Page 63 of Engaging with Her Enemy

“Hudson, I'm sorry.”

“I don't want to hear it right now.” Because he didn't know how to be nice, and Carrie's little head poked out from around Dewey.

Hudson opened his truck door. Juliana opened the other side. “What? Are you going to throw me out of your truck, because I'm not moving otherwise? Not until you talk about this. I can’t get her to talk, but you will.”

“There's nothing to talk about.” He leaned his hands on the frame of the truck, knowing it wasn't Juliana's fault, but it damn well felt like it. “Cameron found something out that was a secret. Becky thinks I told him.”

“Did you?”

“Hell, no! But do you think Becky will listen?”

“Of course not. This is the maddest I've ever seen her in our entire life. You seem to have that effect on her since the last time was the incident with prom.”

Hudson climbed into the truck, not knowing where he'd go. All his clothes and belongings were probably about to end up on the front lawn. Or set on fire. “That makes me feel great.”

“It should. She's never loved someone this much to make her this mad. I'm sorry. Really. I didn't mean to cause a fight. It shocked me when Cameron told me. Judging by her reaction, I'm guessing it's true.” She crossed her arms. “I'm pretty pissed with her, too.”

“I'm not mad at her.”

She raised her eyebrows. “I don't see why you shouldn't be. She didn't even give you the benefit of the doubt. Didn't go ask Cameron how he'd found out. Just assumed you'd told him.” She clicked her seatbelt closed and set her head back against the seat, closing her eyes. “We have a few stops to make. Go to Cameron's house first.”

“I want to see Becky.”

“Not yet. We need to find out the facts.”

“You're not going to leave me alone to figure this out, are you?” Hudson waited for a beat, but Juliana didn't open her eyes. “Great. My life can't fall apart in peace.”

“I got you into this. I'll help get you out.”

“I don't think it's going to be that simple.”

“Maybe not, but are you willing to fight for Becky?” She sat up and looked at him. “It's going to get worse before it gets better.”

He shoved his hand in his pocket and held out the box.

“Seriously? Damn it, Becky,” Juliana mumbled and took the box, opening it. “God, it’s gorgeous, Hudson.”

He shrugged and pulled out of the station. “Is Carrie okay there?”

“Yes. Uncle Jimmy is there, and so is Dewey. Daddy will be by to get her shortly, anyway, and take her back to the house.” She snapped the box closed. “I don't think now is the best time to propose to her.”

Hudson half-laughed. “No. I think I'll wait.”

He turned into Cameron's driveway, flanked on either side by tall pine trees for a quarter mile until the house came into view. Addie played with Cameron's dog, Lacy, outside while Cameron washed Addie's car. It all looked so damn domestic. It pissed him off even more. He wanted it.

“Cameron Dempsey,” Juliana started, her voice loud and sharp. At least he had one person on his side. “I asked Becky about that little piece of information you told me.”

Cameron slipped off his sunglasses. His eyes rested for a fraction on Hudson before shutting off the water hose. “Yeah? Is it true?”

“Apparently, some part of it's true because she yelled at me and then broke off everything with Hudson.” Juliana crossed her arms. “Please enlighten us. Where did you hear about all your juicy gossip?”

Cameron's jaw set. “I don't gossip. I, uh—”

“Look a little nervous,” she suggested.

He held his hands out. “Sorry, man. I read the card with the flowers you sent her.”

“Isn't reading someone else's mail illegal?” Addie asked. She patted Cameron on the back. “You're really loosening up, honey. I’m proud of you.”

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