Page 47 of Fragile Heart

She picks out my shoes and helps me curl my hair and do my makeup. I haven’t dressed up like this in a long time, but I feel pretty, almost like my old self.

“You look gorgeous, Quinn. You’ll have him on his knees in no time.”

I thank her for her help and support and walk her to the door fifteen minutes before Hudson said he would pick me up. I barely have time to take a sip of water and wipe my sweaty palms before there’s a knock on my door.

I take a deep breath and open the door. I’m greeted by Hudson holding a bouquet and wearing a fitted black button-down with the sleeves rolled up to show his forearms and perfectly tailored gray dress pants.

By the time I meet his eyes, I can tell he’s done his initial sweep of me as well.

“You look amazing,” he tells me, handing me the pink and red roses. “These are for you. Got lucky and matched them to your dress.”

“They’re beautiful. Let me put them in water, and then we can go.” I go to the kitchen and grab my one and only vase to put the flowers in. “Did you need me to drive?”

“Absolutely not. I’m taking you out.”

“Did you get. . .?” He doesn’t have his license back yet, so I know he can’t drive us.

“My driver is taking us. Let’s go.” He holds his hand out to me, and I link our fingers together. This feels surreal, like we’re really together or something. Thank god I wiped the sweat from my palms before he got here.

He ushers me into the back seat of the black SUV, which takes off as soon as the back door is shut. I try to scoot to the window, but Hudson puts his arm around me and keeps me next to him. He leans in and whispers, “I want you as close to me as possible tonight.”

His fingers trail lazily down my bare thigh, and I have to fight the urge to open my legs right here in the back seat of this car. Kissing him has kick-started my hormones, and now they’re on overdrive.

Less than thirty minutes later, we pull in front of a small restaurant a few towns over. I’ve never been here before, but it’s so adorable with fairy lights and flowers everywhere. Hudson holds my hand as we walk in.

“Where is everyone?” I ask, looking around to see that the restaurant is completely empty.

“We’re the only guests tonight.”

“What?” I choke. Just then, a woman comes to the front and leads us to a table in the middle of the empty restaurant. Hudson pulls out the chair for me before sitting next to me.

“What can I start you off with to drink?” the server asks.

“Water is fine,” Hudson answers.

“I’m good with water, too.”

“Ok. Just let me know when you’re ready to order.”

Hudson keeps looking at the menu and says, “You can order a drink if you want. I’ll be fine.”

“I know. I just don’t want one.” Would I normally order a drink in this kind of situation? Yes. Because I’m more nervous than I’ve ever been. But I know I don’t need it. If Hudson can go without it, then I can too. “Did you rent out this entire place?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

He finally looks over at me. “For you.”

“You didn’t have to do that. I’m sure that cost a fortune.”

He shrugs like it’s no big deal, and maybe it’s not to him. “I like you, Quinn. Which is saying a lot because I don’t even like myself most days. I wanted us to enjoy a night together without anyone staring or taking pictures or interrupting our dinner.”

I lean in and kiss him before I lose my nerve. His hand keeps me in place for a few seconds longer when I try to pull away. When he finally releases me, it takes a second to catch my breath.

After we order our food, Hudson settles back in his chair, looking like the star he is. He has this confidence about him that overtakes the whole room. . . even an empty room.

“So, talk to me about your bakery. When are you going to open it?”

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