Page 34 of Preacher

But this was different.

This one meant something. I just wasn’t sure if I wanted it to.

10

TABITHA

"Well, what did you think?"

"It was even better than I expected," I answered with a smile. “Both the ride and the springs.”

“Good. Glad you enjoyed it.”

Hudson smiled at me in a way that made me think he knew exactly how much I’d enjoyed myself. And he wasn’t wrong. The ride had been everything I’d hoped it would be and more. I loved the feeling of the wind whipping through my hair, the warmth of the sun on my face, and the sheer freedom of it all. I hadn’t realized how much I’d needed a day like this.

“It was perfect.” I pulled my feet from the springs and reached for my shoes. “So, where are we headed now?”

“I thought we’d grab a bite to eat, then head back.”

He held out a hand, and I hesitated only for a second before slipping mine into his. His grip was strong and comforting as he helped me to my feet. I felt an unspoken promise in it. No rush. No pressure. Justhim and me, and I liked it more than I expected.

“You have a place in mind?”

“There’s a little diner a couple of miles from here. Nothing fancy, but it’s got the best burgers in town.”

“That sounds perfect.”

I meant it.

A simple, little diner and a good burger soundedperfect.

We walked back to his bike, and after I slipped on my helmet, I climbed on behind him. It felt oddly comfortable as I wrapped my arms around his waist. The ride had changed something. I felt more at ease, and I wasn’t so worried about doing or saying something wrong.

The engine roared to life, and seconds later, we were pulling out of the park and headed to our next destination.

The ride to the diner was just as much fun as the ride to Hot Springs, if not more so. It was a little cooler. The wind had picked up, and the sun had started to set. And this time, I wasn’t quite as nervous, and I found myself leaning into Hudson and holding onto him a little tighter.

It felt good to be so close to him, which surprised me.

I usually wasn’t so comfortable around men, especially ones as powerful as Hudson. But he had this way of making me feel at ease, safe even. And I liked it. I liked it more than I cared to admit.

I was almost disappointed when we pulled up to the diner. It was a small, rustic place with worn leather booths and checkered floors. The scent of fried food and fresh coffee lingered in the air, and I had no doubt that it was a hot spot with the locals. I couldn’t imagine a better spot to have dinner with Hudson.

He led me to the back, and we settled into a quiet booth in the corner. It wasn't long before a waitress came over and took our order. She was in her late fifties with kind eyes and a knowing smirk. Hudson told her we wanted two burgers, fries, and a couple of sweet teas. She nodded, and as soon as she walked away, Hudson’s eyes settled on me.

I could tell by the way he was looking at me that he had something on his mind. He cocked his brow as he said, “So, tell me about yourself.”

“Like you don’t already know all there is to know about me.” I cocked my brow. “I’ve been around long enough to know how men like you work.”

He leaned back in his seat, and his lips twitched with amusement as he asked, “And what exactly do you think you know about men like me?”

“I know you don’t walk into anything blind. So, you’ve had your men dig up whatever they could about me and the boys long before you ever laid eyes on us.” I shifted in my seat before adding, “So, what is it that you really want to know?”

Hudson’s dark eyes stayed locked on mine, and for a moment, I thought he might try to change the subject. Instead, he leaned forward and admitted, “I know the basics. I know your family struggled, and your mother was sick. I know you married Dimitri right before she died. And I know you had three boys. But that’s just facts on paper. I want to knowthe rest.”

The rest wasn’t exactly easy to talk about.

I’d tried to put my past behind me, but it had this nasty habit of sneaking up on me. I shrugged and tried to sound nonchalant as I said, “Dimitri was difficult. He was very controlling and wanted things his way, and I learned to make sure he got it, which wasn’t always easy.”

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