Page 61 of When We Dare

I opened my eyes and glanced at the clock on the nightstand. “It’s almost five-thirty. I’m usually up by now anyway.”

We got up together. Before I could make my way down to the kitchen, Hudson caught my hand. “Shower.”

We took a quick shower together, and Hudson drew circles through the soap rolling down my back when I was rinsing the shampoo out of my hair. A short while later, he was feeding the cats and I got coffee ready.

When I turned around to see him talking to Butter, my heart felt like it might beat its way out of my chest. He was having a one-way conversation with a cat, and I loved it. I could do this for the rest of my life.

Chapter Forty-Four

HUDSON

A month later

“What’ll it be?” Janet asked from behind the register.

“Huh?” I was distracted, utterly, by Stella, I hadn’t noticed that the customers in front of us had already been served.

Janet drummed her fingertips on the counter, her smile sly. “I assume you were standing in line because you wanted some coffee, or something to eat?”

Casey appeared through the swinging door from the back, giggling a little when she saw the look on my face. She smiled toward Janet. “Hudson is whipped.”

I heard someone approaching from behind and glanced over to see Parker. The expression on his face was muddled, a combination of annoyed, good-natured horror, and humor. Just to get him back a little for threatening to kick my ass, I looked at Casey, smiling widely. “I am completely whipped and proud of it.” Holding Stella’s hand, I leaned down and gave her a lingering kiss. Her cheeks were pink by the time I lifted my head.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Parker muttered. “You’re holding up the line. You’ve made your point. You and Stella are doing great, and I’m happy for you.”

When Stella glanced over at Parker, the flush on her cheeks deepened and a hint of annoyance flashed in her eyes. They were still getting adjusted to their newfound sibling relationship. They got along pretty well, but Stella’s independent streak was strong, and she didn’t appreciate Parker trying to protect her.

Casey grinned. “Take all the time you need.”

“Actually, please don’t,” Janet said. “There’s a group coming in right now.” The bell chimed above the door and a cluster of tourists came walking in.

We ordered and I covered Parker’s coffee. Janet chatted with us as she made our drinks. When Parker stepped away to use the restroom, she smiled between us. “I am happy for you two. Remember, let the good stuff be your shining star. Don’t let the daily annoyances of life get in the way.”

Beck happened to be approaching and caught Janet’s last comment. His smile was wide as he looked amongst us. “Exactly. For example, Maisie didn’t do the dishes last night. I’m totally over it.”

Maisie was right behind him and stopped at his side, elbowing him hard. “Last night wasyournight to do the dishes. I’m totally over it,” she said tartly.

For all of the jokes about Beck being nosy, which he was, and often offering unsolicited advice on relationships, he was a happy guy. When Beck looked down at Maisie, they laughed together before he gave her a lingering kiss.

Janet glanced over. “Take their advice. They’ve got it figured out.”

Griffin and Tish were approaching with Tiffany and Wes. “Or them,” Maisie said.

“Or who?” Tish asked as she stopped beside Maisie.

“You have your relationship figured out,” Maisie said with a shrug.

“Well, most of the time,” Tish offered dryly as she glanced askance at Griffin.

“What?” Griffin asked, his eyes, and his brows hitching up.

“You forgot the diaper bag. I’m over it,” Tish replied with a shrug.

Griffin burst out laughing. “That’s why I keep an extra one in your car.”

We had coffee and breakfast with friends. On my way to the restroom, Graham and Madison were walking in. Leo arrived, unaccompanied, and Beck narrowed his eyes as he studied him.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Leo asked.

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