Page 18 of Love in Unexpected Places

Hudson hates rom-coms, while I would probably hoard every rom-com ever made and die a happy man. He’s more of the action type, sayingJohn Wickis his current favorite, “But The Matrix is a close second.” He winks when he says that.

I raise an eyebrow and whisper, “Do you have a crush on Keanu Reeves?”

His laugh is boisterous, and I swoon. “You got me. I think The Matrix is what made me realize I wanted a boyfriend.”

I laugh along with him, shaking my head at his ridiculousness. Our server comes and gives us the check, which Hudson grabs smoothly. “I can pay for half,” I offer. Every first date I’ve been on, I’ve had to pay for my meal. It’s fine, because most of the time, I don’t want to see the person again. It seems an unspoken agreement that he who pays for the meal gets ass at the end of the night.

Hudson raises an eyebrow at me while he puts his card in the envelope, handing it back to the server. “Why would you do that? I can afford it.” I give him the rundown of my theory. I expect him to laugh but he regards me thoughtfully. “I don’t want anything from you at the end of thenight, Callum. Well, your number hopefully, but I don’t expect you to put out because I paid for a few appetizers.”

I figured as much, but it does make me feel better that he said that. “Thanks, Hudson. Of course, you can have my number. You’re not getting away from me so soon,” I tell him with a bright smile, only half joking.

“Good,” Hudson says, smiling shyly.

When the server comes back, Hudson signs the receipt with a flourish and we both stand to leave. “I’ll walk you to your car,” Hudson says, putting his hand on the small of my back, making me shiver. I hope he didn’t notice. When I gaze into his eyes, I see I’m not so lucky. Hudson’s eyes are slightly hooded, and he glances down at my mouth.

Stammering, I say, “Umm, I uh … I took an Uber.” Fuck, I forgot to order one before the check came. I was having so much fun with him, it completely slipped my mind.

We’re outside at this point, standing on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. Hudson hands the valet his ticket, then turns to face me. “I can take you home. And this isn’t a ploy to get in your pants. I don’t mind. Or I can wait for your Uber to get here, so you’re not standing here alone.”

“A ride home sounds good. I don’t think you’re trying to find a way in my pants.”

Nodding, Hudson steps closer to me, arm brushing mine and I feel the heat of his body in that simple touch. “I stay about fifteen minutes from here. Going north.”

“North it is.”

“Is that out of the way?”

He doesn’t get a chance to answer. The valet pulls up with his car and he helps me into the passenger seat. After tipping the valet and climbing into the driver’s seat, he asks me to input my address into his GPS. Then he pulls up his music app and hands me his phone. When I give him aquestioning look, he says, “I want to know what a car ride with you is like. Give me a peek inside that beautiful head of yours.” God, I want him in my head.

“Okay, yeah.” I put on my go to song when I want to get in the sweet mindset, Tevin Campbell’s “Can We Talk.”

I start to sing and to my surprise, Hudson joins in. I stare at him, wide-eyed, and he winks at me, continuing to sing along to the music.

When the song ends, I press pause on the next song. “Sir, have you been holding out on me?”

Hudson shrugs, his cheeks pink. “No. I said I love eighties rock, not that it’s theonlything I listen to. My sister loved Tevin Campbell growing up and he’s a talented singer.”

Oh lord, this man. Full of surprises and he has a good singing voice. Did Rachel find my future husband?

chapter five

CALLUM

When we pull up to my apartment, Hudson puts the car in park and turns to me. “I had a really great time tonight, Callum. I’m sorry Rachel had to lie to you to get you to come but,” he runs a hand through his shaggy hair and smiles softly, “I can’t say I’m upset by it. This is the most fun I’ve had in months. The best first date I’ve ever had, if I’m being honest.”

I mirror his pose. “Same here. I kinda don’t want tonight to end.” I lean back against the seat. “Want to come in?” Hudson’s mouth drops open and I rush to say, “Not for sex. Just to hang out some more. We can listen to music, watch a movie. Or just talk. But I’m having a good time and want to keep it going. Unless you’re tired and want to go home. You don’t?—”

Hudson grabs my hand and kisses the back, feather soft and I clamp my mouth shut, wanting more of his lips on me. Not sensing my inner turmoil, he says, “I’d love to continue to hang out with you, Callum. I’m having a good time too. I’ll come inside, but I’m not trying anything.”

I nod. “I invited you inside, so I don’t think anything. Come on. We can watch The Matrix.”

Barking a laugh, Hudson turns off the car and we walk inside.

As I open the door to invite Hudson in, I try to recall if I left the place a mess. I’m not a messy person, but there’s usually something out of place. And I’m right. There are three suits draped over the back of the couch since I couldn’t figure out what to wear tonight. And some socks tossed around.

Face hot, I rush over and grab my things. “Sorry.” I scoop up the socks and take the hangers the suits are on in my hands. “You can get comfortable. Or pour us some wine. I have some in the fridge. Glasses are in the cabinet on the left of the sink.”

I beat feet to my room, hanging my suits up and putting my socks back in the drawer. While I’m in the room, I shed my jacket and pants, happy to get out of that uncomfortable attire. I feel a little bad that I’m dressing down and Hudson isn’t, so I rifle through my closet, hoping I still have some extra-large shirts and basketball shorts. I’m not big—five seven and one hundred and sixty pounds—but I have a habit of buying clothes that are a few sizes too big. I like the comfort…and pretending like they belong to the man of my dreams. I’m a romantic, shoot me.

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