4. Evan
Chapter 4
Evan
For some reason, all I could do was smile as Hudson walked out of his office and left me with his assistant, Adley. She was all of five feet tall but a total badass as she picked up her phone, made one call, and had me a new shirt within twenty minutes.
As I watched her work her magic, my phone pinged with a text from Lennox.
Lennox: Where the fuck are you?
Me: Had to change my shirt. Be back soon. Save me a seat.
Lennox: Why? What did you do?
Me: I’ll explain later.
Pocketing my phone, I turned my attention back to Adley. During the time we waited for it to be delivered, she told me all about him. The best part was I didn’t have to ask.
“How much do you know about Hudson?”
“I know I voted for him both times, and I know his wife passed away. I agree with most of his policies, and his efforts to make sure no Californian goes without food.”
Adley nodded. “Yes, those are important things. But did he mention anything to you about Jack?”
“He told me Jack was a fan. But he wasn’t.”
She rolled her eyes. “Yes, and my nephew. Hudson loves football. But he’s worried about him, and you might be able to help.”
Raising my brows, I pointed to myself. “Me? What can I do? I already told Hudson I’d sign whatever he needed.”
I scanned the top of his desk for a notepad or something, but Adley shook her head.
“He needs more than an autograph, Evan. Can I call you Evan?”
I grinned. “Absolutely.”
She folded her arms and looked at me pointedly.
“Hud wants to bring Jack and Erin to San Diego for a few days. I suggested he visit the stadium and maybe he could meet a few players while he’s there. Think you could help with that? Hud just needs a win with him.”
Nodding, I rolled in my lips as I thought it over. “I’d be happy to help.”
Adley grinned and held out her hand. “Give me your phone, and I’ll give you Hudson’s phone number.”
I stood and pulled it out of my pocket. Unlocking the screen, I opened my contacts and handed it to her.
“Can you give me their home address as well? I can send Jack some merchandise.”
She narrowed her eyes at me. “You hurt my boys and I’m coming for you.”
I smiled, trying not to laugh. She was a Pitbull in a skirt.
Holding my hands up, I assured her I was on the up and up. “I have nothing but the best intentions toward both of them.”
Adley did that I’m watching you thing with her fingers, making me laugh. When she handed it back, I glanced at what she’d entered, then pocketed my phone.
“And Evan, Hudson could use a friend.”
I’d love to be more than his friend, but he didn’t swing my way. Dammit.
“I can do that, too, ma’am.”
She smiled as the young guy arrived with my new shirt. I checked the time on my watch and changed quickly.
When we arrived back at the event, dinner was already underway. I walked in and tried to find Lennox. He looked up and held up his hand. I nodded and made my way across the room.
As I approached the table, I scanned the room for Hudson. Just like I’d hoped, he had his eyes on me. I smiled, and he returned it before looking up to talk to Adley as she took her seat.
“What happened?” Lennox asked when I sat down.
“Got something on my shirt. Had to change.” I opened my napkin and put it in my lap. “What did I miss?”
I wasn’t ready to tell him about my meeting with Hudson. So distracting Lennox by changing the topic was my best option.
After dinner was served, I took a moment to look around at the guests attending tonight. My gaze found Hudson as he talked to the people around him. It wasn’t lost on me that I was attracted to him. He was debonaire and charmingly awkward. But I could be his friend. It wasn’t like I hadn’t been attracted to other straight men.
“Who are you looking at?” Lennox asked.
I glanced at him. “No one. Just looking around to see if I recognize anyone famous.”
Hudson stood up and buttoned his jacket. Leaning down, he picked up his glass of water and took a sip. His eyes skated over the crowd until he found mine.
A smile crept across my face as he sat it down and made his way toward the side of the stage.
The MC for the night approached the microphone and made the introduction. My eyes stayed on Hudson as he tugged the sleeves of his shirt under his jacket, then ran his hand over the back of his head.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Governor Hudson Gatlin.”
The room broke into applause as Hudson made his way across the stage. Everyone stood, and I was grateful to be taller than most people here.
