: Chapter 25

“Thank you,” Hudson whispers into my ear for the tenth time since we sat on a love seat together after we shared an outdoor dinner with Archie, Sheridan, Terrance—my new best friend—and Devin.

He rubs his hand over my thigh, keeping me incredibly close to him.

I turn my head toward him and speak quietly. “You don’t have to keep thanking me.”

“I do,” he says, and then to my surprise, he loops his finger under my chin and tugs me in close, placing a soft kiss on my lips, a lingering one, one that feels so freaking intimate that it sends a bout of butterflies through my stomach. When he pulls away, he whispers, “You helped me out so much.”

“Well, that’s what I’m here for.”

“You shouldn’t have to be.”

“But I am. This is mutual.”

“I don’t know, seems like the scales are uneven and leaning in my favor.”

I play with the collar of his dress shirt. “Then even them out tonight.”

“Easy,” he says.

“I was unaware you had such a brilliant wife,” Terrance says while taking a seat across from us.

He spent the evening chatting with me while we were served dinner, essentially blocking everyone else out, even Hudson. We spoke about musicals, something he seems to be very passionate about. He is a big fan of the old-timey ones with the tap dancing. While I told him I was a die-hard fan of Hamilton and Kinky Boots.

He told me all about beef Wellington and the proper way to cook it.

I told him I had zero cooking experience but it was something I was hoping to get better at so I could make some fun meals for me and Hudson.

He asked if I had ever been to the UK before, and I told him I came from humble beginnings that prevented travel, and this time away, plus the trip to Bora Bora, were really the only big trips that I’ve been on.

We joked and shared stories, and when the meal was over, he went to go smoke a cigar while I snuggled into Hudson.

With the sun now set, pretty bulbed string lights hanging above us, and a whisper of people around us, Terrance has joined us again.

“I’m really glad you were able to meet her,” Hudson says, then looks me in the eyes. “She’s remarkable.”

God, the way he says that combined with his expression, it almost feels like he absolutely means it. Like he cherishes me.

And excuse me if I don’t freaking melt right on the spot.

How could I not with this man?

He’s been such a closed-off, bossy, grumpy man who hasn’t let me in an inch. But slowly and surely, with each passing day, he’s warmed up to me. He’s allowed me in to a part of his life, to help him. He’s given me his trust. He’s shared his insecurities. He’s allowed me to support him. On top of that, he’s seen me. He’s made me feel valued, needed, like I actually have something to contribute.

And now, with that look, that kiss…I feel this connection to him that I’ve never felt with another human.

“She truly is,” Terrance says, breaking my eye contact with Hudson. “Makes me wonder if I’ve misjudged you.”

Hudson grows serious as he says, “I don’t think I’ve given you the opportunity to get to know me better.” Hudson presses his hand to his chest. “And that’s on me, sir. I’ll be honest with you. There were many times when I sat in my office and flipped a switch, turning on my business mode, and then forgot to turn it off. I’d get caught up in making the deal, in bettering the world. Moments like this, outside the office, where I get to spend an evening with new friends, in a beautiful city, with delicious food, I remember there is so much more than making the deal. So maybe you did judge me properly at first because it’s all you truly knew about me.”

I’ve always been impressed with Hudson Hopper. He’s business savvy but kind. He has a good head on his shoulders, but this…this is another level.

This is him at peak performance.

“That’s very commendable of you to say.” Terrance leans back in his chair, studying us. “Can I be candid with you?”

“Please,” Hudson says as his thumb rubs over my thigh.

“What happened with your father—from what I’ve heard, you and your brother betrayed him, claiming you wanted to run the business your way.” He nods at Hudson. “What’s your side of the story?”

Hudson shifts, but only slightly, indicating that he’s uncomfortable but not too uncomfortable that he’s going to skip the question.

“I’m not sure if you are aware, but my sister got married a little while ago in Bora Bora.”

“Vaguely, congratulations.”

