Page 26 of Off the Record

After revealing the situation with Leo and Kyla, I looked into the HR fine print. There are no direct rules against dating coworkers. I didn’t think so, since Leo and I never got reprimanded for dating. HR prefers to have statements on file so they won’t be liable, but aside from that, it’s not prohibited. But there are conduct rules, and Leo has definitely broken a few of those. Hudson said I could trust him, though, so I try not to worry about it.

When Simone is ready, her pixie styled perfectly and dazzling earrings on, we order our Uber. She doesn’t live too far from the city, so it’s cheaper and easier to Uber in than to park downtown.

“What will you do if Phil has a date?” I ask while we ride toward the hotel hosting the event.

“My sources atOutdoorssay he’s single and won’t be bringing anyone. Apparently, he’s shy.”

I give her an appraising look.

“What?” she asks, though she’s fighting a smile. “I don’t want to show up and find out he’s with someone else.”

“Of course not.” Her detective skills are impressive all the same.

The awards banquet is set up in the ballroom, a small stage erected at one end while tables fill the remaining space. There is no assigned seating except for the executive tables at the front, so if we find Phil alone, we can invite him to sit with us.

Simone cranes her neck, holding my arm and searching the room. I have no idea what he looks like, so I can’t help her search, but I’m still looking over the groups of familiar and unfamiliar faces for one in particular.

Then I spot Hudson. Jeez, Instagram didn’t embellish at all. That man looks good in a tux. All crisp black and white, his hair impeccably combed, his blue eyes sparkling at the middle-aged woman he’s speaking to.

He’s clear across the room, but I can’t help watching him. His smile is kind, his posture straight, and he looks distracted. He keeps glancing up, like he’s searching for someone.

His gaze lands on me, and I’m rooted in place. The heavy attention he bestows on me is powerful, going straight to my head. His gaze travels my black floor-length gown before snapping back to my face, and a smile spreads over his lips.

“Found him,” Simone breathes.

“Oh yes, I did.”

“What?” she asks.

Right. She’s talking about Phil. I tear my gaze away from Hudson. “Where is he?”

“Near the drinks. Come on, let’s go see if he has a place to sit already.”

I follow her in the opposite direction of Hudson, hopeful he doesn’t see it as a dismissal. He knows I’m here for Simone, so I’m sure he understands.

We reach a tall, lanky man with overgrown golden hair and creases that prove he smiles regularly. He looks sharp in his blue suit, and I can see the appeal. More artsy than outdoorsy, but he has the vibe of a photographer, bowtie and all.

“Phil!” Simone says, her cheeks blushing already. It gives her a pretty glow. “Congrats on your nomination.”

“Thanks.” He glances at me, his smile friendly but distant. I wonder if he’s panicking about the speech he’ll have to make if he wins. He seems like the kind of guy who would worry about that preemptively.

Simone introduces us. “This is my work wife, Paisley. She’s a columnist for theRhythmtoo.”

“Oh, right,” he says. “I loved your piece on the chicken lady. It’s nice to meet you.”

I go warm with the glow of praise. He’s read my article? That’s both exciting and makes me feel weirdly giddy. “Thanks. She was pretty great.”

Simone chats with him about a piece he recently photographed forThe Tennessee Outdoorswhile I stand there and try to seem interested. Really, I’m fighting the desire to scan the crowd and locate Hudson again. My disinterest is fine, though. Simone and Phil are clearly only thinking of each other. At least she’s getting his mind off his possible speech later.

“Good evening,” a rich, deep voice says behind me.

Chills run down my bare arms and up my neck. I turn enough to see Hudson standing close. “Good evening. You look nice.”

“You look incredible,” he counters.

My cheeks flush.

Simone clears her throat, and I notice her and Phil watching us—Simone with reservation, Phil with slight awe. I guess I’d feel the same if I hadn’t gotten to know Hudson over the last few weeks. Ididfeel that way when he stopped to help me with my tire.

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