Page 7 of Curvy Desire's Second Shot

“As his hand slid to my waist, my body betrayed me with a shiver, and I couldn’t stop myself from wondering what would happen if I stayed in his arms just a little longer.”

Chapter Six

Hudson

The memory of Naomi’s kiss still clung to me like a wildfire I couldn’t extinguish. Every time I closed my eyes, I could feel the press of her lips, the warmth of her body leaning into mine. It was dangerous—being this close to her. But the worst part? I didn’t regret it.

I wasn’t built for regret. I’d spent most of my life doing what needed to be done, making decisions that didn’t leave room for second-guessing. But this? Naomi? She was different. She always had been.

I leaned against my truck in the parking lot of the hardware store, my arms crossed as I watched her through the glass storefront. She was inside, chatting with the cashier as she picked up a few odds and ends. It was supposed to be a quick errand—nothing out of the ordinary. But I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling in my gut, the one that told me something wasn’t right.

I wasn’t just watching her because of the kiss. Sure, that moment had cracked something open between us, something raw and real. But my focus now wasn’t about what had happened—it was about what might.

Naomi was being watched. I was sure of it.

I’d caught a glimpse of a guy earlier, someone lingering a little too long near her building, watching a little too closely. And now, as I scanned the parking lot, I spotted him again. Same guy. Same dark jacket. He was parked a few spaces away, leaning casually against his car like he wasn’t paying attention. But I knew better. His gaze flicked toward the store every few seconds, like he was waiting for her to come out.

My jaw tightened, and I forced myself to breathe evenly. Getting worked up wouldn’t help, but the urge to march over there and put an end to whatever this was burned like a live wire in my chest.

I didn’t have to wait long. Naomi stepped out of the store, a small bag in hand, her expression light and relaxed. She didn’t see the guy, didn’t notice the way his posture shifted as she walked toward her car. But I did.

I pushed off the truck, my boots crunching against the asphalt as I moved toward her. She looked up, her eyes catching mine, and smiled. That smile—damn, it was enough to make a man forget how to breathe. But I didn’t have time to enjoy it.

“Hey,” she said, her voice bright. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Didn’t plan on it,” I admitted, stepping closer. “But it’s a good thing I did.”

Her brow furrowed, and she glanced at the bag in her hand. “Why? Did I buy the wrong kind of nails or something?”

“No,” I said, my voice dropping. “You’re being followed.”

The color drained from her face, and she instinctively glanced over her shoulder. I reached out, catching her arm gently to stop her.

“Don’t look,” I said. “Not yet.”

She froze, her eyes wide as they met mine. “Who?”

“Guy in the dark jacket by the silver car,” I said, nodding subtly in his direction. “He’s been hanging around too much.”

Her breath hitched, and she clutched the bag tighter. “What does he want?”

“I don’t know,” I said honestly. “But I’m going to find out.”

She started to argue, her lips parting, but I held up a hand to stop her. “Naomi, trust me on this. Get in your car and go straight home. I’ll follow you.”

“And what about him?” she asked, her voice shaking slightly.

“I’ll deal with him,” I said, my tone leaving no room for debate.

She hesitated, her gaze searching mine for a long moment before she nodded. “Okay.”

I waited until she was in her car and pulling out of the lot before I turned my attention back to the man in the jacket. He was still there, still watching, but now his focus had shifted to me. Good.

I strode toward him, my steps measured but deliberate. His posture stiffened as he realized I was coming straight for him, and he pushed off the car, his hands sliding into his pockets like he was trying to look nonchalant.

“Can I help you?” he asked, his voice casual but his eyes sharp.

“Funny,” I said, stopping a few feet away. “I was about to ask you the same thing.”

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