“You seem close,” Hudson said, his smile returning to his beautiful face.
Seb could get lost in those eyes. He quickly snapped himself out of it.
“We are. Our dad’s one of the first wave of Pre-Gens, so he needed constant care. Our older brother was working to put food on the table because all the medical bills ate up what savings we had. I was the one who took care of Ethan. Practically raised him.” TMI, Seb, TMI! He shook his head, embarrassed. “I’m sorry. We’ve just met, and I’m telling you my sob story.”
Hudson put his hand on Seb’s. “It’s not a sob story. Clearly your family has been through quite an ordeal, yet you seem to have persevered. Ethan is very lucky to have you as a big brother.”
“Thank you.” Seb didn’t know what else to say. He’d never met anyone like Hudson. The guy was so genuinely nice. He was a little awkward and shy, which Seb found endearing.
Hudson took the antiseptic wipe from him and leaned forward.
“This may sting a little.”
“I’m sure I can handle it,” Seb replied with a wink.
Hudson placed the wipe to Seb’s brow, and he winced. Damn, that stung. Hudson chuckled. So much for being a big tough tiger Therian. Hudson finished wiping Seb’s brow and gently blew on it.
“There. How’s that?”
Seb couldn’t take his eyes off Hudson’s lips. He pulled back and cleared his throat. “Thanks. Sorry, you um, were looking for someone?”
“Oh, yes. Sergeant Maddock.” Hudson closed the kit and stood. He held his hand down to Seb, who took it. “Perhaps you can help me find him?”
“Sure. I know exactly where to find him.”
Seb put his weight on his left knee to stand, but before he was up, his knee gave out and he fell, dragging Hudson down with him. The kit went skidding across the platform as Hudson landed on Seb, who threw his arms around Hudson to keep him from hitting the platform.
“I swear I’m not trying to kill you,” Hudson replied with a nervous laugh. “Are you all right?”
“Yep, sorry, my knee gave out.” Seb lay on his back with Hudson wrapped in his arms lying on top of him, his head on Seb’s shoulder. Was he feeling as mortified as Seb? “I um, I should probably let go of you now.”
“Yes, I suppose.”
Seb’s heart flipped. Did Hudson not want Seb to let him go? Seb wasn’t exactly in a hurry to do it.
“I mean, um, yes, of course. That would be, um, the sensible thing to do.”
Seb released him, and Hudson quickly got up.
“I promise I’m not normally such a pill. I’m quite professional, very professional, and I, uh, oh God.”
He covered his face with his hands, and Seb managed to push himself to his feet and stay there. He moved Hudson’s hands away from his face. The guy really was too cute.
“Hey, it was my fault. Really.”
Hudson nodded, his cheeks rosy. “Perhaps we should go.”
“Right.” Seb checked his knee was okay. It was sore, and he’d need an icepack for it later so it wouldn’t swell, but he’d be okay for a while. He hated using the support brace, but he might just have to. He carefully climbed out of the ring and watched as Hudson did the same. His foot slipped, and Seb caught him by the waist so he wouldn’t fall.
“Well, this has been one for the books, hasn’t it?” Hudson said as Seb helped him down the rest of the way.
Not wanting to make the poor guy feel any more embarrassed, he motioned toward the corridor. They walked in silence down to the elevator. It wasn’t an awkward silence, but Seb suddenly had no idea what to say that wouldn’t result in him sounding like some teenage boy with a crush. It didn’t help that every time he looked over at Hudson, the wolf Therian blushed, which made Seb smile, which made Hudson blush more.
Ask him for his number. Or ask him to dinner. Do something before he disappears.
Seb had opened his mouth when the elevator opened and a large group of agents emerged. Seb stood to one side and Hudson the other as they waited for everyone to get out before they got in. Several other agents from Sparta joined them, a couple from his floor, including Agent Taylor. The doors closed, and Taylor glanced over at Hudson, who seemed to be lost in thought. Taylor grinned broadly before his gaze landed on Seb.
Don’t even think about it.
