Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 30857 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 154(@200wpm)___ 123(@250wpm)___ 103(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30857 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 154(@200wpm)___ 123(@250wpm)___ 103(@300wpm)
“I think getting engaged after six months and then getting married five months later pretty much says it all, babe.”
She snorted. “True.”
Not wanting to interrupt the warm moment between them but needing reassurance, I asked, “So you don’t think I’m nuts?”
“No,” they said in unison.
Catie continued, “However, men haven’t always treated you the way you deserve. One of them not too long ago. Be careful.”
I stiffened at the reminder I hadn’t been very good at choosing men. “I know that. But have I ever said any of them were the one? Hudson… Hudson would never hurt me. I don’t know how I know that. I just do.”
My friends contemplated me in silence for a while again until I was squirming with the need to bolt out of my seat. Then Catie reached across the table for my hand, like Hudson had done last night, and squeezed it in hers. “You want to know what I think?”
No, I’m scared. “Yes?”
“I think after everything you’ve been through, the fact that you still have the biggest, most open heart of anyone I know, makes you the bravest person I know. Christ, Autumn, it is so much easier to hide from love than it is to give in to it. You’re such a special person and if you think this guy is the one then go for it. We’ll be here no matter what happens.”
Tears glistened in my eyes. “You’re the best friend ever.”
She grinned. “I know.”
I laughed but my amusement faded when I whispered, “Killian won’t be so understanding.”
“This isn’t his life. Who knows whether this connection with Hudson will go anywhere… but you’ll never know if you don’t take a shot at it. However, if you need me to say it, I’ll say it: I trust you, Autumn. Trust yourself.”
Before I could stop them, the tears spilled over. “Best. Friend. Ever.”
Now that Catie and Kyle emotionally had my back, I felt even more antsy to see Hudson so we could further explore the immense connection between us. Which meant, without any spa appointments booked that day, I was bored and impatient as I lounged around the lodge. Eventually I found myself snuggled up in the corner of one of the couches in the reception area, my back to the fire, my knees drawn up with a notepad on them. My boots lay scattered beside me on the floor and there was a glass of warm cider on the window ledge by the couch.
I stared at the piece of paper I’d torn free from the notepad braced on my knee, chewing the end of my pen in thought.
POSSIBLE CAREER OPTIONS
1. Small catering company (on my own this time!!)
2. Bakery? Or catering company focused on baked goods only
3. Stylist to the stars (not realistic but I did a good job with Skylar)
4. Event organizer/wedding planner
5. PA at Killian’s new label—job is ready and waiting
6. Interior designer. No experience! Would be fun though!
7. AHHHH!
8. I suck
9. HOLD ME :(
I felt the heat of him at my back before he said, “What are you doing?”
I tilted my head back to find Hudson leaning over me, looking down at my notebook. He was upside down to me but I could still see his eyes scanning the paper. I clamped a hand over it. “Nothing.”
Hudson rounded the couch. He was dressed in dark jeans, winter boots, a navy knit sweater with a roll neck, and a winter jacket. His face was flushed from the cold and he vibrated with an air of masculine energy that created a shot of tingles between my legs. He smiled at me before leaning down to brush his lips against my cheek. My eyes fluttered closed at the sensation, which was why it was so easy for him to slide the bit of paper out from under my hand.
“Hey!” I cried belatedly, throwing my legs off the couch to stand up and reach for it.
But I was in socks and now significantly shorter than I had been the night before so he held the list high above him and out of reach.
“Give me,” I huffed, jumping for it.
Hudson laughed and wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me against him so suddenly that I was distracted by the feel of his hard chest beneath my hands.
He looked down into my face and his arm tightened around me. “You feel good here, angel.”
I frowned because I felt amazing against him but he still had my bit of paper. “Give me my notes.”
Instead he kissed me. Properly. Tongue and all. It was such a deep, luscious, hungry kiss, I curled my fingers into his sweater just to hold on. I swear my legs were trembling when he finally let me up for air. Hudson released me with another soft caress of his lips and then snuggled me into his side as he brought the paper down to his eye level.