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I tiptoe toward Hudson, holding back my chuckle at his obliviousness, but I hear his harsh tone and halt.
“No. I told you Scott was handling those while I was away.”
I step back, not wanting to interrupt or eavesdrop, but he must sense me because he turns around. His gaze is hard and intense. It’s a contrast to the Hudson I’ve seen this past week and a half. I’ve gotten sweet Hudson, romantic Hudson, and funny Hudson. We went on a sleigh ride the other afternoon, and it was perfect. Now, I’m wondering if he’s even going to want to grab dinner.
“I’ll call you back.” He hangs up the phone and keeps staring at me.
“Sorry,” I say. “I didn’t realize you were on the phone until I approached.”
“It’s okay. Nothing important.”
I purse my lips and lift an eyebrow. “Right. That didn’t sound important at all.”
Hudson sighs, adjusting his winter hat on his head. “My dad’s micromanaging all the way from the sandy beaches of the Caribbean when I told him this week was nonnegotiable for me. I’m on vacation, something I never get to do.”
He took this coming week off since Christmas is on Thursday, and I know he’s looking forward to the time off. Since it’s Friday evening, he’s already off the clock.
“I get it.” I smile. “Ready to go or…”
“Yeah.” He nods, releasing a deep breath. “I’ve been looking forward to seeing you all day.” When his hand seeks mine, I relax.
After Hudson came to my house with my favorite snacks to watch The Holiday, we had a turning point. Something between us just clicked differently than it had up to now. Being in his strong arms while we watched the movie made me dream of my own happy ending. If those two women could end up happily in love with men from different countries, then maybe Hudson and I could make this work living in different states. It’ll still require one of us to make a sacrifice.
That and the fact that his parents don’t think I’m good enough for him. Although, I’m starting to realize that Hudson cares less about his parents’ opinions.
“Where do you want to go for dinner?” He looks over at me.
“I would love tacos. Want to go to the Mexican restaurant across town?” I give him my best smile.
He chuckles and squeezes my hand. “You don’t need to smile for me to please you. We’ll go wherever you want. I’m always down for tacos.”
“Thanks.” I lift his hand and kiss the side of it. “We can take my car.”
“We’ll take mine. The inn is around the corner.” He tugs me closer, draping his arm around my shoulder. I cuddle into him, wrapping my arm around his back. His warmth makes me feel cozy as we get to the inn’s parking lot.
I could get used to nights like this where Hudson meets me after work, and we have dinner together. That would mean he lives in Hartville, and I’m not sure how much of a reality that is.
“Are you okay?” he whispers.
“Yeah.” I nod, not wanting to alarm him. These are insecurities based on our history.
“Okay, good.” He squeezes my shoulder and opens his car door for me.
The drive to the restaurant is quick. Hartville is busy. People are already in the holiday spirit and enjoying time off with family and friends. The energy around town is full of glee. It’s my favorite feeling.
When we get to the restaurant, we have to wait a few minutes before we’re seated. Hudson turns to me and pushes a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Are you done with your plans for the bach party?”
“For the most part. We do need to finalize a few dinner plans. You’ve slacked.”
“I’ve been busy.” He winks. “We can discuss it tonight.”
“Sounds good.” I smile. We’ve both been busy reconnecting, though I did already order the decorations for the suite.
“That reminds me. We may need your help. We want to decorate the suite when we arrive. Ellie is going to distract Hope so I can go into the room. Can you help me so it’ll be faster?”
“I’ve got a better idea.” His fingers lock with mine. “How about we tell Toby and Hope that we need to get out there earlier to make sure everything is ready? That’ll give us a few hours to prep things.”
