Chapter Three #2
My friend knows that I rarely date and aren’t big on one-night stands, either, so this news will come as a shock.
One I wanted to tell Macy in person because it will lead to a long conversation, and Macy had been in a rush when I called her to make plans.
I’ve only had time to tell her the story about falling and hurting my hands before we’d agreed on a time to meet.
I figure I may as well start at the beginning. “Hudson and I kissed. Twice.”
“What?” Macy’s raised voice causes other customers to turn around and an uppity saleswoman to frown at us.
I grin, ignoring the woman. “After I fell outside the clinic, I couldn’t stand up in my heels. Hudson carried me inside and took care of my palms. I thanked him, one thing led to another … and we kissed, but Braden interrupted us.”
“That must have gone over well.” Macy’s voice drips sarcasm because she knows how protective the Prescott brothers can be. “And the second time?” she asks.
“Yesterday at my house. He came by to check on me and brought medical supplies to bandage my palms.”
Although he’d wrapped my hands again, before he’d left, he’d shown me the large bandages I’ll have an easier time applying on my own, and I put the less obvious dressing on my hands today. At night he’d instructed me to let the wounds breathe and leave them uncovered.
“He asked me to be his plus-one this weekend at a family wedding, and after I agreed, we kissed. Again.”
Macy lets out a low whistle. “A family wedding? Isn’t that like making a serious statement or something?”
I shake my head. “No. In this case it’s more like he’s letting his family know he’s living his own life and to back off, don’t matchmake or pressure him to come home in any way.”
“Aah. And what does his invitation say to you?” Macy asks. “Or better yet, what does your agreement say to him? Is this a serious thing?” Macy’s question is a valid one.
My feelings about dating and being used or hurt haven’t changed, but I can’t deny the flutters in my stomach when I so much as think about Hudson, either.
I also understand he needs me as a buffer with his family, but I know that going in, which makes the situation understandable, and there are no feelings of being exploited for my connections or used in any way.
I like the idea of helping him out and making this weekend easier for him.
“Well,” I say, picking up a sleek long black dress.
“I don’t know Hudson’s views on relationships, but I know mine.
And this is a weekend away with a sexy man and the chance to explore things without all my brothers butting in.
” I shrug. “That’s about as far as I’ve thought things through.
In other words, we’re going to a wedding, not getting married. It’s all good.”
Macy smiles. “Well, you’re excited, and that’s enough for me. Now let’s pick a dress.”
We sort through the possibilities and choose some for me to try on. There is one large fitting room in the back, and Macy comes in with me, talking as I try on one gown after another.
“Do your brothers know about your trip this weekend?” she asks.
“Can you zip me?” I turn, lifting my hair so Macy can pull up the zipper in the back.
“I certainly haven’t told any of them,” I say, picking up the discussion where we’d left off.
“I’m not hiding it, but I don’t need to either get into an argument about my personal life or have them give Hudson a hard time because he’s doing whatever with their sister.
” I make a face that expresses what I think of their interference.
“You do realize Braden is the one who gives Hudson the weekend off from the team? And they work together at the clinic, so he’ll know Hudson is away. And he’ll realize you’re gone, too, and put two and two together.”
I roll my eyes. “Whatever. He’ll get over himself. We’re all adults, and when this thing, whatever it is, with Hudson ends, we can all stay friends.”
I ignore the twinge in my stomach at the thought, be it of things ending, which is silly when we’d barely begun, or just being Hudson’s friend. I shake my head, knowing I am being ridiculous. We were friends before we kissed, and we’ll be friends after we sleep together. Case closed.
“I love that dress on you!” Macy exclaims.
I glance in the full-length mirror, taking in the rose-gold, embellished, lace-embroidered, illusion gown with a low vee in the front that is flattering yet classy. The lace hugs my curves on top but flutters beautifully at the bottom.
“Oh, look! There’s a matching scarf to drape over your shoulders.” Macy picks up the piece that fell to the floor and hands it to me.
“I love this,” I say, smoothing a hand over my hip.
I’ll make a statement in this gown while keeping in style and not give Hudson’s parents anything to complain about. Other than my lack of pedigree, I think wryly.
Macy claps her hands. “Yay! Perfect choice. Now we go shopping for shoes and a small purse?”
I nod. “Just as soon as I pay.”
I’ve seen the price on this dress, and by the time I buy the shoes and bag, I’ll have a hefty credit card statement next month. Even with my generous salary, this is a big hit.
I glance in the mirror one more time. My dark hair and tanned skin provide the perfect contrast to the lighter-colored gown. If Hudson’s chocolate eyes darken at the sight of me in this dress, the money will be well spent.
* * *
Hudson
I have my suitcase open on the bed, my tuxedo hanging on the door waiting to be placed inside the garment bag.
I’ve actually had to buy a tuxedo for the wedding because my clothing consists of khaki shorts and collared T-shirts from my time in Brazil.
When I moved to Florida, I purchased pants for clinic and stadium work.
Not a formal or overly dressy item can be found in my closet, and though my mother will be horrified, I like it that way.
I add my Dopp kit to the suitcase, zip it up, and roll the bag near the door. I am about to turn around and grab my tuxedo when a knock sounds.
I swing open my door to find Braden standing outside. “Hey, come on in.”
Braden strides inside, his gaze going to the carry-on. “Ready to go?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be to deal with the family.”
Braden makes himself comfortable, dropping onto the leather couch I had splurged on. “Are you looking forward to the wedding at least? I know you haven’t seen Serena in a while, and you two are close.”
Joining him, I sit down on the opposite end of the sofa. “That’s the one thing I’m excited for. She deserves to be happy.”
Braden nods. “Where are you staying?”
This is starting to feel like twenty questions, I think, narrowing my gaze. No, I haven’t told Braden I am taking Bri, but there is every chance Braden already knows and is testing me, in which case I have no problem playing the long game and making my friend work for the answers.
“I made a reservation at the Four Seasons.” In fact, I’ve pulled family strings, and managed to book us into a suite. I want to make a good impression with Bri.
Folding my arms across my chest, I meet Braden’s gaze and wait for the explosion.
Braden raises his eyebrows. “I hope you mean you made reservations, as in plural?”
“None of your business, and I take it the family grapevine is alive and well?” I ask with a grin and hear the grinding of my friend’s teeth.
The last time I saw a scowl that deep on Braden’s face was during a walk through over-one-hundred-degree heat to a village that was a few miles away after our Jeep had broken down.
“Bri went dress shopping with Macy. She told Jaxon, and Jaxon told me. I can’t believe you weren’t going to mention it,” Braden mutters.
I lean forward in my seat and meet Braden’s gaze. “Look, she’s your twin. I get that you’re overprotective, but this is me, okay? I’m not going to hurt her.”
“You’d better not or you’ll have four Prescotts to answer to.”
I am smart enough not to reply and to let my actions speak for me.