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“Whatever,” I stick my tongue out and laugh.
“Look at you two.” Hope smiles over at us from behind the kitchen counter. Toby stands on the other side, staring at her. It’s endearing to see how much he loves her.
“You make me sick,” Ellie jokes.
“Nice to see you, too, Ellie,” Hudson winks at her.
“I really hope more people come, so I’m not the fifth wheel here.”
“Yes, Jody is coming,” Hope says of her cousin.
“Tristan, too. He had to do something and is running late,” Hudson announces.
“Sounds good. I invited Cassie also.” Cassie is the tap teacher at the studio and my only employee.
Soon after, more people arrive. Chatter fills my house as people have appetizers and drinks. Music plays from my tablet. It’s the perfect evening with close friends. Everyone has been catching up and laughing. A soft smile creeps on my face as I observe my friends in my living room while I plate some desserts and grab the crema de vie my mom made.
I squeal when strong arms surprise me when they wrap around my waist, and I look over my shoulder. Hudson stands behind me with a crooked smile.
“Are you having fun?” I nod in response.
“Good. You know that we’re close to midnight.”
I nod again.
“And I’m going to want a New Year’s kiss.”
“You’ve hinted at it,” I turn around and wink, draping my hands over his shoulders. Despite having distance between us, I can feel his warmth.
“Good. Wanted to make sure you didn’t misunderstand my intentions.” The way he says this makes my breath catch.
He emphasizes intentions, his eyes blazing into mine so I can see the honesty swimming in them. He makes me feel whole and cared for. In the past, we didn’t have luck, no matter how much we wanted to have those good intentions. This time he’s making it a point to let me know exactly what he means.
We’re both wearing our hearts on our sleeves, and knowing he’s also being vulnerable in this relationship makes it less scary for me.
“Want me to help you serve the champagne?” He smirks.
“Sure. I could use some help opening the bottles.”
“I’m your man.”
“Yeah, you are,” I sing out and instantly regret it when I realize it was loud enough for Hudson to hear.
He tips his head back and laughs, a throaty full-belly laugh that makes me smile. I’d embarrass myself over again to see this side of him. The side I remember from when we were younger, not the man preoccupied with family obligations and torn between me and said obligations.
Despite the heat filling my face, I laugh along with him.
“Didn’t mean for you to hear that.”
“I’m glad I did.” He wipes the corner of his eye before grabbing the bottles of champagne from the fridge.
“Ohhhh…look at her dress!” Hope points to the television where Sutton Wright, a country artist we love, is performing in New York City.
“It’s gorgeous.” The shimmery fringe dress and cowboy boot ensemble is the perfect country chic outfit for tonight.
“This is my dream outfit,” Ellie comments, practically drooling.
“Do you wish you were there?” I look at Hudson. He could easily be spending the night with friends in some upscale bar or standing in Times Square watching the ball drop live.
