“You look tired,” she comments.
I walk over to the couch and sit, if only to mask my erection. Not that it works. Her gaze falls on the lump in my pants, which only makes me harder. All I want to do right now is kiss her, but I don’t want to move things too fast.
“I am,” I agree. “One of my guys—a good friend of mine—just had a kid, so I was by myself on the site today.”
“You don’t have anyone else who can fill in?” she asks.
“I do, but cash flow is a bit of an issue,” I admit “Maybe I should’ve called you. I bet you’d look sexy in a hard hat.”
“Um, no. Besides, I’m much more useful in other ways.” She gets to her feet and walks over to me, her eyes still on my erection.
“Oh yeah? Like what?” I ask, tugging at her belt loop.
I pull her onto my lap and undo the first few buttons of her top and kiss my way down her cleavage. Then I pull her closer to me and slip my hand inside her bra. I cup her breast, my mouth finding its way onto hers.
Shrugging off her top, I toss it aside and run my hands down over her smooth, bare back. She whimpers, her body reacting to my touch, her back arching against the caress of my fingers.
“What are you doing” She breathes as I slide onto the floor, positioning myself between her thighs. Her eyes dart to the open blinds.
“Trust me, we’re not that interesting,” I tease, reading her thoughts.
“I happen to think we’re very interesting,” she argues, lifting her chin.
“You are,” I correct. “Me, not so much.”
I reach behind her back to unclasp her bra, threading it free from her arms. Then I tug at her jeans, which cling so tightly to her petite curves that I'm struggling to get them off.
“Jesus, are these painted on?”
“They’re easy to get off when you know what you’re doing,” she teases, her cheeks tinged pink.
She rolls them over her milky white thighs like she’s done it a thousand times before. I smirk at her and press my lips against hers, then I ease her back against the cushions and nudge her legs apart. She whimpers as I slide my hands along the inside of her thighs, teasing her. She jumps, squirming in her seat, every little sound escaping from those lips driving me crazy.
“You’re so beautiful,” I mutter.
I kiss her thigh, savoring the taste of her soft, salty skin. She leans forward, clutching hold of my hair as she guides me closer to her scent. I groan, thrusting my tongue along her entrance as she gasps. I enter her, flicking my tongue against her clit. She groans, her thighs shaking as I explore her slowly, relishing every second I’m inside her. She tenses and holds me against her, forcing me to go deeper. I oblige, every thrust pushing deeper, until she’s about to come.
“God, I’m so close,” she pants.
Groaning, her shaking fingers grip hold of me as I plunge my tongue inside her. I circle her clit until she can’t handle it. When she pushes my head away, I don’t waste a moment, the need to be inside her overwhelming me. Getting to my feet, I stumble out of my jeans, my cock springing out. She looks dazed as she sits up, her delicate fingers curling around my girth.
“You sure you’re ready for this?” I chuckle. “You look like you need a moment to recover.”
“It was pretty incredible,” she admits. She pulls me down on the couch and climbs on top of me. “But I have a feeling this is going to be even better.”
My hands firmly grip her waist as she slides down hard onto my cock. I grunt as I penetrate her, my length driving into her slick pussy. She tilts her head, rocking back and forth against my rhythm, her lips pressed against mine.
“Yes,” she gasps, grinding her body against mine.
I kiss her roughly, my body tensing as I fuck her. She feels so tight as she contracts around my cock. Jerking forward, blood pumps through me as I come hard. My body spasms as I release inside her.
I lift her off me and cradle her in my arms. I push a strand of hair away from her sweaty forehead and kiss her, my heart swelling with desire. She sighs contentedly as she snuggles against me.
“Bet you weren’t expecting that, huh?” I murmur in her ear.
When she doesn’t answer, I tilt my head enough to get a glimpse of her face. Sure enough, she’s fallen asleep in my arms. I give her a few more minutes and then I scoop her up and carry her into the bedroom.
