AllFreeNovel
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“He totally will. I think it’s sweet,” Hope says.
“I think I’m going to give it to him tomorrow. He’s coming over for dinner and mentioned a surprise, sooooo it could be a gift?” I scrunch up my nose.
It’s been so long since I’ve been in a relationship, and Hudson isn’t new in my life, but the feel of our relationship feels new. It’s exciting and scary, and sometimes I wonder if I’m in over my head. We still have the same issues that tore us apart the first time, but I hope our maturity will make for a different outcome.
“Enjoy the ride, babes,” Hope clutches my hand. “Trust and let go. You’re amazing and deserve this happiness.”
I nod, softly smiling as I avert my gaze. Internally, I’m squeeing like a teen in love. I can’t believe my life has taken this turn.
23
Lex
Powdered sugar puffs around me, and I inhale it, causing me to cough. I wave a hand in front of my face and step back from the bowl. I’m pretty sure I’m dressed head-to-toe in butter and sugar. Maybe even some cocoa from the cake mix.
I huff and focus on making the frosting again, lowering the speed on the mixer so that the powdered sugar doesn’t fly everywhere again. Rookie mistake. Once the butter and sugar are blended, I add cream cheese to the frosting and mix again. No red velvet cake is complete without cream cheese frosting.
Over the buzzing of the mixer, the doorbell rings. I keep mixing a moment more before stopping to answer the door.
“I’m coming,” I call out when the doorbell rings again. I’m not sure if whoever’s at the door can hear me or not, but they’ll have to wait another second.
Seeing the frosting mostly mixed, I head to the door and pull it open. My eyes bug out when I see Hudson standing there dressed in a light green sweater and dark jeans.
“Uh…” I cross my arms and look down at myself and back at him in confusion. I know we didn’t agree to meet at this time.
I’m still in my ratty pajamas. The more holes the shirt has, the more comfortable it is. My hair’s a knotted mess at the top of my head, and I’m pretty sure I haven’t put on deodorant yet today.
“Hey,” Hudson smirks. “Were you having a fight with…” He tilts his head to examine me, “flour?”
“Powdered sugar,” I grumble. “What are you doing here?”
“Well, I thought we could spend the day together. I didn’t have anything to do since I’m on vacation and wanted to see my favorite girl.” His smile is blinding.
“I’m…I-I need to shower,” I announce.
Hudson laughs, deep and full, before stepping forward on my porch. He bends down to kiss my cheek, and I hold my breath. Please don’t let me smell. Please don’t let me smell.
“You smell sweet. Definitely sugar.”
I nod in silence and look up at him. I would’ve preferred to be showered and dressed in normal clothes before he showed up.
“Come in. I’m just gonna go shower really fast.” I keep my arms crossed as if that will hide the holes in my shirt.
“Take your time.” Hudson walks into my house, and that’s when I notice he’s carrying a large bag.
I haven’t even wrapped his gift yet, hoping to do it once I finish baking.
“It smells good in here. What are you making?” He turns to look at me.
“Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting for dinner tomorrow.”
“I love red velvet.”
“I know.” I nod with a soft smile.
“Is that my old Hartville High t-shirt?” Hudson raises an eyebrow.
“Be right back.” I rush to my bedroom to avoid answering the question and look around like a madwoman. It is indeed his shirt, and I do love it, so I’d wear it and pretend it was mine and not his.
