Page 51 of Engaging with Her Enemy

Shit. He didn't miss it.

“We're done. With the project. In time for the end of project dinner tonight.” Instead of handing her the flowers, he set the bouquet on the table. In another step, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tight against his chest.

She opened her mouth to tell him about Juliana down the hall, but his lips melted against hers.

Then she was lost in his kiss. The stubble of his trimmed beard brushed against her cheek. She cradled his face in her hands, recognizing her emotions for him made the kiss sweeter than before.

God, she loved this man.

The floor creaked.

He spun around, keeping her hidden behind his back. She didn't blame him. After the gunshot and Tommy, he'd been a little jumpy.

Juliana grimaced and waved. “I was going to sneak back out.”

Hudson laughed and crossed the kitchen to give her a hug. “It's been a long time. How are you?”

“Good.” She patted him on the back. “Eliza said you'd grown, but I never imagined you as big as Grayson.”

Hudson released her. “I saw his last movie, and I'm nowhere near his size. Is he here? Not that I'm a crazed fan or anything, but I'd wanted to ask him if he could see my crew tonight. We have our end of project dinner at the diner. Everyone knows the story of how you and he helped to get the project moved away from the park.”

Juliana shrugged. “Becky mentioned it, and I don't think he'd have a problem with it. I'll ask him.”

“I wish I could come.” Becky chewed on her lower lip. She had to study tonight after she'd visited with Juliana. Her final was tomorrow after a full days' work.

Hudson caught the movement and came back to stand in front of her. He brushed her hair away from her face, resting his hand along her cheek, skimming his thumb along her bottom lip. “I don't expect you to be there,” he said, his voice low.

She shook her head. She didn't want Juliana to know. Not yet. She'd tell her eventually, but only after she passed and held her degree in her hand.

He ran his hands up and down her arms and then kissed her forehead. “I'm going to take a shower and let you two visit.” He headed down the hallway. “Nice to see you again, Juliana.”

“You, too.” She waited until the door to Becky's bedroom closed before rushing over to her. Eyes wide and excited. “Guest room my ass. That's why you didn't want us here. He's moved in.”

Becky pressed her lips together, pretending to be contrite with her lie. “His luggage is in the guest room.”

“You two are so sweet together. I don't know why you didn't tell me it was this serious.” Juliana picked up the flowers and took them to the sink. Leaning down, she pulled out a vase and the flower scissors. “There's no way he'll let you walk away. I know it will be a long-distance relationship, but,” she paused, focusing on separating the flowers. “With you taking over the diner, it might be the best thing. You can focus on running what you love and baking while he's away.”

She'd already considered it. Already imagined what it would be like, Hudson living in Atlanta and her in Statem. Seeing each other on weekends. She wanted more. But giving up the diner wasn’t an option.

“There.” Juliana stepped back to admire her arrangement. “He did a good job.”

Her heart did that flutter thing again. A bouquet of two dozen pink peonies for no real reason. She'd tell him. Right after her final, she'd tell him she loved him and then figure out how they could make it work. She didn't want anyone else. Just Hudson.

18

Hudson sipped his sweet tea, surveying his crew that had packed into the Daylight Diner. Eliza moved through the crowd, harassment-free thanks to the small, threatening discussion he'd had with the men. Hudson didn't care if it'd raised a few eyebrows when he vowed to personally make sure it'd be a long, long time before they were physically able to sleep with another woman. He had to protect his women.

Eliza deserved it.

Becky did, too.

He smiled and took another drink. Becky hated studying. He'd be there later, quizzing her on accounting, but she had to feel like she put in the last effort. Her final tomorrow night would end her educational career that she'd pushed herself through, alone, until this point. She deserved to own the diner. Running it would come second nature to her, and she would make it successful. Her determination amazed him.

“Boss,” John began, nudging him with his elbow. “You plan on staying here after tomorrow?”

“For a little bit, I guess.” How long was up to Becky.

John nodded and grunted before holding up a slice of Becky's carrot cake. “I would swoop that little gal up and marry her on the spot if she'd have an old fart like me. Cute as a button. Smart mouth.” He took a big bite, talking with his mouth full. “Can bake like an angel.”

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