Page 19 of Worth the Risk

Hudson chuckles under his breath. “Good. Do you have a bag that I can carry inside?”

Because I’m staying the night, multiple nights maybe.

“Yeah… let me grab it. It’s not that heavy, I’ve got it.”

I quickly open the backdoor of the car, take my bag, then close and lock my car. But I run into Hudson as I turn away from the door, and I feel like he may have done that on purpose.

Either way, the damage is done, and I inhale his cologne, a subtle spicy scent. It takes me back to that night, reminding me that this man has seen me naked and has been inside of me.

Hudson hooks his finger and glides it along my cheek. “I’m happy you’re here.”

Warmth hits me in a wave and my adrenaline goes up a notch. I feel the tremble inside, but I’m not sure he notices. “I think me too, but I’m so out of my depth right now.” I laugh nervously, and it causes him to smirk.

For a moment, our eyes catch, and I wish the power of his gaze would tell me to get back into that car, but it only encourages me to stay.

“Allow me, I’m a gentleman.” He clucks the inside of his mouth as he takes my bag from my hand.

Now I have to grin. “Only some of the time.” I raise my brows at him, and he appreciates my retort.

He studies my bag for a second. “Dancing lobsters. It’s like your umbrella.”

“It’s a set. You remember my umbrella?” I’m surprised.

“I remember every second, Piper.”

Swoon.

The one little ounce inside of me that might have thought Hudson was after a few nights of fun with a younger woman seem to be gone. He seems more invested than that.

Hudson steps aside and then leads the way. “You’ve come at a good time. The neighbor next door, Spencer, isn’t around since he’s remodeling. He’s a baseball player, and it’s game season anyhow. The other house just sold to a hockey player who is originally from around here. Last I checked, being in the sports industry wasn’t a necessity to buy property here, but it makes for a good story, I guess.”

“Sounds like you have quite the neighbors. Any of them single?” I can’t help but tease him.

Hudson pauses as he opens the door to give me a flirty look. “You’re already testing my restraint, huh?” His smile is strained.

“Nah, just being here is testing your restraint. It’s when you show me the guest room that we may need to shackle you down.”

Gone is the nervous woman from the car because something about this man makes me feel what I’ve always felt deep down but could never fully embrace. I am a confident person. I know I’m beautiful, and I know I have the ability to make someone like Hudson weak. In return, he is the type of thrill that may just challenge me.

“I don’t regret my invitation, that’s for sure. Shall we head to the kitchen for a drink?” he suggests, and I nod.

Taking in my surroundings, I’m impressed by the clean design and openness of the living and dining area. High ceilings with big windows wrap around the house, with a view out onto the lake. The deep blue water is surrounded by pine trees, and the long dock looks like a dream for the summer.

Hudson sets my bag on a chair before walking to the big fridge. “Maybe a soft drink? We can open a bottle of wine later, or if you want to explore the town, we could do that. I didn’t make any dinner plans but thought I could cook.”

“You cook?” I ask, impressed.

“Mostly grilling, but yes, I’m pretty decent in the kitchen. You?” He holds up two bottles, indicating for me to choose. Sparkling water or iced tea.

I point to the water. “I’m horrible in the kitchen except for breakfast food. I could eat breakfast for every meal.”

He slides a glass with ice and the small bottle across the counter to me. “That’s funny. You seemed to run when it involved breakfast with me.”

“Fair point.” I hold my glass up to him before I take a sip. “I don’t think I need to explain myself again.”

“You’re right.”

Setting my glass down, I realize that I haven’t asked about yesterday yet. “How was the wedding?”

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