Page 3 of Secret Hudson

“Hm?” he stares at me like maybe he hasn’t understood the question. Then, Miss Jennison giggles and slugs him in the arm. “He asked if you wanted coffee, asshole. Why don’t you pay a little less attention to his mouth and a little more to what’s coming out of it?”

Holy shit. Is she implying what I think she’s implying? Is Royce Lemmi gay? I watch as he shoots her a dirty look and I gather she was onto something. I try to smirk, but my attempt at cocky backfires and I wind up grinning from ear to ear like a jackass, unable to stop the corners of my mouth once they begin moving.

To keep Royce from seeing it, I quickly turn around and get to work on that latte, even though he hasn’t actually ordered it.

“Sorry about that,” his deep voice rumbles behind me.

I glance back at him over my shoulder. My lips finally more manageable, I venture a small smile. “Nothing to be sorry about.”

CHAPTER TWO

ROYCE

Ava is fucking unbelievable. If I thought there was a chance in hell, I’d ever be able to make it back to this coffee shop on my own, or otherwise, I would pay for my coffee and then run back outside to face the paparazzi rather than deal with the humiliation she’s bound to inflict on both myself and the innocent, albeit beautiful, man standing behind the counter.

“Here, see if you start crushing on my coffee as well.” He hands me a large teal and brown cup. I nod. Unable to say anything else. For a moment I thought he meant me crushing on the coffee,as well ason him. Then I remembered using that term in reference to Ava’s feelings for her Nutella latte and it all made more sense.

Nevertheless, I wind up holding my breath for a good forty seconds or so, wondering if she’ll call me out on that one as well.

“Isn’t it, like, the best thing you’ve ever tasted?” She’s back to gushing over her beverage. I sip mine several times and still don't get a taste for it. I’m too busy thinking about tasting other things. Namely the guy behind the counter.

“Yeah. It’s great.”

She frowns. “I don’t think you’re fully appreciating what’s happening in that cup. I mean, I’ve added Nutella to coffee before, but this, this is some sort of coffee Nutella magic. It’screamy and sweet, and there’s no little brown specs of un-melted Nutella floating around. It’s perfectly blended.”

“It’s coffee, Ava.”

“Bite your tongue, Royce! We never use that tone with coffee.” She takes her ‘precious’ and stalks off.

“Sounds like your friend is really serious about her caffeine,” Cute Coffee Guy jokes.

“You have no idea.”

And, enter awkward silence.

Then, bring back Ava.

“Hudson - that’s the name of this store, right?” I can hear her, but I can’t see her.

“It’s Hudson House. Why?” Cute Coffee Guy comes out from behind the counter to find her.

“That mean the owner did these? Because they’re phenomenal!” I follow Cute Coffee Guy until we're both standing in front of her. She's pointing up at some photographs hanging all along the side wall of the shop.

“Actually, no. She’s an artist too, but mostly sculpting. Maxine Hudson. Her work is over there in the corner. She’s on a big vase kick right now.”

Ava looks disappointed. “Bummer. I don’t suppose you know how I could get in touch with this Hudson, do you? I’d love to schedule a shoot with the boys. I bet it would be incredible.”

Cute Coffee Guy seems surprised. “Are you serious?” He turns to me. “Is she serious?”

“Probably. I mean, it’s part of her job, so....”

“Wow. I would love to shoot the band!” And just like that, multiple statements are streamlining my brain. One, Ava andI clearly haven’t been nearly as incognito as we made ourselves believe, considering the paparazziandCute Coffee Guy recognized us pretty much instantly. And two, Cute Coffee Guy is actually Cute Photographer Guy.

“Wait. You’re K. Hudson? Shit, that was easy.” Ava laughs.

“It’s Kieran, but you can call me Hudson. Most people do.” He holds out his hand to her.

“Avalon Jennison. But only use that when you’re pissed at me. Otherwise, it’s Ava.” She turns back to include me. “This is Royce Lemmi. But you probably already knew that.”

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