Page 40 of Baking With A Rockstar

I’m confused by his statement. “Do I need to get ready for something?”

Hudson chuckles and points to my head. “Not really. You can stay like this all day long if you want, I don’t mind one bit.”

My hand reaches up, immediately feeling the thick towel still wrapped around my hair. “Oh goodness, I completely forgot about that. I really think I’m losing my mind.”

He shakes his head. “Don’t worry about it, I’ve got your back. Now go, we’ll be fine.”

Hudson is such a natural when it comes to Mira. The two of them play together all the time, and it’s actually become one of my favorite things to do—watching these two together in the living room while I bake in the kitchen. Hudson’s repertoire of nursery rhymes has expanded quickly, much to Mira’s delight, and they enjoy each other’s company tremendously.

“Thank you, I’ll be right back.” After giving Mira a quick kiss, I rush out of the room before I do something silly like bend down to kiss Hudson too. Even though he does deserve some sort of reward for all his help. Life without Hannah and him—heck, without this whole family—would not only be ridiculously lonely but also incredibly listless.

Not only does Gabe check in with me constantly, getting everything ready for Monica’s impending arrival, but even Hudson’s sisters have already told me they consider me a part of the family. I can’t remember ever having so much love and support surrounding me, which can be quite sobering at times—yet it also endlessly warms my heart.

* * *

Just like Hudson told me, I take my time to get ready. It doesn’t sound like much, but sometimes even taking five more minutes without checking on your baby every two seconds feels like a game changer.

When I get back to Mira’s room, the two of them are crawling on the floor, both of them laughing. It feels like months, rather than days, since we had our friends talk, and the more time passes, the harder it seems to get for me. My strength to resist Hudson is tested on a daily basis, especially in situations like this where he’s playing with my little girl like it’s the best thing in the whole world.

I mean, come on, is there anything hotter than a guy being adorable with a baby?

Hudson looks up when I walk in. “Was that you taking your time? I really meant it, you didn’t have to rush. You know I don’t mind playing with this little bugger here.”

Mira stops mid-crawl and turns around to look at me. She’s happy to see me, but at the same time, it almost looks like there’s a little bit of accusation in her eyes too.

Which is nuts.

Or maybe she wanted some more alone time with the hunky rockstar.

Get in line, kiddo.

I give her a big smile that she returns before I focus back on Hudson. “I know you do and I really appreciate that. We’re a bit in a hurry, though. There are some important deliveries coming in at the bakery today. The opening is only a few weeks away now, so things are starting to get a bit more chaotic.”

He sits up. “Why didn’t you say so? Let me grab my things, and I’ll come with you.”

“Thank you. Are you sure?” Taking a deep breath, I try to find the courage to say what’s on my mind. “Would you mind meeting us there? I... I just don’t think it’s a good idea to be seen together in public right now.” His face visibly falls at my confession. I feel horrible, absolutely terrible, but I needed to say it.

More and more paparazzi have come to town this week to get a look at their rockstar. I’m not worried about being seen with Hudson, per se, but I am worried about what that would mean for his ex. The last thing I need in my life is the kind of drama, or worse, she’d bring with her.

Bottom line, I’m scared out of my mind—like “wanting to pack my things and move back to New York” scared. “I’m really sorry.”

He shakes his head but avoids my gaze, and I’m starting to feel a little sick. “Stop apologizing for things that aren’t your fault. I really understand why you’re doing this. I’m not a hundred percent sure how far she’d go either, so I’d rather be safe than sorry too.”

“I wish things could be different.” I’m not sure if that’s the right thing to say but itisthe truth.

He stands, bringing Mirabelle with him. “Trust me, me too.” After handing me my baby, he walks over to the door. Before he leaves, he turns around, looking at me for a long moment. “I’m going to fix this, I promise. I’ll see you in a little bit, okay? Bye, baby girl.”

I nod at him and then he’s gone. For some reason, I suddenly have a bad feeling in my stomach, really hoping he isn’t up to something.

After grabbing everything we need, we head downstairs into the kitchen to eat something before heading out. I’m surprised to see Hannah sitting at the bar, sipping a cup of tea. “Oh, hey. I thought you were going out with the other ladies this morning.”

“Hey, girls. I’m going to leave soon. You know how they are, always running late.” She tickles Mira for a moment before I put her down in her bouncer.

I turn on the music and give her a teether from the freezer, all the while feeling Hannah’s gaze on me. When her eyes meet mine, there’s something in her gaze I haven’t seen before. It almost feels like she can look straight into the deepest corners of my soul. She gives me a warm smile, reminding me so much of my grandmother that my heart aches a little.

Brushing a strand of hair out of my face, I suddenly feel very raw and vulnerable. “What is it? Is everything all right?”

“I’m good, if that’s what you mean.” She takes a deep breath and leans my way. “You know, I usually don’t like to put my nose where it doesn’t belong, but it seems like things have gotten a little out of control. Charlie, he might not always do the right thing, but just know his heart is in the right place.” Without mentioning Hudson’s name, we both know she’s talking about him, so I nod. “His life is anything but easy with being in the public eye so much, but he’s a genuinely good guy, one of the best I know. And you, my friend, you more than deserve a good guy.”

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