Page 27 of Summer Love

"Actually, I am. I haven't been out much since I've been home. Just girls' nights here and there." I looked at the dance floor where everyone was still jiving to the music.

"You should get out more. Relaxing looks good on you."

"I could say the same to you." His shoulders were looser, his expression relaxed for the first time since I met him. He was always worried about someone, whether it was the job, me, or my grandmother.

He handed me the glass from the bartender, and I sipped the sweet drink.

"You feel like you know us yet?"

"I'm getting a clearer picture, but there are so many of you, and I haven't had an opportunity to talk to everyone. And I'd like to see you at your house with your parents." I think that was the key to knowing the Kingstons, spending appreciable time with the family, including their mom and dad.

Hudson nodded. "This Sunday then."

"I'll be there."

"I can pick you up," he offered.

"That's not necessary." I didn't think it was a good idea for us to spend so much time together. It was messing with my head to have him pick me up and take me places. I didn't want to get the wrong idea. This arrangement was purely professional.

"I'm going to work on Grams's porch this weekend."

"She said the wood was delivered today." Grams called as soon as they left, excited to have her porch back once again. "Are you going to need help?"

"I wouldn't say no to extra hands."

"I'm learning so many things working with you."

"You'll feel more confident about home repairs when you purchase a house."

"I don't have any plans to do that anytime soon. But maybe there will be more things to tackle in Grams's house. She should have a nice space."

"Absolutely. I can walk around and take a look when I'm there for the porch. I'll let you know if there are any immediate concerns."

"You don't have to do that." The music played around us, couples paired off on the dance floor, and the breeze cooled my overheated skin.

"But I want to."

Hudson was a genuinely good guy. He didn't have time for much beyond work and family, but his focus and dedication to people important to him was admirable.

I wished he'd be more of a jerk, like the guy I met in his dad's office. That guy was easier to resist.

ChapterSeven

HUDSON

On the way home, the cab of the truck was quiet. I'd rolled down the windows to let in the night air. It was nice.

When I dropped Elena off at her Grams's house, I insisted on walking her to the door. It was reminiscent of me taking girls out as a teenager. I almost felt as if I should be kissing her on the front porch.

Soon Elena would have her story, Grams's porch would be completed, and I wouldn't have a need to be around her anymore. I should be happy about that, not wondering if I should be making a move on her.

I needed to focus on proving to my dad that I was the best son to take over the business. I'd worked hard for so long. It didn't make sense to give into distractions now.

Even though I enjoyed Elena's company, I couldn't let myself entertain the idea of kissing her.

The weird thing was that I was looking forward to spending the weekend with her and her grandmother. I enjoyed their company, and I wanted to help them.

The next morning, I showered, dressed in my work gear of a T-shirt, jeans, and boots. Then I drove to their cottage.

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