by Renee Roman
“What are you doing?” she asked.
Hudson stepped down and beamed mischievously at her. “Painting.”
She pushed off and shook her head. “I can see that. What are you doing here so late?”
“What time is it?” Hudson asked.
Ari checked her watch. “After nine.”
“Oh.” Hudson shrugged. “It’s not that late. I wanted to get this done so I can do the walls tomorrow night.” She moved the drop cloth and ladder before pouring more paint.
“You can’t keep this pace up,” she said. Hudson was in good physical shape, but even athletes had their limits, and she worried she was pushing herself beyond her breaking point.
Hudson crossed the room. “I appreciate your concern, but I’m fine.” She picked up a water bottle and took a long drink. “We made a deal and I intend to keep my end of it.”
“And killing yourself in the process won’t do either of us any good. Not only would I have an unfinished home, but I’d have to find a new tenant.” She took a step closer meaning to take the rag from Hudson’s hand to wipe paint from her cheek. Her line of vision fell to her glistening lips, full and flush with color. The breath froze in her chest. I want to kiss those lips. She faltered, afraid if she went with her gut the consequences would be devastating for them both. Blinking hard, she looked into Hudson’s eyes. They were full of emotion, their swirling depths unreadable. She lost herself and forgot everything else. A gentle shake brought her back.
“Are you okay?” Hudson asked. Her brow furrowed in concern. She grabbed a chair and guided Ari to it. “Sit down.”
Ari let out a shaky breath. “I’m fine. I might have forgotten to eat dinner.” Hudson shoved a bottle of juice in her hand.
“Seriously? And you’re worried about me?” Hudson fisted her hands on her hips. “You stay right there and drink that. I need to finish and then we’re getting food.”
“That’s not…” Ari began. Hudson’s fingertips pressed against her lips.
“Yes, it is. No argument. Okay?”
The simple touch sent an electric current through her and landed low in her belly. Hudson’s determination made her sexier than she thought possible. Stop it. You’re going to make yourself crazy if you keep this up. She sat back and put up her hand in a show of surrender.
“Fine, but I’m buying.”
* * *
The diner was a fifties throwback and a popular spot for locals. It was after ten by the time they arrived and only a few booths were occupied.
“Do you trust me?” Hudson asked as she munched on fries.
Ari’s head snapped up. “What?”
She relaxed against the booth. “You heard me. Do you trust me?”
“I don’t really see how that has anything to do with my eating habits.” Ari moved the food around on her plate before looking up again. “Yes. I trust you. Why?”
“Then why are you checking up on me?”
“It has nothing to do with trust. I’m off Thursday and you need a break. I haven’t contributed much and I’m feeling guilty.”
The realization Ari felt she was lacking hit Hudson head on. Forgetting to eat was a sure sign she had a lot on her mind. Hudson knew her limits. Ari was just discovering hers.
“I can handle the workload.”
Ari folded her hands on the table. “I’ve got so much happening in my head and…” She sucked in air when her voice cracked.
If they were home, Hudson would have hugged Ari, reassuring her she didn’t have anything to feel guilty about. Instead, she reached across the table and touched her arm.
“Everything will work out. We’re in this together.” The contact felt right. No, her inner voice screamed a warning. Not again. Reluctantly, she pulled her hand back.
“We should both take the day off.”
Ari met her gaze. “There isn’t time.”
“Sure there is. You could use a break and so could my shoulders.” Ari looked doubtful.
“I’ve got a proposition for you.”
Ari laughed. “I’m sure you do.” She set her elbows on the table and rested her chin in her hands. “Let me hear it.”
