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“What do you think of this pattern?” Emma asks, holding up a silver and white delicate looking wall paper.

We’re trying to settle on what to use for the accent wall in the office and thus far, have not been able to agree.

“That’s okay.” I shrug. “I’m not in love with it though.”

“You’re being more particular than usual,” Emma points out, shoving the sample to the side before pulling out another.

“It’s just this house. It’s a lot more high end than we’re used to designing. I want to make sure we get it perfect.”

“Fine.” Emma rolls her eyes and pulls out another sample. This one pale gray with a wide stroke ivory design.

“That’s it,” I say instantly, knowing it will match the ivory colored sitting chairs that I’ve already ordered for that room.

“You’re sure?” Emma turns it toward her and studies it for a long moment before nodding. “Yeah, you’re right. This is it. We can have the guys match this color for the other three walls.” She points to the light gray color.

“I think that sounds perfect,” I agree, stretching my legs out on the floor in front of me.

Emma and I have been at this for hours. It’s Wednesday and even though we have been design sketching since Monday, we haven’t gotten much done. The master bedroom and bathroom design along with the office took us longer than expected. I don’t know why. Usually we have our designs drawn up in a matter of hours and are ordering supplies while the contractors finish the demo, but this project has proven to be much more challenging. Not only is it nearly four times the size of the condos and small beach houses we usually design, but it’s also going to go for a lot higher value, so it’s important we get the design right.

“So, have you talked to lover boy today?” she asks, collecting the wall paper samples off the floor before shoving them into the box next to her.

“Not today. They have a show in Charlotte tonight, Birmingham tomorrow, and Atlanta on Friday. I think it’s safe to say he’s pretty busy.”

“I still can’t believe he’s touring with Travis Travers.” She shakes her head.

“I know. It’s crazy,” I agree, hoisting myself off the floor of the unfinished office. “I’m still waiting to wake up, ya know? Like this is all just some crazy dream.”

“Has he told you what he’s got planned for your date yet?” she asks, reaching her hands up for me to help her off the floor.

Rolling my eyes, I grab both her hands and tug her upright before answering.

“I think we’re just gonna hang out. Maybe hit the beach and probably go out to dinner.” I shrug. “We haven’t really had a lot of time to talk about it. He called Sunday but couldn’t talk long. They’ve had a show every night but one since and they are doing tons of interviews and promo stuff for the new album between shows, so we’ve mainly just been texting.”

“Money says you two don’t make it to dinner before clothes start coming off.” She smiles mischievously before following me out of the room.

“Normally I would argue that you’re wrong but with Hudson...” I let out a slow breath, stopping inside the gutted kitchen to grab a bottle of water from the cooler Emma brought.

“Girl, you’ve got it bad.” She leans her hip against the frame where the kitchen sink will go, crossing her arms over her chest.

“I know,” I admit, taking a long pull of water. “And that’s what scares me. I don’t even know this guy, Em. I mean, hell, I let you drag me all the way to Nashville after spending one night with him. That’s how crazy he makes me.”

“Love makes us all a little crazy.”

“This isn’t love. If anything it’s infatuation.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night.” She smiles like she knows something I don’t.

“Don’t do that,” I warn.

“Do what?” she clips innocently, reaching around to tighten her long wavy ponytail.

“You know what.” I narrow my gaze at her.

“Looks intense in here,” a male voice rings out, causing me to jump slightly. Spinning, I see Robert standing inside the doorway just a few feet away. “Am I interrupting something?”

“Just Emma being Emma.” I smile, watching him cross the space toward us.

“Uh oh, what’d she do this time?” he asks, wrapping his arms around Emma’s waist and pulling her to him the second he reaches her.

“Lennon just doesn’t like it when I’m right.” She smiles up at him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

While Robert is no Hudson, he definitely fits in the ‘too hot for his own good’ category. It’s clear to see why he swept Emma off her feet so effortlessly. The way his white pressed shirt looks against his dark skin. The way it clings to his thick biceps. Hell, it’s enough to make anyone take notice.

“The question is, are you actually right?” He grins at her, tightening his grip when she tries to pull away.

“I’m always right,” she bites back, smacking his chest.

“Yes, dear.” He chuckles, stealing a kiss before pulling her to his side, his arm wrapping around her shoulders as they face me. “Do you think I could steal my wife for the rest of the day?”

“Yep. I think we’re done for now anyway.” I nod, not able to contain the smile on my face.

I never thought I’d see the day when Emma Barrett (now Emma Mills) would be tamed by a man. But Robert has definitely tamed her – in all the good ways of course. She’s still crazy Emma, just way happier and a hell of a lot more grown up than she was before Robert came into her life.

I think that’s how you know it’s real. Love, that is. I think love and relationships change everyone but it’s real love – the kind that you know deep in your bones is a forever kind of love – that brings out the absolute best in you. And that’s exactly what Robert has done for Emma.

“I’ll get the order placed for the wall paper that we settled on tonight,” Emma informs me, stepping out from underneath Robert’s arm to grab her keys and bag from the floor.

“Perfect. I think I’m going to head over to Trina’s and see if I can find some décor pieces for the office and maybe some stuff for the other rooms as well.” Trina’s is my absolute favorite boutique that sells the most interesting home décor items I’ve ever seen.

“Meet you back here in the morning?” She smiles, taking Robert’s outstretched hand.

“Sounds good. You two kids have fun,” I call over my shoulder as they head toward the door.

“Bye, Lennon,” Robert calls loudly over his shoulder.

“Bye, Robert,” I return even louder seconds before the door closes behind him.

—-

Hudson: Is it Saturday yet?

I stare at the text message that startled me awake minutes after I had fallen asleep, an instant smile darting across my face.

Me: I wish. How was the show tonight?

I settle back onto my pillow, holding the phone above my face as I watch the dots bounce across the screen before another message appears.

Hudson: Really good. I’m exhausted.

Me: I bet. Maybe you should try to sleep Saturday instead of coming here.

Hudson: Trying to back out on me?

Me: Not a chance. I just feel bad. You’re so busy. Now isn’t a good time for you.

I chew on my bottom lip as I wait for his reply, which takes a lot longer to come through than I’d like.

Hudson: I think I’m capable of deciding what I have time for and for you, Luscious Lennon, I definitely have time.

I smile so big my face hurts, wishing the simplest things didn’t make me so giddy. Maybe then I wouldn’t feel like I’m already in way over my head.

Me: Well when you put it that way...

I hit send and then quickly type out another message.

Me: Any idea on what you want to do while you’re here?

The message shows delivered but doesn’t switch to read for several minutes. I keep closing out of the message thread before going back in to see if it’s changed.

I’ve just started to doze off again when my phone buzzes against my chest, startling me back awake.

Hudson: Sorry. J was updating me on some scheduling stuff. Are you still awake?

Me: Barely. It’s been a long day.

I rub my eyes with my hands, hardly able to keep them open at this point.

Hudson: I’ll let you get some sleep. As long as you promise to dream of me.

I smile, knowing there’s no way I won’t. He’s consumed every dream I’ve had since last weekend. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to focus on anything but him.

Me: Now that’s a promise I can keep.

It’s only seconds before his reply comes through.

Hudson: Dream sweet, Lennon.

Instead of typing out a response, I drop my phone onto the nightstand and roll to my side, pulling the covers up over my shoulder.

With nothing but Hudson swimming through my head, I close my eyes and within seconds am sound asleep.