Page 47 of Baking With A Rockstar

To make it worse, I just added to it too.

I don’t say anything for a long moment. All I do is look at him. This man has been nothing but kind, sweet, and understanding to me. He’s been a great friend from the moment we’ve met. He helps me at the bakery and with Mira as much as he can, and asks for virtually nothing in return—having him sit somewhere while I work is really no hardship in any way.

Yes, I was scared about his ex, but that problem is probably solved for good now, and I believe him when he says he won’t let anything bad happen to us. This friendship between us obviously means a lot to him.

I think it might be time for me to show him the same courtesy in return, because he more than deserves it. “Nope, not on my account. They already know we live together anyway. Seeing us together really shouldn’t be a big deal.”

I shrug my shoulders, suddenly just wanting to be home. I’m slowly but surely growing more than just a little tired of the paparazzi dictating my life. Everything seems to be going well until someone brings them up. They’re spreading the dreary wearies like nothing else, and I’m done with them.

Plus, wearefriends.

“Just know I support whatever decision you make because this is completely your choice.”

“Thank you. Let’s go then.” I know this is one of the downsides of fame, but it still doesn’t change the fact that I just want to give him a big hug. Feeling the need to hide in public while wondering if your friends want to actually be seen with you just doesn’t sit right with me.

“Are you sure?”

I poke him in the arm. “Yes! Now stop asking me stupid questions, or I’m gonna lock you in here and leave by myself after all.”

Hudson chuckles, finally relaxing some.

Mission accomplished.

Without a warning, he closes the distance between us and wraps me in a gentle hug, Mirabelle sandwiched between us. She giggles, totally enjoying the attention.

He gives me one more squeeze before letting go. “Thanks for being you. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone like you. So very special. Don’t ever forget that.”

Well, dang it. There he goes again.

I’m starting to think there’s no wall high enough I could possibly build around my heart that this man couldn’t demolish in record time.

A few minutes later, I plop into my driver’s seat, happy there was only one stray photographer waiting for us. Even though I’m pretty sure he got a shot of my butt when I put Mirabelle into her car seat.

These are the things I live for.

We drive in silence, except for Mira’s constant babbling in the back seat, but I feel Hudson’s gaze on me. My nerves get the better of me, and I continuously wipe my hands on my jeans. Chances are, he’s wondering if I’ve lost my mind or if I already regret leaving the bakery with him.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

When the silence finally starts to get to me, I decide to break it. “Do you really think the statement will help take care of the whole situation?”

Leaning his head back against the headrest, he closes his eyes. “Honestly, I have no idea. I really hope so, but I can’t deny that I have my doubts. Those paparazzi and reporters are like piranhas. They try to suck as much as possible out of a story, no matter how false or damaging it might be for the involved parties. So, they might keep running it, not caring if I give a statement or not.”

“That sounds awful. There’s really nothing you can do?”

“Nope. Sadly, it’s part of the game. I’ll just lie low for a few days and hope they disappear, especially when they hear about Addy checking into the rehab center. I hope that fact, paired with the statement posted online tomorrow, will have most of them leave for good.”

“I really hope so. This must be hard for you.”

He shrugs his shoulders. “You get used to it, just like with everything else. The craziness of the business becomes your new normal, and you learn to live with it. Some things and some people are worth making those sacrifices for.”

“Mmm.” I stay quiet, focusing on the road while my thoughts are scattered all over the place. It’s hard to imagine being in his shoes. I can’t even wrap my head around living like that. For most of my life, I’ve been trying so hard to be a quiet and reserved person who can easily blend into the background. I did it for so many years, it became second nature at some point. I can’t help but notice how opposite that makes us, even though I’m not that person anymore either.

Staying out of trouble and away from people that cause trouble used to be my number one priority.

Sometimes, I wonder if I even know who I am anymore after molding myself so much to become the person I thought I should be in order to be happy—anything to be the opposite of my mother.

“What are you thinking about so hard?” Hudson interrupts my thoughts, making me startle in my seat. “You always bite the inside of your cheek when you’re deep in thought, it’s adorable."

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