The ride to my apartment is quiet. We haven’t said much beyond me giving him directions. Both our elbows are resting together, barely grazing one another, on the center console of Hudson’s small SUV. Every time we hit a bump, they rub together even more. It’s strange how attractive it is, how good his arm feels rubbing against mine. His freakin’ arm. Like that’s supposed to be sexy or something.
I study him as he drives. He has his left arm extended, resting easily on the steering wheel. He looks comfortable but alert. Even his driving is sexy.
He’s in his usual attire: plain shirt—this time a light green one—and jeans, an outfit that’s so simple and somehow so damn good-looking. His black hair is messy, and his face is covered in about two days’ worth of stubble. So effortless, so handsome, so fucking hot.
I think he can feel my stare because his chest starts rising and falling in fast spurts and he’s swallowed roughly ten times since I’ve looked over at him. I can see tiny beads of sweat forming on his neck.
Suddenly, his tongue glides out, wetting his bottom lip swiftly. My eyes track every second of it. I inhale sharply and notice he’s really sweating now.
He reaches out and flicks the AC on. It’s September. In Massachusetts. AC is not needed.
“Left or right?” he asks, his voice thicker than normal.
I swallow loudly. “Right. Then left. 180E.”
He nods once then the car grows quiet again, leaving just breathing to fill the space.
I’m not certain where this sudden sexual tension is coming from, not sure if it’s because we’re in a confined space together for the first time since our car ride after the blind date, or if it’s because of how connected we are.
Hudson parks in front of my building. We unclick our seatbelts and just sit there, staring up at the apartments.
Then we start talking at the same time.
“Do you want to come up?”
“Can I see you again?”
We laugh. He motions for me to talk first.
“Uh, would you like to come up? I mean it’s only fair that I show you my place since I’ve seen yours.”
He smiles. “I’d like that.”
We climb out of the car and Hudson follows me up the stairs. I stop at my door and look to him. He seems to read my mind.
“Rae, you’re just giving me a tour. That’s all this is. I know that. Relax. I’m not expecting anything. Promise.”
I nod and unlock my door. He trails me inside, walking so close I can feel the heat coming off him. Flipping on the light switch, I glance around the room, checking to make sure there aren’t any stray bras or underwear lying about. We may be women, who are usually way more organized than men, but we aren’t saints. We Kamden ladies are a messy duo.
“Welcome to my digs. This is the living room.” I point to the couch. “That’s where I fell in love with Will Cooper.”
“Lucky bastard,” Hudson says with that smirk of his.
“I agree.”
We spend the next few minutes walking through my small apartment. I point out but don’t show him the bedrooms; I feel like that would be too tempting right now.
He notices.
“What, not going to show me your bedroom? Afraid I’ll talk you straight into bed, Rae?” he teases.
“So terrified,” I retort in a falsely snappy tone. He has no idea how close to right he is. “You’re not even close.”
“Then what is it? Do you have some embarrassing secret you’re hiding?” The smirk is in full force now.
“No,” I say a little too quickly, my hand flying to the doorknob in case he tries to open it. His eyes track my movements.
Hudson inches in closely, holding my stare. He places his hand on top of the one I have on the doorknob and I can feel his breath on my face. His eyes are churning their usual green-blue color, captivating me more than ever before. “You have me all kinds of curious now, Rae.” His voice is quiet, sexy, and dangerous to my nervous system. “You gonna show me what’s in the room?”
Before I know what’s happening, the door is opening and I’m tumbling backward into my room. Hudson swiftly catches me with an arm around my waist, righting me before I can hit the ground.
“You’re always falling for me,” he whispers.
I gulp and nod, rendered speechless.
Then I hear it, the one thing I knew was coming: Hudson is laughing. I can feel his entire body shaking against mine. I’m bury my face against his chest, so embarrassed that I can’t even fully appreciate how good it feels to have him this close to me. He wraps his other arm around me, holding me to him but continuing to laugh.
