The Fixed Trilogy(Fixed on You, Found in You, Forever With You)(140)

“Perfect,” I said, inhaling his amazing smell. “Meet you out there.”

I threw on the only dress left hanging in the spare closet, wishing I had something a little more businesslike for my meetings that day. Which made me face the issue I’d been avoiding—my apartment. I needed to stop by there. I also needed to figure out what I was going to do about a place to live. My lease was ending and since my brother was no longer paying my rent, I’d have to find something more affordable.

It would certainly be easier to move in with Hudson.

But it would be a bad idea, I reminded myself. Too soon, too soon, too soon. Plus, he hadn’t even made the offer.

Once dressed, my hair tied in a knot at my nape, I joined Hudson at the kitchen table. He’d already set out my breakfast with a travel mug of coffee.

“I didn’t know what time you were planning to be out of here so I gave you that.” He nodded at the travel mug.

“Soon. I have an appointment at ten-thirty with a graphic designer to go over new menus, and I want to make sure I have my presentation for tonight’s meeting with Aaron Trent ready before that, because I have a crap load of other things to do this afternoon.” I was rambling, a bit nervous about my day’s to-do list.

Hudson raised a brow. “A crap load of things?”

“Yeah. I’m sure Trent will want a formal marketing plan, and I need to set up some interviews for an additional cook.” I took a swallow of my coffee. “And I really should go home.”

“Home.” It wasn’t a question, merely a repeat of my word, but his tone was darker, surprised. Disappointed maybe.

“My apartment.”

“I understood the reference. Why?”

I stabbed at my grapefruit with my spoon. “I don’t know. I need to pick up my mail and check on things. Make sure the place is okay. You know, all my stuff is there.”

I’d known the conversation would be awkward when I began it. Though it was necessary to go to my place, I didn’t want Hudson to think I didn’t want to be with him, that I didn’t want to be invited back. The best way to get that across was to be straightforward about it. “I should get another change of clothes if you’re inviting me to stay the night again.”

Hudson dropped his own spoon with a noisy clank. “Inviting you to stay the night? What are you talking about? I gave you a key. You can come and go as you please.”

I leaned forward, a big grin on my face. “So, then I definitely need a change of clothes. Because it pleases me to spend the night with you.”

“It pleases me for you to spend the night with me, too.” He wiped his mouth with his napkin and set it over his plate. “And as long as we’re talking about it, it would please me if you would spend all your nights here and if all your things were here as well.”

I froze. There it was. At least, I thought that there it was. I needed clarification before I freaked. “What are you…I don’t know what you’re saying.”

“Yes, you do. But I’ll spell it out if that makes you feel better.” He stood and took his dish to the sink as he spoke. When he returned, he remained standing, leaning against the breakfast bar behind him. He probably didn’t realize the impact of his towering presence. Or perhaps he did. Perhaps it was purposeful. He did know how to mold a situation to his favor.

“Yes, spell it out.” My voice squeaked, unsure whether to be excited or terrified.

“Why do you need your apartment? Your lease is almost up. Move in here.”

I didn’t even bother asking how he knew about my lease. If I thought about it too hard, I’d worry about the safety of my other secrets. Besides, I was too stunned by his statement to be able to think about anything but those three words: Move in here.

“I love that I can still shock you.” Hudson tilted his head, looking at me from a new angle. “But I’d prefer that this wasn’t one of the times that I did. What about that plan is shocking to you?”

Shaking, I set my spoon down. Even though I’d only eaten half of my fruit, there was no way I was eating more. I could barely formulate thought let alone think about chewing and swallowing. “Well, um, it’s just, it’s awfully soon.”

He frowned. “It is. It’s unfortunate that a lengthy time span is regarded as such an important element to appropriate landmarks in relationships. It shouldn’t be a factor.”

“But shouldn’t it?” I shifted on my chair to face him head-on.

“Not for me. As I said before, when I have a plan, I commit. I plan to be with you as much as possible. And not only in the carnal sense. Moving in is a logical way to make that happen.”