“Thank you. It was a wonderful occasion, but during that time, we found out some things about our father that we couldn’t align ourselves with. Of most concern, he was using a potential business partner to blackmail our sister into coming back to work under the Hopper umbrella. She left the family business years ago and built her own life. Dad was never happy about it and was doing everything he could to bring her back, to undermine her business, even by blackmailing and threatening others. Haisley means everything to us.” Hudson pauses, no doubt corralling his anger. “Hardy and I were not going to stand by and let our dad control her. That’s when we dug deeper and discovered the inappropriate ways he was conducting business. We tried to discuss our concerns with him, but he wanted nothing to do with it, so we separated. We bought out the almond farm, a part of the business that he’d always found little value in, and we signed a few smaller businesses under the umbrella and joined together with the Cane brothers to work on more philanthropic projects.”

He slowly nods. “And with the property here, your plans are legitimate?”

“Yes. We plan on creating low-income housing. It’s what the Cane brothers started in San Francisco and have slowly been expanding throughout the US. We love the concept and feel passionate about extending this project outside the States. The opportunity with Archie arose, and well, I jumped on it because I have such respect for you both and would love the opportunity to work with Wimbach International on such a relevant and rewarding project.”

“We could always use more low-income housing here,” he says, still studying Hudson. He takes a second and then turns toward me. “Why did you marry Hudson? What do you see in him that I might not see?”

Why did I marry him?

Ummm…

So my sister and I could purchase our childhood home.

So Hudson could gain access to this club in order to talk to you.

So there was a very slim chance that I might be able to fall into bed with him, but that’s neither here nor there.

I look up at Hudson’s carved jaw, peppered in scruff, and I smile, thinking about how much I love the feel of that jaw moving between my legs. “It was an easy decision for me,” I answer, which is not a lie. “He’s unlike any man I’ve ever met.” Also not a lie. “I have two siblings as well, a brother and a twin sister, and I saw in him what I see in myself, deep and genuine love for family. Dedication to family. It’s what made me fall for him first. He’s also incredibly smart. I started working for him and quickly noticed how intentional he was with his employees, during meetings, and even in emails. He wasn’t demanding but respected everyone around him, and that impressed me and was an incredibly attractive trait. From there, I couldn’t stop falling because of how he treated me, like I’m a queen. He made me feel seen. He made me feel valued. He made me feel like I had something to offer to this world.” I shrug. “He’s a one-of-a-kind man, and I’m grateful he chose me.” Then I cup his cheek and press a light kiss to his lips that he returns.

“I can see that you two are very much in love, and I value those qualities too,” Terrance says. “Qualities I haven’t seen firsthand with your father.”

“Maybe he’ll get back to them one day,” Hudson says.

“For your benefit, I hope so.” He pats his leg. “Well, I just have one more thing to ask: What kind of wedding did you have? Because when I spoke to your father, he seemed unaware that you are married.”

Oh.

My.

God.

I feel an immediate sweat break out on my upper lip as Hudson goes stiff next to me.

Terrance talked to Hudson’s dad?

About us?

About our marriage.

No, this cannot be good. Did his dad talk to anyone else?

Hudson rubs his hand over his thigh as he clears his throat. I can see the distress in his eyes, in the way he carries himself, but it’s hidden to everyone else. “Small, intimate. Just family, well, close family.” He manages a small smile, but it’s all for show, because behind those intense eyes of his, I know his mind is whirling.

“It was more about us,” I add, trying to let him know that I’m here with him in this moment.

“With the intention of doing something later on down the road with family and friends,” Hudson finishes. “But I wanted her as mine as quickly as I could make it happen.”

“I can understand that. Do you plan on inviting your father?”

Jesus, this guy with the daddy issues. He already knows Reginald has been a dick to Hudson and he keeps pushing some sort of reconciliation. I hate that for Hudson.

“At the moment, I want to say yes, but we’re battling a lawsuit he’s filed against us. Maybe if we can get past the damage that he has done to our relationship, I will. The door is open to him to talk and make amends. I would love nothing more than to put this all behind us.”

Such a diplomatic response, despite the war that Hudson’s battling internally.

