Page 67 of Baking With A Rockstar

This kiss is deeper, more meaningful.

It makes its way straight to my heart, imprinting itself so deeply I’m not sure I can ever find anything like it again.

The need to explore that feeling further is almost too much to take.

A sudden booming of laughter breaks the connection and I sigh.

“Hudson, did you find her?” Mo’s loud voice echoes through the house, making both of us groan at the same time.

I brush my hands through my still damp hair before nudging Hudson in the shoulder. “Let’s go before she starts looking for us. We’ll continue this later on.”

“You bet we will.” The promise in his voice sends another shiver down my back, and I know the anticipation will make my nerves go haywire all day long.

When we walk toward the kitchen, he brushes his hand against my lower back, reminding me he’s right there with me.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Monica sitson the cream-colored couch in the living room with Gabe on one side and her leg propped up on the other side. Mira is on her lap, and they’re looking at a book together—which basically means Mira just keeps flipping pages back and forth while Mo is trying to read the words as best as she can.

My best friend looks up when I sit down next to Hudson on the couch opposite them. Now that I’m on my second large cup of coffee, I’m a lot more relaxed and mellow.

She peeks around Mira. “Which restaurants are good around here? I’d love to take you guys out tonight.”

Hudson stretches his arm behind me on the back of the couch, making me smirk into my coffee mug. “Why don’t we do it here, Monica? We can easily throw you a little welcome dinner. We just get some takeout for everyone and maybe invite the rest of my family too, since they wanted to see everyone anyway. It would be easier with Mira too. That way we can put her to bed in her own room, and not worry about her getting tired when we’re out and about or bringing all of her stuff with us.”

He turns my way. “As long as you’re okay with it, of course. Do you feel well enough to do anything tonight? If not, we can just do it another day. No big deal.”

Monica’s eyes are burning a hole into the side of my head, and I’m sure I’ll hear about whatever is on her mind later. Right now, I can’t be bothered by much though. Mira and I finally feel better, my best friend is here, and Hudson keeps sending me smiles that make my heart flutter. It’s a good day. “I think that sounds like a great idea.” Turning to Monica, I nod my head in her direction. “So much easier with your leg too.”

She actually looks a little flustered, which doesn’t happen often. “You guys shouldn’t have to worry about me.”

“Oh, stop it already.” I’m actually getting excited. I decide to go in for the kill, singsong voice included. “I’ll make you something special.”

Her head snaps up, eyes wide before the big grin I was waiting for appears.

Gotcha.

“Strawberry mousse cake?” Her voice is higher than normal, and I’m surprised her tongue isn’t hanging out at the sheer mention of her favorite cake.

This time, I’m unable to keep the laughter at bay. “Sure. If that’s what you want.”

She’s already shaking her head before I finish. “No, it’s too much work. I’m sure you have other stuff to do besides slaving away in the kitchen for me all day long, especially after being sick.”

“Mo, I haven’t been in the kitchen all week. I could totally make it.”

“Of course you could, that’s not the issue, but not today. Let’s make that another time when it’s not this crazy. How about just something simple for today?”

Leaning forward, I prop my chin up on my hand. “Oh. There’s thisonecake I’ve been wanting to make. It sounds fantastic and is easy to make. Might as well use the chance and try it now.”

She rolls her eyes at me. “Gosh, you’re evil. When have I ever been able to say no to you making anything for me?”

Hudson claps his hands together, looking satisfied. “Awesome. What do you guys feel like eating? We can order takeout, or even call a caterer and have something made for us last-minute.”

Gabe shakes his head and waves Hudson off. “Don’t worry, we’ve got that covered.”

Hudson shrugs his shoulders. “It’s really no biggie. It’s just a phone call.”

“No, thank you. I said, we’ve got it. You guys can figure out dessert stuff, we’ll bring dinner.” Gabe stands up to his full height, towering over the rest of us still sitting on the couches.

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