“Well now it’s mine.” He smiles, his gaze going back to Glenn who reappears next to us out of nowhere. “All set?” Hudson asks him. Glenn nods, shots still in hand.
“What’s he doing?” I question, watching him once again disappear into the crowd.
“Helping you.” Hudson smiles. “Show him where he’s going. I’ll catch up with you.” His hand rests on the small of my back for a brief moment and then it’s gone and I’m weaving through the crowd with Glenn.
I finally locate the girls who are standing at a table not far from the stage, happily chatting with three college-aged men. Nodding my head toward them, Glenn follows me over, setting the drinks on the table the moment we reach it.
Turning to thank him, I’m met with the backside of Glenn as he quickly makes his way back to the bar.
“Here we go, ladies. Piece of ass for you,” I hand a shot to my sister. “Piece of ass for you.” I hand Chelsea hers next. I do this until all six of us have our shots and are raising them to the bride.
Since it was my turn to pick the shot and pay, which I don’t tell them I didn’t do, it is also my turn to do the toast. Not really sure what to say, I recite the same toast Emma always does anytime she’s drinking, knowing she won’t mind if I borrow it for this one occasion.
“We drink to those who love us. We drink to those who don’t. We drink to those who fuck us. And fuck the ones that don’t.” I laugh, thinking Emma does this toast so much better. Not that I’m even sure I got it right. “To Starr.” I raise my glass.
“To Starr,” the other girls repeat, all six of us clinking glasses before emptying the contents in one swift drink.
It’s very sweet and smooth and way better than any shot we’ve had so far. I feel pretty proud of myself even if I had nothing to do with selecting the shot. That was all Glenn.
“Ladies and gentleman, we have a special surprise for you this evening,” the singer of the house band announces, pulling our attention toward the stage. “How many Hudson James fans do we have in the house tonight?” His question is met with a deafening roar.
I shift to face the stage, my stomach fluttering uncontrollably.
“Well do we have a treat for you,” the man continues. “Ladies and gentleman, give it up for the one and only, Hudson James.”
Again the room erupts and seconds later, Hudson steps up on stage, confident and full of charisma like he was born to be up there. Maybe he was.
Starr smacks my arm and I look back to see all five women looking at me with shocked faces. I shrug and turn my smile back up toward Hudson, his eyes locking with mine before flashing behind me, no doubt able to locate my sister without a second glance.
“Thank you guys so much,” Hudson finally speaks, clutching the microphone in his right hand. “I’m here tonight for a special lady who just so happens to be getting married next month. Starr, come on up here.” My sister squeals, gives me an ‘oh my god’ look, and practically runs to the stage.
Hudson extends a hand and helps her up, wrapping his arm around her shoulder as she beams at him.
“Alright, sweetheart, we’re all dying to know. Who’s the lucky bastard?” Hudson looks out over the crowd before peering down at my sister.
She immediately pulls the mic down to her mouth. I swear there’s not a shy bone in her body.
“His name’s Mark.” She giggles, releasing the microphone back to Hudson.
“And when’s the big day?”
“July twenty-ninth,” she responds when he holds the mic down to her.
“And you’re getting married where?” He glances to me before looking back at my sister. I can’t help but feel like he’s up to something that has nothing to do with my sister.
“On the beach at sunset, of course,” she says like the true princess she is.
“Well of course.” Hudson chuckles, smiling at her.
“And it looks like you’ve got all your ladies here to help you celebrate.” He gestures over to our group and Starr’s three friend’s wave like lunatics while Sandy and I shrink into the background. “So let’s get this party started, shall we?” he yells to the crowd and their applause is immediate. “Starr, I need you and your girls to do me a favor, okay?” She nods and he continues, “I need you to get your sexy asses out there and show these people how it’s done. Think you can do that?”
“Oh, I can do that.” She winks flirtatiously before hopping off the stage, Chelsea, Julie, and Jaime meeting her on the dance floor.
“Bride to be, looks like you’re a couple ladies down.” Hudson points to me and Sandy, prompting my sister to come after us.
I try to refuse, but with so many eyes on us it’s hard to say no without causing a huge scene, so I cave and let Starr drag me out into the center of the dance floor, Sandy right behind me.
“Alright, everyone, let’s wish Starr and Mark a fucking beautiful life together – Nashville style.”
With that, Hudson places the mic into the stand, snags a guitar from behind him, slides the strap over his shoulder, and positions himself center stage, winking at me seconds before he starts to play.
The band kicks in, immediately following his lead, and within seconds Hudson starts to sing. Seeing him up on that big stage at the concert was nothing short of amazing, but seeing him like this, in his element, in it just to have fun... it’s like seeing a whole other side to him.
Before long even I can’t deny the feel of the music coursing through my body and I start to move with the upbeat rhythm of the song. I’ve never heard it before. He sings about beer and hot girls and as it would seem, those two are quite the crowd pleaser here in Nashville. The audience goes wild for him. But how could they not? He’s incredible.
For the next three minutes I let myself go. Let the feel of Hudson’s eyes watching me fuel my boldness. Let the sound of his voice vibrate through every inch of my body.