The grin fell off Taylor’s face, and he swiftly turned his attention back to the front of the elevator. Seconds later, the elevator pinged and the doors opened. Seb motioned for Hudson to go first. He couldn’t help but wonder who Hudson was and why he was seeing Maddock. Still, it was none of his business. They reached Maddock’s office and the door was open, so he poked his head in. His sergeant was at his desk typing away at his interface.
“Sarge?”
“Seb. What can I do for you?”
“I have someone here to see you.”
Hudson stepped in, and Maddock smiled widely. “Dr. Colbourn, there you are.”
Doctor?
“My apologies, Sergeant. I’m afraid I got lost. Agent Hobbs was very kind to escort me to your office.”
Maddock shook Hudson’s hand. “Ah, so you’ve met one of your new teammates.”
Hudson and Seb replied in unison. “New teammate?”
“Is there an echo in here?” Maddock looked from Seb to Hudson. “Yes. Seb, this is Dr. Colbourn, Destructive Delta’s new chief medical examiner. Dr. Colbourn, this is Agent Sebastian Hobbs from Destructive Delta’s Defense team. His brother Ethan is also on the team.”
Hudson seemed to snap himself out of it. “Yes, I met Ethan. Lovely fellow.”
“Thanks, Seb, that’ll be all. Dr. Colbourn, if you’ll follow me. We’ll be meeting with Lieutenant Sparks in the briefing room. Your new partner will be there as well. In a couple of hours, we’ll have a briefing so you can meet the rest of the team.”
“Yes, of course.”
Hudson was walking out after Seb when Maddock received a phone call. He told Hudson he’d be out in a moment.
“Well, I guess we’ll be seeing more of each other,” Seb said, telling himself he should go. At least he didn’t have to worry about Hudson disappearing anywhere. Seb couldn’t help how happy he felt knowing Hudson was going to be working on their team.
“Yes. I’m looking forward to it.” Hudson swallowed hard. “I mean, working on the team, with you. And the others.” He closed his eyes and shook his head before opening them. He dropped his gaze to his shoes. “I am awfully terrible at this.”
Seb chuckled. He placed his fingers under Hudson’s chin and lifted his face so he could look into his eyes. “I know what you meant.” He moved his hand and went thoughtful. “You know, Dr. Colbourn—”
“Hudson, please.”
“Hudson, you know, I was thinking about what happened earlier, and I’m not happy. This is really painful.” He touched his eyebrow and winced. “It’s much worse than it looks.”
“Oh, what kind of pain is it? Is it pulsing, or sharp, or—”
“I think there’s only one way to make it feel better.”
Hudson seemed to catch on to him, and his lips lifted on one side. “Is that so? And what might that be?”
“I think maybe if you went out to dinner with me, it might not hurt so much.”
Hudson considered this. “Hm. I see.” He let out a sigh. “Well, as your chief medical examiner, I can hardly deprive you of any treatment that might aid you in a full recovery.”
Seb’s pulse fluttered, and he did his best to keep it cool. “Great. So, Friday at eight?”
“That would be acceptable,” Hudson said with a nod.
“Okay, then. See you at the briefing.” Seb gave Hudson a wink and walked off feeling ridiculously happy. He had a date with a smart, sexy, sweet wolf Therian. It had been a long time since he’d been this excited over someone. He had a really good feeling about this.
Prompt #19: Hudson and Sebastian have another awkward encounter or series of awkward encounters.
“HUDS
ON?”
“Yes, Nina?” Hudson typed away at his latest report, not bothering to look up from his desk’s interface. He loved his team, but at times he wished they would all take a bloody holiday. For heaven’s sake, it was like Destructive Delta couldn’t go a week without blowing something up or finding a dead body.
“Do you have the lab results for the Littlewoods homicide?”
“Why would I have lab results for a case that’s not ours?” Hudson muttered, finishing up his report before sending it off. He looked up at Nina, her wide-eyed expression not boding well.
“Didn’t you get the e-mail from Sparks? She wanted you to double-check the results. Grier’s on maternity, remember? So Fredrickson is filling in for her. He’s still getting used to the system.”
“What?” Hudson jumped to his feet.
“Didn’t your tablet notify you?”
