Page 5 of Kate & Hudson

Kate shakes her head at the moniker. “Bagel Lady? That’s the best you can do?”

“You don’t like ‘Bagel Lady’? What would you call yourself?” Chance asks.

“Bagel Queen or Bagel Empress both have nice rings to them. Either will work.” Kate smiles at him and then turns to me. “Kate Benson. I own the Bean and Bagel across the street.” She puts her hand out.

“Hudson Taylor.” I take her small hand into mine, and I have to refrain from pulling her into my chest. The spark I feel up my arm takes me by surprise, and I have to let go of her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Watching her, I see a wrinkle between her eyebrows, like she’s confused, but she recovers quickly. “Nice to meet you, too.”

We both stare at each other when Kane interrupts, “What kind of flavor is this? It’s pink.”

Kate hesitates to look away from me, but then turns towards Kane. “It’s strawberry. Try it. You’ll like it. I promise.”

We all watch Kane put a small amount on his bagel and taste it. The number of emotions that cross his face is hilarious and we all laugh at him. He shakes his head. “I don’t think so.”

Kate’s laugh is melodic. “Okay. Well, at least you tried it.” She closes the lid and puts it in her bag. “Okay boys. I’m headed back. Have a good shift.” She calls from the hallway to the door she came in from. “Nice to meet you, Hudson. You’ve got your hands full with this crew.”

I watch her disappear down the hallway and hear the front door open and close and then she’s gone.

“You alright, man?” Kane asks under his breath to me.

I turn towards him. “Yeah, why?”

He shakes his head and laughs. “Don’t even bother with that one. She’s way out of our league. Besides, she must have a boyfriend or husband. She’s turned everyone down that asks her out. You’re barking up the wrong tree.”

I nod, “Thanks for the warning.”

Kane goes back to the pile of bagels as I contemplate what he said and what the hell I’m feeling.

What the hell just happened?

CHAPTER 3

KATE

I’m trying to keep my cool as I cross Main Street from the fire station back to the Bagel and Bean. Just one foot in front of the other, Kate. Don’t trip, don’t try to run. Just one foot in front of the other. You can do this, girl. That’s it. Just a few more steps. Okay, grab the door handle, open the door gently, and walk inside. There you go.

I cannot believe the nervousness and butterflies I’m feeling after meeting the new lieutenant.

“Are you okay, boss?” Chloe asks. “You’re really pale. Maybe you should sit down.” She points to one of the empty chairs in the front of my shop.

Sitting down sounds like a great idea. I grab a seat and slump down in the chair.

“Do you need some water or something?” Chloe asks.

Shaking my head, “No. I’m fine. It’s just boiling out today.” I lie.

“Well, it is the middle of June in Florida.” Chloe laughs as she goes back behind the counter. The morning rush is over and we’re closing up shop for the day soon. “Speaking of which, do you mind if I skedaddle a bit early? My friends are meeting me at the beach in a half hour?”

Standing up, I take the rag out of her hands, “Go. It’s fine. Have fun. I’ve got this.”

“Thanks, boss.” Chloe says excitedly as she removes her apron and grabs her purse. “Don’t stay too late. I’ve packed everything up, unplugged everything, and cleaned up. You should be good to go once you count the cash.”

“I won’t. I promise.” The back door slams shut, and she’s gone.

Once the counters are all wiped down, I turn my open sign off, reconcile the register, and I’m almost out the door. Whatever that feeling was after meeting the mountain of a man, Hudson Taylor, has now passed. I swear I felt electricity run right up my arm and into my throat when I shook his hand. He’s intense with his dark eyes just staring at me. I almost couldn’t look away. I shiver. He doesn’t seem dangerous, but there’s something dark about him, I just can’t put my finger on it.

Whatever it was, it’s over now. It won’t keep me from bringing bagels and coffee to the firefighters. It’s something I’ve done every Sunday for years and will do for as long as I can. It’s the least I could do after all they’ve done for me.

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