Page 13 of Engaging with Her Enemy

Becky’s voice caught his attention. He met her eyes, those blue eyes that had a hold on him. “Come inside, Hudson.” Becky pulled at his arm again before wiping her hands on her blue jeans. “Why are you all sweaty?” She took her rag from her back pocket, wiping off the scratches he’d received on his forearm from Barry.

“I just finished a workout with Cam.”

With a sigh, she crossed her arms. He followed her line of sight, seeing Cameron jog across the street from the Sheriff’s Office, still in his exercise clothes.

“Here comes our law enforcement to save the day. Come inside.” She led him to an orange stool at the counter. “Do you want some water?”

He tracked her movements. Slowly, the buzzing feeling left his system. She slid a tall glass of water his direction and then leaned on the counter, her gaze serious. “Want to tell me what happened to get you involved enough to almost kill a guy?”

Cameron walked in, taking a seat beside him. “David told me what he said. I don't think we need to repeat it.”

Becky rolled her eyes. “Good God. Still, protecting me? It can't be any worse than what he said to me in here. That's why I kicked him out.”

“Did he go willingly?”

“No. I had Ron from the back come and handle him. Or really, Ron stood there and stared at him with that mean mug of his and jerk-face scrambled out the door.”

“He said you needed to get laid.” Hudson studied her face, judging her reaction. “And offered up his services in a rather vulgar way.”

She shrugged. “I can't say I disagree with that observation, but I'm pretty sure I'm not interested in his descriptive offer.”

The joke was meant to lighten the mood, but it brought too many images to Hudson's mind to do much good. He immediately hated every lucky bastard that had touched her before.

Cameron stood up and patted Hudson on the shoulder. “I'm going to leave this discussion of Becky's bedroom needs to someone that might give a shit. I'm out. Try not to kill anyone while you're in town.” He pointed at Becky. “Let me know if you have any more trouble.”

“Yeah, yeah,” she said, waving him away. “I appreciate you standing up for me, but guys like that come in here a couple times a year. I've gotten used to recognizing them and kicking them out. Most of the town stands behind me and will help if I need them to. A couple of years ago, Nash had way too much fun kicking out an idiot that decided to corner me right outside the bathrooms. Nash literally tossed that man halfway to the library down the sidewalk.” She shook her head and leaned her elbows on the counter again. “What's wrong, Hudson?”

“I'm trying to figure out the friend thing.” And keep his hands from dragging her across the counter and into his lap.

She smiled. “Me, too. It's been a while, but it doesn't feel any different, you know? It’s a little strange.”

No. He didn't. Becky was special in high school, but now, having more experience, having seen the world, he knew precisely how extraordinary Becky was. And how much he wanted her to be his.

David came running into the diner. “Boss, we got a problem. I followed Barry back to the worksite. He grabbed the gas for the generator—”

“Shit.” Hudson scrambled off the seat before David got the next statement.

“I told the guys to be ready to call 9-1-1 if he started a fire.”

A firetruck came blaring by at that moment. Hudson jogged to the door, his muscles tight after his workout. “Here, I'll drive.” Becky tossed her notepad and pen on the table. “Ron, I'll be back. Call Ms. Iris,” she shouted as she ran out the front door.

“I can drive myself.”

“But I'm closer.” She shot him a cute smile, although worry lined her eyes. “And faster.” She slipped into the driver's seat of a little blue car that matched the color of her eyes.

He folded himself into the passenger's seat, trying not to touch anything with his body. He felt gross, knew he smelled, but his work site…

He didn’t need the delay. Not when he'd all but promised his manager that he was the best guy for the job since it was his hometown.

But one thing was correct. Becky drove like a damn racecar driver all the way there. Hudson jumped out and jogged to the side of the firetruck as men sprayed water on the fire.

His office.

Fully engulfed.

He thought of the plans, mostly all digital now, and relaxed a little. He'd only have a pile of paperwork to fill out for the state. His personal computer and paperwork were in his computer bag back in his room. A setback on their schedule, but he could handle it.

Dewey, another guy they went to school with and a sheriff’s deputy, held Barry in handcuffs on the other side of the lot. Hudson took a step, but Becky reached for his hand. Her fingers laced with his. Oddly seductive considering the circumstances.

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