Page 41 of What About Us
“No, it’s ok.” I lean in to hug her neck, before pressing my lips to her belly. “Bye, babies,” I whisper.
“Call me later,” she calls as I leave the kitchen.
It doesn’t take long for me to spot Hudson and Erin. He’s just swinging himself down from his horse, all long legs wrapped in denim, and the light blue of his T-shirt no doubt bringing out the little bit of blue in his hazel eyes. My gaze slides from his broad back to Erin, who waits in the saddle of another horse next to him in the open door of the barn.
I can’t see his face, but I can picture his easy smile when she tips her head back and laughs at something he says. When she tries to dismount, her heel gets caught on the stirrup. Hudson immediately moves to steady her. Once she’s safely on the ground, she looks up at him with a smile. Even from here, I can see it’s flirtatious. He grabs the reins of both horses in one hand and settles his hand on her low back, guiding her farther into the barn.
“Perfect,” I mutter under my breath. It could be a completely innocent touch, but my overactive brain can’t be convinced.
I shift back and forth on my feet for a couple more seconds, glancing between them and my car. I consider leaving the water on the porch, but my pride refuses to let this woman make me feel like I don’t belong here. He’s my best friend, and if she’s going to be around, I want to make damn sure she knows it.
With my head held high, I flip my hair over my shoulder and walk toward the barn. It’s probably ten degrees cooler here than outside and the light is dim. Six stalls run the length of each side, with a tack room at the end. Both sets of doors are open at each end of the barn, letting the light through from one end to the other. Hudson and Erin stand at the far end in silhouette, talking.
Just as I’m about to make my presence known, Erin reaches out and lays a hand on his arm. He doesn’t immediately pull away like I expect him to. My heart squeezes and my feet falter. I quickly take two steps to the left, pressing my back against the wall behind a cabinet, my heart pounding, ears ringing.
One simple gesture and my confidence flies right out the window. And now, I’m fucking hiding. What the hell is wrong with me? This is Hudson. It’s not like he’ll think I’m intruding. I’m just about to step away from the wall when Erin’s words stop me.
“I had a lot of fun today,” she says, her voice all wispy and dreamy.
“Yeah, me too. I’m glad Paige is making friends.” Hudson’s voice is low. He sounds different from he is with me. Gone is teasing Hudson, and there’s a seriousness to his tone. He clears his throat, and he sounds a little hesitant. “Actually, Paige and I are staying for dinner tonight. Would you and Jennie like to stay?”
My throat restricts with his words and my heart pounds harder.Oh, God.He likes her.
An invitation to dinner with his family is big.Reallybig. He’s never invited anyone to family dinner but me. His ex-wife has never even set foot on this ranch, though not for lack of trying on his part. Tears prick my eyes. God, I hate this. I hate my reaction to him moving on without me. I mentally kick myself for not just getting in my car and leaving undetected while I had the chance.
“Are you sure it wouldn’t be too much? I’d hate to put your mother out.” The eagerness in her voice outshines the hesitation of her words.
“It was actually her idea,” Hudson says, and my ears perk up. Ok, maybe he’s just being polite. “That is, if you don’t mind a rowdy crowd. The whole family can be a little intense when we’re all together.” He chuckles.
And he’s not wrong. The whole familyisa lot. But they’re also amazing, and sweet, and funny and…not my family. I have to remember that. Yes, the Hayes clan has always welcomed me with open arms, but Hudson and I are not a couple, and it makes perfect sense for Emily to invite Erin and her daughter to stay for dinner. Especially if Hudson likes her or sees a future with her.
But it still hurts that I wasn’t invited. Emily would have said something if she wanted me here. Maybe it’s a misunderstanding? But Wren didn’t say anything about it, either. Maybe she forgot? Or maybe she knew it was happening and she just didn’t want to hurt my feelings? Wren wouldn’t do that, would she? Would Hudson?
I roll my eyes up to fight the tears threatening to spill over my lower lash line and take a deep breath. I have to get out of here. Pushing off the wall, I steel my spine and stride toward them, hoping my face and neck are not as red as they feel. I have to force my voice to work over the lump in my throat.
“Hey,” I call out, and they both turn in my direction. “Sorry to interrupt.”
Hudson takes a step back from Erin when he sees me. I can’t tell if that’s a good sign or not. But I do notice the fact that as soon as he does, Erin steps closer to him—a telling pursuit—when she spots me. She’s now so close to him that her shoulder brushes his. It makes me want to claw her eyes out, but I force my gaze to meet his.
“Jameson, hey. What are you doing here?” he asks, scratching the back of his head with two fingers. It’s a fair question, as far as questions go, and histone isn’t accusatory, but I take it that way. He looks a bit uncomfortable. Join the club.
“I came to see Wren, and then Paige asked me to bring you guys some water,” I say, holding out the bottles.
“Thanks.” Hudson moves to take them. “You all right?” He tips up his chin. “You’re all splotchy.”
Ugh, of course I am.
“Oh, yeah, I’m good,” I say, forcing a big smile. Too big. “I’m great.”
Ok, tone it down, Finn. Seriously.
Hudson opens his mouth to say something, and then closes it. Dread coils itself around my insides. This is awkward as fuck. I have to get away from them before my body betrays me again and I burst into tears.
“I’ll see you at home later?” I ask.
He nods, handing a bottle of water to Erin. She takes it with a smirk in my direction. “Paige and I are staying for dinner. We might be late.”
The way he says it is almost like an afterthought. I stare at him and then swallow hard with a nod when he doesn’t mention Erin and Jennie will be joining them. I don’t expect him to invite me, but it still stings because it’s something he never fails to do.