By the end of the song I’m overheated and in need of a serious drink, but before I can even think to move toward the bar, Hudson thanks everyone and quickly jumps off the stage. He’s at my side in seconds, wrapping his large hand around my much smaller one.
“Ladies, I’m gonna steal her for ten minutes.” He smiles and I swear all five girls melt into little puddles of lust at his feet.
“Okay.” Starr looks at him with stars in her eyes like she too has fallen in love with the man after minutes of being in his presence.
Hudson tugs on my hand once more, walking straight for the door before anyone can stop him. Once on the sidewalk, he jerks me to the right and slides me into a small alleyway that runs between this bar and the one next to it.
Guiding me backward, he doesn’t stop until my back is flush with the brick wall behind me. He leans into me, caging me in with his arms seconds before his mouth closes over mine.
He doesn’t coax or ease me into it. He kisses me good and hard, his tongue sliding against mine so seductively. A moan finds its way from me.
“Fuck.” He pulls back breathlessly, his face hovering so close to mine I can’t see anything but his eyes. “I thought I could kiss you and walk away with my sanity but then you have to go and do something like that.” He shakes his head. “You’re going to be the death of me, Lennon Claire,” he says, kissing me again, this time much gentler.
“Thank you for what you did for Starr,” I say when he pulls back again, reaching around to lock my hands around his neck. “You seriously made her night.”
“I’m glad I could do that for her. And for you.” He kisses the tip of my nose. “Speaking of which, I better get you back inside.”
I whimper, not wanting to go anywhere except wherever he’s going.
“Do that again and I’ll say fuck your sister’s bachelorette weekend because you’ll be coming home with me.” He presses his body flush with mine, letting me feel his arousal hard against my belly.
“I wish I could,” I answer truthfully, pulling his face back to mine for another kiss. “Why don’t you come back insi
de with me? You could hang out with us the rest of the night,” I suggest, knowing after what he just pulled Starr would probably be all for this idea.
“I don’t want to impose. This is Starr’s weekend. But I want to see you again,” he says, his mouth lingering, his lips brushing against mine with each word he speaks.
“I leave tomorrow morning,” I remind him.
“I mean beyond this weekend. I need to see you again,” he emphasizes and it does something fantastic to my insides. “We have a show in Georgia next Friday and Saturday is clear before we head to Utah early Sunday morning. I checked the schedule this afternoon. I could drive down Saturday morning and we could spend the day together. It can be our first official date.” His suggestion makes my chest swell and I nearly pronounce my love for him right here.
But, I’m not naïve enough to believe that I actually love him. Or maybe I do, but either way I know being with him makes me so happy I feel like I could burst into a bazillion pieces.
“You checked into all this this afternoon?” I question, trying to contain how pleased this makes me.
“I haven’t thought about anything but you since the moment I saw you last night, standing out in the middle of the crowd like a fucking angel calling to me.”
“You sure are good with words.”
“I’m good with a lot of things.” He dips his head, peppering kisses across my throat.
“I remember,” I say but my voice sounds nothing like my own.
Hudson’s lips find mine again. “What do you say, Luscious Lennon. Will you go on a date with me?”
The way he phrases it makes me giggle against his mouth. “Are you sure you can make it work?”
“I’ll make it work. Come hell or high water my ass will be in Destin on Saturday. That is, if you want me there.”
“I want you there,” my voice breathless as his tongue once again slides into my mouth, the action dominating my senses.
He’s everywhere. His hands on my body, his scent invading my nostrils, his taste on my tongue. I feel him everywhere.
“I need to go.” I press gently against Hudson’s chest, knowing if I don’t stop this now it’s not going to stop.
“I know.” He says it like he’s just as disappointed as I am. Letting out a long breath before stepping away, he snags my hand as he does.
“You’ll let me know about next weekend?” I question, delaying the inevitable as he walks me back to the front of the bar.
“I will. Don’t lose my number this time.” He winks playfully.
“Not a chance,” I promise, leaning in to press my lips to his one last time before turning and quickly heading back inside.
Chapter Ten
“What do you think of this pattern?” Emma asks, holding up a silver and white delicate looking wall paper.
We’re trying to settle on what to use for the accent wall in the office and thus far, have not been able to agree.
“That’s okay.” I shrug. “I’m not in love with it though.”
“You’re being more particular than usual,” Emma points out, shoving the sample to the side before pulling out another.
“It’s just this house. It’s a lot more high end than we’re used to designing. I want to make sure we get it perfect.”
“Fine.” Emma rolls her eyes and pulls out another sample. This one pale gray with a wide stroke ivory design.
“That’s it,” I say instantly, knowing it will match the ivory colored sitting chairs that I’ve already ordered for that room.
“You’re sure?” Emma turns it toward her and studies it for a long moment before nodding. “Yeah, you’re right. This is it. We can have the guys match this color for the other three walls.” She points to the light gray color.
“I think that sounds perfect,” I agree, stretching my legs out on the floor in front of me.
