––––––––

“You look beautiful.” It’s the first thing Hudson says to me when I reach him, leaning against the wall outside of Mimi’s. His arms are crossed in front of his chest and a baseball cap is pulled low over his face.

I have to inhale a steady breath at the sight of him. He’s so good looking it’s almost painful. Faded jeans sit just right on his hips, a gray tee clinging to his large biceps. The man knows what he’s working with and it’s clear he knows how to work it.

“Thanks,” I manage to choke out.

I ignore the way my skin lights up as his gaze drops to my sandal covered feet before trailing slowly up my bare legs, his eyes dark by the time they reach mine.

I had worried that my jean shorts and black top would be too casual but seeing how Hudson is dressed confirms I made the right call.

“I hope you didn’t have any trouble finding the place.” He smiles like he wasn’t just stripping me bare with his eyes, holding the door open and ushering me inside.

“Not at all,” I answer when he follows me in. “We’re staying at the Regency just a block away,” I say, looking around.

Mimi’s is the perfect cross between a fancy restaurant and a casual diner. Dim lighting, dark colored booths, and beautiful place settings make it feel more upscale. But the large glass display filled with baked goods and the casual attire of the staff bring it back down, giving it the balance it needs to fit any type of customer.

“It’s awesome, right?” Hudson pulls my attention back to him, a small grin playing on his lips. “One of my favorite places to eat, but I don’t get to come here as often as I’d like.”

“And why’s that?”

“Just been really busy the last couple of years. Playing gigs, recording the album. It’s been crazy. Sometimes I feel like I don’t even have time to breathe.”

Before I can think of a way to respond, a middle aged hostess interrupts, asking us how many before leading us to a corner booth on the right side of the restaurant.

Once seated, I feel even more nervous than I did walking up to the restaurant.

Just breathe, Lennon. I’m not one that gets nervous often and not entirely sure how to get myself in check.

The last time I was with Hudson it was so easy. I know a large part of that is because we were drinking. But I think more than anything, back then I didn’t know what he was capable of making me feel. Now I do.

“So your first album came out two weeks ago,” I state, needing to keep the conversation flowing so I don’t have the chance to get inside my own head.

He nods.

“I may have downloaded and listened to the whole thing last night,” I admit.

“And?”

“It’s good. Really good. I’m not a huge country music fan but you have this whole rock country thing going. The style really suits your voice.”

“Thank you. That album was definitely a labor of love. I’m pretty proud of it.”

“And it seems to be doing really well on the charts.” I open the menu in front of me but make no attempt to look at it. “So I assume you’re touring right now and that’s why you were with Travis last night?”

“Last night was actually my first show with Travis. I got picked up for the last leg of his tour. Since we’re on the same label, they’re all about cross promotion and an artist like Travis Travers can really help give me the exposure I need to make this album a success.”

“From what I gather it’s already a success,” I interject, briefly glancing down at the menu before looking back to him. “The first single went number one in the first month. For a new artist just hitting the scene, that’s pretty incredible.”

I pause when a young brunette waitress appears at our table, ignoring the way her eyes widen as she takes in Hudson. At first I think it’s his obvious good looks that have her gawking, but I quickly realize that’s not the only reason she seems to have lost her ability to speak the moment her eyes hit him.

“You’re Hudson James,” she finally blurts, stumbling over her words. “I love Tequila Haze so much. It’s such a beautiful song.”

“Thank you, Addie.” Hudson smiles up at the girl whose nametag he clearly just read.

“This is totally unprofessional, but can I please get a picture with you?” she asks, already pulling her phone out of the front of her apron.

“Of course,” Hudson answers without hesitation, sliding from the booth as Addie hands me the device.

I follow suit and quickly position myself in front of them, snapping a couple pictures after Hudson positions his arm around the girl and smiles that panty melting smile of his.

After looking at the photos, Addie thanks Hudson again, jots down our drink orders, and skips away in a manner that has me half expecting her to trip over her own two feet in her excitement.

“Sorry about that,” Hudson says as we retake our seats across from each other.

“Are you kidding?” I shake my head and smile. “That was amazing. Does that happen to you a lot?”

“Not everywhere I go, but it’s becoming more frequent. It’s weird because I’ve been playing in this town for so long without anyone knowing or caring who I am. Now when someone says my name or asks for a picture or autograph, I briefly wonder if maybe they’ve got the wrong guy.”

“Sounds surreal.”

“It really is,” he agrees, smiling at Addie who reappears with our drinks moments later.

We place our orders, the poor girl having trouble keeping her hand steady as she jots them down on a notepad. And then finally, after what feels like too long, she walks away leaving me once again alone with Hudson.

“So you said you’re joining Travis Travers on the last leg of his tour. What does that entail?” I waste no time jumping back in, eager to know everything I can.

“The next show is in Ohio and then we head south again. Hitting the Carolina’s, Alabama, and Georgia before we head west. I think there’s something like sixteen shows left in the tour. After that one wraps up I’ll likely head back out with another artist on the label. Jerry seems to think I’ll be on the road for the better part of a year before I go back into the studio to start working on the next album.”