Chapter Eleven
Ari stood in front of her meager closet. What the hell am I supposed to wear? Hudson told her to dress in comfortable shorts and a T-shirt, and to bring a change of clothes. She tossed a pair of capris, a sleeveless blouse, and a sweater into a canvas bag. Did she need toiletries or a brush? Stop overthinking. This wasn’t like a date. Was it? No. Hudson made it clear they were going to do something fun and relaxing, and that it wouldn’t cost her a penny. She checked her clothes in the mirror before looking at her feet. Sandals would be better with capris than athletic shoes. She added them to the bag before grabbing her keys and phone. Hudson would be there any minute. Yeah, it feels like a date. The thought of an actual date made her pulse race. She’d come so close to kissing Hudson and didn’t know how much longer she could resist the temptation. Her lips looked so inviting. Full and sensuous. Closing her eyes, she pictured when their faces came closer and closer, until finally…
The doorbell startled her. Ari laughed at her foolishness and rushed to open it.
“Hi.” Hudson stood awkwardly and looked over Ari’s shoulder at the inside of her apartment. This was the first time Hudson was seeing where she lived.
“Ready to go?” Hudson asked.
“Give me a minute. I have to use the restroom.” Hudson stood at the threshold and shifted her feet. Where are my manners? “Come on in.” She backed away, afraid to get too close, then hurried to the bathroom. Geez, get a grip before she thinks you’re a total psycho. She leaned on the sink and took a couple of deep breaths.
“You can do this,” she whispered at her reflection.
* * *
The morning air held the promise of a hot summer day, and although it was in the low seventies, the humidity was already building. A few wispy clouds lightened the azure expanse. Hudson turned the key and the engine roared to life.
“So where are we going?” Ari settled in the seat and turned to face her.
“It’s a surprise. Do you like surprises?”
Ari opened her mouth before closing it again and staring straight ahead.
Hudson thought she wasn’t going to answer.
“I don’t know. The only surprises I’ve ever had weren’t very nice.” Ari glanced in her direction.
She saw sadness contort Ari’s face into a painful mask. “I hope you think this is a nice one.”
Ari nodded and turned back to the window.
It seemed as though Ari was lost in a memory. Hudson didn’t mind the silence. There were times in her life when she needed to process her feelings, and that’s what Ari looked like she was doing.
The bumpy road dipped and climbed as it wound around a sloping hillside. There was barely room for two cars to pass each other, and it forced vehicles to go slow. The destination was well worth the risk. She loved the area for having so much natural beauty close to where she lived. Hudson Cove had become one of her favorites; after all, it shared her name. Her parents had traveled along the Hudson River during a vacation before she’d been born. They’d loved the beauty of the area so much they thought it would be a perfect name for their child. She was glad it was a short drive and was looking forward to sharing the special location with Ari. She guessed Ari hadn’t been there before, making the trip even more memorable. After taking a sharp right, she maneuvered the SUV down a short, steep road before it leveled out. She caught Ari sitting forward, her eyes wide with wonder, and pulled into a shaded parking space.
“Here we are.” Hudson gazed out over the picnic area to the river.
“It’s beautiful.” Ari got out without waiting for her.
Hudson leaned a hip against the vehicle and slid her sunglasses up on her head. “This is one of my favorite places to kayak.” She pointed to the boat launch area.
“I’ve never kayaked.” Uncertainty tinged Ari’s vo
ice.
“We aren’t kayaking today, but if you’d like to we can plan it for another time.” Hudson tried to put Ari at ease. “I reserved a canoe for a few hours. Bring whatever you need and we’ll head down.” She grabbed a small cooler and a backpack from the hatch, locked the doors, and tucked her keys into a waterproof pocket. Ari put on a baseball cap, her long ponytail pulled through the back. She looked adorable.
“All set?”
“I guess. I’m probably going to crisp up out there.”
“I’ve got sunscreen. Let’s put it on here.” Hudson smeared some on her face, arms, and legs, then handed it to Ari.
Ari slathered what she could reach, but she missed some of her back and the backs of her arms.
“Let me help.” Hudson held her hand out for some lotion, and Ari held up her ponytail as she rubbed it on the unprotected areas. The feel of Ari’s skin, smooth and soft, made her ache for more. She was grateful her sunglasses hid her eyes.
“Okay.”
“You missed a couple of spots,” Ari said.
