Page 74 of Worth the Risk

I turn to put my phone in the locker, and I see Hudson is calling me on the screen, as my phone is on silent. I quickly answer and bring the phone to my ear. “Can’t talk long, as the massage is about to start.” I speak in a near-hushed tone.

“You’re not going to kill me?” I can hear him grinning through the phone.

Looking at April, I smile tightly. “No. I… appreciate the deception.”

“You’re getting a spa dayandyour friend out of this, baby. I’m sure you will show your appreciation later.” There is sinfulness in his tone, and it causes me to grow bashful.

“Now isn’t the time for this discussion. I’m sure April won’t kill me, I mean, as long as her masseuse is hot and single.”

Hudson snorts a laugh. “Not a fucking chance. I made sure you have two women. I’m not having some guy stare at your fine body. I’d rip his head off, even if he is being professional. Nobody sees you naked but me.”

Whoa, there is some possessiveness in his tone, the good kind. Well, bad, because I feel an effect between my legs and I’m now going for a massage.

“Okay, okay, we need to go. I’ll phone you later. Good luck with your team meetings today.” I quickly end the call.

April gives me a pointed look before pivoting to walk down the hall. I follow her and roll my eyes. I know it may take a little for her to warm up to me.

And during the massage, we made one step when I noticed a hint of entertainment when she realized she wouldn’t be getting any good-looking spa men today, and she seemed relaxed like me when the massage was finished, even asked if I enjoyed mine.

Now we’re sitting on rocking chairs with masks on our faces and overlooking the indoor water feature while sipping on cucumber water. As much as I have a bunch of questions so we can catch up, I’m waiting for her cues.

But then when I see her watching a small group of women leaving the changing room with pink satchels that indicates it’s a bachelorette weekend, then I know what’s occupying April’s thoughts.

“I bet lunch will be delicious,” I attempt to divert her attention.

April looks at me. “Ginger, it’s okay, I’m not going to burst into tears.”

Is this a step? She called me my nickname for the first time in a long time. I give her a sympathetic look. “You don’t need to get married to have a nice spa weekend.”

“No. I just need a best friend who is sleeping with my rich uncle.” Her tone and look are actually a relief because I know she was attempting to make a joke.

I try to hide my smile. “So, I’m still your best friend?”

April sighs and places her glass on the side table. “I have a right to be mad. You lied to me for months.”

Setting my own glass down, I angle my body toward her. “I could have handled it differently, I know.”

“And I’m a horrible person,” she states.

“That should probably be my line in this situation.”

April blows out another breath. “I think I was also mad because… you get to fall in love when my heart has been stepped on. What kind of friend doesn’t want their friend to be happy?”

I reach out to touch her arm in comfort. “The kind of friend who is human and just had an engagement ripped away from them because the guy is an absolute tool, and even though it’s for the best, it still stings.”

“He is a tool. We were supposed to go to Italy on our honeymoon, and now I have to ditch those plans.”

“You can still go. Maybe now you can do that cooking course instead of what he wanted to do.”

April attempts to smile. “I guess I can get a dog now too since he was allergic.”

I give her a knowing look. “But was he?” My voice raises to a near squeak. “Or was he just saying that because he doesn’t like dogs?”

April laughs and tries to keep her tears back. “Fuck, the signs were there all along, weren’t they? We weren’t a match.”

I shrug. “I don’t know, I mean, opposites attract, so don’t beat yourself up about that.”

“Are you and Hudson opposites?” she wonders.

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