I can’t believe we actually did it. I actually crossed the big V-card off my to-do list...and with Hudson Stone. A silly smile forms on my lips.
Once definitely isn't enough. I want to do that again. I’m not sure what he’ll think if I admit that I want to see him again so quickly. He said “three times” before...but now that he got what he wanted, is he done with me? He might refuse, but considering that I’m still on a happy buzz, I risk the letdown.
Gracie: When can we meet up again?
I hold my breath, waiting to see what he’ll write back. Several minutes pass and my stomach sinks. Shit. Why did I have to push things too far? He offered to help me get rid of my virginity, not to become a regular occurrence in my life. Then my phone vibrates again and my heart jumps into my throat.
Hudson: Sorry, I was talking to your brother.
The feeling of ice-water rushing through my veins reminds me of what a terrible idea this is. I should just cut my losses now and move on. Then he texts again.
Hudson: Come over tonight.
My fingers can’t type fast enough.
Gracie: Okay. What time?
I peek up at Brandon, hoping he hasn’t noticed my new smartphone addiction. His furrowed brow as he stares down at a rendering says no.
Hudson: Any time after six. I can order in dinner.
Sex and a meal? My new favorite combination. With a smile on my lips, I get back to work, knowing my evening looks promising.
*
Knowing I had plans with Hudson tonight made the workday drag by incredibly slowly. Finally five o’clock rolls around, and I grab my purse and scurry to the exit. I want to go home first and freshen up before heading to his place. When I arrive at my apartment, I rush inside and fly through the small space like a crazed person. Brushing my teeth, and touching up my makeup so I look refreshed.
Now I’m waiting on his doorstep. As I bring my hand up to knock, terrified regret flashes through me. What am I doing here? Was Melanie right all along? Is this going to end in a terrible crash-and-burn scenario, where I’m just a heartbroken shell of my former self when it’s all over?
When Hudson opens the door, I’m greeted by the smell of roasting chicken and my stomach growls, perking right up. The stale peanut butter and jelly I had for lunch was a long time ago. And the sight of Hudson with a dishtowel slung over one shoulder, wearing a plain gray T-shirt and jeans, is a very nice one. Oddly sexy and domestic at the same time, like he's welcoming me home.
“Hi,” I offer, not sure why I’m suddenly feeling so shy.
Hudson’s features soften as he gazes down at me. “Are you doing okay?”
“Yeah,” I lie smoothly. Honestly, I’m freaking confused about what this is. I had sex with my brother’s best friend, not even twenty-four hours ago, and now here I am again. I’ve never done anything remotely this crazy before. It has paranoid thoughts flying through my mind—like, what if my brother drives by and sees my car parked outside Hudson’s place? I’d have no plausible explanation. And witnessing a murder is something I’d rather not do tonight.
“I hope you’re hungry,” he says, ushering me inside.
I follow him to the kitchen and my eyes widen. It’s an absolute mess. Bits of onion and potato peel are peppered all over the counter. A huge pan of roasted potatoes and a whole chicken rests on top of the stove. A dish of green beans and a plate of warmed dinner rolls sit on the kitchen island.
“Did your refrigerator explode?” I giggle.
He chuckles back. “I guess I was hungry. And I didn’t feel like ordering takeout.”
I step closer, surveying his work. Wow. He did all this for me? The chicken smells incredible and the potatoes are perfectly cooked, with little crispy edges just like I like. “I didn’t know you knew how to cook.”
He shrugs. “One of the benefits of being raised with a housekeeper who made us a big family dinner every night. I guess all those years doing my homework at the kitchen island while Greta cooked rubbed off on me.”
I knew Hudson’s family had money, but I guess I never paused to consider how different his upbringing was from mine. He opted to spend most of his free time over at our house, which is weird given that his parents' place boasted a pool, tennis court, and an in-home theater.
“Do you want to set the table while I finish up?”