My heart is pattering at the speed of light, and I nervously tap my fingers on the steering wheel as I drive. I do my best to keep my eyes on the road, but it’s hard not to look at the nature surrounding me. As I get closer to Lake Spark, the woods build up and the trees bring a tunnel of green over the road.
In normal circumstances, the scene may be calming, but I’m in an unusual situation.
“Come on, Piper, you agreed to this,” I speak aloud to myself. A sort of pep talk for the twentieth time.
The only thing that can explain my decision is that sometimes in life you have a feeling so strong that it can’t be ignored. Taking a chance on Hudson’s offer is that very instance.
He hasn’t left my mind, and that’s a problem.
Then again, there was no chance of me forgetting Hudson Arrows from the moment he kissed me, and then the thought was only cemented when April introduced us. Which gives me a twinge of guilt. I texted her that I was going out of town for a few days for a fashion expo, because I have a sneaking suspicion she wouldn’t be thrilled if she knew the truth.
I glance at my weekend bag on the backseat, and I feel my nerves building, with butterflies in my stomach running rampant as I approach the turn, according to the GPS.
This is crazy. So spontaneous, and damn, it could go so wrong.
What if we have nothing in common? Or it’s only sex? Why am I even questioning this all, as if Hudson is a contender to become more?
I approach the security gate and stop. I reach my finger out to the intercom, and someone must have been watching for me on the other end because the gate opens before I get a chance to press the button.
It doesn’t take long after entering for me to arrive at the end of the road, as it is a sort of cul-de-sac of three houses. Beautiful and big houses that are any architect’s dream of modernity—well, two seem to be under construction, and the third I’ll assume is Hudson’s, and when I search for the number over the garage then I know I’m correct.
Parking on the driveway, I take one last big breath. “Here we go, Piper.”
My heart rate is picking up, I feel it, but I open my door anyway, ready for this. Just as I slide out, Hudson emerges from the front door and walks down the path. He’s in jeans with a white t-shirt, his chin has a little stubble, and his eyes catch the sunlight just right. But it’s his widening grin as he approaches that has me weak in the knees.
“Welcome,” he greets me. Yet he slows as he gets closer, perhaps waiting for my cue.
I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. I’m in jeans and a light pink button-up shirt; it’s cute, yet comfortable.
“Hi.” I give him a half-smile because seeing him again is as exciting as it is daunting.
“I’m happy you made it here.” One step closer.
My shoulder slants up toward my ears. “Afraid I would change my mind?”
He tips his head to the side. “Nah, you seem smart and know a good thing when you feel it. My question was more about how there have been a lot of foxes on the road. Even though it’s afternoon, they still appear every now and then.”
Is he for real? Or is he trying to lighten the mood? “Right, those killer foxes.”
Next thing I know, I feel something hit my forehead, as if it dropped from the sky. I whimper in response and see a pinecone fall to the ground.
“Shit. Are you okay?” Hudson steps closer to me and touches my arm in concern.
I rub my forehead and try to smile through my embarrassment. “Wow, nature is trying to knock some sense into me.”
Hudson’s face floods with relief when he confirms that I’m okay. “I don’t even know what to say because what are the odds? I mean, there is a pine tree above the driveway, but still… did it work? The knock-sense-into-you part?”
“Despite the foxes and dangerous pinecones, I still seem to be staying here.” I rub the sap residue from my forehead.
Hudson chuckles under his breath. “Good. Do you have a bag that I can carry inside?”
Because I’m staying the night, multiple nights maybe.
“Yeah… let me grab it. It’s not that heavy, I’ve got it.”
I quickly open the backdoor of the car, take my bag, then close and lock my car. But I run into Hudson as I turn away from the door, and I feel like he may have done that on purpose.
Either way, the damage is done, and I inhale his cologne, a subtle spicy scent. It takes me back to that night, reminding me that this man has seen me naked and has been inside of me.
Hudson hooks his finger and glides it along my cheek. “I’m happy you’re here.”
Warmth hits me in a wave and my adrenaline goes up a notch. I feel the tremble inside, but I’m not sure he notices. “I think me too, but I’m so out of my depth right now.” I laugh nervously, and it causes him to smirk.
