, those words would have done it. I’m a melting puddle in his arms and just nod my excitement.
We do end up going upstairs, but I go to my apartment and he goes to his old one where he finds a suit he left in the closet and I slip into a dress I got from Lyla and hadn’t worn yet. It’s a beautiful maroon, tight, and goes down to my knees. I don’t like how far the front plunges but the look on Hudson’s face when he sees me, changes my mind. This might actually be my new favorite. I feel sexy and cute and oh so loved.
The boys took off in the bus and he rents a car that gets dropped off outside. It’s another gorgeous sports car but I have no idea what it is other than fast. We take off and head out of the city. Along the coast we pull into the parking lot of a beautiful little restaurant. The hostess seats us by the window, all while drooling over my man. That’s right, people; Hudson Smith is all mine, and I’m not letting him go again. We sip wine and he tells me how he doesn’t really drink anymore. The one night he did on tour was a total disaster and he assures me I don’t want to know the details. I assure him he’s probably right while taking another sip.
“I didn’t mean to bring that up. I’m sorry.”
“Sorry for what?”
He takes a deep breath and puts down his glass. “I was a miserable wanker without you, Charlotte. I didn’t lie when I said I haven’t been with anyone, but when I thought I would never see you again, I made the mistake of trying.” He looks so ashamed, and I know I don’t want the details on this subject. I take another large gulp, finishing it, and nod.
“You don’t have to explain it to me; actually it’s probably better that you don’t.”
“I won’t ever lie to you, Charlotte, and I don’t want anyone else but you.” I love the honesty shining in his eyes and smile at him as I nod my understanding.
“So, if I were to pack up my entire life to go with you, what would I do? Try and write from the bus?”
“As surprising as it might be, I wasn’t kidding when I said we all want you to officially join the band. Be a permanent member of Headspace, hell Bandit would even change the name if it meant you would join us. Our number one hit is ‘Taken,’ and our fans are screaming for more. As prideful as Bandit is, he was adamant about begging you to come on board. Ryan agrees businesswise and both Nick and Bryon agree we need you.”
“Wow. I can’t believe our song is so wanted or that the boys really want me to join you guys.”
“I know it’s a lot to ask.” He reaches across the table to intertwine my fingers with his. “You don’t have to join us if this is something you don’t want. I’ve thought a lot about it and if you don’t want to, I will quit. I’ll find something to do in San Diego; hell, I’ll perform on the streets if it’s means coming home to you.”
“No!” I say probably too loudly and look around the restaurant. A few people look my way and while tucking my hair behind my ear, I whisper, “No, I don’t want you to do that. I don’t want you to give up everything you’ve worked so hard for. If you guys really want me, it would be a dream come true to work with you.”
If it’s possible his smile widens at my words and he gets up and comes around the table and takes me into his arms. Kissing me with hope, happiness, and so much desire. When we break, he rubs his nose on mine and sets me back into my seat. He sits down and orders me another glass of wine and our meals. When our dishes come, my pasta is steaming and smells wonderful. Filled to the rim of the plate with crab meat and shrimp and a delicious-looking piece of garlic bread. His steak is sizzling in front of him and we both take a few extra moments to appreciate the aroma before we dig in. It’s worth the wait when we do. The spice in my dish is full of flavor and pairs perfect with my chardonnay. The sunset outside our window makes it all so perfect. The first night of the rest of our lives. For once in my life, I feel like things are working out for me. Like this path is one that leads to happiness and as we talk excitedly about our future together, I feel overcome with gratitude to the universe. I’m so thankful that, even as rocky as my life has been, it’s led me to Hudson, who had a rough path to me, but I hope with all my heart that I can make a life for him that’s worth it.
Driving home is fun and I tease him by running my hand up his inner thigh.
“You’re going to kill us, woman.”
“Don’t be so dramatic, Mr. Smith. I won’t get too carried away,” I say while seductively batting my eyes.
His eyes bulge at me as I use his last name the same way I did the night we were pretending to be other people. I turn in my seat and lean closer into him, whispering in his ear. “Unless you want me too.”
A groan comes from his mouth and he pulls over to a beach front car lot that’s empty and has little to no lights, and I giggle with anticipation.
