Page 29 of The CEO's Outback Gal

Hudson chased me down the steps and tackled me onto the couch. I burst into laughter as he rolled me over and nibbled at my neck. As he started working his way down my body, the doorbell rang.

“Damn—cockblocked by food.”

I laughed again when he rolled off me and stomped away to answer the door.

I heard him murmuring to whoever was delivering the food before the door closed with an audible click.

“Kitchen or living room?” Hudson called as he walked through the entry hall.

“Living room, please.”

Hudson set the package down on the coffee table while I grabbed plates and cutlery. We set about devouring the delicious food and once we’d eaten our fill, we packed away the leftovers for Hudson to enjoy another time.

I still didn’t want to go home, staying cuddled in Hudson’s arms had much more appeal.

“Movie?” Hudson asked.

“Sounds great and then I must go home, or I’ll never get up for work in the morning and my hardarse boss won’t be impressed if I’m late.”

Hudson laughed, extended one of his arms, and I scooted across the couch to snuggle close. I bent my legs and lifted them onto a cushion. Hudson stretched his legs, and after resting them on the coffee table, he began searching for a movie. He settled on The Notebook and the opening credits rolled across the screen.

“Dim lights.”

I stared at Hudson when the living room lights lowered to a soft glow, and he shrugged as if it was nothing out of the ordinary. I suppose owning an electronics company meant you had access to all the latest gadgets and apps.

***

Three weeks had passed since I’d started dating Hudson and I was becoming more and more attracted to the man. It was common knowledge in the data department that we were seeing each other. Hudson often came down to see me and wasn’t shy about taking me in his arms and kissing my lips.

Work was going well except for Colin, the bane of my existence. He was a classic example of a jealous, pissed-off narcissist who thought he was God’s gift to the company and the world should revolve around him. Raya was aware he was a problem, but while he continued doing his job to a reasonable standard, and turned up every day, there was nothing she could do to terminate his employment without Hudson suffering retaliation. So, Raya, who was rapidly becoming a friend, and I agreed to give the man a wide berth, but I still had a bad feeling about him. I couldn’t quite put my finger on why I felt the way I did but warning bells in my head every time he was around left me no doubt he was dangerous.

Ellie and Harper were wonderful housemates and I loved spending time with both of them, although that wasn’t often since I spent almost every spare minute I had with Hudson. And they had university commitments that involved their being away from the house. We were a little like ships passing in the night at times.

I glanced at my watch. It was a little after six in the evening and I was still at my desk. Hudson had said he had a last-minute meeting and asked me to wait until he was finished so we could go out for a drink and a meal.

"You're working late.”

I froze at the sound of Colin’s voice. We were alone, everyone else had already gone home. He stepped closer and leaned against my desk, one ankle crossed over the other, and his arms folded over each other.

My heart thundered in my chest so hard, I was at risk of suffering a broken rib. Trying to remain calm, I saved what I’d been doing, and shut down the computer. I stood and grabbed my bag from beneath the desk and readied to leave. I would wait for Hudson downstairs in the security office.

“Leaving without Hudson?”

“It’s none of your business, Colin.” I bit back. Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s late and I’m leaving.”

Colin shook his head and clicked his tongue. “You need to come with me.” He placed a hand on my arm, and I reared back.

“Leave me alone, Colin.”

“You really need to come with me, Elizabeth. You might be interested in seeing whom Hudson is playing cozy with while you’re waiting down here.”

His comment piqued my interest. I knew deep down I shouldn’t take notice of what he was saying. Hudson hadn’t given me any reason to mistrust him, while Colin had given me plenty. But—

“Ah, you’re curious to know who he’s with, aren’t you?”

I didn’t answer.

“Five minutes, and you’ll see the man you’ve been seeing is an arsehole. Five minutes will save you a lot of heartbreak.”

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