“Stop it,” I growl. He laughs harder.
“It’s just…I didn’t expect this. I thought it would be something like dirty clothes or maybe stuffed animals to the max. But this? This is just too good. Someone’s obsessed,” Hudson teases.
I manage to snake my way out of his hold and step away, crossing my arms over my chest. “You are so rude.”
“Come on, Rae. It’s creepy, but cute as hell. You love the Winchesters, like love them, and Cass. It’s adorable.”
I drop my face in my hands, groaning loudly. I don’t want to look around my room right now. Yes, it’s covered in nothing but Supernatural stuff. Posters galore, a couple throws, and even those tiny little bobble-head things. It’s embarrassing as hell but—hello—it’s Supernatural. It’s okay to love it a little more than a lot.
I hear Hudson shuffle his way to me. He tugs on my wrists, trying to pry my hands from the face. He succeeds, but I refuse to look at him. “Come on, silly girl. I’ll leave you alone now. I won’t speak another word of your Winchester fever.”
Hudson pulls me out of the room, my face still red, and leads me back into the living room. Now we’re standing in front of the couch, just looking at one another.
“So, now that things are awkward, care for a drink? I have beer—heavy on the root. No Dr. Pepper, sorry,” I ask, trying to get the attention off me.
“Am I that transparent?”
I shrug, walking into the kitchen. “I’m a waitress. I notice stuff like that.”
“Bet I can guess your drink of choice,” he calls from the living room.
“Doubt it!”
“Mountain Dew.” I walk back out holding his drink in one hand and mine behind my back so he can’t see.
“That’s it? That’s your big guess?”
He takes his soda and sits on the couch, shaking his head. “Not just any Mountain Dew, but Mountain Dew Code Red from the bottle only. No fountain or can soda for you.”
What the hell…?
I pull the bottle of Code Red from behind my back and slowly sit down next to him, leaving enough room between us so that we’re not touching, but easily could be.
“How in the hell did you know that? Are you inside my brain?”
He laughs. “You had a bottle in your purse the day your car broke down and again last night at my apartment. Then when I offered you a drink, you turned down soda in favor of apple juice. Not many grown-ups do that.”
Hudson watching and paying attention to all things me? Catching on to little things like that? Total turn-on.
“I’m impressed. Not many people know that about me. Haley doesn’t even remember half the time.”
“Haley?”
“I haven’t told you about Hales?” Hudson shakes his head. “She’s my older, completely crazy sister. We share the apartment, so if you’re ever over here and you see a bra or two on the floor, they’re hers.”
His eyes widen, and I realize I just indirectly invited him over here again. I wait for the nerves to set in, for my head to start weaving all these insane scenarios that leave me broken.
They never come, which surprises me. Maybe it’s because the moment he stepped inside my apartment, I didn’t feel intimidated by whatever it is we have anymore.
I’m ready to accept it…whatever it is.
“I have to be honest, if you’re c
alling someone crazy, I’m terrified to meet them.”
I laugh. “She’s me on speed, but I love her. Surprisingly enough, she runs a daycare.” His eyes bug out. “I know, I know. Can you imagine?”
Hudson shakes his head. “I’m really trying not to. No offense.”
“None taken. Besides, kids aren’t my thing.”
Now, I’m pretty observant. I notice a lot of stuff other people don’t. Hudson tensing up at my confession? I noticed, but what does it mean? It’s way too soon to be talking kids and marriage—other than our joke proposals, of course.
“You don’t like kids?” he asks after taking a long drink of his soda.
“Well…I like them…when they aren’t mine and I can give them back to their parents. They aren’t something I have to have to feel like my life is complete. If I can avoid it, I will. I don’t think I’ll ever actively try for children.”
“Why?”
“I think it stems from my—” I pause, narrowing my eyes at him. “Wait, why are you so curious?”
His grin is hesitant this time. “Just trying to get to know you better is all.”
