Page 29 of Engaging with Her Enemy

Btw- I can't stop thinkingabout that kiss. Call me soon

Double damn.

10

Hudson held the door open to Rhonda's Roadhouse. Becky walked in ahead of him. As usual, Rhonda stood there, popping chewing gum. Her white hair teased higher than structurally possible. The leather pants and purple high heels didn't shock him either.

“My two newest lovebirds.”

“Not quite,” Becky answered quicker than he'd thought to. She'd seemed interested at her house the last time they'd studied. He'd made a small move, judging her reaction. Kissing her soft skin along her neck that had smelled of cupcakes.

Tonight, she'd worn some perfume that reminded him of wildflowers that grew down by the river. It suited her and drove him crazy. He'd never get the smell out of his truck, but he wasn't going to try.

Although the restaurant had covered her scent, replaced by the smell of burgers and fries.

They passed by the bar. Barry sat at the end, a bottle of beer sitting in front of him.

Becky reached out and squeezed Hudson's hand. “Do you see him?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want to leave?” There was a small edge of fear in her voice. So unusual, that he glanced down at her.

“Are you afraid to be here with him?”

Her eyes widened. “No. I was worried you might get arrested for getting in a fight. I don't want to lose my tutor before my exam.”

His quick smile seemed to put her at ease. “I'm not Cameron.” He laughed once. “Or Nash or Dewey. Growing up skinny as a rail didn't give me very many opportunities to fight my way out of a situation. Besides, I don't have any intention of fighting. The judge will give him a fair sentence for the fire.”

Her shoulders relaxed. “You're right. I think I've spent too many nights in here with Cameron, always looking for a fight.”

“I'm a little surprised that Barry is still hanging around town.”

Rhonda pulled closed the half shutters to the back room before peeking under them. “This should keep people out. You can have a little privacy. I don't know what you need it for. Everyone in town knows the two of you are an item.”

Becky's mouth dropped open, but Hudson didn't move. Telling her that they were studying together would give away that Becky was in school. That was something she didn't want.

Rhonda disappeared, whistling, and Hudson nudged Becky. “Don't worry about it. Small towns will talk while it's interesting. Then, they'll forget about it.”

“It doesn't bother you?” She slid a chair out, not meeting his eyes.

“To be linked to you?” At the incredulous tone of his voice, she tilted her head back. He smiled. “No. Not at all.”

Her lips quirked to the side. “Might as well get started.”

She opened the book and, with a quick glance at the partially blocked door, began at the beginning of the book.

They'd covered about half the material for the test when a man, dirty T-shirt, pushed open the shutters so hard they swung back and knocked him in the chest.

“Hey, Shug.” His eyes were only focused on Becky. She shoved the accounting book to Hudson, her nervous expression triggering Hudson's protective streak. “Whatcha doin' back here?”

Drunk. He could smell the whiskey on the man from twenty feet away.

Becky rose slowly. “Tommy. You need to leave. Ask Ms. Rhonda to call you a cab or something.”

Tommy. This guy? She’d dated him. How...why?

Tommy's gaze, probably a little blurry, shifted between the two of them. Hudson remained seated but slid the book underneath his jacket on the table. Becky didn't appreciate the damsel in distress routine and would handle herself. He'd step in if needed.

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