Page 48 of Fragile Heart

I laugh. “I don’t know. I don’t have any concrete plans. Honestly, it’s just kind of a pipe dream.”

“Why don’t you make it a reality?” he questions. “You’re good at it, and it’s something you love, isn’t it?”

“Well, yeah.”

“Then why not go for it?” he presses.

“I guess I’m scared.”

“Scared of what?”

I shrug. “Scared of failing. Scared of disappointing people at the diner. Scared to take a chance.”

He searches my face before telling me, “I was the same way when I started acting. I failed so many auditions. Do you know how disheartening it is when you’re a kid, and you get rejected over and over?” I shake my head. “But I kept going. I kept trying until I finally landed the role of a lifetime. If I can do it, you can do it.”

“I know. I keep making excuses.” He brings his hand to my cheek, and his thumb traces my jawline.

“You know I’ll help you in any way you’ll let me, right?”

“I could never ask you for—”

He doesn’t let me finish. “You’re not asking. I’m offering.” His thumb makes its way to my lips, and my breath hitches. I struggle to keep my eyes open, wanting to completely lean into his touch.

“I. . . I’ll have to think about it. I have to come up with a business plan and everything.”

“Of course. Let me know if you need help. I’m happy to refer you to someone for advice.”

“Thank you, Hudson. I appreciate it.”

“I know you do. I like that you don’t treat me any differently than anyone else you know.”

“Why would I treat you differently?”

“Because of who I am, my money. There’s a laundry list of reasons people treat me differently. It’s been nice to just feel like a normal thirty-year-old for once. And it’s even better that it’s with a beautiful woman.”

I smile. I can’t help but think about all the women he’s been with. I’m certain that most of them were more beautiful than me. But I shake it off, reminding myself that he likes me for more than my looks. That’s probably something those other women didn’t have.

Our food is delivered to our table, and we both dig in, commenting on how good everything tastes. After our main meal, we order cheesecake to share.

Once the plates have been cleared and Hudson settles the bill privately so I can’t see the cost, he leads me back to the car.

“Thank you for dinner. Tonight was wonderful.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a date. I hope I made it memorable.” My heart picks up. It’s been a long time since he’s been on a date? And he made all this effort forme?

“I definitely will never forget it,” I tell him truthfully.

“The night isn’t over yet, Ms. Watson.” I look over at him, and he gives me a devilish smile.

“What else are we doing?”

“You’ll see.” We drive a little longer before the car stops in front of a field of wildflowers. The sun set a while ago, so I can only see what the moonlight allows.

Hudson gets out of the car and grabs something from the trunk before whispering to the driver. He takes my hand and leads me into the field before spreading out a blanket.

“What are we doing?”

“We’re going to watch the stars.” I stare at him, stunned. I’ve never just lain down and looked at the stars. He sits down on the blanket and removes his shoes before lying down.

His eyes find mine even in the dark. “You coming down here, or are you just gonna stare at me all night?”

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