Page 43 of Worth the Risk

Hudson steps closer. “Go on.” He sounds like he may kill someone, and I haven’t even finished the story.

“He threw the remainder of the book at me, missed, but still. I don’t even remember all he said, but I decided that seeing my papers crumpled on the floor was enough. I wasn’t going to stick around to find out if his temper could get worse.”

“Shit.” He pulls me into a hug.

I place my hand against his chest to push him back because I want to finish my story.

“It was a few years ago, and we had been dating for a year, taking things slow, then suddenly when I lived with him, I saw a different side. I know my worth and moved out that night, and I decided that my focus would be on my career.”

“Dapper, right? Brave you are,” he whispers, and he doesn’t blink, instead staring at me almost… in admiration.

I scoff a laugh. “Maybe. But Vince’s parents, friends, our mutual friends, and everyone including the mailman didn’t see it that way. He’d been deployed in the military before we met and maybe even blamed his experiences overseas for his outburst. Everyone felt I abandoned him in his hour of need. I was the one destroying his happiness after his military tour, they all said, and I was called plenty of things.”

“Is that maybe why you’re afraid of people’s opinions?”

“Probably. And for whatever reason, your simple suggestion reminded me of living with someone, and then my mind went from one dot to the next, and here I am before you like a nutcase.”

“Not at all. The exact opposite. You are fucking amazing, and I get it. I understand what you’re saying.”

I smile softly in appreciation.

“But I’m not him. You’re safe, and I love your career choice, as long as nobody ever sees your late-night creations on you except me.” His tone is assuring, yet he brings a comforting lightness to the topic. But his eyes grow dark with a protectiveness. “I’m not going to back away from my offer.” His hands grip my shoulders to ensure I stay perfectly in front of him, and I can’t escape. “Because in football we sometimes run with the ball. We go for it, run and run, don’t toss it or pass it, we don’t even blink an eye, we just see an opportunity and race to get the touchdown. You, Piper Dapper, are my rush. I couldn’t stop this play even if I tried.”

* * *

We walked quietly downto the lake at the end of Main Street. There’s a gazebo and a small park. There was a little food truck with coffee, and we got another one, which was more than half-decent brew. For the most part, we didn’t say much, just enjoyed each other’s presence and the summer air. By the time we were driving back to the house, my thoughts were running rapidly as we rode on the winding road, with the beautiful green trees blocking the sun.

The same journey that I’ve taken a few times now.

Several occasions.

And I know that indicates the obvious.

Which is exactly why I feel like a smile wants to break through. My daze is interrupted by the feeling of the car parking, and I see that we’re back at Hudson’s.

Getting out of the car, I circle around until I’m staring at Hudson, and we both stand in front of the path to the front door, looking at one another.

Hudson is quick to jump to the side and wave his arm when a pinecone falls near him. “That damn tree has got to go.”

“You should call a tree person and see about cutting it down to use it for firewood.”

“Good point. So, hot tub or bottle of wine?”

I take hold of his arm and pull him to me. “I was kind of thinking you could set up that app on my phone so I can walk into your house whenever I please.” A confident look floods my face since I’m satisfied with my decision.

And I need that app too, as I have every intention of surprising him.

14

HUDSON

“This is so great that you stopped by,” I say, slapping a hand on my son’s shoulder as he walks beside me up the path to my front door.

Drew and Lucy were in the area to pick up an order for Drew’s work, and Drew wanted to deliver a new creation for my house. Even though I had a hell of a day at summer training, I will always make time for him, especially since I haven’t seen him since his wedding. When he called this afternoon, there was zero hesitation. We’ll just order pizza and throw back a beer.

“Truthfully, I knew I would get a free meal out of this,” he jokes. Lucy is in the car quickly finishing up a call.

Drew and I walk through the front door, and maybe I’m so buzzed by the happiness that Drew is here, but I miss the fact that someone is already present in my house.

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