Page 22 of Baking With A Rockstar

“Ugh.” The groan echoes in my closet, not making me feel any better. My body is strung so tight with jitters, I feel like I might unexpectedly pass out or puke at any moment.

A knock on the door makes me jump.

“Charlie?” Hannah’s muffled voice comes through the thick wood, and I call for her to come in.

When she enters, I look her up and down and whistle. She’s wearing a floral-patterned maxi dress with a cream-colored cardigan on top. “Look at you. You look amazing. We’re gonna have to beat the guys off of you with a stick tonight.”

She chuckles, shaking her head. “Stop it, you’re making me blush.”

“Good. You deserve it.” Giving her a big smile, I feel a great sense of gratitude wash over me for having her in my life.

“I just wanted to see if you’re all set before I leave. Hudson is already over at his mom’s to help, and I’m headed there now too. Are you sure you don’t want me to wait for you?”

“No, I’m all good, thank you. I’ll just meet you there in a little after Mira wakes up.”

“Sounds good.” She looks past me, probably inspecting the mess I made when I threw about every piece of clothing I own all over my room. I mean, what do you wear to the party of your client—who also happens to be the mother of your roommate slash date for today,anda major rockstar—to make a good impression?

She points her finger toward the bed. “Wear the navy blue dress, it looks stunning on you.” With a huge grin on her face, she waves goodbye before she turns around to walk away, then stops once more and looks over her shoulder. “Also, stop worrying so much, everyone’s going to love you.”

* * *

I’m equally nervous and relieved when I finally make it to the Mitchell House an hour later—nervous to meet Hudson’s family and relieved I made it with the cake still intact. Maybe it would’ve been smarter to have someone help me, after all, but it’s too late for that now. Last night, I had nightmares about the cake getting smashed, making the worst possible impression on the Mitchells. Hudson’s family. My date’s family.

Yikes.

I’m still not sure if I’ve lost my marbles to agree to this, since my brain’s still entirely undecided.

“Charlie.” Hudson’s loud voice pulls me out of my thoughts. He’s jogging down the driveway toward the curb where I parked. He’s wearing dark jeans, dark boots, and a plain white T-shirt. I’ve come to think of this as his signature rockstar look. It definitely suits him.

Who am I kidding? It’s hot as hell, melting my insides pretty much every time I see him.

Without a doubt, he looks good enough to eat, and I’m pretty sure he knows it too.

Stepping out of my car, I smooth out my blue dress. Of course, I ended up picking the one Hannah told me to.

“Hey, Huds—” His big arms come around me so tightly and unexpectedly, that the air whooshes out of my lungs. A tingling sensation spreads through my entire being while Hudson’s body heat seeps through both of our clothes, making my own temperature rise in response. And it might be weak on my part, but I shamelessly lean into his touch, realizing how much I’ve wanted this. Needed even. Not just a hug from a super hot guy—the one I also happen to like a bunch—but a hug from a friend.

After giving me one more squeeze, Hudson pulls back just enough to give my cheek a tender kiss. He lingers there for a moment, and I’m starting to feel a little dizzy from breathing in his delicious aftershave.

“I can’t tell you how glad I am you’re finally here. Everyone’s going nuts.”

My body is going completely crazy at this contact—the most we’ve had so far—not sure if it should be shocked or ecstatic. He stays close to me, remaining in my personal bubble, which is totally fine with me right now. I actually welcome it. I’m sure I’m smiling like a lunatic, and my inner voice is yelling at me to pull him closer again. Even though it’s only been a few weeks since we’ve met, it feels like we’ve spent as much time together as other couples do in the first several months.

Not that we’re a couple, of course.

This time, he takes several steps back, his eyes raking up and down my body. “Did you know blue is my favorite color? You look beautiful in it. Absolutely breathtaking.”

“Thank you.” I can neither help the blush spread on my cheeks nor the fast pounding of my heart. This man gets under my skin like no one else, and it’s a sheer miracle I haven’t jumped him yet.

No, we’re not going to make out on the front lawn of his mother’s house.

A loud noise from behind me makes me chuckle. “I guess Mira’s awake. She had a bad night and passed out again on the way over here, even after taking a nap at home already. Teething is evil, I’m telling you.Evil.”

“Poor baby and poor mama. Let me help you.” He steps around me to the back door of my silver car. “Is it okay if I get her out?”

I nod. “Of course.”

“Perfect. I’ve been wanting to get my hands on that little cutie pie anyway. My mom’s been dying to finally meet both of you too. Grandma has been telling her nonstop about you guys. If my parents hadn’t gone on their extended cruise, I’m sure Grandma would’ve dragged you over here already. I’m actually surprised she hasn’t paraded you around everywhere.”

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