Page 35 of Game On
He laughs, his chest vibrating against my back. “That’s why we work so well together on the mat. I can read you like a book.” Then his hands drop to his sides, and he steps back, creating a respectful distance between us. “But hey, you don’t owe anyone an explanation, and you certainly don’t owe me one. I’ve been there, done that.”
I frown. “Been … where exactly?”
“Played games with a boy on the football team,” he says. “Not a great idea in our position, but it sure was fun at the time.”
“Well, isn’t that a revelation,” I say as my eyes jump back to meet Hudson’s across the room. He’s still watching me.
“Just passing along some friendly advice,” Ash says, shrugging.
“Thanks for the heads-up,” I say, although I’m not quite sure how I feel about it. Hudson’s head tilts slightly to the side, and I scoff, deciding to ignore him. I’m not interested in being his plaything, and this game is not my forte.
Ash nudges me. “Go on, then. Despite the advice, it’s better if you quit making eyes at each other from across the room. Frankly, it’s giving me the heebie-jeebies. Just go talk to him.”
I don’t bother to argue. Ash is right, and I’ve resolved tobe straightforward, so it’s better if I approach this situation between Hudson and me with the same frankness. Without another word, I push my way through the dancing crowd and stride straight up to Hudson, who hasn’t moved an inch as he tracks every step I take.
Once I’m in earshot, I ask, “Would you quit looking at me like that?”
His grin widens. “Sure,” he says before adding: “So, who’s the guy?”
“Ash?” I throw a glance over my shoulder. The Skyline crew has gathered together in their own version of a dance circle, and Ash is well distracted without me around. “He’s on the squad. He’s been helping me learn coed stunting at the all-star gym.”
Hudson’s brows arch, skepticism painted across his features. “Seems like you two are pretty close.”
I cross my arms, matching his stance. “We have to be. Trust is key, you know? The man catches me when I fall.”
A flicker of something softer passes through his eyes. “Yeah, I also know that team dynamics can get … complicated.”
“I’m not having sex with Ash if that’s what you mean. Not now, not ever.”
His brow hitches. “Alright th—”
I raise a hand, cutting him off. “Don’t even try to deny the implication.”
“There it is,” he murmurs, leaning back against the wall, eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement again.
“What?”
His laugh is a husky short sound, more like a grunt. “Nothing.”
“Listen, Hudson,” I say, my tone serious. “You should know I’m not fond of games. At least not when it comes to”—I wave a hand between us—“this.”
He tilts his head, feigning ignorance. “This?”
“Whatever this is. I’m not interested in playing hot and cold. If you want me, then say so. If not, then just leave me alone.”
He stares at me for a long moment before breaking into a slow grin. “You really are something else, Davies.”
I cock an eyebrow. “Is that so?”
“Yeah,” he says, his voice dropping to a whisper. He leans in close, so close I can smell the faint scent of aftershave mingling with sweat. My heart thunders in my chest as his lips brush against my ear. “And you’re right.”
“I am?”
“Mm-hmm. Unfortunately, I can’t.”
“Can’t …?”
He pulls back, gray eyes solemn. “Want you.”