“Let’s just say I didn’t have the best mother-daughter relationship and I don’t think I’m mom material. I resent my mother too much. I don’t want that with my own kid.”
I watch as he takes another big drink. I never thought watching a guy drinking a soda would be hot, but this totally is. The way his throat moves is so sexy. And his mouth? Perfect. His lips…they look so soft. I bet they feel just as soft as they look.
I somehow manage to drag my gaze from his mouth to see his brows slightly scrunched.
“Sorry about your mom. I, uh, I actually like kids. I think they’re fun. A little messy and wild, but still fun. If it makes you feel any better, from what I know of you, I think you’d be fine with children. I don’t think you could screw them up that bad.” He tacks on that last bit with a wink.
“You’re a kid person? That’s surprising.”
He gets this faraway look on his face and smiles. “Trust me, it was for me too.”
Was?
Hudson clears his throat. “I think I need to get going. I have an early morning at the shop tomorrow. We received a rush job before closing tonight and they need it done by nine when the shop opens. It should be quick, but I’m still going to have to go in at six.” He stands and shakes his empty soda can at me. “Trash?”
“Tsk, tsk. We recycle. There’s a box in the kitchen.”
“Be right back.”
I watch him walk away. It’s a nice walk, a strong, confident walk.
Fuck it, who am I kidding? The man has the nicest ass I’ve ever seen. Those jeans fit well.
“Thank you,” he says.
I blink and look up at him, confusion lining my face. “For the soda,” he says. Then he gives me that fucking smirk again. “And for the compliment.”
“What compliment?”
“My ass, your eyes. Thank you.” He’s still smirking.
I cover my face in mortification. “You’re welcome,” I utter through my hands.
He laughs, holding his out. “Walk me to the door?”
I accept it with ease.
I can see myself doing a lot of that with Hudson—simply accepting things with him. Anything. Everything. It all feels so right, so fresh and exciting. I like it. I like him.
We walk to the door, our hands still clasped.
“So, before you rudely interrupted me earlier,” he jokes, “I was going to ask you if you wanted to go out again sometime. Ya know, if you aren’t too tired of me yet.”
“Gee, I don’t know, Hudson. I have a few other dates lined up for this week so I’m not sure if I’ll have the time. I can give you a call, though. Oh wait, I forgot you don’t know how to use a phone.”
“Just for that smartass comment, I’ll be texting you daily from now on. You’ll get at least five texts from me, all completely random questions. Be prepared.”
“You don’t scare me, mister.”
He just laughs and tugs me closer into him. He’s quick and kissing me right at the corner of my mouth before I know what he’s doing. His lips linger for all of two seconds before he pulls back and stares into my eyes.
That look? The one he’s giving me right now? It’s saying I want you.
My breath catches from the intensity I see in them. Hudson notices. His hand, the one that isn’t still holding mine, moves deliberately upward.
Then it stops and Hudson reaches out, placing his hand on my chest just above my breasts. My chest is heaving at this point. Up, down. Up, down. Updownupdownupdown. I know he can feel my rapid heartbeat. Hell, he can probably see it—that’s how hard and fast it’s going right now.
He mutters something but I can’t hear it over the pressure in my head.
His hand is traveling now…slowly…ever so slowly. I close my eyes and do my best to control my breathing as his hand creeps higher and higher, gently moving my heavy hair off my neck. Then it stops, cradling my neck with just the right amount of pressure.
I can feel him move in closer, feel his breath on my face. His lips connect at the corner of my mouth again, moving toward my ear, barely grazing my cheeks.
“Goodnight, Rae,” he whispers.
And then he’s gone, rushing out the door before I can utter another word.
Again? Are you fucking kidding me?
I begin pacing my apartment. I have never been so sexually frustrated from simple cheek-kisses in my entire life!
Does my breath stink? I check. Nope, smells breathy. Maybe he’s a psycho that gets off on baiting women because I swear it seems he has an MO or some shit.
I pull my phone out to call the one person I know will know what’s going on.