Lying her on the bed, I climb in beside her, and then gently bring the covers up over us. She stirs, just long enough to snuggle into the crest of my arm. Her head rests on my shoulder., soft, rhythmic snores escaping her lips, which I find oddly comforting. I lean down and kiss her gently on the forehead. There’s so much more to her than she realizes. I just wish I knew how to show her that.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Valentina
“Come on, V,” Holly begs. “I haven’t seen you in ages.”
“I know, I’ve been so busy,” I fib.
I feel a twinge of guilt for lying to my friend.
“You’ve really taken to this whole joining the workforce thing.” Holly giggles. “I’m impressed. I was almost going to drop in and see you yesterday.”
“No,” I say a little too loudly. “I mean, my boss hates it when I get distracted,” I ramble, quickly backtracking.
The last thing I need is Holly rocking up at my work and wondering where I am. I take a deep breath. I need to tell her what’s going on with Hudson and me, and it needs to be today. If I don’t, I’m going to end up regretting it.
“How about lunch today?” I suggest. “Maybe we can meet at the social club?”
“Okay, sure. I’ll ask Pen if she can join us,” Holly suggests.
“Sure.” I suppress a giggle. I already know Pen will come up with whatever excuse she can to avoid being seen with me, but I don’t want to tell Holly that. “I’ll see you at lunch.”
Aside from the whole lying to my best friend thing, I’m looking forward to it.
The last few days have been a whirlwind of Hudson, Hudson, and more Hudson. What shocks me the most is how much I’m starting to enjoy his company. I like him much more than I expected and more than I probably should. Not being able to talk about any of this with anyone makes the whole thing even more confusing.
I've been avoiding Holly completely, so the topic of Hudson didn't come up. I know I need to tell her, but I'm not sure how she’s going to react, and to be honest, that scares me. She's my best friend. Hell, these days, she's my only friend. I can’t risk losing that.
We meet for lunch at the club, just like we would’ve done a few weeks ago, before my life changed. The suggestion just rolled off my tongue, because it's our go-to haunt. Too bad for me, I hadn't factored in that my status has changed, or that I am still a hot topic of gossip in town.
The moment I walk through those doors, it feels different. I can feel people staring at me. Usually, I wouldn't care, but with everything going on, my confidence has taken a hit. I spy a group of women sitting around a table in the corner. They whisper and point at me as I walk past. I stiffen, sure I heard my name, but I force myself to keep walking until I reach Holly’s table.
“Hey!” She smiles as I flop down next to her.
“Hey,” I reply, still feeling tense.
“What's wrong?” she asks, peering at me.
I force a smile. “Nothing.”
I flinch when the table behind us starts laughing. Holly’s eyes dart to them and then back at me. She shakes her head.
“Just ignore them,” she says softly.
“Easier said than done,” I mutter. I wish I could ignore them.
“They’ve got nothing better to do than gossip. It’s you today, but next week it will be something else.”
“It was still me last week, remember?” I remind her. “It’s fine. I don’t even know why I chose this place. I don’t even like it here.”
“Me neither,” Holly whispers, and we both giggle. “So what have you been up to?” she adds. “I feel lik
e I haven't seen you in ages.”
“It has been a while,” I agree. “Not much, really. Just trying to keep myself busy so I don’t have to think about things.” That much is true.
Holly smiles as she reaches out, touching my hand.
“I'm proud of you, V. You've really stepped up and taken control of your life. I admire you so much for that. How you’re willing to do whatever you need to without complaining about it? Not many people could bounce back like you have.”
“Really, it’s nothing,” I mutter.
I feel like a world-class fraud. Every time I psych myself up to tell her about Hudson, I can’t go through with it.
“Are you sure everything is okay?” Holly’s brows furrow, her lips pressing into a tight line. “You're really quiet, and it’s not like you not to own a compliment.”
“Sorry, I’ve just got a lot on my mind,” I mumble.
Holly gives me a sympathetic look. “Your Dad?”
