Chapter 10
Hudson tossed the crumpled-up wrapper from his sub into the kitchen trashcan, watching as it neatly sailed through the air. He’d grabbed some food for the road after leaving the party early, a torrent of thoughts churning through his mind. While none of his buddies had explicitly said it or asked where he was headed, they seemed to all assume he was going after Layton.
Which was crazy.
He hadn’t seen her in a month. Hadn’t spoken with her since he’d kissed her goodnight at Emersyn’s door. A night where they’d both had a good time and known they wouldn’t see each other again.
Except now she’d shown up in Oahu, looking almost devastated for some reason, and with a little girl.
Muttering under his breath, he shook his head. He was shocked as hell to learn that Layton was a mom. Somehow, this new information threw his entire idea of who she was out the window. He didn’t really know her at all. He knew what it felt like to be inside her but didn’t know the first thing about her day-to-day life.
Damn. Seeing her today had Hudson all out of sorts, and he wasn’t even sure he could pinpoint why. Hudson wasn’t the type of man to mope around, stuck in his own head. He took action. Took charge. And he was ready to solve this little mystery right now.
Grabbing his phone, he scrolled to her name on his contact list and quickly thumbed a text.
Hudson: Hey.
Not the greatest of beginnings, but it was a start. He quickly shot off another message.
Hudson: You seemed upset on the beach. Hope I’m not the reason you left.
Layton: You weren’t.
Hudson: Nah. I was. You flew all the way to Oahu but left the moment you spotted me.
Hudson: You don’t need to be scared of me.
Layton: Hudson.
Hudson: Princess, I may not know you well, but I’m not blind. You ran out of there like someone was chasing you.
Layton: We were…together. I hadn’t seen you since that night.
Hudson: Best night ever.
Hudson: Don’t deny it.
His lips quirked as he read her response. Despite it all, he still thought Layton was cute as hell and hot as fuck. It was weird to want to keep her safe and also make her scream out his name. Not that they’d be having a repeat of sex on the beach tonight.
Layton: I’m not denying it. I was just flustered because everyone else was around.
Hudson: Plus, there was a cute as hell kid there. Looks a bit like her mother?
Layton: I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Caroline. I figured I’d never see you again.
Shaking his head, he pushed the button to call her. “I figured it was easier to call you,” he explained.
Layton laughed, but he could tell she was slightly nervous. “Since when do men like to talk?” she asked.
“Dunno. Since now I suppose. I’m not usually up for late night phone calls, but I don’t mind talking to you, princess.”
“How sweet,” she joked.
“Look, I’m feeling a little guilty about our night together. I should’ve called or texted you. I knew you headed back to D.C., but I should’ve made sure you were okay.
Layton’s voice shook. “We both agreed it was just one night.”
“We did, but you’re not just a one-night-stand to me, Layton. Hell, your sister is dating one of my best friends. I don’t want you to feel awkward or embarrassed. Whatever you called it.”
“Flustered,” she said softly.
“Yep. That’s it. No need to feel flustered. I didn’t tell the guys what happened that night. We went wheels up the next morning, remember?”
“Very well,” she said.
He huffed out a sigh. “And that’s why I don’t date. We’re always coming and going. But seriously, are you okay? You panicked on the beach earlier.”
Layton cleared her throat, hesitating. “I just wanted to talk with you alone sometime. It’s important.”
He frowned. “Can you tell me now? We are talking,” he gently teased.
“No. It has to be in person.”
“All right, well, can we meet up this week? I’m still in a bit of shock that you have a daughter, but maybe Emersyn could watch her? Unless you want to bring her along,” he added, suddenly feeling like a dick. She’d flown here with her child. Maybe she didn’t want to leave her alone with Emersyn just to see him.
“No,” Layton said quickly. “I’d rather it just be you and me.”
“All right. I can pick you up from Emersyn’s place again. Or are you at a hotel?” he added. Layton had jokingly complained about the sleeping situation a month ago. Maybe she’d be wanting an actual bed this time. Or maybe her sister had gotten furniture.
Weird how much he remembered given the short amount of time they’d spent together. He still recalled unpacking the box in the kitchen, wondering right then what it would be like to kiss her. Layton was flushed and flirty and all sorts of appealing.
She still was, he realized. Normally, a kid would be a deal breaker for him. He didn’t date single moms. He wasn’t rushing to cross Layton off his list though, not when she was moving here.
“I’m at my sister’s,” Layton told him, “but I’ll meet you there. Wherever we agree to meet up.”
“Layton.”
She sniffled slightly, and he froze. “Are you okay?” he asked. “I realize we don’t actually know each other too well, but if you’re in some sort of trouble….”
“I’m okay,” she promised.
“Is it your ex?” he persisted.
Damn. It wouldn’t surprise him at all if that jackass was harassing Layton. Any man who’d cheat on his wife wasn’t a real man at all. And to know they had a child together? The entire thing rubbed him the wrong way. Layton’s ex hadn’t just thrown her away, he’d broken up his family. Hudson’s own parents hadn’t wanted or been able to care for him, and that shit cut deep. He didn’t have anyone, save for his teammates, and that was the brutal truth.
“I’m not running from him, if that’s what you think. He’s giving up his parental rights. We’ll no longer share joint custody of Caroline, which is why I’m free to move away now.”
“Shit. I’m sorry. I already didn’t like the guy, but he’s a bigger asshole than I thought.”
“He’s a pig,” Layton said. “He’d rather start a new life than deal with the one he already has. I haven’t even told my daughter yet. Sorry, I didn’t mean to dump all my problems on you.”
“You can talk to me,” he assured her.
“Yeah, about that. Maybe we can meet up one night this week? I know you have work, and I’m actually only here for a bit. I assume you might already have plans tomorrow,” she said, hesitating.
“Sunday?” he questioned. “No. I can meet you then.”
They arranged a location and time, and Hudson felt a weird anticipation coursing through him after they’d hung up. He wasn’t going to sleep with her again. They’d grab a drink or something. He’d figure out what was going on. Damn if it wasn’t going to bother him all night.