2. Hudson
2
HUDSON
W hat I didn’t tell Mila was that not only did I need a date for my ex’s wedding, but I needed my date who would pretend to be my fiancée. Right before I reached out to Mila on the Holidates app, I thoroughly considered if I really wanted to ask my best friend’s daughter to be my fake fiancée and go to this wedding with me. If her father—my best friend, no less—finds out, Nelson would fucking kill me. He’d think I was crazy for even thinking of his daughter. Nelson was very protective over Mila, his one and only child. Even though she was an adult, her parents treated her like she was still a little girl. Nelson would tell me stories of how overprotective his dad was to his little sister growing up in the Philippines, scaring all the boys away. I’m sure if I had a little girl, I’d be very protective of her, as well.
I knew Mila pretty well, and would be more comfortable being in a fake relationship with her than a total stranger. I only had two weeks to find a date, so I just went for it, glad that Mila agreed to do this for me. Since I ruined her holidate plans, I told her that I’d compensate her for this. I wonder what she’ll ask for.
When I saw her two weeks ago at her house lounging by the pool, I thought I’d come in my pants like a teenage boy. She was smoking hot in that tiny white bikini, instantly giving me a hard-on that I tried to hide while I was with her. Her bronzed skin was glistening from the suntan oil, her long, black hair was pulled up, her tits were full, and those curves on display. She looked like a goddess. I had to pry my eyes away and stop ogling her, not wanting to look like a creep. I was a dirty old man to look at her this way. I was an even dirtier old man who had to jerk himself off three times at the thought of her when I got home.
I watched Mila grow up before my eyes into this gorgeous woman. I shouldn’t have ogled her, but couldn’t help it. I’m glad Nelson wasn’t around that day, or else he would have caught me eyeing his little girl and killed me right then and there.
We were leaving for Maui tomorrow morning, and I’ve yet to tell Mila that I needed her to be my fake fiancée during our trip. I picked up the phone, scrolled through the contacts, and dialed Mila.
“Hello,” she answered, her voice sounding almost sultry, making my cock twitch.
“Hi, Mila,” I greeted.
“Hey, Uncle Hudson.” Uncle . It was like cold water doused me, reminding who she was to me. Good. I needed that reminder.
“Did I catch you at a bad time?” I asked.
“No, just finishing up packing for tomorrow. What’s up?”
“Well, I wanted to talk to you about our trip?—”
“Oh, is it canceled?” she asked, concern laced in her voice. “Did you find someone else?”
“No, it’s nothing like that. We’re still going together tomorrow. It’s just…I know I told you I needed a date for this trip, so it didn’t look like I was a loser going solo at his ex’s wedding?—”
“You’re not a loser, Uncle Hudson,” Mila interrupted, trying to reassure me, making me smile.
“Thanks, Mila. So, during this trip, we need to act like we’re in a relationship…umm…you need to be my fiancée. Would you be okay with that?” I asked.
There was silence on the line.
“I’m sorry that I just brought it up now?—”
“No worries, Uncle Hudson. I’ll pretend to be your fiancée.” She sounded genuine, no signs of hesitation.
“Thanks again, Mila. I owe you big time. We’ll talk about it more tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night, Uncle Hudson.”
“Sweet dreams, Mila,” I said before hanging up with a smile across my face.
I hope I wasn’t going to regret this.
* * *
As we flew over the ocean on our way to Maui, I glanced over at Mila. She was sketching something. It looked like outfits and dresses.
“I didn’t know you were a fashion designer,” I said lowly.
Her cheeks turned pink as she stopped scribbling with her pencil, then turned to me, our eyes meeting. There was a twinkle in her chocolate brown eyes.
“I’m not.” She giggled, making me melt inside. “It’s just a hobby.”
“May I see?” I asked.
She nodded and handed over her sketchbook. I combed through the pages, admiring her designs of ballgowns, dresses, suits, and outfits.
“These are really good, Mila,” I praised. “Have you thought about getting these made?”
I gave her sketchbook back to her, then she shrugged.
“I thought about it, but it’s only a hobby. I don’t know if people would actually buy my clothes.”
“I think they will. Don’t doubt your talents. You’re really good.” I gave her a reassuring smile, hoping to give her some confidence to pursue her dreams.
“Thank you,” she said.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you, why were you on the Holidates app to find a date?” I asked, curiously.
“You know who my dad is, right?” She chuckled. “He’s so overprotective that of me. It’s so hard to date someone. I’m sure if he had his way, Dad would arrange a marriage for me.”
I laughed. “He loves you very much and you’re his only child. I can see why he’s protective of you. But I guess I agree that he needs to loosen the reins a bit so you can live your life.”
Thinking of Mila dating and bringing home men had me clenching my jaw. I’m sure Nelson felt there was no man good enough for his little girl. That’s the way I felt.
“So, let me ask you,” she started. “Why did you really want to go to this wedding? If your ex is getting married to the man she cheated on you with, why do you want to see that?”
I pondered at that thought, gazing into Mila’s eyes.
