Found in You(23)

My eyes widened both in surprise and at the yummy thing he was doing to that sensitive spot below my ear. “That something had happened to me?”

“That you weren’t coming.”

I pushed him back to meet his eyes. “Why Hudson Alexander Pierce, did you worry I’d stand you up?” It was silly to even think about. “Don’t you realize I’m the kinda girl that sticks?”

He leaned back in to rub his nose against mine. “If you acted as smart as you are, you would have stood me up weeks ago.”

“Good thing I don’t act smart.”

“Good thing for me, yes.” He released me and took my purse off my shoulder, which he stowed in the coat closet. Then, weaving his fingers through mine, he tugged me after him through the foyer toward the living room.

“Guess what.” I admired his back as I followed him, his taut muscles visible through his dress shirt.

“You don’t have to work tonight.”

I stopped short, my hand slipping from his grasp. “How do you always know everything?”

“I don’t.” He turned back to face me, a smile toying on his perfect lips. “But where you’re concerned I make an effort. David called me this afternoon and asked if I approved of you making your own hours.”

“And you said, ‘Yes, because then I can conform my schedule to Alayna’s so we can f*ck as much as possible.’” I laughed at my horrible imitation of Hudson’s voice.

“I said I thought it was a good idea.” Instantly, I was back in his arms. “But I was thinking what you said.” His mouth circled above mine, teasing.

“I love you.”

He moved tighter into me. “I hope that my ability to change your working hours is not the sole basis of your fondness for me.”

“It is not. Trust me.” This time I kissed him, licking along his upper lip.

When he pulled away, his eyes were clouded with desire. “Dinner’s ready, precious.”

He led me to the dining room where the table was set with a bouquet of white orchids, two lit candlesticks, an opened bottle of wine, and two place settings at one end.

He waved his hands toward the candles. “These would have a more dramatic effect if it weren’t so light in here.”

“Yes, it’s terrible that your penthouse has floor-to-ceiling windows that let in so much sun,” I teased. “Honestly, it’s lovely.” Our eyes locked for a moment, caught up in each other.

Jesus, if we kept looking at each other like that, food would have to wait. I was already feeling moist in my panties.

Noticing the aroma of fresh herbs, I broke our gaze and looked toward the quiet kitchen. “Where’s the cook? Did she abandon you?”

“She did not. She cooked and then she left. Our plates are waiting under the warmer.” He pulled a chair out, gesturing for me to sit. “I presume I can manage the service without her.”

I kept my eye on him as I sat. “Honey, you don’t need anyone’s help with service.”

“Hey now.” He tapped my nose with his finger as he delivered his reprimand. “Food first. I need my energy to keep up with you. But if we get through dinner, perhaps there will be dessert.”

“A naughty dessert, I hope.”

“No hoping necessary.”

Hudson poured white wine into my glass before filling his own. Then he disappeared into the kitchen returning a few minutes later with two plates of food. He set a plate in front of each of us and then sat down. Together we dined catty-corner from each other, tangling our legs under the table. We chatted about our day and when I told him about my bachelorette party ideas for the club, he was both supportive and impressed.