“I really hope you do. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like if I weren’t a part of my child’s life. I shall encourage him from my end.”

“That means a lot. Thank you.” Hudson stands and reaches his hand out to me. “If you don’t mind, Terrance, I promised my wife a dance out on the lawn.”

“Of course, by all means.” Terrance gestures for us to leave. I offer him a wave, and then hand in hand, we take off down the side steps that lead to the portable dance floor where a few couples are slow dancing under the stars.

“Are you okay?” I whisper.

“Just keep a smile on your face, he’s going to watch us.”

“Okay,” I say as we make it to the floor where a string quartet is playing a beautiful rendition of “Rewrite the Stars.”

Hudson pulls me in close, wraps his arm around my waist, while he connects his other hand to mine, holding it close to his chest. He lightly kisses my forehead and then connects our heads together while we slowly move to the music.

Whispering, I say, “Did you know your dad knew?”

“No fucking clue,” he says stiffly.

“Any idea when he found out?”

“Nope,” Hudson answers.

“Think he knows it’s me?”

“No goddamn idea,” Hudson mutters and then steps out and dips me. I stare up at him, and from the outside, I know it seems like we’re probably in love and having a wonderful time, but I can see the panic in his eyes.

The worry.

The fear.

When he lifts me up, I ask, “What do you want to do?”

“I…I don’t know. I need to talk to Hardy. I need to figure out what’s⁠—”

“Mind if I cut in?” a deep voice says, startling both of us.

Mother of God.

Now is not the time.

Hudson’s head whips around and I know the minute he sees Devin because his nostrils flare and his grip on me grows tighter.

“I do mind,” Hudson says, not a hint of sarcasm in his voice. “And I’d prefer it if you stop sniffing around my wife.”

Oh boy.

Okay.

Tension is already high over here—better not let it get the best of us and do something stupid.

“I’m not sniffing around your wife.”

“Please—”

“Hudson,” I say, placing my hand on his chest. “Let me.” Time to defuse. I turn to look at Devin and say, “Devin, it’s been nice seeing you again and I wish you well with your education and everything you plan on doing with your life, but I don’t think we should have any other interactions. You’ve made me feel uncomfortable.”

His brows turn down.

“Oh, I didn’t… I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I was just trying to catch up with an old friend.”

“I can understand that,” I say. “But⁠—”

“But fuck off,” Hudson adds, causing me to wince.

“I think what Hudson means to say is that, since we have an intimate history, Hudson and I would both prefer if you and I kept our distance.”

Devin looks between us and says, “I understand. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. It was not my intention.” He then looks Hudson in the eyes and adds, “You are lucky, remember that. Sloane is unique in every way. Hold on to her.”

“I intend to,” Hudson says, nearly growling. I’m surprised he doesn’t chomp after Devin as he starts to walk away. When Devin is out of earshot, Hudson says, “Come on, we need to head back to the hotel.”

The car is silent as we drive through Mayfair’s heavily trafficked streets. Hudson’s typing away on his phone, nowhere near me, clearly keeping his distance. I tell myself it’s because he’s in business mode and no other reason.

Although there’s the fear in my heart that he’s going to pull away, that his father knowing is going to make him freak out. And what if he did?

What if he did pull away?

This wasn’t supposed to be forever, right?

So why do I feel my throat tightening over the thought of him distancing himself?

Before I start crying and getting far too emotional over this, I pull out my phone from my purse and text Stacey.

Sloane: Umm, things just got tricky here. Hudson’s dad knows we’re married, and we’re trying to figure out if he has said anything. Have you heard from Jude?

Dumb question, because I know if she heard from Jude, she would have said something to me immediately. Night or day, she would have made sure I would have known.

My phone vibrates with a text back.

Stacey: Oh shit! That can’t be good. No, I’ve heard nothing from Jude, and he came over last night with Haisley. I was asking him questions about replacing windows. He told me if we need new windows, that was the landlord’s job. I kept my mouth shut and didn’t say anything about us being the owners.