Hudson’s gaze landed on his tablet, and he swiped it up, his eyes narrowing at the squishy jelly culprit concealing the blinking red light. “Bollocks! Why the pissing fuck-bunnies is there a gummy bear on my tablet?”
A deep rumble of a chuckle reached Hudson’s ear. One that caused a shiver to go up his spine and his pulse to soar. He stiffened, his face threatening to catch fire. Slowly, he lowered the tablet, praying it wasn’t who he thought it was.
Sebastian Hobbs smiled that wide boyish grin of his from the other side of his desk.
A litany of curses went through Hudson’s mind.
“I’m going to go out on a limb and say Dex has probably been in here.” Seb reached over and plucked the gummy bear off Hudson’s tablet to reveal the blinking light that denoted an e-mail from Sparks. With ease, he tossed the jelly sweet into the bin.
“Those gummy bears are going to be the death of us all.” Hudson placed the tablet on his desk and did his best to sound nonchalant. “What can I do for you, Agent Hobbs?” He kept his gaze on his tablet, opening up the e-mail from Sparks but unable to concentrate on the words.
How the bloody hell was he meant to concentrate on anything when he could feel Seb’s deep green eyes on him? When he could smell the tiger Therian’s shower gel? He certainly couldn’t do so while Seb was leaning forward, causing the material of his uniform to stretch against those thick, muscular biceps. Hudson could still remember what it felt like to have Seb’s arms around him, holding him. That husky, gravelly voice whispering in his ear all the terribly naughty things he was going to do to Hudson when they finished their shift.
Glutton for punishment, are we? Hudson promptly told his thoughts to piss off.
“I’m stepping out for a few minutes,” Nina declared, heading for the door.
“Where are you going?” Hudson was certain he looked like a complete arse, gaping after her. Why was she leaving him? Here. Alone. With Seb.
“To the canteen for some coffee.”
Her wicked grin made him want to throw his tablet at her. The wench. She was doing it on purpose.
“Want anything?”
He took a seat behind his desk, congratulating himself for not making a fool of himself by missing his chair and falling on his arse. Wouldn’t be the first time. “Bring us a cuppa if you don’t mind.”
“A big, strong cup?” she asked, wriggling her eyebrows.
“Yes, please,” he replied through his teeth.
“Seb, you want anything?”
“I’m good. Thanks, sweetheart.” Seb gave her a little salute, his smile reaching his eyes and forming those lines at the corners. He was freshly shaven. Good heavens, he smelled so good.
“Be back in a few minutes,” Nina chirped and was off before Hudson could tell her to hurry back.
Seb turned his attention back to Hudson. “I’m sorry for interrupting. I’m sure you’re very busy. I just wanted to check on those lab results for the Littlewoods case.” He motioned toward the tablet. “I tried to e-mail.”
“Right. Yes. Of course.”
Hudson brought up the file and started reading through it, grateful he could lose himself in the report and not in Seb’s eyes. Why was he torturing himself? Wasn’t time supposed to heal all wounds? After five years, shouldn’t he be able to resist that smile? Why did he still get butterflies in his stomach like some schoolboy? His palms were sweaty, and he did his best to keep his knee from bouncing.
“You okay?”
“Hm?” Hudson’s gaze shot up.
“Are you okay?” Seb reached out and took Hudson’s hand and ran his thumb over Hudson’s fingers. “You bite your nails when something’s wrong.”
Swallowing hard, Hudson gently pulled his hand away. “I’m fine. Just have a lot on my mind. Thank you for your concern.”
“I’m always concerned,” Seb replied quietly. “At least when it comes to you. Even if I don’t see you every day. I worry about you.”
“Very kind of you, but I assure you there’s no need.” Hudson went back to the report, once again feeling Seb’s eyes on him. Why did it still hurt so bloody much? Damn it. Damn Seb for coming in here, knowing how difficult it would be. He had to know. Then again, he shouldn’t be so hard on the bloke. It couldn’t be easy for him either. He finished checking over the report and smiled up at Seb. “Everything’s in order.” He handed his tablet to Seb. “Sign the bottom, please. I apologize for making you have to come down here.”
