Lucy
“No brownies tonight?” I grinned at Greta two days later. My friend looked gorgeous in a green blouse that brought out the color of her eyes as we stood at a high-top table at the cocktail bar I’d been meaning to check out since moving to town.
She had a penchant for bringing baked goods wherever she went.
“I figured I’d buck that trend for once.” She smirked as Katie sidled up to us with a fresh drink, looking beautiful in a black halter top. “Who knew girls’ night out would be my first excuse in ages to get at least a little dressed up?” She raised her glass in a toast.
“Hey, I didn’t say anything about having to get fancy,” I defended.
She offered a reassuring smile. “Honestly, we don’t have many excuses to get dressed up. Half my wardrobe is gathering dust. This is like a coming-out party for my nicer clothes.”
“Did you burn everything from the DC fundraising days?” Daphne asked as she sipped her drink, free of Jo for once.
“That’s a solid idea,” I mused with a laugh. “But no, I left more than half of it in DC. And what I did bring with me, I think I should donate. Most of it was only worn once at best, and none of it was my style. Someone could get really good use out of those dresses.”
“You could give that fabric—and maybe someone who wears it—a fresh start.” Katie clinked her glass with mine before her eyes lit up. “You should make sure you have time for shopping in New York, refresh that wardrobe. There are some incredible vintage shops.”
“I’d love to.” I nodded, having already had the thought myself. Hudson would be tied up for some of the time we were away, and I didn’t mind entertaining myself by exploring the streets of New York.
“Are you nervous at all? This is new territory for you,” Daphne noted.
“A little,” I admitted. “There’s only so much preparing you can do for something so unfamiliar. I swear, Hudson has run through the security plan like ten times. You would think I was the Queen. But honestly, I’m looking forward to seeing him on stage.”
“He’s an incredible performer,” Greta said.
“Just prepare for the screaming and the women throwing themselves at him. It took me off guard when we saw him in Denver last year. To me, he’s local boy Hudson.
It was a bit of a shock to see him in that environment.
But he handled it like the pro he is, even if I thought some of those chicks were going to die at the very sight of him. It was wild.”
“Well, they’re not going home with him.” I shrugged. I couldn’t say how I’d feel in the moment, but honestly, the thought of other women ogling my man didn’t bother me all that much. I was pretty damn confident that he was downright obsessed with me. It was an affliction we shared.
Daphne bit back a notable yawn at my side. I raised a brow in question. “Is Jo at least sleeping a little better?”
She nodded. “Yeah, I’m the one who isn’t sleeping great,” she admitted, her gaze downcast.
Now wasn’t the time to push, but I’d sensed for a few weeks that something else was going on with Daphne, aside from the standard single-parent exhaustion.
“Is Griff taking Ranger?” Daphne asked, clearly wanting to shift the attention off herself. I’d allow her that, for now.
“Yeah, Griff’s dogs and Ranger are like their own pack, so he’ll be happy over there.”
“Ranger is so your dog too, you’re so cute,” Greta squealed. “You and Hudson are on the fast track to the altar, and I love it for you both.”
“I don’t know about the altar,” I amended, though the idea of marrying Hudson was a daydream that took up frequent residence in my head these days. “But we did move fast. Honestly, neither of us seemed able to stop it—or were even inclined to. It was just… right.”
“Obviously.” Daphne nodded in support. “I’m just shocked you don’t have a full farm by now.”
“My restraint is impressive.” I nodded sagely as they all laughed. “And I will get to that at some point. For now, I want to be able to go on the road with Hudson when he starts his tour. Then we’ll see what things look like.
I might be a bit of a fish out of water while I get my bearings with this whole touring thing, but I don’t want him to worry about me.”
“Oh, you’ll be fine.” Daphne waved a hand. “You’re nothing if not versatile. Look at you. You went from stuffy political fundraisers to thriving in our little town. You blend in, but you shine.” She winked.
“Thanks, Daphne,” I murmured gratefully. “I’m going to get another drink. Anyone else?” I cocked a brow.
They shook their heads, and I made my way to the bar, knowing Hudson was picking me up and I could imbibe a bit.
“Haven’t seen you in here before. New in town?” the bartender asked as he started to mix my cocktail.
“Not so new, just haven’t made my way in here. This place has a good vibe.” I surveyed the red leather seats, high-top tables, and dim lighting.
He slid the drink my way. “Yeah, we needed a little spot like this in town. Lots of places to grab a burger but not a good Manhattan,” he agreed just as his gaze landed on something behind me.
Familiar arms appeared on either side of me as Hudson pressed in from behind, kissing my temple. “Hi, baby.”
I turned to mock glare at my man. “You’re not supposed to be here for another hour. I’m not even tipsy yet.”
He only grinned, unaffected by my ire. “I figured Riley and I would hang at the bar for a bit, let you ladies do your thing.”
My brows rose. “Riley’s here? We’ll be lucky if Daphne doesn’t run for the hills.”
