Page 25 of Worth the Risk

I kiss the top of her head. “I’m too much of a gentleman to try and persuade you otherwise.”

“Good. Now tell me about your views on pets…”

* * *

We talkeduntil our skin began to wrinkle from too much time in the water, but now I feel the night is about to come to a close as we walk up the stairs wrapped in towels.

Damn, I would love to offer Piper a shower in my room, but I’m okay waiting because I know it will be worth it.

Arriving at the top of the stairs, she pauses. “I believe I’m this way and you are that way.” She points to my room.

I sigh and keep my disappointment buried. “That is sadly the layout of my house.”

Her smile hasn’t faded in the last hour. “I’ll see you in the morning. Thank you for a lovely evening.”

“No need to thank me. I wanted you here because you stir something inside of me that I can’t seem to shake, nor would I want to.”

Her doe eyes pierce me with fondness. “Night, Hudson.”

I lean in to kiss her cheek when all I want to do is throw her over my shoulder and spank her ass, but she’s the one play where I have to follow the rule book she set.

It doesn’t mean I can’t throw in a few words. My lips brush along her jawline. “Think of me when you touch yourself tonight, and I’ll do the same.”

“You’re confident that’s what I’ll be doing?” She gently pushes me back with her fingertips so I can see her challenging and entertained look.

“Baby, I’ll be imagining such wild things that you’ll feel it from your room, and I remember your body, and the way you look right now tells me you are already hanging on tight when all you want is to let go.”

Her mouth parts open and her face turns pink before her confident smirk comes back. “The question is if I’ll be doing it with or without lingerie on. Goodnight.” She stands up on the balls of her feet to give me a quick peck on the cheek.

I already wish that tomorrow would come faster.

8

PIPER

Walking into the kitchen, I feel like Hudson must have already been up for hours, as there is a half-filled pot of coffee. When I came down the stairs, I heard him talking in his office which was expected as he told me he would be up early.

It’s nine in the morning, but it feels like I slept in. When I woke, I laid in bed recapping the last 24 hours and realizing how much I want this feeling that is moving inside of me. Maybe I shouldn’t, but it’s for my taking if I’m willing to take the chance.

I grab a mug that Hudson left out near the pot to pour myself a cup, then I breathe in the smell as I look out across the room to the windows and the lake. It looks like it will be a beautiful day.

“Morning,” I hear in Hudson’s deep timbre voice.

I look over my shoulder to see him walking into the kitchen wearing jeans and a dark t-shirt. Damn it, it only brings out his eyes more, and with the charcoal color, his skin looks a little tan.

“Good morning.” I smile as he walks to me with determined eyes, and I know what he’s going to do, what I want him to do.

He hums a sound as his fingers slide into my hair and our lips fuse together. It’s the kind of smooth and sweet kiss that is by far better than coffee to wake me up.

“We’re making progress… you’re joining me formorningcoffee,” he teases as our mouths part.

I smile shyly at his reference. “I said I would be here in the morning, and I keep my word.” I notice our hands have linked of their own accord as we stand here in the middle of the kitchen. “How was your morning?”

“I didn’t wake you, did I? Had a bit of a tense meeting. One of my guys that we just drafted has an injury, and it could be a toss-up if he’ll be better for summer training or not.”

“Not a great way to start the day, no.”

He tilts his head to the dining area. “Breakfast or want to head straight into Lake Spark to explore a little?”

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