Page 64 of Tough Love

“Huddo told me what Harry said about you guys...”

“What?”

Lawson’s face slackens. “Fuck. Shit, I’m sorry. I thought that dipshit would have told you.”

“Told me what, Lawson?”

“It’s not my place to say if Huddo hasn’t told you, Addy.”

What isn’t he telling me? I don’t understand what Harry has to do with what happens between Hudson and me. Lawson runs a hand through that perfect hair, messing it up. He looks as stressed out as I feel. The phone in my pocket vibrates.

“Adds, I think your creep of a boss is here.” - Ruby.

Shit.

Could this get any worse?Breathe, just breathe. It’s fine.Whatever is going on between Hudson and his father, I am sure he will tell me when the time is right.

I take three calming breaths and stand. “I should go help Ruby out.”

“Sorry, Addy.”

God, all these boys are so different, but all such sweethearts. Reed the joker, Mack the everyman, Hudson the grumpy protector, and Lawson the brains. Louisa and Harry did good.

Ruby meets me halfway across the yard. She tilts her head to the side, and I track my gaze to where she nods. Justin stands with Harry. They are talking. Justin is dressed up like a cowboy—pale blue Wranglers, a darker blue shirt, and a white hat. It’s ridiculous. Everything about him gives me the icks.

Hudson walks out of the house, looking around the crowd. And when his eyes land on mine I give him a little wave and smile. Reed is fussing with the speakers and a stereo. There’s a squawk and crackle and slow country music starts up.

“Oh, that’s my cue. Sorry, Adds. Stick with Hudson, babes.”

“It’s fine. I can handle Justin.”

She kisses my cheek, and Hudson comes to stand by my side. He leans down and his hand lands on the small of my back. “Hey, Addy.”

He smells divine. All masculine and crisp. His aftershave is addictive.

“Hey, Huddy,” I rasp.

“Your boss invited himself.”

“That’s not the real Justin. That”—I wave a palm toward my boss—“is some cowboy Ken doll.”

Hudson pulls me a little closer. Harry glances in our direction and Hudson’s hold fades, his hand slipping. Hudson’s face is pulled between staring at his father and something pained. When Harry looks back to Cowboy Ken, Hudson pulls me along by the hand and into the house.

We wander into his room, and he shuts the door. His hands are on my face a heartbeat later, his mouth over mine. I don’t even hesitate. I couldn’t even if I wanted to. This thing between us has a life of its own. Like the two of us are only along for the ride. The insane chemistry pulls and pushes before smashing us together. I grip his shirt, walking my fingers up to his collar, letting them wander over his throat and into his hair. He groans.

“We should be at the party, Huddy.”

“We will, in a bit. I have missed you, beautiful.”

Well, when he puts it like that . . .

I slam my mouth to his. He picks me up, dropping me on his waist. I push and pull my fingers through his hair, thoroughly messing it up. He deepens the kiss, and I open for him. His tongue meets mine. I whimper. He spins and locks the door before walking to the bed and sitting on the end. I settle over his lap, and his mouth finds my neck.

“God above, Huddy. Look at you.”

He chuckles against my neck, and heat floods to my core. His hands cup each breast before he tugs the dress and bra downand they spill into his hands. I arch my back, and he claims what I offer up, teeth snatching up a nipple. I stifle the moan that rushes up my throat. His cock is rock hard underneath me. I wiggle and he groans. “You want me to ruin this pretty dress, sweet girl?”

I’m almost breathless.

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