For a moment, our eyes catch, and I wish the power of his gaze would tell me to get back into that car, but it only encourages me to stay.
“Allow me, I’m a gentleman.” He clucks the inside of his mouth as he takes my bag from my hand.
Now I have to grin. “Only some of the time.” I raise my brows at him, and he appreciates my retort.
He studies my bag for a second. “Dancing lobsters. It’s like your umbrella.”
“It’s a set. You remember my umbrella?” I’m surprised.
“I remember every second, Piper.”
Swoon.
The one little ounce inside of me that might have thought Hudson was after a few nights of fun with a younger woman seem to be gone. He seems more invested than that.
Hudson steps aside and then leads the way. “You’ve come at a good time. The neighbor next door, Spencer, isn’t around since he’s remodeling. He’s a baseball player, and it’s game season anyhow. The other house just sold to a hockey player who is originally from around here. Last I checked, being in the sports industry wasn’t a necessity to buy property here, but it makes for a good story, I guess.”
“Sounds like you have quite the neighbors. Any of them single?” I can’t help but tease him.
Hudson pauses as he opens the door to give me a flirty look. “You’re already testing my restraint, huh?” His smile is strained.
“Nah, just being here is testing your restraint. It’s when you show me the guest room that we may need to shackle you down.”
Gone is the nervous woman from the car because something about this man makes me feel what I’ve always felt deep down but could never fully embrace. I am a confident person. I know I’m beautiful, and I know I have the ability to make someone like Hudson weak. In return, he is the type of thrill that may just challenge me.
“I don’t regret my invitation, that’s for sure. Shall we head to the kitchen for a drink?” he suggests, and I nod.
Taking in my surroundings, I’m impressed by the clean design and openness of the living and dining area. High ceilings with big windows wrap around the house, with a view out onto the lake. The deep blue water is surrounded by pine trees, and the long dock looks like a dream for the summer.
Hudson sets my bag on a chair before walking to the big fridge. “Maybe a soft drink? We can open a bottle of wine later, or if you want to explore the town, we could do that. I didn’t make any dinner plans but thought I could cook.”
“You cook?” I ask, impressed.
“Mostly grilling, but yes, I’m pretty decent in the kitchen. You?” He holds up two bottles, indicating for me to choose. Sparkling water or iced tea.
I point to the water. “I’m horrible in the kitchen except for breakfast food. I could eat breakfast for every meal.”
He slides a glass with ice and the small bottle across the counter to me. “That’s funny. You seemed to run when it involved breakfast with me.”
“Fair point.” I hold my glass up to him before I take a sip. “I don’t think I need to explain myself again.”
“You’re right.”
Setting my glass down, I realize that I haven’t asked about yesterday yet. “How was the wedding?”
Hudson smiles with pride. “Perfect in every way. I didn’t really get a chance to chat with April and subtly investigate you, I was too busy with father of the groom duties and talking with guests.”
I love how he gushes over his responsibilities. “Tell me about your son.”
“Drew is the best.”
Hudson grabs his phone that was lying on the counter, and he comes to stand next to me, which causes our arms to graze and a spark to sizzle inside of me. Looking at the screen, I see a man who looks similar to Hudson with a woman who is clearly a bride in an embrace beside a haystack. He swipes his screen, then I see a photo of Hudson with Drew, and it melts my heart, as they are clearly happy and, by their looks, related.
“It seems like a lovely wedding. Very rustic, yet chic.”
“The wine was top-notch too since Lucy, my daughter-in-law, her brothers own the Olive Owl label. Anyways, they’re heading off on their honeymoon tomorrow. It was my gift to them, a trip around Europe.” Hudson locks his phone screen and slides the device back into his pocket.
“I’m jealous. Italy is my favorite place, just sitting in a café drinking cappuccino, watching the world go by,” I comment.
Hudson nudges my arm. “For coffee, we have a good spot in town.”
“Wonderful.” My smile fades, and I hesitate. “Can I ask, well, you mentioned that Drew is new to your life?”