Ari’s fingertips were slightly rough, sending Hudson’s senses into overload. She longed to feel Ari’s caresses elsewhere.
“Okay. I think you’re good.” Ari handed back the tube.
Hudson led the way to a dark green shack that served as the rental booth, evident by the quirky hand-painted sign hanging above the only window. A faded life jacket hung from the side door and a cracked wooden oar posted the prices.
“Hey, Sam. How’s business today?” She took three twenties out of her pocket and handed them through the window.
“Busy on a beautiful day like today.” Sam looked around her to where Ari stood. “I see you brought company. Wondered why you were canoeing.”
Hudson stepped back. “Sam, I’d like you to meet Ari. Ari, this is Sam.”
“Nice to meet ya, Miss. Water’s been the calmest I’ve seen it in a while. Probably means a storm’s brewing.” Sam chuckled, then opened the door and handed out paddles and life vests. “You two enjoy it out there.”
“We will,” Ari said. She took the paddles and followed Hudson down to the beach where several canoes and a few kayaks leaned against the rocks.
“He seems nice.”
She picked out a canoe, flipped it over, and hefted it overhead. “I met him shortly after I moved here.” She set it down at the edge of the water and took the paddles, sliding them inside. “Here, give me your hand.” Once Ari was settled, Hudson handed her the supplies and pushed the canoe into the shallow water before climbing in. The canoe drifted around while she put on a baseball cap.
“Ready to paddle?”
Ari looked over the edge of the canoe. “I guess.”
She laughed at Ari’s apprehension. “Just relax and enjoy the scenery.” She dug her paddle in and pushed them away from the shore.
* * *
Once Hudson had reassured her the chances of capsizing were slim, Ari began to enjoy the idea of a canoe outing. She turned her face to the sun, basking in its warmth. This must be how it feels to relax. She saw a lizard sunning on a rock. It probably felt much the same as she did, without a care in the world. Hudson shared some of the river’s history. She was a wonderful guide and pointed out a majestic bald eagle perched on deadfall near the river’s edge. Baby ducks trailed behind an alert parent.
A fish jumped so closely to the canoe she almost dropped her paddle.
Hudson laughed at her reaction and a beautiful smile beamed from under the brim of her cap. Perspiration trickled down Hudson’s face and fell on her yellow ribbed tank top. The spot continued to grow and threatened to darken the area surrounding her nipple. Ari cleared her throat several times to shake off the effects.
Hudson pulled in her paddle and turned on the seat to face Ari like she’d done it a million times. The canoe barely rocked. She reached into the cooler and pulled out a bottle of water, handed it to Ari, then grabbed another.
Ari cracked the seal. The noise disturbed the quiet. The cold liquid bathed her parched throat, giving relief. She pressed the bottle to the bare skin of her neck and closed her eyes. Her mind wandered. She fantasized about Hudson’s mouth bathing her neck in soft, wet kisses and licking Ari’s sensitive spots with her tongue. Hudson’s voice whispered in her ear.
“Ari?”
She inhaled the heat against her cheek. The tingle tightened her skin and her nipples reacted. “Mmm,” she moaned.
“Ari?”
Hudson’s voice became louder and the fantasy ended. She opened her eyes to find Hudson staring at her, concern wrinkling her forehead.
“Are you okay?” Hudson asked.
She pulled her cap lower to hide her eyes and her embarrassment. “Sorry,” she mumbled before taking another swallow. Her imagination had gotten the best of her.
“I think we should head back.”
Ari raised her gaze to meet beguiling eyes. “No!”
“I don’t want you to get heat exhaustion.”
“I’m okay. I was just thirsty. I should have gotten this sooner.” She held up the bottle of water before finishing it off. She was going to ask Hudson to tell her more about the river, but another trickle of perspiration traveled along the contours of Hudson’s neck before it disappeared. Their eyes met. This time Hudson’s mouth quirked into a one-sided grin. Christ. Busted. Again.
