Page 23 of The Billionaire's Engagement

13

MILA

The last day of our Maui trip, Hudson rented a Jeep and we drove all over the island, exploring the different beaches, tourist spots, and places to eat. We held hands, fed each other, and acted like lovestruck teenagers. We smiled and laughed, talking about places we hope to travel to in the future. Not once did we talk about us and what will happen when we returned home to San Francisco tomorrow. That was a subject I was afraid to bring up, knowing that the outcome would make my heart break. I felt deep down, he felt the same way.

We didn’t want this to end. This had been the best vacation I’ve had and had an even better time with someone I truly cared about and loved. I couldn’t tell him that. Hudson made it clear that this was temporary. This was only for the duration of this holidate.

Hudson pulled into the hotel, put the Jeep in park, then got out, rounding the car and opening my door like the gentleman he was.

Taking my hand, we returned to our hotel room in silence, then started to pack our luggage in the bedroom. I turned to look at him across the room.

“Thank you, Hudson, for taking me on this vacation,” I said, breaking the ice.

His lips curved, flashing his handsome grin, then he closed the distance between us, snaking his arms around my waist, looking down at me, his blue eyes shining brightly.

“I should thankyou, Mila. This has been the best vacation I’ve ever had, and I’m grateful that you agreed to go with me,” he said, then leaned down to kiss my forehead.

I wrapped my arms around him, resting my face on his chest. I took in his masculine scent, mixed with the ocean air and tropical flowers, one last time. I sighed, then stepped back, loosening my arms and giving him a small smile. I blinked back tears, not wanting to show him that I was sad everything was coming to an end.

I pulled the engagement ring off my finger and placed it on the palm of his hand.

“This belongs to you,” I said softly, my voice choked.

Hudson’s eyes dulled as he frowned, his brows knitted.

“Thank you,” he responded, his voice low, above a whisper.

I twisted around and continued to pack, avoiding contact with him.

“Could I ask you something, Mila? I understand if you don’t want to…”

I tilted my head, my eyebrows pulled to the center. “What is it?”

“Could I cuddle with you one last time tonight?”

I smiled, my eyes welled with tears as I nodded. “Yes, of course. I’d love that.”

* * *

It’s beenthree days since Hudson and I returned home from Hawaii, and I haven’t heard from him since. He hadn’t reach out once since dropping me off that afternoon. Luckily, my dad wasn’t home to see Hudson dropping me off at the house. I knew that Dad would ask why his best friend picked me up from the airport and took me home.

MILA

Hi, Hudson! Just wanted to see how you were doing. Did you want to grab a bite to eat some time?

This was the fourth text I sent him since returning home, but he hasn’t respond to any of them. The agreement that Hudson and I had was only during our vacation and nothing more. I didn’t know exactly how to feel about the situation and about him. I know Hudson never made any promises to me, but yet, I felt he’d shared the same feelings I had for him. I could see it in his eyes like he had some type of affection towards me, but I could be mistaken and it was just lust and desire. We were very intimate last week several times after he finally came to terms with himself that he couldn’t stay away from me.

I know and understand the reasons why being together would be difficult for us. My dad being the number one reason. I think my father would be okay with Hudson and I being together…eventually. He’d probably be pissed off, but if Dad knew how happy Hudson made me feel, I’m sure my father would accept us. The second reason was the age difference. That didn’t matter to me, though. None of these reasons mattered. When I was with Hudson, I felt like I was the only woman in the world he was looking at, the only one he wanted to be with.

Hudson was the only man I cared and loved, and I really thought after all we shared last week, he’d want to make an effort to be with me. He told me that I was his and no other man would take me away from him.Was that all a lie? Did he just say it in the heat of the moment between us?

I needed to do something to get him off my mind. I knew nothing was ever going to happen between Hudson and I. It was a one-time thing and I needed to get over it. I took a deep breath in and sighed.

Whenever I was stressed, I hit the gym to burn off energy and to take my mind off things. I changed into workout leggings and a cropped tank top, then pulled my hair up into a sleek pony tail. I grabbed my ear buds, phone, and wallet, stuffing them into my mini backpack. I picked up my keys, then headed to the front door.

I wasn’t motivated to work out, but I knew that was the only way to try to get over Hudson and move on…eventually. Opening the door, I gasped, eyes open wide as I find the one man I truly loved standing on the other side with his hand lifted to knock.

He lowered his hand, his brilliant, blue eyes staring into mine. I raked my gaze down his body and back up, drinking him in. He looked so sexy wearing a navy blue t-shirt that clung to his toned body and the swells of his biceps, and denim pants. His short scruff was neatly trimmed and his salt-and-pepper hair was messy.

---