Page 5 of Curvy Desire's Second Shot

Her gaze snapped back to mine, and for a moment, I thought she might actually argue. Instead, she just shook her head and muttered, “You’re impossible.”

“Maybe,” I said with a shrug. “But I’m also not going anywhere.”

The driveback to her place was quiet, tension hanging heavy in the air. I followed her car on my bike, my eyes scanning the road and the surroundings for anything suspicious. By the time we pulled up in front of her apartment, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the street in shadow.

Naomi stepped out of her car and turned to face me. “Thanks for the escort, but I’m fine now.”

“You’re not fine,” I said, cutting the engine and swinging off the bike. “And you’re not going inside alone.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Hudson, I’m not some damsel in distress. I don’t need you babysitting me.”

“I’m not babysitting,” I said. “I’m making sure you’re safe.”

She crossed her arms, glaring at me like I’d just insulted her. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“Maybe,” I said, taking a step closer. “But I’d rather be ridiculous than reckless. Humor me.”

Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn’t argue further. Instead, she turned and headed up the stairs to her apartment, muttering something under her breath that I didn’t quite catch. I followed her, my gaze flicking to the shadows that seemed to stretch and shift in the dim light.

When we reached her door, she paused, her hand hovering over the lock. “You really don’t have to do this,” she said quietly, her tone softer now.

“I know,” I said. “But I’m doing it anyway.”

She sighed and unlocked the door, stepping inside. The apartment was small but cozy, the kind of place that felt lived in. She dropped her bag on the counter and turned to face me, her arms crossed again.

“So, what’s the plan, Mr. Protector?” she asked, her tone laced with sarcasm. “You’re just going to stand guard all night?”

“If I have to,” I said, leaning against the wall. “But I’d rather you just let me crash here. Makes things easier.”

She blinked, clearly caught off guard by my suggestion. “You want to stay here?”

“It’s practical,” I said with a shrug. “Unless you’ve got a better idea.”

Her eyes darted to the door, then back to me. I could see the wheels turning in her head, the internal debate playing out. Finally, she let out a resigned sigh. “Fine. You can stay. But this doesn’t mean I need you.”

“I know,” I said, my lips twitching into a small smile. “But it’s nice to hear you admit it anyway.”

She rolled her eyes and turned away, grabbing a glass of water from the kitchen. I watched her, my chest tightening at the sight of her trying so hard to be strong. She didn’t need to carry this alone, no matter what she thought.

As she set the glass down, she glanced at me, her expression guarded but curious. “Why are you doing this, Hudson? Really?”

“Because I care,” I said simply. “And because I can’t just stand by and watch you struggle when I know I can help.”

Her eyes softened, and for a moment, the walls she’d built seemed to crack. But then she straightened, her defenses snapping back into place. “Well, don’t get too comfortable. This is a one-time thing.”

I nodded, even though we both knew it wasn’t true. Whatever was going on, it wasn’t going to resolve overnight. And I wasn’t going anywhere until I knew she was safe.

Naomi’s lips parted as if to argue, but I cut her off, my voice firm. “You’re staying with me tonight. End of discussion.”

Chapter Five

Naomi

Hudson’s apartment was exactly what I expected—minimal, no-frills, and completely his. The space was clean but lived-in, with dark furniture, a leather couch that looked as rugged as him, and a faint scent of cedar lingering in the air. I tried not to feel out of place as I stood in the middle of the living room, clutching my overnight bag like it was a lifeline.

“You can take the bed,” he said, his voice coming from the kitchen where he was pouring water into a kettle.

I turned to face him, arching an eyebrow. “Where are you planning to sleep?”

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