“I think it’s because I want her to see that I’m not affected by what she did to me. That I’m able to move on without her.”
“So, have you moved on?” Mila’s brows knitted.
I nodded. “I’m not affected by what my ex did anymore. I’m not really looking for a relationship, but if the right woman comes along, then I’ll take my shot with her.”
“I hope you find someone that will make you happy. I know there’s a woman out there who will love you the way you deserve to be loved,” Mila said reassuringly.
“When did you get so smart?” I teased.
“It’s from all the times when Dad keeps me from going out. I tend to read romance books and watch movies.” She smirked, amusement laced in her voice.
I smiled, admiring the woman she came to be. Any man that gets with Mila will be so lucky. It would never be me.
We landed in Maui after a six-hour flight, but at least we were in my private jet. I wouldn’t do anything less and I wasn’t going to let Mila fly by herself on a commercial plane. We were a couple, after all. What kind of fiancé would I be? After grabbing our bags, we headed to the luxury Hawaiian resort.
“Aloha!” the front desk attendant greeted us. “What could I assist you with today?”
“Hello, we have a reservation under Hudson Knight. K-N-I-G-H-T.” I pulled out my driver’s license from my wallet and showed it her.
I twisted my head toward Mila standing next to me. She tilted her head back, smiling, her big, chocolate brown eyes twinkling.
“There you are. We have you in the ocean view suite for eight days,” the woman behind the desk said.
Shit . I forgot to make arrangements for a room for Mila. This suite only has one bedroom overlooking the resort and ocean.
“Are there other suites with two bedrooms?” I asked.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Knight, but we’re fully book this week for events and the Memorial Day holiday.” The woman gave a lopsided grin.
Mila touched my arm, a surge of energy sparking, my breath stopping for a moment. “It’s fine, don’t worry,” she reassured.
I swallowed the ball in my throat and nodded, then turned back to the attendant. “Yes, we’ll take that suite.”
We finished checking in, got our key cards, and headed to the suite. The resort was absolutely beautiful and so luxurious. It was filled with lush flowers native to the island, clean, wooden decor, and was welcoming.
Mila walked in front of me and my eyes lowered to her plump ass, watching it sway. My cock stirred, growing harder. Fuck. Hudson, look away. We stopped in front of the door to our room. Mila slid the key card into the slot, opened the door, and we walked into a bright room that was warm and inviting like the resort.
“Wow, this room’s amazing.” She looked around the suite.
I’ve stayed at other hotels, but they don’t compare to this. It was probably the breathtaking view of the beach and ocean from where we were staying.
“It is,” I agreed. “You can take the bedroom, okay? I can take the couch; there’s a pull-out bed.”
She nodded, giving me a small smile. “Sure.”
We settled in, unpacking and relaxing for a bit.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
I waited in the bedroom doorway as Mila spun around to face me from the closet.
“Hey,” she said. “You can come in.” She giggled. It was the cutest sound, making my insides melt.
She sat on the edge of the bed and I joined her, the bed dipping as I sat down.
“So, I wanted to talk about our story in case people start asking us questions about our relationship and engagement,” I said and she nodded. “Let’s say that we met each other a year ago. We met at a coffee shop before we were going to work.”
Mila nodded, chuckling. “We can add that you ran into me and spilled coffee on my blouse.”
I laughed. “Sure. That’s cute, making me look clumsy.” I winked, watching her cheeks turn dark pink, looking so adorable.
“Then I proposed to you last month after months of dating. We went to Napa Valley, I hired a private chef to cook us lunch, then proposed while we were walking through the vineyard,” I added.
“How romantic.” Mila’s lips curled, her beautiful smile brightening up the room.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a large, emerald-cut, white diamond ring, presenting it to her.
Her eyes widened, staring at the ring. “Wow, that’s a big diamond, Uncle Hudson. This isn’t the same ring you?—”
I cut her off immediately, knowing she’s asking if this was Courtney’s engagement ring. “No way. I got rid of hers after I found out that she cheated on me. This is a new ring that I bought a few days ago. Please take it and put it on, fiancée .” I smirked.
She blushed again, looking away shyly, then reluctantly took the ring and slid it on her ring finger.
“Thank you, fiancé ,” she said in amusement.
“Oh, and please try not to call me Uncle …at least for this trip, anyway,” I told her.
She giggled as she nodded. “Yeah, probably a good idea.”
“Let’s get ready for the welcome reception that they planned for the other out-of-town wedding guests,” I suggested.
“Okay.”
We took our showers and got ready. I chose khaki slacks, a crisp, white button-down shirt, and navy blue sports coat, keeping it casual.
“Are you ready, Mila?” I called out from the living room.
She walked out from the bedroom, wearing a floral, strapless cocktail dress that hugged her curves and pink high heels. My jaw dropped as my eyes roamed down her body. She was so fucking gorgeous, nearly knocking the wind out of me.
“You look beautiful,” I complimented.
“Thanks. I wasn’t sure if I needed to wear something fancier.” She closed the distance between us.
