Page 43 of We're At It Again

“If you need anything, call me.” I said, before exiting the room with Maya.

“That boy has it bad.” She said into my ear once we entered the hallway.

I shoved her.

“He’s just being Hudson.”

Our banter continued as we reached my room until my phone interrupted our conversation.

I’m bored.

Hudson. I arched an amused brow at his ridiculous behavior.

“I’ll be right back,” I said. “Hudson needs me.”

A smirk danced at the corner of Maya’s lips, but I ignored it and went to get Hudson some food before going to his room. I entered, carrying a tray with a bowl of soup and a cup of hot chocolate. Eli’s bed was empty. I set Hudson’s food down and turned to face him. He leaned against a stack of pillows.

“You need to eat something.”

I pushed the tray towards him. He smirked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“I love it when you’re bossy.”

I gave an exasperated eye roll, trying to suppress a smile.

“Stop deflecting and eat.”

He pouted but ate his soup. It’s the only time he’s silent. He placed his bowl on the table and fell back against the pillows.

“I’m cold.” he said, feigning a shiver.

Now he’s just looking for attention. I indulged him.

“I’ll see what I can find.”

“You could always keep me warm.”

I ignored him, and grabbed a blanket on the recliner, draping it over him.

“Isn’t that better?” I asked, a hint of amusement in my voice.

“Not really.”

As I tucked him into the blanket, he gazed at me with an unrecognizable expression. I raised an eyebrow, a blush creeping into my cheeks.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked, feeling self-conscious under his gaze.

He smiled, his eyes reflecting fond memories.

“You were always good at taking care of others.”

I blushed deeper, a shy smile gracing my lips.

“That’s because I got practice patching you up when we were kids.” Our eyes locked, lost in the shared memory, before I shook myself back to reality. “I’ll check on you later. You need some rest.”

He nodded, and I wasted no time rushing out the door. There was too much nostalgia. As I left the room, my thoughts churned with confusion and frustration. I was almost to my room when I realized I’d left my phone with Hudson. Turning on my heel, I hurried back, only to find him standing upright. His injury miraculously healed.

My gasp of surprise echoed in the room as he froze, caught red-handed. I glared at him, anger flashing as I snatched my phone from the bedside table.

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