Page 89 of Hate You Later
“You don’t actually need my protection from anyone,” I say. “You’re big enough to defend yourself.”
“You might be surprised, Georgia. People are always trying to take advantage of me. Especially my family members. But also, people like Ashley.”
“And how do you know I’m not yet another Ashley, hoping to hitch a ride on the … money train?” I ask. I almost said eggplant express but recalibrated just in time.
“That’s the point,” Hudson says. “I kind of wish youwould take advantage of me. For once, I can’t think of anything I’d like more.”
I can feel his heart thumping, and for some reason, I believe him. There’s something happening here. Something far scarier I should be running far and fast from.
“Fine, I’ll come,” I say, pushing him away with a decisive shove. But only because I know you let me win that ax-throwing match. Text me the details, and let me know what to bring.”
I click the lock on my car and pop the hatchback for Cookie to jump in.
“Later, Holm Hater,” he says.
“Hate You Later, Hudson,” I reply.
I can see him in the rearview mirror as I drive away. He’s still standing there, smiling, as I turn the corner.
hudson
Walker’s flight is delayed,which means I spend the better part of the next day in Seattle, working from a café. Fine with me. Now that Ashley’s in town to stage the lofts, I’m happy to stay away and let her do her job. The sooner she’s done, the sooner she’ll be gone. Though I am a bit concerned about what she’s planning to do with Oliver. She hasn’t mentioned signing a lease anywhere. Meanwhile, I’ve instructed the crew that she’s not to be allowed back in my place. Not under any circumstances.
“Is that all of your luggage?” I ask, surprised to see Walker coming through security with only a small duffel.
“You can’t go your own way if you’re schlepping a lot of baggage, son!” my father quips. I suspect he’s referencing that new Blaze Smith book everyone is talking about.
“Mm-hmm.” I nod.
“I’ve still got a full closet of clothes at the main house, anyway. I’ll have Mel pack it up and send it over to me.”
“Okay,” I say, wondering where exactly he thinks that’s going. It’s a one-bedroom loft, and Bryce left behind a full wardrobe of his own stuff. I’ve barely got a foot-long length of rail in the closet for my own clothes.
On the drive back to Ephron, my father fills me in on his fishing and cooking successes. He tells me he’s learned how to filet and cook several different types of fish during his private lessons with the onboard chef.
“Was she hot, then?” I ask, assuming the worst.
“She is a he, and it’s the same chef we’ve used for a decade, Hudson. Honestly, as if I’d take advantage of staff!”
“Wasn’t your third wife Bryce’s nanny?” I ask, referring to Lilly’s mom, Mel.
“That’s different.” Walker shakes his head. “She was an independent contractor. And Bryce’s mom had already moved out.”
“And she was twenty years younger than you,” I point out, even though I know mentioning this will be pointless.
“She sure was.” Walker grins shamelessly. “But the heart wants what the heart wants!”
“Yeah, theheart.” I roll my eyes.
“No regrets, son. Look what came out of that relationship. Wouldn’t change a thing. Can’t believe Lilly is already turning twelve.”
I can’t argue with this, so I change the subject.
“So where is my little brother now? Off to the Maldives to soothe a widow? Checking out a rave in Thailand?”
“Kenya, actually.” Walker grins.
“Let me guess … he decided to take some girl on a safari?”