“What you have on is perfect.” I smiled, then offered my arm.
She threaded her arm through mine and we headed downstairs to the bar area where the event was located.
“Hey, Hudson,” my friend, Cameron Dela Rosa greeted, extending his hand out. He had his fiancée, Jolene, by his side.
I shook his hand. “Cameron, good to see you,” I said. “Hi, Jolene,” I greeted her, kissing her cheek.
“Hi, Hudson. Good to see you.” Jolene smiled.
They both turned to Mila.
“My apologies, this is my fiancée, Mila.” I introduced the gorgeous woman by my side to my friends.
Cameron and Jolene’s eyes widened in surprise, staring at me. I knew that they would be in shock to find out that I was in a relationship, let alone having a fiancée. I’ve been so busy with work and business travel, that I haven’t seen Cameron and Jolene for almost a year.
They turned to Mila, and their expression changed, smiling in acceptance.
Mila extended her hand, giving Cameron then Jolene a handshake. “It’s so nice to meet Hudson’s friends.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Jolene said with a warm tone in her voice. “This is the first time we heard that Hudson had a fiancée.”
“I wanted to keep her all to myself,” I interjected, smirking as I looked down at Mila.
“I could see that,” Jolene said with a sly grin on her face. “Regardless, we’re happy for you both.”
“Thank you,” both Mila and I said together.
“So, did you guys just get here?” Cameron asked.
“A couple hours ago. We got settled in our suite for a bit before coming down here,” I explained.
Cameron cocked a brow. “I’m sure you were just settling in,” he said slyly.
My cheeks heated, probably turning crimson.
Jolene slapped Cameron’s arm. “Baby, stop.”
“What?” Cameron shrugged. “I’m just teasing.”
I chuckled and Mila laughed.
“It’s okay, Jolene. Cameron isn’t wrong.” Mila looked at me and winked, surprising me with her comment.
I hooked my arm around her waist, tugging her close to me. Her warm body fit perfectly as she nestled against my side. She wrapped her arms around my waist, her sweet, floral scent wafting in my nose. She smelled divine and I wanted to bury my nose in her hair.
“How did you two meet?” Jolene asked.
“At a coffee shop,” Mila and I said in unison, chuckling.
“Mila’s so short that when I turned around, I literally ran into her,” I said.
“My coffee spilled all over my blouse,” Mila said, pursing her lips in amusement, rolling her eyes.
“Yes, darling, but because of that, I asked for your number so I could pay for your dry cleaning.”
She tilted her head back, looking up at me. I gave her a warm smile before leaning down and kissing her forehead.
“That’s so sweet,” Jolene said, her voice filled with admiration.
“When did you get engaged?” Cameron asked, looking at Mila.
“Last month in Napa Valley,” Mila responded.
“You did good, Hudson. Her ring is gorgeous,” Jolene said, her eyes fixated on the ring, a wide smile across her lips.
“Thank you. Did I do good, angel?” I asked, looking a Mila.
She gave me a wide smile, blushing, her dimples appearing on her cheeks. “Yes, you did, baby. More than good.”
We continued to talk to our friends before going to the bar and getting a drink, then Mila and I mingled some more.
“Hudson, it’s good to see you. Thank you for coming,” a familiar, female voice came from behind us, making my body tense.
Both Mila and I spun around to see my ex -fiancée and her current fiancé standing in front of me and my fake fiancée. The irony. I haven’t seen Courtney in years, but seeing her now just reminded me of why I broke up with her.
“Hello, Courtney, Kevin,” I greeted, shaking Kevin’s hand and giving my ex an awkward hug, the uncomfortableness between us clear.
“This is my fiancée, Mila. Mila, this is Courtney and Kevin, the bride and groom,” I said, gesturing with my introduction.
Kevin grinned down at Mila as he greeted her, making my jaw clenched. A possessiveness washed over me as I pulled Mila to my side. Courtney gave a tight-lipped smile, eyeing Mila carefully.
“Pleasure to meet you both. Thank you for inviting us.” Mila’s voice was bubbly, and I think that pissed Courtney off even more.
I smirked.
“We just came by to welcome you. Please excuse us. We need to greet more of our guests. Hope you both enjoy the festivities this week,” Kevin said hurriedly before pulling Courtney away to meet their other guests.
Twisting to face Mila, I snaked my arms around her waist, holding her. Mila draped her arms around my neck, our eyes locked. There was a sizzle in the air between us. My eyes lowered to her lips, then back to her eyes.
I cleared my throat then stepped back, releasing my arms. I caught her frown briefly, then she quickly masked it, curling her lips.
“Let’s get another drink and continue to mingle,” I suggested.
She nodded. “Sounds good, sweetheart.” Then she winked, continuing to play her role.
I took her hand and electricity ran up my arm, opening up my senses. I wonder if she felt this, too. I needed to resist the temptation to do anything with Mila. I could see the lust swirling in her eyes. I just have to remember that she is off-limits. My best friend—her father—would kill me if I let anything happen between us.
This was going to be a long trip.