Seb took the tablet from him, and he smiled as he signed the report with his finger. “Don’t apologize. It’s not exactly a hardship.” Once finished, he handed the tablet back to Hudson, the room going silent for a moment before Seb straightened. “I should probably be going, then.”
“Right.” Hudson gave him a nod when the emergency lights flashed red and Seb’s team was ordered to the armory.
“Looks like duty calls.” Seb gave him a sad smile before turning away.
As Hudson watched Seb head for the door, his chest tightened. He jumped to his feet. “Seb, wait!”
Seb turned around, his gaze curious. “Yeah?”
“Do take care. Out there, I mean.” Hudson felt his cheeks burn but continued regardless. “Stay safe. Please.”
Seb’s smile took Hudson’s breath away. “For you? Anything.”
Before Hudson could reply, Seb was gone, though Hudson heard him whistling to himself down the hall. He cursed himself for being weak, then said a little prayer for Seb’s safety before resuming his seat. He picked up his tablet when he noticed the digital sticky note on his screen. Tapping the note, a crudely drawn smiley face appeared, along with a scribbled message.
Have a great day, lobito.
Hudson smiled at the old term of endearment. “Little wolf.” Despite telling himself he was being a fool, Hudson couldn’t deny that his day had become a little brighter.
Prompt #20: The first time Seb calls Hudson lobito.
“SO…?”
Hudson did his best to ignore Nina despite knowing there was no hope of doing so. She had that look on her face.
“So…? Is this another one of those moments where I need to remind you that being British alone does not make me Sherlock Holmes?”
With a gleam in her eye, Nina dropped down onto the stool beside the metal workstation and rolled over to him before she proceeded to spin herself around. “You don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to know what I’m thinking. Plus, your evasive tactics don’t work on me.”
How was it she never felt dizzy doing that? Hudson would have been turning green right about now. “Fine.” He stopped typing and laced his fingers on his desk’s surface. “What would you like to know?”
Nina stopped spinning and arched an eyebrow at him. “Has he asked yet?”
“It’s barely been two months, Nina.” Two wonderful, glorious, exciting, exhilarating, too-good-to-be-true months. It couldn’t possibly last. Could it? Listen to him. If Nina suspected for a second he was having such negative thoughts, she’d have a go at him. She was always calling him a Negative Nelly. It wasn’t his fault. He was still finding it hard to believe he’d caugh
t the eye of a Therian like Sebastian Hobbs. The man was simply…. Good Lord, had he just sighed at the thought of Seb? He was completely buggered, wasn’t he? This couldn’t be good.
“True, but you’ve been on a bunch of dates,” Nina said, her voice taking on a naughty tone, “and you’ve already had sex. Several times.”
“Nina!” Hudson felt his face burning ferociously. This was not going at all as he’d hoped. For a moment he’d truly believed he’d gotten away with not having to “spill the beans,” as Nina put it.
“What? It’s the truth.”
“I never said I slept with him,” Hudson mumbled.
“You didn’t have to. It was written all over your face the next morning. Every time. You smiled all day.”
“I did not.” Had he?
“You did. You had that ‘I just had mind-blowing sex with the most amazing, sexiest beast to walk this earth’ smile.”
“I did not! Have that smile, I mean. The sex was—is a private matter.”
“You’re blushing. Was it mind-blowing?” She smacked his arm excitedly. “A tiger Therian, Hudson! Was it as big as the rest of him?”
Hudson gasped. “Piss off. I’m not answering that.”
“Of course it was. What was the sex like? He looks like a cuddler. Is he a cuddler?”
“Yes, fine. He is.” Hudson moved his arm away from her before she could leave a bruise. He never understood people’s needs to share such intimate details. Then again, he’d been accused of being a prude on more than one occasion. Which he wasn’t. Being private did not necessarily equate to being a prude.
Nina was practically bouncing with excitement for him, waiting for him to give her something. He let out a resigned sigh. “All right, but whatever I say stays between us.”
She pulled herself closer. “Always.”
He made certain there was no one around to hear, despite the fact there rarely ever was, considering his office was at the end of the floor—which was how he preferred it. His heart fluttered at the thought of those wonderful evenings in Seb’s arms, the two of them in bed together.
THIRDS Beyond the Books Volume 1 Page 11
