“Might as well join the party,” I joke. “Okay, let’s shoot.” We follow through the movements a few times, the pucks narrowly missing the net or bouncing off the pole.
“I think you’re messing me up,” Ellie says as I gather the pucks and skate back to her.
“Do what?” I ask incredulously.
“You’re the reason I can’t make it. Just let me try by myself.”
Holding up my hands, I stay back. Ellie takes her time, perfecting the position of her hands, and how she wants to shoot before finally making the shot. The puck glides atop the ice, swiftly passing the line into the net.
Shock is written all over her face. “Oh my God! Hudson! I made it!” She grins and holds her hands in the air like she just scored a touchdown instead. I skate over to her, pulling her to me.
“Feels good, doesn’t it?”
Ellie nods. “Is this how you feel when you score?”
“This is how I feel when I score, when I play, when I hear the crowd, when I’m with you.”
She smiles, giving me a quick kiss. “You are a ladies man, aren’t you?”
I shake a ‘no’, dipping my head to kiss her neck. “Just your man.” When I pull away too look at her, her cheeks are scarlet. We hang out at the rink a little longer before going back to my place. She’s wandering around my apartment, finally looking at all my hockey stuff.
“Whitney, my mom, and I are supposed to have dinner together. Would you like to go? I have tomorrow off too. You can spend the night, if you want. I’ll be busy nonstop for about a week after that.”
Her fingers glide over my name on one of the trophies. “I’d like that. I’ll have to run home though.”
“That’s fine. We can go there and then meet them.”
So we go Ellie’s for her to pack an overnight bag, meeting my family back in Portland. Mom spent today with Whit and she’ll fly back to Vancouver tonight. If we make it to the final, Ethan already has tentatively taken those days off work to watch the games with the rest of my family. I can’t wait for the men in my family to meet Ellie. I know what my mom and sister think already, but I want them to meet her too.
Whitney and Mom are sitting at a table in the back when we arrive. Mom’s face lights up when she sees I have Ellie with me. Whit looks smug, like she predicted this herself and deserves an award for her part in making it happen. Mom stands, pulling Ellie into a hug, whispering something in her ear, before turning to hug me.
“Hey, Mom. Hey, Whit,” I say, pulling Ellie’s chair out for her and then taking a seat myself.
“We were about to order without you,” my sister tells us. “You’re late.”
“Shush,” Mom orders. “How are my Hudsy and Ellie doing today? Are you two engaged yet?”
“Mom! Don’t start with all that.” I glance nervously at Ellie, those cheeks of hers on fire. I just got her back. I don’t need their shenanigans to scare her away. Whitney’s laughing doesn’t help either. Cutting a glare at her, I say, “Have you told Mom about what’s-his-face who has been studying at your apartment?”
“Of course. Mom knows all about Drew,” she smirks.
Thank God for the waiter coming to take our order. At least, I was thankful until he opened his mouth.
“Hey, you’re Hudson King. I’m a big fan. Are you ready for the next round? All of us here are pretty confident that the Vikings will make it to the Final.”
“That’s the plan,” I tell him before looking at Ellie and talking to everyone else, “Are y’all ready to order?” Fans are great, but I’m here with my family tonight and that’s all I want to think about.
Mom orders first and then we go around the table, leaving me for last. Once the waiter walks away, Ellie mutters, “I can see why we always ate at my house.”
Mom laughs. “Hudsy is quite the star, especially back home. Everyone’s so proud of him.”
“It’s not a big deal.” I shrug her off.
“It is a big deal. You should be proud of your accomplishments.”
“I am proud enough,” I answer. “For example, today, I taught Ellie how to skate and score a goal.”
“Really? Well, we will make you a professional hockey player yet. Did you enjoy yourself, Ellie?”
“I did.” She takes a sip of her drink and then adds, “It was really fun and it helped me know Hudson better. I got a glimpse of what he loves about it.”
Taking her hand, I grin at my mom and proudly say, “I’ve turned her into a hockey fan and player all in one day.”
