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“We’re here.” The cab driver breaks the spell cast over us, and I blink my eyes, leaning back. My lips part as I breathe heavily. Hudson seems to be doing the same.
“Thanks.” He clears his throat and opens the door.
Sliding out, he reaches for my hand and helps me out. I race to shelter under the hotel’s awning while Hudson pays our cab driver. Then, he’s stalking toward me with long strides.
“I’ll walk you up.” He whispers in my ear, wrapping his arm around my back in a half-hug.
I nod against him and lead the way, his hand in mine.
Hudson has always been the person to fill my heart with love and make me feel safe. For so long, I thought I was replaceable in his life, but he’s showing me that was never the case.
30
Hudson
Having Lex here these last couple of days has been amazing. I’ve loved showing her around the city, and since it’s the last day of the conference, I have something special planned. Lex being here has provided the distraction I need, too. My dad didn’t love the idea that I wasn’t going to Texas. I’d guess it’s because his manipulative plan backfired and not because of a deal.
I called the developer I was supposed to meet with, and he told me next month was actually better for him, but my dad had insisted we meet this week—more proof of his scheming. I’m over it.
When Tristan told me about our mom’s bribe, I knew my parents had gone too far. My mind’s been racing with ideas, all of them leading to the same conclusion—cut ties. I allowed them to mess with my life when I was younger, but not anymore. I learned from that mistake. Wanting distance from them only created a barrier between the woman I love and me. But being in Hartville won’t make it easier.
With a chaos of ideas going nowhere, I grab my phone and send Lex a message.
Hudson: Dinner tonight. I’ll pick you up at the school
I put my phone down and smirk. She checked out of her hotel this morning and insisted on taking her bag with her to the conference instead of having me pick it up before she left. She’s brave to drag a small suitcase through these streets. I wish I could see her. No doubt she’ll get a few unimpressed comments.
Then, she’s spending the night in my apartment. I didn’t want her leaving after the conference and driving at night, but more than that, I didn’t want to say goodbye yet. When I left Hartville, I knew I’d see her in ten days. This time around, it’ll be three weeks before we go to the bach party. Too long for my liking.
A smile takes over when my phone lights up. I open up Lex’s message, not focusing at all on work. I should call it a day.
Lex: Can’t wait. I’ll be done by 3
Hudson: I’ll be there
I look over some properties I need to show next week, learning all the details. They’re all luxury homes, like everything we represent. As nice as the commission is, it gets old dealing with one side of society.
Hopefully, time goes by quickly, or I’ll sit outside the school and wait for Lex for two hours.
“I need to shower and change before we go out. Should I dress up?” Lex smiles over at me, our intertwined hands swinging between us. I drag her suitcase with my other hand as we get up to the street from the nearest subway stop near my apartment.
“Hmmm…yeah, dress up tonight.” We’ve gone to laid-back places the last two evenings, but today I’m bringing out the big guns.
“Okay. I’ll be as quick as possible.”
“No rush.” I squeeze her hand and smile. I could see us living a life like this, being married, coming home together after work, having date nights. I want that.
“Good,” she breathes out. “I really need to wash my hair.” Her nose scrunches up.
I chuckle and look at her bun. It looks fine to me, but who knows.
“You have plenty of time, promise. We’re going to dinner at seven and then a surprise.”
“You know I don’t like surprises.” She turns her head and looks at me.
“This is a good one.” I wink.
“I guess I’ll have to deal with it,” she shakes her head in mock annoyance.