His lips quirk then press together. “Yes. I found out a little over a year ago. An old friend of Drew’s mother was dying and had a list of things she wanted to do before she died. One of those things was to tell me that Drew is mine. I had no idea. I was a teenager at the time, not from her area. We met at a party, and I never knew. After a little digging, it seemed that Drew was indeed mine. His mother didn’t stay long in his life. He was raised by his stepdad who didn’t stick around once he turned eighteen. Drew didn’t get the life that I would have wanted for him.”
I can sense a lot of feelings stir inside of Hudson about that. Instinct causes me to reach out and touch his arm to comfort him. “And now?”
“Couldn’t be happier to have my son in my life. Just missed all the young years when he was growing up. He is the opposite of me in some ways, maybe a bit more introverted and not much for sports. He plays guitar and is good at carpentry, even made some of the shelves in my living room.”
I squeeze his arm. “Makes his father proud too, I can see it with every word you say.”
Hudson smiles to himself. “True. Now how about a tour?” he suggests.
“Sounds good.”
For the next few minutes, he shows me around downstairs, the at-home gym, and outside where there is a giant patio and an in-ground hot tub in the corner. It will be nice to sit out there in the morning with coffee and my design book. Color-wise, everything in the house screams bachelor, with neutral colors, except for a beautiful Native American rug hanging on the wall in Hudson’s office—oh, and his hallway is decorated with a few of his old jerseys. We kept conversation to the point, Hudson mostly explaining where things were.
But as we walk up each step leading upstairs, that feeling in my stomach returns. A swirl of anticipation and nerves. Maybe he picks up on it or perhaps he just doesn’t want to make a big deal about it, but he doesn’t show me his room. I thought for sure he would make a joke about it at least. Instead, he points out two guestrooms, and at the third room, he opens the door.
“This can be you.” I follow him in, and he sets my bag on the bed. “Towels are in the bathroom over there behind the door in the corner. I guess maybe you want a few moments to freshen up before we head into town or go for a walk, whatever you want.”
I notice he’s avoiding eye contact. “Thanks. It’s a beautiful room.” I look around, and I do love the look of the white blankets with deep blue pillows. “I noticed you have a few rooms, so why this one?”
A droll smirk forms on his mouth, and his head lolls to the side as his eyes meet mine. “It’s the farthest from my bedroom.”
I feel my cheeks heat, and I try to hide my grin but fail, before I swallow and breathe in some composure. “You know, how about we just stay here tonight and open some wine and cook—or I watch you cook so I don’t burn the house down.”
“Sure. I’ll meet you downstairs.” Hudson turns to leave and makes it to the door where he stops, with his hand on the pane of the door, then turns back to me. “You know this is crazy for me too.”
“So I make you do things you normally wouldn’t do too?” I wonder, and I’m relieved that he also seems unsure about what’s going to transpire.
He doesn’t answer but instead scoffs, a hint of a smirk on his lips, before leaving me there to catch my breath.
* * *
After checking myself in the mirror, I return downstairs to find Hudson arranging cheese and crackers on a plate.
He glances up, and gosh, I don’t think I will ever tire of his smile when he’s happy to see me.
“White or red?”
I find a spot on the kitchen island. “Anything is okay, you decide.”
Investigating the snack plate, and wow, the man knows how to prepare a charcuterie board.
“I was thinking maybe just steak and vegetables for dinner, but then I realized I don’t know what you like.” Hudson gets to work on uncorking a bottle of white.
“I’m pretty easy, I don’t eat much pork, though.” He gives me peculiar eyes, and I explain further. “My mom is Jewish and my dad Catholic, best of both worlds, but my mom won on what we ate in the house growing up.”
He pours me a glass. “Ah, well, a wise man knows that the woman leads the way.”
“Is that so?” I feel a coy smile stretch on my mouth, as I feel that he is insinuating me and where our day may lead.
Hudson offers me the glass, and he holds his own out to suggest a toast. “I’ll cheers to that. You lead the way.”
“I like the sound of that.” I smile before clinking our glasses together, and I notice our eye contact is intense but in an electric way, which makes me thankful for the wine.
He indicates his head in the direction of the patio. “Some fresh air?”
“With that view, I don’t think I’d ever say no.”
I take the wine glasses and he takes the board of snacks, then we walk outside, taking a minute to get comfortable in the outdoor seating area, comfy lounge furniture with cloth pillows. He doesn’t sit too far from me, but just enough to put my body on high alert. We angle our bodies toward one another as we hold onto the wine.
