Page 12 of Georgia-Blue & Hudson

“You know I am married to one of those brothers you mentioned.” Autumn pops a shoulder.

“And you deserve a medal,” I state, just as Hudson’s dad brings over our coffee and places it on the counter. “Thank you, Huck,” Autumn and I chime at the same time.

“You’re welcome, darlin’s.”

“So, how are you and thissupposeddate of yours getting to Florida?” Hudson asks, piquing one eyebrow.

“Umm, flying like all normal people, I’m not about to walk there!” I give him a cheesy grin as I skim the top of the foam with my teaspoon.

“Wise ass.” He narrows his eyes. “I meant, have you booked flights or anything yet?”

“Not yet.”

“Aren’t you both leavin’ it a little late?” Huck frowns.

“Plenty of time,” Hudson replies. “I’m a last minute man.”

I snort. “So you haven’t booked flights yet, either?”

“Nope, but I’m planning on it this weekend.”

“Hey, I’ve got an idea, you two should go together!” Autumn jumps in, raising the coffee mug to her lips to take a sip.

I feel Hudson side-eye me as I stare at Autumn for a moment too long, trying to convey to her that she should quit while she’s ahead.

“Sounds like a great idea, as long as yourdatedoesn’t mind?” Hudson smirks toward me.

Ugh, he’s so annoying.

Then it hits me. Either way we look at it, I’m going out of town with Hudson Nash. Why does that send a little thrill through me?

I glance up at him as he leans on the counter looking oh-so-mischievous. He knows he’s all that, it’s written on that smirk he so often wears on that annoyingly attractive face of his. And today is no different.

He seems to be enjoying watching me squirm a little too much. I also think he likes teasing me as much as I do to him.

“I’ll have to give you a raincheck on that one. Besides, won’tyourdatemind if I’m tagging along?” I quietly praise myself at that snappy comeback.

He pops a shoulder like he has no cares in the world, and knowing Hudson, he probably doesn’t. “Don’t you worry that pretty little head of yours,Blue Belle.”

I humph a little because I don’t know if he’s lying about the date or not. Surely I’d know if he was seeing someone? There was that whole Dolly Simpson debacle some time ago; it’s widelyrumored they hooked up. Dolly works at the local beauty salon and is always trying to sink her claws into any available fresh meat in town.

Word is she got those talons hooked into Hudson, and she liked it. Of course, he’s a handsome, eligible bachelor, and don’t all the single women in town know it. Thinking about it now; I haven’t heard or seen Hudson hooking up with anyone for ages, and we all know he doesn’t date. Maybe he thinks he’s too good for any of the women in town.Asshat.

I clear my throat at hisBlue Bellenickname. It always sends flutters through me when he uses my nickname. I should be used to it by now, but his deep monotone rattles my insides each and every time. “I’ll check out some flights later.”

“So, you’re stayin’ for a few days afterward?” he prompts.

“I was thinking about it. A mini vacay. Beau suggested it.”

“Sounds good, you’ve worked hard all summer.” He moves over to the coffee machine where Huck is finishing their coffees.

I quickly glance at Autumn and try to get attention by discreetly tugging on her sleeve. My eyes are wider than saucers at the concept of traveling with Hudson.

She rolls her lips as she looks at me, and I know she’s reading my mind.

I mean, I believe in fate and the stars lining up and all of that, but this is something else. I didn’t ask for this, yet, am I meant to embrace it? I mean, it’s Hudson Nash.

No big deal. My brother’s best friend and my biggest pain in the ass. He probably trumps all of my brothers combined.

---