Page 63 of Tough Love

Reed glances to where a gathering has now blossomed around Louisa. She is holding up the bracelet. I guess she likes it.

“I’ll be out in a sec,” I tell him.

He pats the counter, glancing at Ruby’s back as she sorts through the cupboard, trying to find what, I don’t know. He turns and walks back to his brothers. I haven’t seen Mack yet, or Harry, come to think of it...

Curious.

I sip the wine. Cold and refreshing. I press a hand to Ruby’s arm. “See you out there, hey.”

“I’ll be out in a bit; hors d’oeuvres start soon.”

I wander to the patio door. Hudson is flipping steaks on the grill. Reed has turned toward the yard, chatting to some more people who are only now arriving. Hudson is wearing a navy button-down shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows like his brothers. His hair is neat and his face freshly shaved.God, he is gorgeous.He looks up and drops the tongs on the side of the grill.

“Lawson, this is Dr. Howard. Our new vet.”

My mouth gapes a little, and a gigantic smile cracks over his face. “Laws, this is Addy.”

I choke out a laugh. Lawson holds out a hand, formal, dry. Still not sure if this is part of the joke, I raise a hand and slip it into his. He tugs me into a hug. “Hey, Addy.”

When he releases me, I am all warmth, and Hudson’s eyes are lit with so much adoration that my throat closes over.

“Thanks for putting a smile on the cranky asshole’s face.”

“Whose, Harry’s?”

Lawson howls a laugh, throwing his head back. “I like this one, Huddo. She’s a keeper.”

Hudson smiles and gives me a wink before Lawson grabs my hand and drags me away to meet more people. I turn back. Hudson is watching us. A steak flares behind him, and he curses under his breath and turns back. I am swallowed by family and friends and introduced as Hudson’s friend to anyone who will listen. No mention of being the vet. Of being a short-term member of the community. Not some city girl who will go back to where she came from when her time is up.

When we run out of people to talk to and my stomach rumbles, Lawson grabs a platter and ushers me to a bench seat. We sit quietly for a moment as people mingle, laugh, and chat, and the sun disappears completely. Hudson has left the grill and gone inside.

“Which part of the Big Apple are you in?” Lawson asks.

“Northern outskirts, actually.”

“I’m Long Island. It’s another world entirely.”

“Isn’t it.”

“You been there?”

“Yeah, my old boss has a house out there. Montauk.”

“Oh yeah, the beach.”

“It’s fine. But I think your parents have the better spot.”

“It sure is pretty out here.”

“Do you miss it? All the mountains, open spaces, and slower-paced life?”

“Is this your way of asking me if you’re gonna miss the city lights, constant smog, and rat race?”

“What, no—I mean . . . ”

“Relax, Addy, it’s all good. Whatever you decide will be fine by this family. My father may come off as a harsh man, but he always does what’s best for his family.”

I frown. I’m confused.

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