Hudson #2
“And your label? Your fans?” she pressed. “It sounds like the material you have is exceptional.”
“Well, I have an exceptional muse.” I wrapped an arm around her shoulders as we waited at a stoplight.
“I think you might be exaggerating.” She grinned up at me. “And dodging the question, I might add. So, let me ask you another way. Why don’t you want to go?”
“Already calling me on my shit.” Chuckling, I grabbed her hand again and gave it a squeeze as we made our way across the street.
“I’m never eager to leave town. And I just got you to agree we’re starting something.
I want to make sure you’re as obsessed with me as I am with you before I leave you for the first time. ”
“You’re a crazy man,” she admonished with a grin. “I’ll be here when you get back. I’m not going anywhere. I think you should consider going.” She added seriously.
“I’ll think about it,” I assured her as we stopped in front of the bakery. “Now, coffee?”
“Coffee,” she agreed emphatically.
Riley: Griff and I are at Goodie’s. Your girl’s on the bar tonight. A little too popular with the tourist assholes.
The text came as I was debating what to eat that night.
Our trip to the bakery that morning had been largely uneventful, save for Greta’s eyebrows nearly getting lost in her hairline when we’d walked in hand in hand.
When we’d gotten back to Lucy’s, I’d reluctantly left her, knowing I needed to feed Ranger and deal with the phone calls that were now coming directly from my label.
I might be heading to Nashville after all.
I’d been planning to convince Lucy to have dinner with me, but Goodie had called asking if she could help at the bar. She’d been quick to agree, wanting to help her aunt.
My reply was immediate.
Hudson: Be there in ten
Riley: Thought you’d say that
His reply had me snorting as I grabbed my hat and was out the door in under two minutes.
Though she might have some lingering reservations, I’d claimed Lucy. My brothers knew it, and I appreciated them keeping an eye out, even if it didn’t surprise me.
When I walked into the packed bar, my gaze clocked Lucy first. She was working the pit alongside Joey, one of their seasoned bartenders.
My brothers sat on the far end, their gazes narrowed on three guys across from them.
They looked to be college-aged. Their cheeks were ruddy from alcohol, and their eyes were on Lucy as they elbowed each other.
Fuck.
Riley gave me a chin lift when they spotted me. Griffin’s gaze held a warning; no doubt he wanted to avoid the situation escalating. He might technically be off the clock, but he never stopped being the sheriff.
I strode toward my brothers, winking at Lucy when she spotted me as I sat between them.
“She’s handling herself,” Griff rumbled gruffly before sipping from his pint glass. “Don’t start any shit, Hud.”
“Who said I was going to?” I replied innocently.
“Your fucking face when you walked in,” he muttered as Lucy made her way over.
“Hi,” she greeted, looking gorgeous in jeans and a green tank that made her eyes pop.
“Hi, darlin’.” I grinned warmly. “Doin’ okay?”
“Fine.” She eyed me skeptically. “Did these two put you up to this?” She gestured toward my brothers, glaring at them. “I’ll have you know that I can handle myself just fine.”
“No doubt,” Griffin replied, muffling a rare smile. She had our number, that was for sure.
“I know you can handle yourself, Luce,” I assured her. “But you also shouldn’t have to put up with any bullshit. So, if one of them steps outta line, I’ll put them back in it. Simple as that.”
“Christ,” Griffin grumbled into his pint glass.
“You keep your butt on that stool, Hudson Carter.” She pointed an accusatory finger at me. “Now, do you want something to drink or eat?” She raised a brow.
I grinned, thoroughly charmed by her. “I’ll have whatever IPA’s on tap and a burger and fries. Thanks, baby.”
Joey delivered my burger, and I demolished it quickly. All the while, I kept tabs on the assholes across the bar.
“Need a favor.” I pushed my empty plate away and then turned to my brothers.
They both nodded, leaning in closer to hear me over the noise of the bar.
“I think you get that Lucy means a lot to me—I know it’s fast, but it’s just fucking true.” I shrugged. “She’s mine. She also has a piece of shit ex who isn’t getting the message they’re done.” Just saying the words, I could feel the anger rising inside me.
“How’s he not getting the message?” Riley demanded, and if I wasn’t so pissed about it, I’d laugh at how alike we were.
“He’s calling, texting. Her ice-queen mother claims he might show up here, which makes leaving town for a few days that much harder.”
“Nashville?” Riley guessed.
I nodded. “I was trying to put it off, but it’s not looking like I have much of a choice. I need you to keep an eye on my girl while I’m gone. Griff, can you have one of your guys do a run on this asshole ex of hers? I want to make sure there’s nothing else I need to be on my toes about.”
“You got it,” he agreed easily. “And she’ll be fine. She’s got eyes all over Green River who’ll have her back, including us. We can spread the word that if anyone comes looking for her, they should keep their mouths shut and let us know.”
“Appreciate it.” I felt moderately appeased, but I was still far from happy that I had to leave. “I still haven’t told her, but she was the one pushing me to go. She didn’t want me putting it off on her account.”
“I knew I liked her,” Riley said with a grin.
“Don’t go liking her too much.” I glared at him, though I knew neither of my brothers would ever hurt me that way.
Riley just snorted, shaking his head at my antics.
I glanced up just in time to catch one of the guys grab Lucy’s arm, trying to pull her closer.
I was out of my stool in the next breath, Griff grumbling in resignation as my brothers followed.
“Hands off, asshole,” I snarled, reaching the guy’s stool and pulling his collar roughly.
He turned to me in shock, eyes bleary. “Was just trying to make sure she heard me, man.” He held up his hands in surrender.
“She doesn’t need to hear a word you say. You’re cut off. You and your buddies get your shit and move out,” I ordered. “You’re not from around here, but in this town, we treat our women with respect. You want to ever be let back in here, learn that lesson.”
“Hey, aren’t you….” The guy’s eyes widened in recognition.
“I’m the guy who will escort you out by your throat if you don’t get movin’.” I glowered.
They shuffled out, Riley on their heels to make sure they left the building.
I turned to find Lucy staring at me with a raised brow. “By the throat? Really, honey?” she demanded, looking adorably vexed.
I couldn’t help myself. I leaned over the bar, and she leaned in toward me. “Like that,” I rumbled before kissing her chastely, aware we had just about every eye in town on us.
“Like what?” She cocked her head to the side.
“You callin’ me honey.”
“Just sort of slipped out,” she admitted. “And… everyone is staring,” she whispered, only just noticing.
“Good.” I kissed her again. “How long are you on for?”
“Another hour.”
I reluctantly eased away from her. “I have to head out of town for a few days after all. It appears my girl was right.” I winked.
“Just a glimpse into your future, I guess,” she teased, making me chuckle.
“I’m all for it, darlin’. Still not looking forward to leaving. My flight’s first thing. I’ll wait for you and walk you home.”
The truth was, I wanted nothing more than to spend another night with her, but I still had a song I needed to finish in the studio before I left.
“Sounds good,” she agreed.
I walked her home that night, the crisp air carrying hints of fall. I relished the feeling of her soft hand in mine, realizing the life I’d built in the spotlight didn’t compare to the future I wanted with her.