Page 54 of Engaging with Her Enemy

Hudson leaned back with the study guide in his hand. “Fairly certain that works as a distraction for most men. Let's study so you can try to distract me again.”

And they did. For the next three hours, they started at depreciation and worked their way down to discounting bonds, and then, finally, he tackled tax. He didn't blame her for the eye rolls or the dramatic sighs. It was like they tacked on an introductory to tax in the last chapter of her book. A completely different mindset that she hadn't had a test over yet.

But they made it through and into bed, him holding her tight as she drifted off to sleep.

Did she have any idea how much he cherished her? He'd fight to keep her right beside him like this. He'd spend the next ten years convincing her this was where she belonged.

If only he could show her that everyone would be proud, even with her disability, maybe more so, for earning her degree on her own. Cameron. Dewey. Juliana. Ms. Iris. The entire crew would support her.

But she said she had no intention of telling anyone. He hated that. It was rooted in fear. Becky wasn't afraid. More like fearless. But only to herself.

Only to him.

A quick flash of her being alone in another few weeks made him tighten his grip.

He never wanted to lose her.

Ideas rolled around his mind. When she passed accounting and was given her degree, he'd bring her flowers again. She seemed to enjoy the ones he'd brought her this afternoon. A massive bouquet. Dinner reservations somewhere nice. Soften her up before he proposed.

Somehow, he would show her how much they needed each other. But, tonight, he'd hold her. Just like this, with her head cradled against his shoulder, without any plans of letting go.

19

Becky grunted as the sunlight hit her in the face. “Hudson!” She pulled the covers over her head. “What the hell? It's my day off.”

“I know.” Juliana's happy voice broke into the fog of sleep. “Wake-up, Grumpy.”

Becky sat up, rubbing her face. “Why can't I be Sleeping Beauty instead of one of the seven dwarfs?”

“Start acting like Sleeping Beauty, and I'll start calling you that.” Juliana left her room. “Get dressed. We're going shopping.”

“Shopping? Where's Hudson?”

“Right here.” He stepped back into the bedroom, dressed in jeans and a short-sleeved polo shirt. “Good morning,” he murmured, right before he kissed her.

“Come back to bed,” she said, tugging his arm. In a low whisper, she added, “we were supposed to celebrate the end of accounting.” Her teeth grazed his earlobe. “Naked.”

“We will. I promise. But I was told Ms. Iris and Hugh set a date, and now Ms. Iris has to go wedding dress shopping.” He skimmed the pad of his thumb along her lower lip, driving her crazy. “She wants your help.”

Juliana stepped back into the room. “C'mon. I let you sleep in as long as possible.”

“You sound like me with Carrie.” Eliza walked into the room.

“It's a damn party in here now.” Becky rolled her eyes and flung back the covers. “Who is covering the diner if we're all going?”

“The guys.” Juliana's eyes sparkled. “Grayson is even helping out.”

Becky stared at Hudson. “You, too?” He’d slipped back into their lives so easily.

“Cameron and I are splitting shifts, taking orders.”

“Our men are amazing, wonderful creatures that will do anything for Ms. Iris.” Juliana tugged on Becky's arm. “Now, come on before they realize what they've gotten themselves into.”

“I'm going. Coffee first.”

Hudson steered her shoulders toward the direction of the bathroom. “I'll bring you coffee while you're in the shower. Ms. Iris is supposed to be here any minute.” He kissed the top of her head and patted her butt. “The quicker you leave, the quicker you can get back.”

Becky did as she was told, for once, and started the shower. Although when Hudson brought her the coffee, she managed to beg and plead until he slipped into the shower with her when he delivered her coffee. Forty-five minutes later, she was dressed and climbing into the car with Juliana, Eliza, and Ms. Iris.

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