Page 96 of Tequila Haze

Chapter Twenty-six

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“Please tell me you’llbe here soon,” I whine into the phone the second I answer it.

“I’d already be there if I could be,” Hudson says, neither of us bothering with hellos.

He wrapped the tour with Travis Travers last Wednesday. It’s now Sunday and he still isn’t here. He thought he’d only have to be in Nashville for a couple of days but apparently an opportunity came up for him to work on a song with Annabelle, a pretty big name in country music. He couldn’t pass it up.

He found out yesterday that the label wants them to record a song together for an upcoming movie which means he’ll be in Nashville for at least a few more days.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted to drive up there to see him but I know he’s really busy and I don’t want him to have the added pressure of worrying about me.

It hasn’t helped matters that I can’t stop thinking about him spending so much time with another woman. One who happens to be very talented and even more beautiful.

As soon as I found out he was recording with Annabelle, an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of my stomach and it has only magnified as the days have passed.

I trust Hudson. Truly I do, but I don’t think there’s a woman alive who wouldn’t be at least a little worried in my current situation.

“That doesn’t really make me feel much better,” I respond, shaking off the doubts that once again boil to the surface.

“I know, babe. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. I get it. Really I do. I just miss you.”

“I miss you too.” He lets out a slow sigh. “I can’t talk long. We’re in the studio this afternoon trying to hammer out the last two verses on this song. I just needed to hear your voice.”

“Oh yeah?” I can’t help but smile.

“You inspire me, Lennon Claire.”

My heart flutters at his words.

“I do?”

“More than you know. Hang on, babe.”

I hear a female voice in the background moments before he muffles the phone. I can’t make out what they’re saying but if I had to guess I’d say it’s Annabelle. The thought somewhat dampers the happiness I felt moments ago.

“Sorry about that.” He comes back on the line after a few seconds. “I gotta get back inside. I’ll call you later?”

“Okay.” I try not to let him hear the disappointment in my voice though I’m pretty sure he does anyway.

“Lennon?” he pauses.

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

—-

I’m getting ready toleave for work the next morning when a knock sounds against my door. Setting my travel mug of coffee on the breakfast bar, I quickly make my way to the door, pressing up on my toes to look out the peep hole.

The second I realize what I’m seeing, I rip open the front door. Hudson’s bright smile is the first thing that hits me.

“You’re here.” A wave of heat rises up my neck and spreads across my cheeks.

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