I hadn’t meant for the conversation to go that direction. Despite the hurt he’d caused, Hudson had valid reasons to think Celia’s accusations might be true. “To be fair, you don’t know me quite as well as others here do either. But anyway, thank you.” I took Jack’s hand in mine and squeezed.
“Alayna…” Hudson warned.
I let go of Jack’s hand and turned to look at my man who was now standing. His stance was foreboding, even with his hand tucked casually in his pocket. His jaw flexed and his eyes darkened with warning. It was surprisingly hot.
“Jealousy doesn’t look good on you, son.”
I disagreed. Jealousy did look good on Hudson. Quite good indeed.
A low grumble came from the back of his throat.
Jack cocked his head. “Did he just growl?”
Though Jack was clearly not Hudson’s competition, I understood his reasons for feeling that way. It wasn’t worth it to try to convince him otherwise. “Obviously I’d love to talk more, Jack, but it doesn’t seem like it would be a good idea.”
He took a sip from the clear drink in his hand as he eyed his son. “No, it doesn’t.” Again, he addressed me, his free hand on my shoulder. “I’m glad you’re still here. In his life, I mean. Even though he’s a stubborn oaf that blames me for all the wrongs in my relationship with his mother—”
“Are you saying that you aren’t at fault?” Hudson challenged.
Jack’s face lit up. “He’s speaking to me!”
Hudson wiped his brow. “Ah, Jesus.”
“Anyway, I’m glad you’re with him, Laynie. He needs you more than he probably realizes. And there’s no doubt he recognizes your worth. That boy has real feelings for you.” His eyes drifted to Hudson. “Look. He’s blushing.”
“He is!” Mira exclaimed excitedly. She was a hopeless romantic and never pretended otherwise.
“I am not.” But Hudson’s protest only darkened the red in his cheeks.
Jack laughed. “See? His love for you is written all over his face.”
Hudson stepped forward and put his arm possessively around my waist. “Could you stop pawing my girlfriend?”
Jack rolled his eyes but removed his hand from my shoulder.
The whole scene was amusing, not to mention a big a turn-on. I didn’t at all mind when Hudson got all alpha male on me. In fact, I may have even provoked it in him. “I’ll have to tell you more how appreciative I am when we get together sometime.”
“No, no, no. Not happening,” Hudson fumed.
Jack chuckled. “Look at you rile him up on purpose. You’re a wicked little woman, Alayna Withers.” He looked us over, as if taking in all of who we are and what we meant to each other. “Perfect.”
“That’s it. We’re done here.” Hudson turned me away from his family.
“Talk later,” I called over my shoulder.
“Monday!” Mira reminded after me.
Yes, Monday. At the boutique. With Stacy.
A knot formed in my gut. The thought crossed my mind without permission—what was on that video? Was there actually something I should be concerned with?
I wouldn’t watch it, whatever it was. I’d said I didn’t need to.
But wondering about it still—that I couldn’t help. I was only human, after all.
Chapter Four
Hudson escorted me out to the deck and I let thoughts of the video float away in the breeze.
I turned into him and surprised him with a deep kiss.
“What was that for?” he asked when I came up for air.
“No reason.” Except that I needed it. He seemed to need it as well. “You know there’s no reason to be jealous of me and your father, right?”
“Uh huh.” He pushed out of my arms and took my hand, leading me up the deck.
“He’s attractive. I won’t deny that.”
“Not helping.”
He was in front of me and couldn’t see my smile. I was only teasing him, but he needed to know that I’d never betray him with Jack. “There’s nothing between us. No chemistry at all. And if you stopped wanting me, I’d never retaliate against you like that. I’m not Celia.”
He spun toward me. “I know you’re not Celia. You don’t think I fucking know that?”
His heated reaction threw me off guard. “I…didn’t…”
He pulled me back into his arms, clutching me tightly. “And don’t talk about me not wanting you. Ever. It’s not even a breath of a possibility.”
I wrapped my arms around him, shocked by his desperate tone. “Okay. I won’t.”
He kissed my temple. “Thank you.” He held me like that for a long beat before he relaxed his grip on me. “The fireworks are getting ready to start. I have a spot reserved for us at the bow.”