“Oh, it’s something. That’s for sure.” I reluctantly turn my back on Hudson, but not before giving him the signal for one minute, wanting to get Beau and Bogo set up. Ophelia has a few errands to run, and I told her they could play while she did them. Afterward, we’re supposed to grab a bite to eat and catch up.
“You need to explore that.” Ophelia winks.
“I think I’m going to and soon,” I reply back. I see how the two of our pets play together, and there is something to be said for a pig acting like a dog. It has me cracking up laughing.
“Those two are something else. Are you sure you don’t mind watching Bogo? I promise he’s a good boy.” Ophelia bends down to pet him. Bogo is dressed in a bright pink tutu today. It fits Ophelia’s personality perfectly. Ophelia is always dressing her in the craziest outfits she can find.
“Definitely. They love hanging out with each other, and I may actually get more work done while Beau is occupied.
“Is that what we’re going to call it?” Ophie may be new to town, but she fits right in.
“That’s what I’m going to call it,” I smart back.
“Well, in that case, I’m out of here. Plus, your man isn’t waiting for you. He’s walking this way now. Bogo, be good for Jules and have fun with Beau.” She pets them both, turns on her heel, and leaves the shop.
“She’s right, you know?” Hudson comes up beside me. His hand lifts and Hudson runs his fingers through my hair. I’m glad, now more than ever, that I stopped at Cora’s yesterday.
“Right about what?” I play dumb.
“I couldn’t wait another week to see you. Prayed like hell you’d use my number before I called you looking like a teenage boy seeking you out so fast, but I couldn’t stop myself.” Hudson’s voice is just over a whisper.
“I was actually going to call you today. A new shipment came in, and I know I won’t be able to hang this light fixture on my own,” I respond.
“You cut your hair? Show me where it is, and I’ll get it hung.” Hudson’s hands move to the end of my hair, lightly pulling on it, and making my whole body quiver.
“How did you know?” I question.
“I can see the difference. It used to reach beyond the dip in your back, but now it’s right at it,” Hudson almost groans out. His noticing something so small, it really settles into my mind that he’s the one seeking me out.
“Oh,” I breathe. His hand lands on my hip, squeezing it, and then lets go.
9
Hudson
Jules shows me the chandelier she needs help with. Customers come and go while I work on top of the ladder I bought her yesterday.
I flex my muscles every time I feel her eyes on me. Every time a customer leaves, her sole focus is on me and what I’m doing. Not like I can’t do the same myself. Today, she’s wearing a pair of jeans with more holes than material, cuffed at the ankle, and a tank top that shows off the curves of her body. The moss green of her shirt seems to highlight the tone of her skin.
I have to shake my head of the thoughts I have running through my head and get back to work. I wire it in then attach the hooks before placing the tools I needed back in my tool belt and stepping down and off the ladder.
“Oh my gosh, it’s so beautiful. The box it came in really did not do it justice.” I can hear the awe in Jules’ voice.
“It does look good.” My eyes never waver from hers. I see the look in her eyes. It makes me want to grab her by all of that hair hanging loosely down her back, dig my hands into it, and bring her toward my mouth.
“Thank you, Hudson.” She does the thing I least expect. She comes in toward me, and her arms wrap around my waist, hugging me. Except, that mouth is turned up at me, and she’s staring right at my lips. I give in to her, something I know I’ll do forever.
Her lips are pillowy soft against mine. I delve my hands into her hair, not giving a shit if it gets tangled. Thoughts of me taking care of her in every way come into mind—cooking her dinner after she’s worked all day, helping her wash away any worries she may have, and most of all, having her in my arms forever.
Her soft moan has me going all in. I want her taste on my tongue. I deepen our kiss, going for broke. It’s slow and sweet how our tongues do a tango together. A give and take. I give her what I know she needs and wants, and she takes everything I have to offer. Fuck, the way she’s moving her body into me, I know she’ll come apart for me once I have my hands all over her body.