“Yes,” I reply, ignoring the stab of guilt ripping through me.
“So he still won’t talk to you?”
“Nope. Nothing,” I mutter.
The truth is, I’ve been so caught up in this thing with Hudson, my issues with Dad have been put on the back burner. Or maybe I’m using this whole baby thing to avoid thinking about how angry I still am with my father. I know it’s not healthy to bottle everything up, but if he won’t speak to me, what can I do to fix it?
You could try harder and make him see you.
“Don’t you think?”
Her question drags me from my thoughts, but I’m saved by the buzzing of my phone. I’m relieved, until I glance down at it and see Hudson's name flashing on the screen. I fumble to snatch it up quickly, but it falls out of my hands and crashes to the floor.
“I’ll get it,” Holly offers, while I watch in horror. As she hands it to me, the screen lights up again. She frowns, and then looks at me, confused.
“Hudson?” she asks. “Why is my brother messaging you?”
My face heats up. I try to think of an excuse, but it’s too late. She’s figured it out.
“You and my brother?” she gasps. “You’re kidding, right?”
“It's not how it looks…”
I stop, because it’s probably worse than it looks.
“Please, Hols, let me explain—”
“Explain what? That you and my brother are having a baby to get your hands on your inheritance?” she accuses.
“Wait, it was your idea that I ask him in the first place,” I protest.
“Because I thought you’d never go for it,” she retorts. “You’re using him. You’re getting what you want and then throwing him away.”
“He’s using me just as much,” I argue. “I’m not pretending to like him or that I’m leading him on. I was honest, and I gave him a business proposition.”
“Then why hide it from me?” Holly asks, anguish clear on her face. I open my mouth to reply, but then I realize I don’t know how to. “I don’t know,” I admit.
“Because you knew I wouldn’t approve.”
“Maybe,” I mumble.
“You know what?” Holly shakes her head. “I'm not even upset about what you’re doing. It's the fact that you hid it from me. How long has it been going on? When did you ask him to do this?”
I cast my eyes downward. “The day you suggested it.”
She laughs. “So you’ve been sitting on this for a week?” She laughs again. “I can't believe this. Is that why you've been avoiding me?”
“I haven't been avoiding you—”
“Oh, come off it,” she growls. “Every time I’ve called you, you haven’t answered. You’re vague responding to text messages. Hudson has been the same. I practically had to drag you out today. Did you even go back to that job?”
I shake my head. “Holly, I'm sorry. I really am. If I haven't been answering your calls, it's only because I’m embarrassed. I didn't know how to tell you—”
“Just be honest with me. It's what I've always done for you. That's all I expect from you. You know I'd never judge you, right?” she asks.
I nod. “I do know that.”
She’s one of the most genuine people I know.
“I'm just hurt that you couldn't tell me that my brother actually agreed to do this with you.” She shakes her head, and I swear I see a hint of a smile on her lips.
“Gosh, I’m going to be an aunt.” She laughs suddenly. “My brother is going to have a kid. That’s kind of hilarious.”
“Let’s not get too carried away. I'm not even pregnant yet,” I remind her.
“But you guys are … well, you know.” She screws up her nose.
I laugh. “You really want to talk about this with me?”
She makes a face. “No. On second thought, I really don't.”
I laugh, the relief I'm feeling incredible. For a moment there, I thought I'd really lost my friend. I'm not sure I could handle that.
“Do you forgive me?” I ask.
She smiles and reaches for my hand.
“What do you think,” she grumbles. “Of course I do. Just don't lie to me again. I mean it.”
We spend the rest of the afternoon catching up, and by the end of our time together, I’m feeling great. As it turns out, a light, no drama chat with my best friend was exactly what I needed. Speaking with Holly and clearing the air made me realize how nervous I was about telling her. I’m so glad she’s okay with the idea, because I don’t think I could go through a pregnancy without her by my side.
“Thanks for this,” I say, hugging her outside the club.
