Page 55 of Baking With A Rockstar

Hudson lifts his hand and gently cradles my cheek. “You’re a good friend. A very good friend.” Without thinking, I lean into his touch and briefly close my eyes. We stay like this for the longest moment, and I enjoy every second of it. “And you’re obviously way more mature than I’ll ever be. I can’t imagine I’d have calmed down after all of that. You’re an extraordinary woman, an incredibly strong one.”

Despite everything, his comment makes me laugh. That’s actually one of the things I... what, like so much about him? “You would’ve eventually too. Maybe not as fast as I did, but even you would’ve realized how much it can change your life for the better if you did.” I wink at him, enjoying this more playful moment after all the sadness.

“Ah, there’s my sassy Charlie again. I’ve missed you.” He rubs his thumb over my cheek.

Once.

Twice.

Three times before he drops his hand.

All the while, I stand as still as a statue.

My heart thumps wildly in my chest, reminding me once more of how much I like this guy.

Then it hits me.

He’s still here.

Still supportive and nice to me, even after everything I just told him. A couple new tears form in my eyes while I try to smile up at him.

“Hey, none of that anymore.” He wipes away the tears that have already escaped, not bothered by it in the slightest. “I don’t think I can handle seeing you sad anymore.”

Sniffing as quietly as possible, I chuckle. “Those are the good tears.”

“Happy tears?”

I nod fervently. “I just realized you’re still here after hearing my story.”

He blinks. “Of course I am. Did you think I wouldn’t be? Did you expect me to just get up and leave?”

Since I’m not really sure, I shrug. “Honestly, I don’t know. I was just terrified of your reaction.”

“Come here.” He pulls me closer to him, and I easily relax into his body. “I’d never react badly to anything you told me. You’re one of the strongest and bravest people I’ve ever met. Not everyone would’ve done what you did or turned their whole life upside down to make the most of it. You could’ve easily fallen into your mom’s footsteps or taken five million other wrong steps somewhere along the line. Instead, you kicked life in the butt and made it a great one for yourself—all built on determination and hard work.”

Pulling back, he stares into my eyes for a long moment, almost as if he wants to convey the meaningfulness of his words. “And you’re still the best and most wonderful mom to Mira, and an incredible woman on top of it. Nothing can change those things. You hear me?Nothing.”

His gaze is intense, completely backing up his statement. I’m drawn to him like he’s got a magical spell over me. The sincerity is written all over his face, making me bite my cheek again. Even though it seems like I still have plenty more tears left, neither one of us needs any more today.

“Thank you.” My voice is quiet, but I need him to know I really mean it.

When his all-consuming gaze becomes too much, I avert my eyes, suddenly having the strong urge to kiss him. I know from experience it would be incredible, but I don’t think it would be a good moment after a conversation like this.

“Looks like it might be time to call it a night, huh?” Hudson brushes a strand of hair out of my face. “I’m sure you’re ready for some sleep by now.”

A big yawn escapes me at his words, making both of us laugh. Emotional conversations and tears always make me overly tired. “Sleepdoessound good.”

He goes to the table and starts putting empty cartons into the takeout bag. “Why don’t you go inside while I clean up.”

“Don’t be silly, I can help you. You were already sweet enough to get everything ready.”

“It was nothing.”

This man makes me want to sigh constantly. “Well, then it’s nothing for me to help put it all away either.”

Hudson chuckles. “Is this how it’s going to be? You all stubborn about this?”

Putting my hands on my hips, I smile up at him, enjoying this new, light feeling now that my past is out in the open. “Yup. No one needs to clean up after me, especially not some hot rockstar. Now stop being so charming already, and let’s get this done.”

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