Page 40 of Summer Kisses

"He'd probably believe it, coming from you." Dad had always respected Marshall and Hudson. It was the rest of us that he didn't.

"I'm going to keep a close eye on him and see how he does. I was thinking of pulling Cooper in on the home inspections when Ivy needs him. That would give Shepard a chance to manage things on his own."

"That's a good idea." I liked that Hudson had at least thought about it.

"I don't want to let Dad down."

"That's a lot of pressure." I was a constant disappointment to him.

"If I want to take over the business one day, I have to prove myself," Hudson said tightly.

"Don't forget that it's a family business. You have all of us behind you."

Hudson nodded. Then his phone buzzed. "Elena wants me to take her home now. Are you picking up Hazel?"

"She didn't say anything."

"Why don't we both go pick them up? Elena's usually very happy to see me when she's been drinking."

I had to close my eyes against the image of Hazel insisting on falling to her knees and taking care of me with her lips wrapped around my cock. Her inhibitions gone. Her desire for me no longer hidden. Would her being drunk reveal her true feelings about me? It was worth finding out.

I stood and emptied our bottles. "I'm good to drive."

As we walked through the house, Hudson said, "These are things I love doing for Elena. Being there for her, taking care of her. There's nothing like it."

I'd always been there for Hazel as a friend, but this was different. I liked the idea of her being mine even if it was only for a short while.

We drove to their favorite hangout and parked in the lot.

Hudson waited for me at the door, and we went inside, searching for the girls out back. The group of them was near the dance floor.

Hazel's face lit up when she saw me. "My fiancé." She patted my arm, and I wondered if she'd told everyone about our arrangement. Then she leaned in and whispered. "Don't worry. I didn't?—"

Before she could finish, I took her hand firmly in mine. "Come on. Let's get you home."

She winked at me, but it was a little sloppy, and she swayed on her feet. "I can't wait to get you home. I have big plans for you."

"Do you now?" I couldn't help but tease, meeting Hudson's knowing gaze over her head.

"Oh, yeah—" Before she could continue, I slapped a hand over her mouth. "Don't say anything else."

"You two have a good night," Hudson called after us.

I helped her into the passenger-side of the truck. "I could have taken a car home, but this is so much better."

"You like me rescuing you at the end of the night?" I asked as I snapped her seat belt in place.

"So much." Her eyes were closed, and I wondered if she was going to fall asleep.

I was hoping for more time with drunk Hazel. Was she a truth teller? Would she admit her feelings for me, or would she reiterate that we were just friends?

I put the truck in gear and took off for home.

"You're so sexy when you drive your truck. The way you handle this big beast. Your strong hands. I can't help but wonder if you're good with them in other places."

I tensed, anticipating her answer. "What other places would that be?"

"Oh, you know." She licked her lips, her eyes bright with desire. "Could you give me an orgasm with just your fingers and tongue?"

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