Page 45 of Worth the Risk

“Zero. Fucking zero,” Drew answers, one-toned. “It’s stuck in my brain, and I think I may need therapy.”

I comb my hand through my hair and blow out a breath. “Let’s just order pizza.”

* * *

While Lucyand Drew get comfortable outside with drinks, I head back inside to find Piper. I make it to the stairs just as her feet hit the bottom step. She’s in jeans and a tank top now, but it doesn’t deter any attraction in the slightest. My hands land on each side of the banister to form a human gate because I don’t want her to step any farther until we have a check-in.

“Piper,” I begin.

“Can I just go hide?” Her facial expression is slightly deflated

I run my fingers along the skin of her cheek. “Nah. I wouldn’t be able to focus knowing you’re here. Besides, I want you to meet Drew.”

“I’m sure with clothes on,” she quips.

She tries to avoid my eyes, but I hook my finger under her chin to draw her sight back to my own. “I love the surprise. I mean, I feel so lucky that it will live rent-free in my head.”

“I’ve probably traumatized everyone else.”

I grin, because of all the things in the world, this is the least of our worries. I must be giving my carefree attitude away, as I feel that I’m smiling to myself.

“Oh my God, you get a complete rise out of this,” Piper accuses me, with her eyes ablaze.

I bob my head side to side in contemplation, knowing she isn’t wrong. I wrap my arms around her middle and pull her flush to me. “A little. You will find the humor in this one day.”

She slaps my shoulder playfully. “How? I am so embarrassed, and I literally made the worst first impression.”

“Only in your mind is it that way. Trust me, they’re laid-back people, and besides, you’re brave, so you can handle this.”

“Hudson, I’m… sorry.”

My face turns puzzled. “For what? Looking like a complete goddess in my favorite old jersey? Don’t apologize.” I glide my hands through her hair to cradle her head. “Now let me finally kiss you.”

I plant my lips on hers and kiss her with what I hope is reassurance, and if I’m being true to myself, then this kiss is selfishness because I’ve missed her. I don’t like the nights when she isn’t here. And I just love kissing her soft lips that often taste of some vanilla lip balm, and any stolen moments that I can get with her are appreciated.

She murmurs a sound of delight as she pulls away from my kiss, clearly a tad calmer. “I needed that.” An exhale accompanies her shoulders sinking down.

I kiss her forehead. “Come on, we have pizza and proper introductions to make. It shouldn’t be a long night, as they plan to drive back tonight. They were in the area, and Drew made a wood shelf for me and wanted to drop it off. I also need to be at the training facility bright and early, so we won’t be late.”

“Okay.” She takes the hand I offer because I won’t let her go. “Wait!” Piper pauses us for a second. “I’m meeting your son.”

“And?”

Her eyes grow big and indicate that I need to catch up. “Kind of a big step, Hudson.”

“Wasn’t exactly planned, but I’m not complaining.” I cluck the inside of my cheek because I don’t see this as a big event.

Our train is moving, and I hope she gets on it.

I see the subtle hint of a smile form on her mouth, and it’s my sign to yank her hand lightly to follow me. I feel her hand tighten in my own with every step closer to outside.

“Babe, you may need to loosen the grip. I need this hand for later,” I mutter and smile at the same time as I see Drew and Lucy in our view.

Piper obeys, and I decide my hand is better on her lower back to ensure she doesn’t run away.

The moment we step outside, all eyes are on us. Looking between everyone, I ruefully shake my head, as this doesn’t need to be awkward.

“This is Piper. Piper, this is my son Drew and his wife Lucy.”

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