“So, you’re Jewish?” he asks curiously.
“I guess. I was never raised in the religion. My grandmother, on the other hand, is a staunch follower, but more for the gossip from the temple than anything. Her family came from Hungary before the war, and my father’s side is Dutch, but again, came long ago to the US. Dapper means brave in Dutch, actually.”
“I like that. You are a brave person.”
“How so?”
He has a sheepish look before he takes a quick sip of wine. “You took a chance on me.”
I can’t answer, only let our eyes hold. Maybe I will explain my reasoning when I’ve got more wine in me. Changing the subject quickly is my diversion.
“Actually, I got into design because of my grandmother. She comes from a family of seamstresses, and she became quite a big designer, back when department stores were king, and now, she’s retired, with enough money to live a very good life. My parents were kind of the opposite, met during college, now work as doctors and volunteer time abroad, my brother too.” I study Hudson for a second and watch how he listens intently. “If I can be honest, I think because of my grandmother, money and fame don’t really faze me. Even though I could use my grandmother’s name to get my foot through so many doors, I don’t. So, I guess I’m not the typical woman you may have dated.”
He looks at me oddly, and I realize what I suggested.
“Oh no, what I mean is, well… it’s not right for me to make assumptions, but based on what I’ve seen online then… sorry.” And I do it again, nervously ramble.
To my relief, Hudson chuckles and pops a cube of cheese into his mouth. “You’re honest, I’ll give you that. And for the sake of honesty, you’re probably mostly right, but not as of late.”
“Was there ever someone serious?” I wonder.
“Before coaching, I was on a vigorous schedule of training and games as a player. There were a few girlfriends here and there. But eventually, the schedule irritated them, or I could clearly see they were more interested in my fame. Then I turned coach, and my schedule became even more grueling, and life got chaotic. However, since my son came into my life, I’ve felt a need to slow down where I can. You?”
It’s fair enough that he would ask me about my romantic life. I slide off the seat and walk a few steps with my wine to admire the view because I’m not ready to talk about that aspect of my life, not when Hudson could be the very opposite of what I’ve experienced.
“Such a great view. Why did you pick a house on Lake Spark?”
I feel him now standing and walking closer to me. “We train not far from here during the summer and for spring camps. During game season, I’m mostly living in hotels, and even though I have a place in the city, it isn’t home. I even commute back here when schedule allows. I much prefer a small town on a lake, more solitude and calm. People just let me be, maybe because there are several people in the industry that live here, so the townsfolk are immune. My parents live in the western suburbs and will never move, even when I paid off their mortgage. It was the first thing I did when I got my contract money as an athlete. They’re retired now. My mom was a teacher and my dad a plant manager. When I retire, I hope it is to here—and by the way, retirement for an athlete, even turned coach, is still young, in case you’re concerned about my talk of retirement.”
I turn to him with a fond look. “Sounds like a wonderful plan. I’m slightly jealous. I’m not much of a city person, although that’s all I know.”
“Well, then it’s good that you’re here. You’ll get to enjoy the things that you like and experience something new.” I notice a subtle tic of his jaw which means he is insinuating himself; it only causes me to smirk.
Again, we stand there, getting lost in each other’s eyes. There’s a pull we’re both trying to fight, but we have our head in the game.
It takes a few beats before Hudson speaks. “Can I ask you a question?” His tone is almost serious.
I nervously drink from my wine. “Of course. I think questions will be our theme for the next few days,” I attempt to joke.
He steps closer, and I gulp, anticipation rising. His fingertips land on my shoulder, and the best kind of tingle runs through my body. “What’s the real reason you’re here?”
I take a deep breath and remind myself that I’m a confident person who might as well be straightforward. “I guess I’ll be blunt.”
“Please. Your candor struck me from the very beginning,” he presses.
“I want to figure out if you’re the man who is the perfect fuck or the man who has the potential to be more.”
If a man ever had a winning grin, then Hudson Arrows just displayed it.
He leans in, his lips brushing along my cheek up toward my ear where I feel the tingle of his stubbled chin.
“Baby, I know I can be both, and I have every intention of showing you.”