Page 35 of Worth the Risk

But that just makes it even better because something I’ve learned about Hudson is that he is genuinely the kind of guy who wears his heart on his sleeve. It isn’t for show.

“How come you never mentioned what he does?” I wonder aloud but can’t tear my eyes away from the screen. Partly because I don’t think I will ever get bored of looking at Hudson.

“He’s just my uncle, no different than me. Besides, you already know he’s down to earth.”

My eyes whip back into April’s direction, with fear running to my heart. “I do?”

“Yeah. I mean, you spoke with him at my engagement party, right? What did you two talk about?” she innocently asks before playing with the lemon from her drink.

“You mean when you left to go speak with someone?” I hope that’s what she means, and I’m relieved when she nods her head. “Oh, um, you know, nothing crazy. He asked about work and how I know you.” I take another sip of tea to hide any unease that may show on my face.

Only a few minutes in and I realize that I’m a horrible liar.

“Well, I’m sure he didn’t flash around the fact that he is the highest-paid coach in the league or that everyone is waiting for him to show up with a Mrs. Arrows any day now,” she casually mentions.

I cough a little from unease. “Really?”

“I think so. He hasn’t really dated in a while or at least since his son entered the picture. Plus, the rumor is my uncle Bay will get traded next season.”

“Why is that?”

“Another team may sweep in with a better offer, that’s what the public notion is. But I think he may actually trade in pro-ball for college ball because he wants a bit of a quieter life. He isn’t a recluse by any means, but he likes to retreat to his lake house.” April raises a finger. “I should totally ask if we can borrow his house one weekend for a bachelorette party. You would love his house. Well, I mean, his neighbor is a pain in the ass, but we can just go during baseball season to avoid him.”

I try to evade her eyes and only awkwardly nod.

This is unbearable. I just want to scream that I’ve already seen his amazing house, and yes, I know that Hudson enjoys his own little world on Lake Spark.

“Hey, so while I was waiting, the table behind us had a bit of a bombshell conversation happening. Crazy, really. The one friend told her other friend that she hooked up with her dad. What does a person do in that situation?” A total made-up story, but I need to test the waters somehow.

April flashes me wide eyes. “Wow, I missed that? Damn. Could you imagine? I mean, total end of a friendship there. What a betrayal, right?”

My throat feels tighter. “Right.” That was weak-sounding, I’m sure of it.

“What a way to start an evening. Wild. Speaking of dating, any news on mystery guy?”

“Oh, uhm. Yeah, total bust. I reached out and it’s just not meant to be,” I lie yet again, securing more points for the award of bad friend.

“Other fish in the sea, right?” She gives me a consoling look.

“Absolutely.”

“Want to head to the flea market next weekend?”

I pull on my earring and think up an excuse. But half the truth is okay, or at least a start. “I can’t. I’m going to be out of town.”

“Again?”

“Yeah, heading out for a family weekend. My grandmother mentioned something about some fancy hotel in Wisconsin with cheese and wine. Nobody says no to my grandmother.”

“Sounds fun.”

I feel like a horrible friend right now. April is sitting in front of me, oblivious, and I’m selfishly lying to her because I’m giving in to desire.

I look up at the television again and see a scoreboard comparing game wins between Hudson coaching the team and the former coach. The numbers don’t interest me, but the picture of the man does.

In that moment, it’s what I need to remind myself that I had a plan for good reason. I don’t know yet how to explain this to April, and for the first time in years I want to enjoy being with a man before addressing the consequences, or maybe I’m hoping that the end result isn’t a consequence at all but rather a choice.

And I can’t seem to figure out why I’m ignoring the risks so blatantly. Probably, because I’m counting down the days until I see him again.

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