“Jerry?” I question.

“My manager.”

“So how did you get signed?”

“It was totally unexpected actually. A guy from Rock Saw Records saw me playing a local gig. Approached me after the show. I had a few meetings, submitted a demo, and the next thing I know I’m in a room with lawyers and label execs signing a record deal. It all happened so fast.”

Hudson takes a drink of his water, pulling my attention to the intricate tattoo that spans the length of his forearm and wraps around the underside.

“I got it last year after I got signed,” he says in way of explanation when he sees me staring at his arm.

“It’s incredible.” I reach over and trace my fingers along the swirling lines that end on the back of his hand.

I look up to find him watching me, an expression I can’t quite read drawing up his features. It isn’t until I look back down at my hand that I realize what I’m doing. Quickly pulling away, I clear my throat before asking, “What does it say?”

It looks almost like a tribal with thick twirling lines but if you look closely enough you can see letters hidden within the design.

“It says Demasi. See.” He extends his arm out and twists, showing me the letters with his finger. Once he points them out, I can see them clear as day.

“Why Demasi and not James? Since you said you got it after you got signed.”

“I wanted to make sure that no matter what happened from that point on, I never forgot where I came from. I may be Hudson James to everyone else, but to those who matter, I’ll always be a Demasi.”

“I like that.” Taking a deep breath, I try to control my rapid heartbeat.

“You got any tattoos?” he asks, leaning back into the booth.

“Just the matching ones Emma and I got on her twenty-first birthday. I’m pretty sure you’ve already seen it.”

“Have I?” He cocks a brow, a smile playing on his lips.

“Three stars on my lower stomach. Ring any bells?” I tease.

“I don’t know. I think you’ll have to show me again to be sure.” His smile widens, the dimple on his right cheek making an appearance.

“Is that so?” I play along, loving this little back and forth we seem to be doing.

“It is,” he confirms, leaning forward, his elbows coming to rest on the table.

“Here you go.” We both jump, startled by the waitress who neither of us realized was there.

“That was fast,” I observe, leaning back so Addie can place the salad I ordered on the table in front of me.

“Anything else I can get you?” she asks, her eyes glued to Hudson the whole time.

I bite back the urge to remind her I’m at the table as well, instead deciding to enjoy the show.

“I’m good.” He smiles before flipping his gaze to me. “Lennon, you good, sweetheart?”

I nod once, not missing the disappointed look that flutters over Addie’s face at the endearment or the way Hudson’s eyes dance with humor.

“Enjoy your meal.” Addie turns and quickly walks away without another word.

“Hudson,” I scold. “I think you just broke the poor girl’s heart.”

“And how’s that?” He chuckles, picking a fry up off his plate and popping it into his mouth.

“You called me sweetheart. Did you see the look on her face. She thinks we’re together now.”

“We are together, aren’t we?” He pops another fry in his mouth, chewing slowly as he watches me.

“Physically, at this very moment, yes. But what happens after we leave here? Addie could have been the one and now you’ll never know because you led her to believe that we’re a thing.” I’m teasing of course, but that doesn’t lessen the way my stomach twists suddenly envisioning Addie’s cheek pressed against the stock room door while Hudson drives into her from behind.

I have to physically shake the image away.

“Are you listening to yourself? Are you seriously trying to pawn me off on our waitress who’s probably not even old enough to drink. Are you that scared of me?”

“I’m not scared of you. I just don’t think you should miss any opportunity. You never know where you’ll meet your soul mate.”

“And if I’ve already met her?” he asks, his gaze narrowing in on the way my cheeks flush with heat.

“Well, then good for you. I look forward to meeting her.” I shuffle the salad around my plate without breaking eye contact.

Hudson thinks on that for a long moment before laughter rumbles through him, shaking his shoulders.

“God I forgot how much fun you are to be around,” he says, shaking his head before his smile finally fades. “Why didn’t you call me?”

It takes me a second to catch up with the shift but once I do, I find he’s fallen completely serious across from me.

“I told you, I...”

“You lost my number,” he interrupts, the look on his face telling me that he knows better.

“Hudson.”

“Why don’t you tell me the truth? I’m a big boy. I can take it.”

“It wasn’t anything you did that night, if that’s what you’re thinking.” I instantly feel guilty, not once considering he might’ve thought I didn’t enjoy our time together. “That night was...incredible.” I let out a slow breath, knowing incredible doesn’t come close to covering it.

“Then why the radio silence after?” He waits patiently as I try to figure out exactly how to answer this question. Finally, I decide to be upfront with him.

“I came to Nashville.” I don’t miss the way his eyes widen slightly at my confession. “The weekend after you left, Emma and I drove up. Colton had told her you were playing at Thrive and I let her convince me it was a good idea to show up unannounced. I knew if I called you I would let it slip. I’m horrible at keeping secrets. So I chose not to call at all, figuring you’d know why I hadn’t once you saw me there.”

“But I didn’t see you,” he states the obvious, clearly confused.