“You can go with me to the next game, if you want,” Whitney offers.
“Thanks. I wouldn’t mind going again,” Ellie smiles.
“Ellie, I was wondering about your family? Hudsy told me they all passed on, but what were they like?”
“Well, I was four when my parents passed, so I don’t really remember them. I just remember my aunt. She was an amazing person.”
“She gardened a lot, like you, Mom,” I input.
“Oh, I do love to garden. It relaxes me, especially since all my children are gone. If I had grandchildren that were closer, I could teach them too.”
Always with the grandkids! “That’s why Ethan’s having another one. Maybe you can talk him into letting that one stay with you part of the year. Or when Whitney finishes school and marries this Drew, they can get married, move back home, and give you grandchildren.”
“Well, I’m hoping that Whitney finishes school first. But you know, you’re not getting any younger, Hudsy. Nor am I.”
Ellie squeezes my hand as Whit says, “Hey, who said I was marrying him and why do I have to be the one to move back home? Don’t try to redirect the pressure of your old age and Mom’s craving for grandkids on me, Hudson. Better get a move on it is all I have to say.”
“How’s Dad, Mom? Is he feeling better?” I ask, trying to take the conversation away from this. I’m not comfortable. Ellie isn’t comfortable. Hell, the people two tables over probably aren’t comfortable either.
“He’s moping, ready for someone to be there to take care of him. He should be feeling better by your next home game though.”
“What is he like?” Ellie asks. “I don’t think I’ve really heard anything about him.”
“Oh, you’ll like him, dear. He’s not as outspoken as the rest of us. Whitney and Hudsy’s personalities took after me. Ethan is more like his father.”
Our food arrives, almost making my shoulders slump as I realize we’re only halfway through this dinner. Mom and Whitney excuse themselves to the restrooms and I turn to Ellie.
“Should we leave cash on the table and bail before they get back?” I ask with a chuckle.
“Um, no, it’s fine. As long as she doesn’t break out a caterer’s list for the wedding or start naming future children.”
“I am right there with you. She’s something, that’s for sure,” I say with a shake of my head.
“Was she like that with your other girlfriends?”
“The ones she met, yes. It’s been a while since she met a girlfriend, especially after she started with the baby business.”
“Oh, I thought maybe I was just special.”
“You are.” I smile, then kiss her cheek. “She’s being extra pushy because she loves you already.”
Ellie smiles a little and once the girls return, the rest of dinner is tame in comparison to the start. Ellie starts to relax, fitting in nicely with my family. I can’t say that I’m not happy it’s over as I hug my mother and sister goodbye and watch them drive away.
On our drive back to my apartment, Ellie isn’t talking. She does hold my hand the whole time, and I’m worried that my mother has done some damage. When we walk into my place, and Ellie looks tired. I know that I’m a little tired too.
“Hey, why don’t you and I go to bed early?” I pull her into my arms.
She bites her lips and nods. “Where’s your bathroom?”
I point to the left. “I’ll go upstairs and change.”
She heads towards the bathroom, and I go up the stairs. I pull off my shirt and jeans. I sit on the side of the bed, scratching by beard. I know not to push Ellie, and I won’t do that. I hear her coming up the stairs. She comes in the bedroom, and she is just wearing an oversized t-shirt. She washed off all her makeup, and her wavy hair is in a ponytail. She’s stunning. She sits her bag in the corner and sits next to me.
“Hey, thanks for a great evening.” She kisses my cheek.
“Sorry my mother was a little tough.”
She gives me a small smile. “You look tired.”
She didn’t have to say anything else. I nod and crawl into the bed with her. We lay on our sides facing each other.
“Is it weird that I’m here?” She asks quietly.
“No, it’s perfect.” I lean over and kiss her lips. She puts her hand on my cheek, stroking my beard. I break our kiss and pull away. But instead of her letting go, she follows.
“You know, since I just met you, I can’t believe that I’m already in bed with you.” She smiles.
“I’m not having sex with you,” I tell her.
