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“Oh, no, that’s really not necessary,” I protest, taken aback by his offer. As much as I appreciate his kindness, I don’t want to feel like a burden or seem ungrateful.
“Come on, Harper. You’ve had a rough day, and you could use some food,” Hudson insists, his tone firm yet gentle. “I won’t take no for an answer.”
My stomach betrays me with a loud growl, and I can’t help but laugh at the timing. “Alright,” I say, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation at the thought of spending more time with Hudson. It’s been so long since I’ve had a chance to relax and enjoy myself, even if it’s just a simple meal with a new friend.
As he turns to leave, I can’t help but notice the way his shirt clings to his muscular frame, his strong arms flexing with each movement. I swallow hard, forcing my thoughts back to the present and reminding myself of the purpose of this impromptu outing.
“Wait, Hudson,” I call out to him as he’s about to leave the room. “This isn’t a date or anything, right? Just, you know, two people getting a meal.”
He chuckles and turns back to face me with a playfully mischievous glint in his eyes. “Of course not, Harper. Wouldn’t dream of it,” he assures, his voice laced with a hint of teasing. “We’re just two hungry people in need of sustenance.”
“Good,” I say, relieved but also slightly disappointed for reasons I can’t quite place. “It’s important we’re on the same page.”
“Absolutely,” Hudson agrees, nodding solemnly. “Now, why don’t you freshen up? You’ll find the bathroom right through that door. And don’t worry, it’s all yours. We have our own.”
“Thanks,” I murmur, grateful for the privacy of an ensuite bathroom.
I step into the opulent bathroom, my breath catching in my throat as I take in the extravagance of my surroundings. The gleaming marble tiles underfoot and the large jacuzzi tub beneath a crystal chandelier create an atmosphere of luxury I’ve never experienced before. A part of me still feels out of place, but Hudson’s kindness and assurance have done much to quell my unease.
5
HARPER
The water feels amazing as it cascades down my body, reminding me that it’s been days since the last time I actually took a shower, considering I’ve been in the hospital for so long, in a coma.
Not to mention, this water gets way hotter and stays that way far longer than the water back at my old apartment above the bakery ever did.
It’s clear that the boys have gone out to get me a few toiletries, given all the options I have, all of them way more expensive and lavish than anything I would have gotten myself.
Once all the conditioner is out of my hair, I shut the valve off and reach up to yank the towel off the top to wrap it around my body while I wring the excess water out of my hair.
And then the realization hits me…the only clothes I have are the ones on the floor, the dirty ones I wore out of the hospital, which were the very same from the day of the fire.
When I was trying to salvage whatever was left from my bakery and apartment, there wasn’t much, and definitely not any clothes. I need to go shopping to get some more, but for now…I need to borrow some clothes from Hudson.
That is, at least, if I don’t want to walk around naked.
The rhythmic tapping of knuckles on the door pulls me out of my thoughts, and I barely have time to register the sound before Hudson’s voice follows. “Harper? Are you okay in there? It’s been a while since the shower cut off.”
Is he stalking me?
“Y-yeah,” I stammer, scrambling to my feet. My heart races as I approach the door, my palms slick with nervous sweat.
Taking a deep breath, I open the door and am immediately struck by the warmth radiating from Hudson’s concerned gaze. His eyes roam over my figure briefly, taking in the fact that the only thing stopping him from seeing my naked body is a thin towel.
“I’m fine,” I assure him, swallowing hard. “It’s just…I lost all my clothes in the fire. Would you mind if I borrowed some of yours?” I ask hesitantly.
“Of course,” he says without missing a beat, his voice low and soothing like the purr of a lion. “You don’t have to feel so scared to ask me for anything. Whatever you need, I’m here.”
“Thank you,” I reply softly, relieved by his willingness to help, but also acutely aware of the power dynamics at play between us.
As I follow Hudson down the hallway, I can’t help but let my thoughts wander to what it would be like to feel his skin pressed against mine. His lips…they look so soft, and I can only imagine how they would feel against mine.
What is going on with me? These thoughts should be far from my mind.
He leads me to his bedroom, which is decorated in dark blue and gray with a modern design. The room feels masculine and sophisticated, just like Hudson himself. As my eyes wander, I notice a plush couch against one wall and a small table with a checkers game set up on it. It seems like a cozy spot to relax and unwind, perhaps even engage in some friendly competition.
“Make yourself at home,” Hudson tells me, gesturing toward his closet. “Go through whatever you want to find what you need.” He sits down on the couch, crossing one leg over the other as he starts to play on his phone.
