Page 40 of Worth the Risk

I set my glass to the side and take her free hand in mine, interlinking our fingers and staring at our dancing hands. “You can’t get rid of me that easily. I’m staying around. If it’s another team, I’m thinking of leaving pro-ball and moving to college ball in Hollows which isn’t far from here.”

Her lips twitch, and I have my answer; somewhere inside her, she was worried.

“Wouldn’t that be a step down?”

“Don’t particularly care,” I say honestly and let her hand go to lean back on my propped elbows. “In the coming years, I expect a change in rhythm. It’s been a grind since I was eighteen. First in college ball, then pro, then coaching. A break or slower pace is just what I’m after. Fuck, my son will probably make me a grandfather soon.”

“I hope you get what you want.”

“I always do, Piper.”

“I could use your confidence in career direction. With my lease ending on my office space, I need to hurry to outsource a few things and really make operations run smooth for my online store.” All week we sent little messages to ask how each other was, and she mentioned her talk with the landlord. “I began to look into a few options, and now I know why my grandmother always recommends that I sign a contract with department stores, as they do the hard work. But I still think this is right for me, keeping it small-scale.”

“It’s only complicated if you make it that way.”

She smiles at me. “Your philosophy, how can I forget.”

“Take time and assess your risks, and maybe they’re not risks at all.” I’m referring to her business, but I think it’s a front for really meaning me.

Piper contemplates for a few seconds. “You’re right. I’m sure fresh lake air will give me some perspective, and possibly a trip to Jolly Joe’s if we can swing it. I mean, town seems pretty packed which doesn’t equate to staying under the radar.”

I tilt my head and study her which only entertains me. “You mean for you and me? Are you worried someone might plaster us online? The good-looking coach and the hot-as-fuck lingerie designer?”

She looks away from me. “Something like that.”

“Piper, if that happens, then I would be honored to be linked to you, if that’s what the millennials are calling it these days.” I take another sip of my wine.

She points a finger at me. “That’s because you, Hudson, don’t care what people think.”

“Nope. I don’t.” I survey her facial expression, and then it dawns on me that something about this runs deeper. “But you do care.”

“I don’t know what I think about people’s opinions, to be honest.”

I invite her to come into my arms. “Why is that?”

She crawls on her hands and knees before nestling into my chest. So innocent, but I’m already imagining what she’s got on underneath her skirt. Piper is about to speak but hesitates. “The sun is about to set.”

Clearly, she doesn’t want to talk about the root of her thoughts, and I don’t push. But I can’t say that I’ll do the same tomorrow.

Instead, I bring her with me as my back rests against the blanket.

“For someone who may or may not care what people think, you know you’re in my arms on a lake, and anyone could sail on by while I make you come.”

Her eyes shoot up to look at my face. “What?”

“All afternoon and evening you’ve kept me waiting to touch your soaking panties, but that ends right now.”

13

PIPER

He kisses me, and it’s as warm as the summer air. Hudson’s hand roams down my body and then slides up my thigh, dragging the fabric of my skirt with it on the journey.

“You know how much damn control it’s taken to be this fucking patient since you arrived?” He speaks against my lips before nipping the corner of my mouth.

I bite my bottom lip as I smile to myself and press my fingertips against his chest to allow me to see his face. He adjusts to lying on his side, but his hand doesn’t leave my thigh.

“Want to take this back inside?” I ask.

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