Hudson smiled and waved to the crowd. Our eyes met and held for a second as he scanned the room.
“Thank you, thank you,” he said as everyone took their seats.
I’m not sure what he said after that until…
“In addition to the Service Above Self award winners tonight, we’re honored to have several players from the Super Bowl Champion San Diego Storm. Gentlemen, would you please stand?”
Lennox elbowed me as we stood and waved to the crowd as they applauded us.
“These men are champions in their own right. Thank you for joining us tonight.”
I laughed and raised a brow at Hudson. He smirked back at me, making me laugh.
When the night’s speeches were over, I took out my phone and sent him a message.
Me: Nice speech.
I watched as he pulled his phone from his pocket and looked at the screen. His brow furrowed as he glanced around. I’d only let him wonder for a short time. The last thing I wanted to do was creep him out. So I sent another text.
Me: Looks like you’re the superstar tonight.
I watched as he read it, then lifted his eyes to find me.
Raising my glass, he smiled and shook his head. Running his hand over his neck, he scanned the room before replying to my message.
Hudson: I was going to ask how you got my number, but now I remember who I left you with.
I smiled and replied.
Me: She’s something else.
Hudson: She is.
Me: She told me about Jack. I’d like to help.
Hudson: What did she tell you?
Me: Let’s get a drink after this and I’ll tell you.
Hudson glanced up, then held my gaze. We stared at each other for a moment, and I watched his body relax before he replied.
Hudson: Okay. This should be over in about half an hour.
Me: Sounds good. Your table or mine?
Hudson: Yours.
I smiled again as someone approached him to talk. Turning my attention back to my teammates, I found Lennox shifting his gaze from me to Hudson, then back at me.
“What’s going on?”
I sat back in my chair and told him the truth. Except I left out the part about me being attracted to the Governor. Lennox didn’t need to know that.
“Want me to stay? I can help too.”
I shook my head as nonchalantly as possible. “Nah. I don’t want to get her in trouble. But when they come to town, you know I’ll need you then.”
“Okay.” He looked around at the dwindling crowd and motioned to the boys. “Let’s go hit the bar at the hotel.”
My friends got up and left me sitting at the table.
“You coming, Ellis?” Carson asked.
I nodded. “Yeah, I’ll be there soon. Just want to speak to the governor.”
Carson smirked at me, then clapped me on the shoulder. Thank god he didn’t ask any questions.
By the time they’d vacated the room, Hudson placed two highball glasses on the table, then took a seat next to me. He picked up one and pointed at the other one.
“That’s for you, but I’m not touching it.”
The stupid grin was back on my face as he took a sip from his. His handsome face contorted at the taste, making me smile like an idiot. Hudson Gatlin was a hot mess rolled up in designer clothes. And for some reason, I made him nervous.
“Do you smile all the damn time?”
I ran my hand over my mouth and grinned. “I guess I do. Is that a problem?”
Hudson stared at me a moment, then shook his head. “I guess not.”
My face heated as he took me in. I wasn’t sure what he was looking for, but he was obviously uncomfortable.
“Adley mentioned you wanted to bring your kids to San Diego. What can I do to help?”
Hudson focused on the highball in his hand and ran his finger absently around the rim as he spoke.
“I’m not sure. I have some business to attend to down there, and thought I’d make it a little family vacation at the same time.”
“That sounds good. I can be your tour guide.”
Hudson huffed out a laugh. “You don’t have to go to any trouble.”
I took a sip of the bourbon, then shrugged. “It’s no problem. We’re in the offseason, and I don’t have any big plans. Just leave it to me.”
“Are you sure?” I could hear a different tone in his voice.
I smiled. “Absolutely. My buddies will help too. We’ll show Jack and…”
“Erin. My daughter’s name is Erin.”
“We’ll show both of them a good time. Do they like the beach?”
Hudson chuckled, and the tension in his shoulders relaxed. “They love it.”
I picked up my glass and held it up. Hudson picked up his and tapped it along mine.
“Then we have a plan. Operation Get Jack Back is underway.”