Hudson slowly raised her bottle to her full lips and turned her face away. Ari was fascinated by the contraction and release of muscles in her neck and throat as she drank. She never knew swallowing could be such a turn-on. The moisture gathered between her thighs was joined by liquid heat spilling from her clenched center.
Ari pointed to a cluster of river birch trees with branches hanging over the water. “Can we head into the shade for a few minutes?”
“That’s a great idea.”
They reached the area and Hudson pulled out two square pink envelopes from the backpack. She emptied the powder from one into another bottle and shook it vigorously. Hudson’s breasts moved with the motion, and Ari fought to control her raging libido.
“Here you go.”
Ari wrinkled her nose. “What is it?”
“Electrolyte replacement,” Hudson said as she fixed one for herself. “It’s pink lemonade flavored.” She took a drink and rummaged again. “Do you like peanut butter?”
She took a sip. It wasn’t too bad. “Sure. Who doesn’t?”
Hudson handed her a pack of crackers with peanut butter. “Protein.” She looked down the river in the direction they’d started from. “We’ve got another hour of paddling to get back. We could probably make it faster, but I’m not a fan of muscle fatigue.” She held up her crackers as she tucked the water bottle between her thighs and tore open the package.
The stories those thighs could tell. They ate in comfortable silence.
“Are you relaxed?”
Why does she keep asking me things? “Absolutely. This was a great idea.” Ari placed her empty wrapper in Hudson’s outstretched hand. Their fingers brushed. Their eyes locked. The heat in her cheeks had nothing to do with the sun.
“In case I forget to tell you later, I’ve had a wonderful time.”
* * *
Their time together was over too soon. Ari’s chest tightened as they neared the shore.
Hudson looked over her shoulder. “We can come again. If we stayed any longer, we’d both be lobsters.”
She glanced at the sun, guessing they’d been on the water three or four hours. “Okay.” Ari paddled along. She’d been surprised how fast she caught on to canoeing. Given Hudson’s paddling lesson, she understood why the children at the Y were so enthusiastic.
Earlier in the day, Hudson had set her paddle in the hull and moved to the center seat. The boat rocked a little, and Ari had gasped, holding on to the sides.
“I promise you won’t get wet,” Hudson had said.
Too late. Ari had nodded, unsure if she should believe her.
“Take my hand.”
She reached and kept her eyes locked with Hudson’s.
“Now, stay low and swing around to sit here.” Hudson patted the space she’d created on her seat.
Ari’s forehead tightened and she glanced over the side. “I don’t think I can.”
“Sure, you can. Look at me and don’t think about what you’re doing. Just do it,” Hudson assured her.
She definitely wanted to do it. God help me. Here goes nothing. Ari listened to Hudson’s voice. Before she knew it, she was leaning back against Hudson’s body with her arms wrapped around Ari’s trembling waist.
“See. That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
Hudson’s body was a mixture of hard muscle and subtle curves, and it took her breath away. She couldn’t talk.
Hudson picked up a paddle and held it in front of them.
“The timing of our strokes needs to be the same even though they’re happening on opposite sides.”
Ari bit her lip to stifle a groan. Does she have any clue what she’s doing to me?
Hudson wrapped her hands around Ari’s. “Lift when you breathe in, dip when you breathe out.” Ari savored the physical contact. Hudson’s breasts pressed against her back, her hard nipples drawing patterns against her skin as they moved together. She’d never been this intimate with anyone without having sex. Hudson reminded her to breathe.
“Ready to give it another try?” Hudson had asked.
“Okay.”
They’d moved back to their original positions.
Hudson lifted her paddle. “All set to go?”
Ari watched the smooth, prominent muscles along Hudson’s back. “Yes.” I’d go anywhere you lead.
The canoe ran aground.
Hudson jumped out and pulled the front of the canoe farther onto the shore. “Are you hungry?”
Ari hadn’t thought about it, but her stomach rumbled in response. Breakfast had been a cup of yogurt, and the crackers hadn’t done much to fill her. “Yes.”