“Miss me already?”
“Perry!” I shout. I can hear him wince.
“Ow. Yes?”
“I have a problem…” I spend the next five minutes telling him about my dates with Hudson and how he’s left me hanging with a cheek-kiss every damn time.
“Hmm…I don’t know, Rae.”
“I don’t either. I know he likes me and this was date two-point-five so I just don’t understand. I mean, there’s no way he doesn’t know I want him to kiss me.”
“Maybe he’s waiting for you to make the first move? Or maybe waiting for lucky date number three?” Perry tries to reason.
I shrug even though he can’t see me. “Maybe. I don’t know. This dating shit sucks.”
“Tell me about it. Why do you think I don’t ever do it?”
“Thanks for the warning,” I mumble.
I hear Perry quietly talking to someone in the background. I’m not certain who exactly it is, but I know it’s a girl. He chuckles at something she says.
“Are you fucking flirting while I’m in the middle of a crisis? You’re a terrible person, Perry Hartman!”
“I love you, sweet girl,” he says, laying the charm on thick.
I huff even though I can’t help but smile at the idiot. “Love you too. Wear a condom.”
“Always. Night dear.”
“Later gator.” I hang up, still as confused as I was before I called him.
I pace my apartment for about ten more minutes until I decide to call it a night.
I’m crawling into bed when I hear the front door open. Then I hear giggling. I can tell it’s Haley.
“Hales?” I call out.
“Shh…be quiet,” she says to whomever made her giggle. “Rae! Don’t come out. I’ve brought home a man!”
Is she drunk? “Are you drunk?”
“No. Yes. Kind of. We went to Clyde’s and I ended up having a good time after all. And I met a man. A really sexy man. He’s going to take care of me,” she yells dramatically. I hear more giggling and footsteps as they go into Haley’s room.
I just roll my eyes and put my pillow over my head.
I’m almost asleep so I barely hear my phone vibrate on my bedside table. Grabbing it, I chec
k the screen. It’s Hudson. I put in my headphones, just in case Haley decides now is a good time to start having sex.
FMK: What’s your favorite color?
I smile. He wasn’t kidding about the random texts.
Me: If we’re going to do this, then you have to answer every question you ask. Deal?
He takes a minute to respond.
FMK: Deal. Dark blue. Your turn.
Me: Orange.
FMK What’s your middle name?
Me: Rae Bethany Kamden. Yours?
FMK: Hudson Michael Tamell. Why the name Rae? No offense or anything, it’s just different.
Me: I don’t know. Ask my dad, he picked it. I hate it.
FMK: Really? I like it. I have a thing for girls with boy names. It’s unique. And Hudson was my mom’s maiden name. Guess she wanted some connection to her life pre-Rocky Tamell.
He likes my name. That causes me to blush…a lot. Fuck, I feel like I’m a damn teenager again.
Me: Rocky? As in your dog? You named your dog after your dad?
FMK: Yes? Is that too weird?
Me: Does that count as a question?
FMK: *rolls eyes* Sure.
Me: No, I think it’s kind of sweet. He’s always there with you.
FMK: Favorite Transit song?
This is too easy.
Me: “All Your Heart”
FMK: Nice. Mine is “Please, Head North”
Me: Of course it is. That’s my second favorite song of theirs.
FMK: HA! Okay, last question and this one is extremely important. Get ready… What are you wearing?
I die. Laughter bubbles up and out so fast I can’t keep it all down. At this point, I don’t even care if I’m being too loud.
Me: No laughing! I’m wearing PJs with little cupids on them and a matching shirt that says LOVE.
FMK: You have on Valentine’s Day jammies in September? That’s hot. Flannel pants and a tee. I’m a simple guy.
Me: That’s hot.
It really is.
FMK: That was number five. Sweet dreams, Rae.
Me: Goodnight, Hudson. x
I turn on “Please, Head North” by Transit and rearrange myself on my bed until I’m comfortable.
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