“I’m not having sex with you, either. Just trust me.” She kisses me hard, and I moan. I love that she’s so confident with me in bed. True, we haven’t gone that far, but I love that she lets me touch her.
She straddles me, and I’m getting harder just having her on top of me. Her soft breasts press against me. I put my hands on her soft thighs. It’s her turn to moan. I lightly trace her thighs up to her hips.
“Hudson, touch me,” she whispers against my lips.
I roll her onto her back. I suck her bottom lip and lightly bite down it. I kiss her neck, pushing up her shirt. I suck on her breast, gently biting her nipples. I kiss her stomach and then her hips.
“Hudson, stop,” she breathes.
I stop and come back to face her eye-to-eye. “Do you want me to stop or are you just nervous?” I ask softly, because I can tell that she’s nervous.
“You know, I’ve never…” she trails off.
“You trust me. You know that I won’t hurt you.” She nods in agreement. “Are we stopping?” Ellie shakes her head, so I head back down to her hips and I feel her tense beneath me. “Relax, Ellie.” I kiss her hip then her other. I gently lick her folds, and she jumps. I continue to lick her, and she moans louder, relaxing under me. I suck her sweet nub and slip a finger in her. She is so tight and soft. A smile tugs at my lips as she says my name over and over. Her nails dig into my hair. She rocks against my mouth. I feel her tightening up, and I know that she is close. Her body begins to shake and she yells my name as I feel her release. I pull my fingers out of her and lay next to her.
“Are you okay?” I ask her.
“I think I love your beard.” She grins.
Chapter Twenty
Ellie
I wake up on a cloud. Hudson’s bed is amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever slept so well. Of course, that might have to do with how incredible Hudson made me feel last night. My legs still feel weak as I stretch my arms over my head. I roll over only to see that Hudson isn’t in here.
I sit up and look around the room. Hudson’s extremely large bed is in the center. He has a large dresser on the far wall. His closet doors are on the other side. I saw four frames sitting on his dresser. I get up and head over there.
One, is Whitney, Hudson, and I assume his older brother. They all have the same hair color and eyes. Then the next frame is his parents. Hudson looks more like his dad than his mom. The picture looks like it was taken several years ago. Then there is a picture of two boys and Hudson. Those must be his nephews. They are on a couch, and he is holding them both in his arms. I smile thinking that he is a great uncle. The last picture is beautiful. It’s his brother’s wedding. They all are dressed up, and they look so happy. It’s brings a smile to my face seeing how happy he is in these pictures.
“Are you being nosey?”
I let out a small scream and spin around to see Hudson standing in the doorway. He’s wearing jeans that are hanging low, and his boxers are peeking out the top of them. He doesn’t have a shirt on and my eyes wander to the deep V of his hips. My mouth goes dry staring at his stunning body. His hair is damp, like he just got out of the shower.
“I was…um.” I feel the blood drain from my face.
“Ellie, I’m kidding.” He walks over to me, kissing my forehead.
“Sorry, I was curious.” I give him a small smile. He turns me around in his arms and faces me towards the pictures.
“This one,” he points to the one with his siblings, “was taken when I found out I was going to be captain. This one,” he points to the next, “is when I paid off all my parents bills and debts. I did that with my first endorsement check. Those are my nephews, and it was taken during Christmas. That last one is Ethan’s wedding day.” He kisses the side of my neck. “I hope to have a picture of you up here soon.”
I feel the heat rising to my face thinking about being an important person in Hudson’s life. I lay my head back on his chest, as he tightens his arms around me.
“Hey, I’ve got to run down to the arena and go over some tapes with Coach, but when I get back I’m all yours. Whatever you want to do?” He kisses my temple.
“Okay,” I turn around, and put my arms around his neck, “will you be gone long?”
“Hour or so, why?”
“Thought I could lounge in that pool you call a bathtub,” I tease him.
He chuckles. “Have fun.” He leans down to my ear. “Maybe next time I can join you?” I stop breathing at his words, and my heart races. He pulls away and gives me a quick kiss on the lips. “I’ll be back soon.”
