Page 39 of Curvy Desire's Second Shot

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Hudson

The smell of freshly brewed coffee hit me the moment I pushed open the café door. It was warm and inviting, the kind of place that made you feel at home even if you didn’t belong. Naomi had mentioned it once in passing—a spot she used to visit when things got overwhelming, a place where she could breathe. I figured she could use that now.

The bell above the door jingled, and a cheerful voice called from behind the counter. “Be with you in just a minute!”

I stepped inside, taking in the familiar mismatched tables and chairs, the faint sound of acoustic music playing softly in the background. Naomi hadn’t been here since we came back to Cedar Hill, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was time to change that.

A few minutes later, Naomi stepped through the door, her brow furrowing slightly as she looked around. “Hudson, what is this?”

I smirked, nodding toward a table near the window. “Just thought we could use a change of scenery.”

She crossed her arms, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “You’re up to something.”

“Maybe,” I admitted, pulling out a chair for her. “Have a seat and find out.”

She shook her head, but she sat anyway, her gaze softening as she looked around. “I haven’t been here in years.”

“I know,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “Figured it might be time to fix that.”

The café owner, a woman in her sixties with silver-streaked hair and a knowing smile, appeared from behind the counter. Her eyes lit up the moment she spotted Naomi.

“Well, if it isn’t Naomi Ray,” she said, her voice warm and teasing. “I haven’t seen you in forever.”

Naomi flushed, a sheepish smile spreading across her face. “Hi, Mrs. Carter. It’s been a while.”

“Too long,” Mrs. Carter said, wiping her hands on her apron as she came over to our table. “And who’s this handsome fellow? Wait—don’t tell me. Hudson King, right?”

I blinked, surprised that she remembered me. “That’s me.”

Mrs. Carter grinned, glancing between us. “Well, isn’t this a sight? You two always were thick as thieves. Caused me more trouble than I care to admit.”

Naomi laughed softly, shaking her head. “We weren’t that bad.”

“Oh, don’t play innocent,” Mrs. Carter said, wagging a finger at her. “I still remember the time you two tried to sneak out with a whole tray of cookies. Thought I didn’t see you hiding behind the counter.”

“That was her idea,” I said, raising my hands in mock defense.

“Sure it was,” Naomi shot back, rolling her eyes.

Mrs. Carter chuckled, her gaze softening as she looked at Naomi. “It’s good to see you back, sweetheart. You’ve been missed.”

Naomi’s smile faltered for a moment, but she nodded. “It’s good to be back.”

Mrs. Carter patted her shoulder before heading back to the counter, leaving us in a silence that felt heavier than it should have. Naomi stared at the table, her fingers tracing the edge of her napkin.

“You okay?” I asked, leaning forward slightly.

“Yeah,” she said, her voice softer now. “It’s just... I forgot how much I missed this place. How much I missed... everything.”

I nodded, giving her a moment before speaking. “You don’t have to miss it anymore. You’re here now.”

She looked up at me then, her eyes shining with something I couldn’t quite name. “Thank you, Hudson.”

“For what?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“For bringing me here,” she said, her smile soft but genuine. “For reminding me that it’s okay to have good memories. Even here.”

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