Page 10 of Fragile Heart

“That’d be Hudson. He always gets the fun jobs,” Vaughn tells us. Hudson smiles, like actually smiles, and it makes my heart skip a beat. His whole face lights up, and it reminds me of what I thought he would be like. The happiness he always shows in movies and interviews. “What are you ladies up to today?”

“Well, Vaughn, we don’t wear these outfits for fun,” I say, laughing. I watch as both of them look us up and down. I notice Hudson’s eyes remain on my bare legs a little longer than they probably should, causing me to shift on my heels.

“Yeah, we’ve got the dinner shift tonight,” Holly adds.

“On a Friday? That’s a bummer,” Vaughn says.

“Well, y’all are working on a Friday night, too.”

“This doesn’t really feel like a job, though.” I would’ve expected that to come from Vaughn, but Hudson is actually the one who says it.

Someone behind them calls their names, and they turn and nod. “We have to get going. Thanks for the cookies, Quinn. Hope we see you both soon.” Vaughn smiles again before he turns to leave.

Holly and I watch them walk away, and as soon as they’re out of earshot, she hits my arm. “Oh my God, they are so cute.” She basically squeals in my ear. We turn to head back to the diner.

“They are definitely easy on the eyes,” I agree.

“I can’t believe they’re here in our town.” I look over my shoulder as we walk away. I see Hudson standing on the roof of the building, getting ready to shoot his scene, but his eyes aren’t on the camera. They’re on me. He’s not smiling anymore. He’s just staring, watching us walk away. I can’t stop the shiver that rolls through my body.

“We should try to hook up with them,” Holly says out of nowhere.

I choke on my breath. “What?”

“What? We’re single. They’re single. Why not?” she scoffs.

“They aren’t here forever, Holly. They eventually have to go back home.” And why on Earth would two of the hottest men on the planet want to be with two small-town girls? They could have anyone they wanted. I don’t mention that though, because knowing Holly, that would just make it more of a challenge for her.

“So what? Not everything has to be a serious relationship. We could just have some fun with them while they’re here. Maybe that’s what you need, you know?” What I need. Everyone thinks they know what I need, but how cantheywhen evenIdon’t know what I need.

“I don’t know, Holly. That sounds like it’s more your thing.”

Her hand comes to her chest. “I feel like I should be offended by that.”

“You know what I mean. You know what to do around guys.”

She rolls her eyes. “You would know too if you just tried. Trust me, Quinn. You’re gorgeous, funny, and so nice. Any man would be lucky to have you.”

I smile at her. She really is the best hype woman. She links her arm with mine, and we continue our walk to work.

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