I stand there and listen to the front door close. I grab my bag and head down to the bathroom. I turn the water until I find the right temperature and fill the tub.
Laying in the tub, I think about the past week. I was miserable without Hudson. Now, in the matter of a day, I am so happy. I understand why Hudson did what he did, and now we can move forward. I let the warm water surround me, as I smile thinking about last night. Feeling Hudson between my legs is something I couldn’t dream of. His beard tickled me as his warm tongue brought me pleasure all over my body. My cheeks are hurting from the smile on my face.
When I finish I get out and get dressed. I dry my hair and put it up in a ponytail. I do my makeup and clean up my mess. I go out to the living room and look around. I’m in Hudson’s apartment. I’m in love. These are two concepts that I didn’t think would ever happen.
I walk around his apartment, looking at everything. His kitchen is shiny. Appliances are top of the line and there are more buttons on them than my cell phone. I run my fingers over his granite countertops. I walk to the living room. He has the latest electronics and gadgets. I sit on the couch and just look around. I’m brought to the present when Hudson comes in.
“Hey, I thought you were going to be gone for a while?” I ask looking at him as he comes to sit down next to me.
“I have been gone a while. Do you want me to leave again, so you can have an affair with the tub?”
I laugh and curl up next to him. “I can’t help if I’m in love with your tub.”
We sit there in silence, before Hudson asks, “What do you want to do today?”
I shrug. “What do you want to do?”
“How about we go out in public?”
“I’m not dressed up,” I say shyly looking down at my jeans.
“You’re beautiful. Come on, let’s hit the town.” He gives that beautiful smile and pulls me off the couch.
I grab my purse, and we head out the door. We go down in a different direction this time. I’m confused on where we are going, but I follow Hudson down the stairs.
“Um, Hudson, where are we going?” I ask before he goes out the door at the bottom.
“Oh, this is the parking garage. We always take the truck, so I thought I should introduce you to my baby.”
I stop dead when I hi
t the bottom step. “Baby?”
For the first time, Hudson rolls his eyes at me. “Not that kind of baby. Just come on.” He holds out his hand, and I take it.
We go into the dimly lit garage, and we go to the far side. In the dark corner gleams a bright white sports car. It shines like a diamond under the light.
“Hudson, what kind of car is this?”
“This is a brand new 2013 Chevy Camaro. I got it and haven’t gotten to play with it yet.”
“Wow, it’s beautiful.”
He opens the passenger side door, and I slide in on the cool, black leather seats. He comes around on his side and fires the engine. It’s loud, and Hudson smiles like a kid in a candy store. He drops it into drive and peels out of the garage. I actually scream.
“Hudson!”
“Okay, okay, I’ll drive safely,” he chuckles.
I try to hide my smile because he looks like he is having a lot of fun taking the corners at mac one speed. Once we get on Main Street, Hudson asks if I want to go shopping.
“Um, sure I guess.”
Hudson grabs my hand, and he heads downtown. I listen to him go on about the film that studied at the rink today. He’s excited for the upcoming games. I admit that I am too. The game other night was intense, and I can’t wait to see what is to come.
Hudson takes me to a part of downtown that I’ve never been too. I heard Lacey talk about it one time, but I could never afford to shop here.
He pulls into a parking spot and shuts off the car. “Ready to go shopping?”
“Hudson, I can’t-”
“We’re going shopping. There are rules when going shopping with me. I buy what I want. You’ll get whatever you look at or want. And,” he picks up my wrist and kisses the inside of it, “you can’t argue with me about it.”
“Hudson,” I almost whine.
“No, no, I’m a professional, these are the rules. So, let’s go.” He jumps out of the car. He comes around and opens my door, and we head in.
Walking into that mall was like walking into the pages of Vogue. I silently gasp as we’re walking inside. I don’t want to touch anything, for fear I might break it. It reminds me of the fancy magazines I see when I’m in the lobby waiting at the doctor’s offices. It’s like the pages are coming to life in front of me.
Looking for You (Oh Captain, My Captain #1) Page 13
