Page 94 of Deathless
“Yeah, hope I can make up for that tonight.” His eyes continued to drink me in, and I never wanted him to stop looking at me. “You look amazing.”
“So do you.” My heart jumped into my throat as I said that, but I never was a girl to hold back what I felt.
“Yeah, both of you are hot as hell.” Devin grinned smugly before fixing Hudson with an icy glare. “I want her home by midnight—”
“Oh, fuck off.” I shoved at his shoulder.
“But if that means you come homewithher,” he continued, ignoring me. “I certainly won’t mind.”
Hudson laughed, a blush creeping up his neck. Over the past year, he’d been a branch extending off our group relationship. Sometimes he and Devin would spend time alone, other times he’d hang out with us as a group. But he’d always maintaineda little bit of distance. Devin was the only one he had a sexual relationship with. So far.
“We’ll see where the night takes us,” Hudson said coyly before accepting a kiss from Devin.
“Have fun.” Devin kissed me on the neck this time. “I’m meeting up with Santos and Torr at Bryce’s. Join us after your dinner.” He smirked. “If you don’t suddenly getbusy, that is.”
“Alright, we’re out of here.” I wrapped my hand around Hudson’s bicep with a dramatic sigh. “He’s been doing this all day.”
“You poor thing.” He laughed.
We headed out the door with our arms linked together. “How does an MC president feel about riding on the back of my bike?” Hudson asked, his tone playful.
“I have no problem with letting a gentleman lead every once in a while.” My arm wrapped a little tighter around his. “Honestly, it’s nice to not be in the driver’s seat all the time.”
“Should I keep dinner a surprise, then? Or would you like to know, and possibly veto, my choice?” We came to his bike and I released his arm to let him climb on.
“I’d like to know.” Once he was seated, I swung my leg over and allowed my body to press snugly into his back. “Not to veto your choice, just because I don’t like being kept in suspense.”
“It’s Nina’s.” Hudson spoke to me over his shoulder, our faces close. “The new place downtown. Lisa and June are friends with the owners, and they said the food is incredible.”
“Sounds great.” I wrapped an embrace around his stomach and propped my chin on his shoulder, wondering if he’d take the chance to kiss me right then.
He didn’t, but that was okay. We had all night.
Hudsonand I were seated by a friendly hostess and then ordered drinks and appetizers from a very attentive server. The moment we were finally alone at our table, Hudson blurted out, “So, I want you to be the first to know something.”
“Okay. I’m listening.” He looked nervous but also on the verge of bursting with happiness.
He broke out into the widest grin I’d ever seen on his face. “It’s happening. I’m officially adopting Elodie and Maia.”
“Oh my God, Hudson!” I immediately slapped a hand over my mouth, realizing my shriek had attracted some curious stares from other customers. “Hudson, that’s fantastic,” I said more quietly. “Congratulations!”
“Thank you.” He rubbed his palms together, shifting in his seat. “I’m kind of terrified but also really excited to be a dad full-time.”
“You are so ready for it,” I told him. “You’ve worked so hard over this past year. Not just on yourself but getting to know them, learning about what they need. You’ll do great, Hudson. I’m so happy for you.”
Our conversation paused while the server returned with our drinks and appetizers.
“What a thing to celebrate.” I held my drink out to him. “Cheers to that.”
After we toasted and drank, I asked, “How’s it going with the younger two? Is bringing them home with you on the horizon?”
Hudson sighed, a frown making his brows pinch. “It doesn’t look like it right now. We’ve tried some bonding activities, and they’re just not very responsive to me. I get it, they’re really young, and I’m still basically a stranger to them. They’re reallyattached to their foster parents. Who are great, don’t get me wrong. But it’s clear they’re not choosing me, and that sucks a little.”
“I’m sorry.” Without thinking, I reached across the table and put my hand over his. “They are still babies. I’m sure they’ll understand more when they’re older. You’ll be able to keep seeing them, right?”
“Yeah. It seems like their foster parents are hoping to adopt them, and they said they want me to continue having a relationship with them. So, I’m sure we can work something out.”
“That’s good to hear.”
