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“If you need anything, please let us know. We’re at your service.”
“Thanks.” I smile, confused as to why he’s saying that when we’re still in the hall.
I open the door and step in, freezing. I glance back at the number and confirm it’s the suite assigned to us. Why is there a box of pizza on the coffee table? The porter smiles and begins wheeling the cart inside. I’m forced to step in as well so that he doesn’t crash into me, and my heart stops when I find Hudson leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets.
My head snaps back at the porter, who’s already piling my bags near the entrance without concern.
“Hi.” His deep voice washes over me.
“Hi.” My beating heart echoes in my ears, whispering hope into my being.
Hudson leans off the wall and slowly steps toward me. I hold my breath.
“You look beautiful.” He breathes out.
I’m stuck in place, staring at him. The thump of the door closing behind us is muffled by my continuing erratic heartbeat.
“What…” I shake my head.
“I’m sorry.” He doesn’t let me finish. “I’m so sorry, Lex. I messed up big time.” He stands mere inches from me, and the scent of his cologne invades my senses. His heat envelops me, and it takes everything in me not to close my eyes and sag into him.
“When you told me the news, I became blind with excitement. I disregarded your feelings and dreams when I’m the one that’s unhappy. I shouldn’t have said the things I did. I know how much you care.” He reaches for my hands.
“I love you more than anything. I’ll grovel, beg, plead for your forgiveness. I just want you back in my life.” He drops to his knees. His hands remain in mine, his lips turned down and eyes full of sadness.
I bite back, holding in tears. Shaking my head, I drop to my knees. We’re equally at blame, and both said things we shouldn’t have.
“I’m sorry, too.” A tear rolls down my cheek and the corner of my lip. “I-I got so upset, the past still lingering. I love my job, but I love you more. Of course, I do. Us, our relationship means everything to me.” I tilt my head and look at him.
“I don’t get to pretend my stubbornness and emotions didn’t get between us as well. I just need you to understand that my studio is my dream. It’s what I’ve always strived for. Teaching at the college level doesn’t allow me to share my passion the same way I can with younger students in my own place. I get to decide how I teach and how I run my business. It gives me freedom.” My lips press into a tight line, Hudson’s eyes never wavering from mine.
His hands squeeze mine, and he nods. I take a deep breath, ready to say the rest of my piece.
“Moving away to not have to deal with your parents isn’t a way to live. That’s escaping a situation, not facing it, and healing from it. You need to for your own sake. Forget theirs, but you need to heal.” I move one of my hands over his heart. It’s beating as rapidly as mine.
“You’re right.” His words are low and hoarse.
“I don’t want to be right. I want to be happy.” I drop my hand from his chest.
“I want to make you happy.” His head falls forward.
“I was happy with you. So happy.” I hold his chin and lift his head. He leans into my touch, warming my heart. In this moment, he looks so much like the teenager I fell in love with all those years ago.
Without responding, his strong arms wrap around me. I fall forward into him but don’t complain. His scent surrounds me. His warmth and love create a bubble around us. When I hug him, he releases a heavy breath.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers into my ear.
I shiver when his breath tickles the top of my neck.
“I’m sorry, too.” I tighten my hold around him.
“I’ve missed you so much. Talking, seeing your face, video chatting.”
I bury my face into the crook of his neck and shoulder, breathing lighter than I have the last few weeks. Hudson pulls me closer until I’m flush against him, resting me on his thighs.
“I love you.” He leans his head back to look at me, brushing away my hair from my face.
“I love you, too, but…” I bite my lower lip and look away. “We’re still in the same situation.”