“But I saw you.” I set my fork down, knotting my hands in my lap before meeting his gaze again. “And I saw some brunette whose tongue was jammed down your throat.”

“Lennon.” I quickly hold my hand up before he can continue.

“You don’t have to say anything, Hudson. We had a one night stand. It was foolish of me to think maybe it was more. I’m not angry with you or anything. You made no false promises. Hell, we didn’t even talk about the possibility of seeing each other again.”

“Lennon.”

“I mean it was fun, right? But seriously, driving eight hours to drop in on your one night stand...”

“Lennon,” Hudson repeats more firmly and my words instantly die off when I realize I’m rambling.

Pulling my hands from my lap, I pick up my fork and take a bite to avoid the sudden tension floating between Hudson and me. Chewing slowly, I avoid his gaze until his hand comes down to rest on top of mine just as I swallow.

“I’m sorry you had to see that.” His words seem more sincere than I ever expected them to be. “I won’t make excuses or lie to you. But I will tell you that had I known you were there, the only girl sitting in my lap would have been you.”

Even though his statement leaves me feeling tingly inside, I still have to push past the gut feeling I have that there’s more to it. Like I can sense he’s holding something back though I have no idea why I feel that way.

“I guess it happens a lot, huh?” I smirk, deciding to keep the conversation light. “Girls sitting in your lap and sucking your face off, I mean. Probably a daily occurrence.”

He sees through my banter, smiling as he shakes his head. “Happens more than I care to admit.”

“Hudson!” I exclaim, playfully kicking him under the table. “You’re not supposed to tell me that.”

“Gonna give it to you straight. Even if it makes you feel some kind of way.”

“You wanna know what makes me feel some kind of way?” I counter, narrowing my gaze at him. “This entire conversation.”

His smile spreads, instantly followed by the deep chuckle that makes my skin prickle.

“Doesn’t like to talk about women sucking my face off. Noted,” he says, the gold specks in his dark eyes practically sparkling in mischief.

We spend the rest of lunch on lighter topics. I tell Hudson about Emma and Robert, noting that I think she’ll be pregnant in no time.

I ask about return trips to Destin, surprised to learn that he and Colton haven’t been back since spring break five years ago. Though he doesn’t say why they broke the tradition.

We talk about my job designing remodels for Emma’s father, Jeff Barrett. And while I confirm I still live at the same condo, I leave out the fact that I moved out for a few months and then moved back in, not wanting to have the Gage conversation with him.

By the end of lunch it feels almost as natural as it did that night five years ago.

Hudson’s smile is easy as we exit the restaurant, his hand reaching out to take mine as we step out onto the sidewalk.

Looking down at our adjoined hands and then back up to Hudson, I can’t help but wonder how the hell I ended up here. Looking into the same dark eyes I’ve dreamt about more times over the years than could ever be considered healthy.

“Come on, I’ll walk you back.” Hudson turns, pulling me alongside him.

We’re within a block of my hotel before either of us makes any attempt to speak.

“This was fun,” I say, keeping my gaze forward as we weave through the busy afternoon crowd.

“We should do it again.” He nods and I feel his eyes on the side of my face.

“Pretty soon you’re gonna be too famous to spend your time with someone like me.”

“Someone like you?” he questions, pulling me to a stop just a few feet from the entrance of the hotel.

“I’m just saying.” I shrug. “Famous people don’t have time for a nobody like me.” I’m joking but I feel like maybe I’ve hit a nerve, even though he recovers instantly.

Pulling me off to the side so that we aren’t blocking the sidewalk, he steps closer, his hand settling on the back of my neck as he forces my face upward.

“My fame would never change who you are, Lennon,” he says softly, his eyes holding my gaze.

“And who am I?” I push out past the knot that has suddenly formed in my throat.

“Someone I should have fought for five years ago. Good thing I know better than to make the same mistake twice.”

Before I can even think to respond, Hudson’s face dips and his lips press against mine. It’s not a hot and heavy kiss like he delivered that night outside the club, but it still causes me to sizzle from head to toe.

He pulls back all too soon and I’m left wondering what the hell happens next. Is this it? Is this all I get? No matter what he says the truth still remains. He’s going on tour for who knows how long and I have a life in Florida. The reality of our situation feels heavier than it should.

Dropping his forehead to mine, he lets out a slow breath, his hand going from my neck to my shoulder.

“I don’t want to say goodbye yet.” His admission dulls some of the fear I felt only moments before and replaces it with a slew of butterflies that erupt in my stomach.

“Me either,” I admit, pulling back so I can look at his handsome face.

“Can I see you again before you leave?”

“I don’t see how that will be possible. If it were any other weekend I would. But this is for my sister. I can’t bail on her.”

“I get it.” He takes a step back, letting his hands fall. “You’ll call me later though, right?”

“Nope.” I shake my head, trying to act totally serious but failing miserably. “You’ll call me.”

With that, I push up and lay another light kiss to his mouth before I whip around and walk straight into the hotel without a backward glance.

Hudson’s laughter can be heard until the door closes behind me and instantly I feel the loss of him.

This is so not good...