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Hope and Ellie hug me, and someone else—I think Toby—whistles loudly. I find Hudson across the living room and smile.
He loves me.
I jump up and down with my friends and then let out a loud whoop. They may think it’s because of the holiday, but Hudson gives me a knowing smile. I want to run up to him, have him catch me, and drop kisses all over his face.
First, I need to tell him I also love him.
26
Hudson
“I’ll see you in ten days.” I squeeze Lex’s hand and tip her chin up so she can’t divert her gaze. I want her looking at me. We shared a lot the last couple of days. The last few weeks, really, but after I confessed my feelings for her on New Year’s Eve and she reciprocated after everyone had left, I knew things had changed.
“I know.” A sad smile finds its way to her lips.
This moment was unavoidable. We both knew it’d come to this, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready for it. It’s the hard truth that one of us will have to sacrifice in our current life if we want our relationship to progress and have a future. As much as I thought I’d have time to do research on any other type of career, I’ve been busy soaking up every second with Lex.
“I’ll call you. We can video chat so I can still see your beautiful face and the smile that lights it up.” I brush my thumb across her cheek.
She nods somberly.
“Baby…” I whisper, pulling her to me and wrapping my arms around her.
When her hands clutch my back, my heart splinters as if an ax has just gone through it. Leaving her is reminiscent of when I left for college. That was a turning point for us—not in a good way—but history doesn’t always have to repeat itself.
Smoothing my hand down her back, I make promises I intend to keep.
“Ten days, and you’ll be with me again.”
“For a short time,” she retorts. “Are we playing a losing game?” Her round eyes look at me, tears filling them.
“No.” I shake my head adamantly. Life isn’t as cruel as to give me a second chance with the woman I’ve always loved and have it take her away from me again. The pain would be too great. I won’t give up, not this time.
“How are you so sure? Your job is over there. My studio is here. It feels very much like deja vu.”
“Because I’ll fight for you.” It’s my one regret that I didn’t fight for her when I should’ve. I just let her slip away.
Not this time.
Her smile isn’t convincing, but I’ll show her with my actions.
“I love you. Remember that when you begin to doubt this.” I sweep a hand across the side of her face, swiping away her hair so I can get a clear view of her.
Lex makes my heart beat to a different rhythm. Upbeat, excited, positive. Like listening to your favorite songs from childhood and reminiscing about how great your life was back then. She shines light into my life. I’m no longer living only to close deals and sell real estate. I want to make her proud.
“I love you, too.” Her fingers brush through the back of my hair, and I close my eyes. The sensation tickles me, causing me to shiver. It’s such a caring touch. Something I haven’t felt since the last time we were a couple.
“You and me, Lex. That’s all that matters.” I press my lips to her forehead and inhale her rose scent.
“Besides, when I miss you, I can now smell you,” I joke, chuckling through the heavy emotions coursing through me.
She snorts and lifts her eyes to mine. “I thought that’d be such an awkward gift. It was Hope’s idea, and I laughed so hard, set on not giving it to you.”
“I’m glad you did. It’ll feel like you’re there with me.” I smirk and inhale exaggeratedly to prove my point.
Lex scrunches up her nose and pushes back. “Weirdo.”
“Nah…” I shake my head and pull her to me.