Emma and I have been at this for hours. It’s Wednesday and even though we have been design sketching since Monday, we haven’t gotten much done. The master bedroom and bathroom design along with the office took us longer than expected. I don’t know why. Usually we have our designs drawn up in a matter of hours and are ordering supplies while the contractors finish the demo, but this project has proven to be much more challenging. Not only is it nearly four times the size of the condos and small beach houses we usually design, but it’s also going to go for a lot higher value, so it’s important we get the design right.
“So, have you talked to lover boy today?” she asks, collecting the wall paper samples off the floor before shoving them into the box next to her.
“Not today. They have a show in Charlotte tonight, Birmingham tomorrow, and Atlanta on Friday. I think it’s safe to say he’s pretty busy.”
“I still can’t believe he’s touring with Travis Travers.” She shakes her head.
“I know. It’s crazy,” I agree, hoisting myself off the floor of the unfinished office. “I’m still waiting to wake up, ya know? Like this is all just some crazy dream.”
“Has he told you what he’s got planned for your date yet?” she asks, reaching her hands up for me to help her off the floor.
Rolling my eyes, I grab both her hands and tug her upright before answering.
“I think we’re just gonna hang out. Maybe hit the beach and probably go out to dinner.” I shrug. “We haven’t really had a lot of time to talk about it. He called Sunday but couldn’t talk long. They’ve had a show every night but one since and they are doing tons of interviews and promo stuff for the new album between shows, so we’ve mainly just been texting.”
“Money says you two don’t make it to dinner before clothes start coming off.” She smiles mischievously before following me out of the room.
“Normally I would argue that you’re wrong but with Hudson...” I let out a slow breath, stopping inside the gutted kitchen to grab a bottle of water from the cooler Emma brought.
“Girl, you’ve got it bad.” She leans her hip against the frame where the kitchen sink will go, crossing her arms over her chest.
“I know,” I admit, taking a long pull of water. “And that’s what scares me. I don’t even know this guy, Em. I mean, hell, I let you drag me all the way to Nashville after spending one night with him. That’s how crazy he makes me.”
“Love makes us all a little crazy.”
“This isn’t love. If anything it’s infatuation.”
“Whatever helps you sleep at night.” She smiles like she knows something I don’t.
“Don’t do that,” I warn.
“Do what?” she clips innocently, reaching around to tighten her long wavy ponytail.
“You know what.” I narrow my gaze at her.
“Looks intense in here,” a male voice rings out, causing me to jump slightly. Spinning, I see Robert standing inside the doorway just a few feet away. “Am I interrupting something?”
“Just Emma being Emma.” I smile, watching him cross the space toward us.
“Uh oh, what’d she do this time?” he asks, wrapping his arms around Emma’s waist and pulling her to him the second he reaches her.
“Lennon just doesn’t like it when I’m right.” She smiles up at him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
While Robert is no Hudson, he definitely fits in the ‘too hot for his own good’ category. It’s clear to see why he swept Emma off her feet so effortlessly. The way his white pressed shirt looks against his dark skin. The way it clings to his thick biceps. Hell, it’s enough to make anyone take notice.
“The question is, are you actually right?” He grins at her, tightening his grip when she tries to pull away.
“I’m always right,” she bites back, smacking his chest.
“Yes, dear.” He chuckles, stealing a kiss before pulling her to his side, his arm wrapping around her shoulders as they face me. “Do you think I could steal my wife for the rest of the day?”
“Yep. I think we’re done for now anyway.” I nod, not able to contain the smile on my face.
<
br /> I never thought I’d see the day when Emma Barrett (now Emma Mills) would be tamed by a man. But Robert has definitely tamed her – in all the good ways of course. She’s still crazy Emma, just way happier and a hell of a lot more grown up than she was before Robert came into her life.
I think that’s how you know it’s real. Love, that is. I think love and relationships change everyone but it’s real love – the kind that you know deep in your bones is a forever kind of love – that brings out the absolute best in you. And that’s exactly what Robert has done for Emma.
“I’ll get the order placed for the wall paper that we settled on tonight,” Emma informs me, stepping out from underneath Robert’s arm to grab her keys and bag from the floor.
“Perfect. I think I’m going to head over to Trina’s and see if I can find some décor pieces for the office and maybe some stuff for the other rooms as well.” Trina’s is my absolute favorite boutique that sells the most interesting home décor items I’ve ever seen.
“Meet you back here in the morning?” She smiles, taking Robert’s outstretched hand.
“Sounds good. You two kids have fun,” I call over my shoulder as they head toward the door.
“Bye, Lennon,” Robert calls loudly over his shoulder.
“Bye, Robert,” I return even louder seconds before the door closes behind him.
—-
Hudson: Is it Saturday yet?
I stare at the text message that startled me awake minutes after I had fallen asleep, an instant smile darting across my face.
Me: I wish. How was the show tonight?
I settle back onto my pillow, holding the phone above my face as I watch the dots bounce across the screen before another message appears.
Hudson: Really good. I’m exhausted.
Me: I bet. Maybe you should try to sleep Saturday instead of coming here.
Hudson: Trying to back out on me?
Me: Not a chance. I just feel bad. You’re so busy. Now isn’t a good time for you.
I chew on my bottom lip as I wait for his reply, which takes a lot longer to come through than I’d like.
Tequila Page 9
