Page 66 of Here's to Tomorrow

“I haven’t told you about Hales?” Hudson shakes his head. “She’s my older, completely crazy sister. We share the apartment, so if you’re ever over here and you see a bra or two on the floor, they’re hers.”

His eyes widen, and I realize I just indirectly invited him over here again. I wait for the nerves to set in, for my head to start weaving all these insane scenarios that leave me broken.

They never come, which surprises me. Maybe it’s because the moment he stepped inside my apartment, I didn’t feel intimidated by whatever it is we have anymore.

I’m ready to accept it…whatever it is.

“I have to be honest, if you’re calling someone crazy, I’m terrified to meet them.”

I laugh. “She’s me on speed, but I love her. Surprisingly enough, she runs a daycare.” His eyes bug out. “I know, I know. Can you imagine?”

Hudson shakes his head. “I’m really trying not to. No offense.”

“None taken. Besides, kids aren’t my thing.”

Now, I’m pretty observant. I notice a lot of stuff other people don’t. Hudson tensing up at my confession? I noticed, but what does it mean? It’swaytoo soon to be talking kids and marriage—other than our joke proposals, of course.

“You don’t like kids?” he asks after taking a long drink of his soda.

“Well…I like them…when they aren’t mine and I can give them back to their parents. They aren’t something Ihaveto have to feel like my life is complete. If I can avoid it, I will. I don’t think I’ll ever actively try for children.”

“Why?”

“I think it stems from my—” I pause, narrowing my eyes at him. “Wait, why are you so curious?”

His grin is hesitant this time. “Just trying to get to know you better is all.”

“Let’s just say I didn’t have the best mother-daughter relationship and I don’t think I’m mom material. I resent my mother too much. I don’t want that with my own kid.”

I watch as he takes another big drink. I never thought watching a guy drinking a soda would be hot, but this totally is. The way his throat moves is so sexy. And his mouth? Perfect. His lips…they look so soft.I bet they feel just as soft as they look.

I somehow manage to drag my gaze from his mouth to see his brows slightly scrunched.

“Sorry about your mom. I, uh, I actually like kids. I think they’re fun. A little messy and wild, but still fun. If it makes you feel any better, from what I know of you, I think you’d be fine with children. I don’t think you could screw them upthatbad.” He tacks on that last bit with a wink.

“You’re a kid person? That’s surprising.”

He gets this faraway look on his face and smiles. “Trust me, it was for me too.”

Was?

Hudson clears his throat. “I think I need to get going. I have an early morning at the shop tomorrow. We received a rush job before closing tonight and they need it done by nine when the shop opens. It should be quick, but I’m still going to have to go in at six.” He stands and shakes his empty soda can at me. “Trash?”

“Tsk, tsk. We recycle. There’s a box in the kitchen.”

“Be right back.”

I watch him walk away. It’s a nice walk, a strong, confident walk.

Fuck it, who am I kidding? The man has the nicest ass I’ve ever seen. Those jeans fit well.

“Thank you,” he says.

I blink and look up at him, confusion lining my face. “For the soda,” he says. Then he gives me that fucking smirk again. “And for the compliment.”

“What compliment?”

“My ass, your eyes. Thank you.” He’s still smirking.

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