“We’ll behave—Scout’s honor.” He held up two fingers before leaning in to press his lips to mine. “And by all means, get tipsy. Drunk sex just got added to the agenda.”
I fought the full-body shiver the look in his eyes incited. “Behave yourself.” I pointed a finger at his handsome face, watching as he assessed the bartender with a narrowed gaze. “He wasn’t hitting on me.” I rolled my eyes.
“Unless he plays for the other team, he was hitting on you,” he muttered, all too sure of himself. Riley sidled up to his brother as I made my way back to the ladies.
“That didn’t take long.” Katie snorted.
“Nope.” I shook my head at my man’s antics, but truth be told, I didn’t mind.
After so many years of feeling nearly invisible to Josh unless he needed me for something, I found it endearing how much Hudson cared.
If that sometimes came across as overbearing, I could deal.
And anyway, now I had some good eye candy to appreciate from across the room.
“I had money on him showing thirty minutes ago.” Daphne lifted her glass, for once seeming unperturbed that Riley had accompanied his brother.
I was relieved she was having fun, but that quickly changed when she pulled her phone from her purse. The color drained from her face at whatever she saw on the screen. Before I could question her, Riley appeared at the table, clearly having been watching her like a hawk.
“What’s up, Daphe?” The words came out low, but the intensity was unmistakable.
Clearly, being overbearing was a Carter family trait—at least when it came to their women. And it was becoming increasingly apparent that when it came to Daphne, Riley thought of her as exactly that—his.
There was no missing the pallor of her skin or her shaking hands.
“Nothing, just been getting lots of spam.” She shrugged, trying and failing to play it off as she gathered her coat and purse.
“I didn’t realize the time. I have to go get Jojo from my mom.
I’ll catch you guys later.” With a wave, she hurried out the door.
“What is going on with her?” I murmured in concern.
“I’m gonna go make sure she gets home okay.” Riley was halfway to the door before I could even respond.
“Those two are so inevitable, it’s not even funny.” Greta shook her head, her eyes on Riley’s retreating back.
“Yeah, to us maybe.” I couldn’t shake my concern for my cousin. Despite how she might feel about it, I was relieved Riley seemed so determined to see to her safety.
The three of us stayed for another drink, but it was evident all our minds were on Daphne.
“You think it’s too late to call her?” I asked Hudson after we’d dropped Katie and Greta off and were on our way home.
“Yeah, baby, call her tomorrow.” He reached over to squeeze my thigh.
“I should have been paying more attention. Something’s clearly wrong.”
“She seems pretty intent on keeping whatever it is to herself.”
“That doesn’t mean she should,” I protested. “This is what family is for. When I was trying to pretend everything was alright in my old life, she and Goodie were having none of it. I think it’s time to return the favor.”
“Just another reason to be grateful to them. Though knowing you, you would have found your way regardless.” His unfailing confidence in me was humbling. He glanced over as he changed the subject. “Are you about packed?”
I nodded. “Though I’m hoping I have some time for some shopping while we’re there. So much of what I have is from the Stepford Lucy era.” I grimaced. “And anyway, I know you’ll be tied up for some of the time.”
His knuckles flexed on the wheel as he clearly struggled with the right response.
“Honey, you need to do your thing,” I coaxed.
He cut the engine and turned to me in the dim light of the truck cab. “My thing is you.”
Climbing over the console, I straddled his lap as he gripped my hips and stared into my eyes.
“I can tell you’re a bit anxious about this trip, and I don’t want you to be. I’ve been to New York—I can find my way around,” I assured him. “It sounds fun.”
His expression softened. “Darlin’, any concern I have has nothing to do with my confidence in you.
You’re the most competent woman I’ve ever known.
You’re also the most precious thing in my world.
I’m a protective bastard—something I never knew before you.
But that has everything to do with me and nothing to do with you, yeah?
” He rested his forehead against mine. “If it really drives you crazy, I can try to check it.”
I raised a skeptical brow, smothering a smile. “Really?”
He looked adorably uncertain, clearly fighting to give me what I wanted, as he always did.
My smile broke free, and I put him out of his misery. “I don’t mind, babe. You never make me feel limited. If anything, I’m the freest I’ve ever been.” I leaned in the kiss him. “And I think it’s kind of hot how alpha you get.”
“Thank Christ, because I really don’t think I can help it.” Looking relieved, he gripped my hips tighter still, grinding me down against him.
I let out a breathy sigh at the feel of him beneath me. “I didn’t think so.”
“We’ll figure out time for you to explore,” he promised. “I know you can find your way around New York, but I’d feel better if you had security with you. They can be unobtrusive while you do your thing. And, baby, that thing includes you using my card.”
“But—”
He squeezed my hips, cutting off my protest. “Darlin’, far as I see it, what’s mine is yours. Let me spoil you a bit—or a lot, depending on how much you decide to spend.” He winked.
I still wasn’t entirely comfortable with Hudson spending money on me, but from the look in his eyes, I could tell this mattered to him. I’d just have to find something he liked looking at me in.
For now, that would be in nothing at all.