Page 42 of Summer Love

"He's never seen me. Not really." Was that true anymore? We'd shared quite a bit last night.

Grams raised her brow. "You're not stupid, at least not when it comes to your professional life."

"Which is why I don't want to mix personal and business."

Grams shook her head and turned her attention to the TV. "You're adults. You can handle it."

Grams could easily look back on her life and see where she made a mistake. But it was harder when you were in the thick of it like I was.

"I'd better get ready for dinner." I stood and moved toward the staircase.

"You two are making it a habit to get caught in the rain."

I laughed. "It seems that way."

"I think the universe is trying to tell you something."

What could the universe be trying to tell me? That Hudson looks good in a towel? I laughed to myself as I walked up the stairs, and when I reached my room and saw the towel resting on my desk chair, I remembered what Hudson looked like in it with nothing else on.

Why would the universe torture me when I couldn't have him? I curled up on the round chair, looking out at the rain that was still falling. I swore I could smell Hudson in my room.

That was going to be torture when I lay down to sleep tonight. I couldn't help but think what would have happened if we were alone in the house. Would I have been confident enough to make a move?

I wasn't sure if he liked me, or he was merely tolerating me. But then why did he offer to help with Grams's porch in his free time? Why did he stay and take a shower instead of heading home? Why did he agree to watch a movie with me and Grams?

The list of questions was endless, and I needed to get ready for dinner. I changed into a sundress, grabbing a lighter jean jacket in case it was cool with the rain tonight, and styled my hair.

I had a feeling seeing Hudson interact with his family wasn't going to alleviate this attraction to him. It would only heighten it, because Hudson was a family man, and I anticipated that it would only make things worse.

At six on the dot, the doorbell rang, and I heard Grams opening the door. As I descended the stairs, she said, "Well, don't you look handsome."

My gaze met Hudson's, and my heart fluttered. He wore a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms tucked into khaki pants. He was effortlessly sexy.

He raised a brow as I approached.

Did he know what I was thinking?

"You two have a good time." Grams walked away.

"You ready to go?" Hudson asked me, and I grabbed my purse before following him outside. The rain had stopped, but it was still humid.

Inside the cab of his truck, it was quiet with nothing but the sound of the AC fan blowing.

After a few seconds, I felt the need to fill the silence. "Anything I should know about your family?"

He laughed, then looked over at me. "Honestly? I think you have to experience it."

I laughed, uncertain this was a good idea.

"You aren't nervous, are you? I thought you were fearless?"

I let out a harsh breath. "I don't know why you'd think that."

"You went to Boston for college, and then stayed when it wasn't your scene, and now you came back. I bet your friends in Boston thought you were crazy for moving to an island to watch over your grandmother."

"Pretty much."

"Were you dating anyone there?"

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