“I should be the one thanking you,” she replies. “You’re going to give me a little niece or nephew.” She giggles. “I’m so excited for you, V. You and Hudson are going to be so great together.”
“You know the us being together part is just for show, right?” I tease her.
“Do you know that?” she teases back. “I know. Even if you guys can’t see it yet, you’re going to be really good for each other. You’ll see.”
I laugh and hug her one last time, before walking over to my car.
“Oh and, V?”
I look at Holly, and her eyes gleam.
“Don’t tell Hudson I know.”
I laugh. “My lips are sealed.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Hudson
“Honey, I’m home,” I murmur.
I knock gently on her apartment door before unlocking it and walking inside.
Sorry—our apartment door.
It’s been a few days since we’d decided to give this a red hot go, and one of the biggest changes was coming to the agreement that I should move in. Not that it really feels all that much like home, since there isn’t much around here of mine, but I’ve been here every night this week.
I walk in, relieved she’s not here. Now the dinner I’m planning to cook her can stay a surprise. She’s been under so much pressure with trying to get pregnant and this mess with her cousin that Valentina needs a night off. Tonight isn’t about sex or having a baby; it’s about us getting to know each other on another level.
I set my bags on the counter and unpack my ingredients. There’s only one dish I really know how to make, but I do it well. Well, enough to fool her into believing I can actually cook.
I’m just throwing the last of the ingredients into my pot for the sauce of my pasta when my phone buzzes. I pick it up, expecting it to be Valentina, but I get my sister instead.
Holly: Are you going to let me in?
For a second, I go into full blown panic mode.
She’s here, and she knows. She must have seen me outside.
No. I’m being paranoid.
She’s probably at my apartment and assumes I haven’t heard her knocking.
Me: Sorry, not at home. What’s up?
God, I hate lying to Holly, but I haven’t told anyone that Valentina and I are together—or details of the inheritance—least of all Holly. A knock sounds on t
he front door, and I shit myself all over again. Maybe my first instinct was right. I sprint over to the security camera, where I’m relieved to see Valentina’s face staring back at me. I walk over to the door.
“You scared the heck out of me—"
I stop, because Holly’s there too. She steps forward and slaps me on the arm.
“Something you want to tell me, asshole?” she accuses.
“Ouch,” I grumble, tenderly rubbing my arm. “I take it you know?”
“What gave it away?” she asks, shaking her head at me. “You should have told me.” She looks from me to V. “You both should have told me.”
“I know, I'm sorry. I wasn’t trying to hide anything from you on purpose. I just didn't want to get Valentina in trouble,” I say, glancing at Valentina.
“You’re lucky I can’t stay angry at either of you.” Holly sighs. “You both have some serious groveling to do, though. You can start tonight. I’ll accept food and alcohol.”
“Tonight?” I laugh. “Sorry, but no—it’s not happening. I’m cooking dinner for Valentina.”
“You are?” Valentina looks at me in surprise.
I shrug, like it’s not a big deal, even though it kind of is.
“I know you’ve been going through a bit of stress with your cousin, so I thought we could relax a little.”
Her eyes warm as they lock on mine. “That’s really sweet.”
“Oh my God, you two are so perfect for each other.” Holy grimaces as she looks past me and into the kitchen. “So, what are you making?”
“My famous spaghetti and meatballs,” I announce proudly.
“I should've guessed, since it’s about the only thing you know how to cook.” Holly giggles. “Lucky for me, it’s one of my favorites.”
“Unlucky,” I correct her. “Because you’re not invited.”
“But I love your spaghetti.” She pouts, poking her lip out pathetically.
“Okay, but you might not love what I have planned for dessert.” I wink. “And possibly during dinner. And before dinner…”
“Oh, God that’s disgusting,” she rants, making a face. “I’m outta here. Make sure you use protection—” She pauses, a devilish grin on her face. “Wait, that kind of defeats the purpose, doesn’t it?”
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