Sloane: God, I’ve completely forgotten about the house. Do we really need new windows? I’m such a shit sister. Things are getting complicated, and I’m dropping the ball.

Stacey: Um, things are complicated for sure, but you are the reason why we own the house, so please, don’t feel bad about it. You’re not a shit sister. But no, I don’t think Jude knows or else he would have been furious.

Sloane: I guess that’s a good thing. Do you think I should tell him?

Stacey: Now that, I don’t know. Worst thing that could happen would be Hudson’s dad tells Jude and then Jude has a stroke.

Sloane: That’s what I’m afraid of too, but if I tell him and we don’t finish what we’re supposed to do out here, it could ruin everything for Hudson and I don’t want that to happen either.

Stacey: Yeah, I’m going to offer no advice on this because I really don’t want Jude coming up to me and saying ‘Did she tell you not to tell me?’

Sloane: I mean, I did, and you didn’t. You’re already an accomplice. You were at the wedding.

Stacey: I’m choosing to ignore that.

Sloane: What a good sister. Ugh, Stacey, I’m in a pickle and I can feel Hudson pulling away, which probably shouldn’t be a problem, but it feels like a problem, because…well…I think I might be having some feelings toward the man.

Stacey: NOOOOOOOOOO, Sloane, this is not what you were supposed to do.

Sloane: I know, okay. I don’t need the lecture. It’s just, he’s so…he’s so sweet and protective, and he fucks so well. Plus he’s sensitive and opened up to me and I’ve just become attached and I know I shouldn’t have but I did.

Stacey: Well, become unattached.

Sloane: It’s not that easy.

Stacey: Sure it is. Just stop fucking him!

Sloane: Easy for you to say, you haven’t sat on his penis.

Stacey: Thank God! Imagine the fallout. Seriously, Sloane, you need to take a step back, okay? This was supposed to be temporary. You both are getting what you need. After that, you can move on.

Sloane: I know, but I’ve been doing some thinking.

Stacey: This never ends well.

Sloane: Well, I’ve been struggling with what I want to do with my life and I think I sort of figured it out.

Stacey: How does this have anything to do with what we were talking about?

Sloane: Well, I thought about what would happen if maybe I stayed married to Hudson.

Stacey: Dear God.

Sloane: And how maybe we can use the house for good, rather than for us.

Stacey: Um…okay…

Sloane: Hudson does a lot of work with low-income housing and I thought, what if we turned the house into something of a safe house for families in need? Kind of pass the baton.

Stacey: That’s, God, that’s a really good idea.

Sloane: Right? I know nothing on how to make this work or where to get started, but I think it could be something great. And we can work on it together while still working our current jobs and who knows? We can really make it something and then maybe expand.

Stacey: Only problem with that plan is, where will we live?

Sloane: We can figure out those details later, but wouldn’t this be…something great?

Stacey: It could be so great. Jude would really appreciate it. Oh, we could ask him for help! I bet he’d help us renovate and make it even more suitable for families.

Sloane: Oh, he would for sure.

Stacey: Now I feel like you marrying for money is turning into something even better than we planned.

Sloane: Look at me being a do-gooder with my pussy.

Stacey: The marriage didn’t require you to show Hudson your pussy.

Sloane: I think we both knew it was going to happen.

Stacey: I know, but now you need to distance.

Sloane: Or I can tell him how I feel and see where it goes.

Stacey: That will not end well. He’s a closed-off man. I don’t think he’s going to feel the same way, and I say that with love.

Sloane: I don’t know, I think you could be wrong. He’s different. I think he could be in the same headspace as me.

Stacey: Sloane, listen to me, no matter what, this is not going to end well. The least you can do is keep your heart out of it. Okay? Distance. Give yourself distance.

Talking about distance, Hudson has not looked at me once since we arrived back at the hotel. Not even when I asked him to unzip my dress and I let it fall to the floor, standing there in his ice-blue lingerie that he loves so much.

Nothing.

He has shut down completely as he sits out on the terrace, bouncing his leg up and down, his hand propping up his chin.

I can feel the nervous energy, can practically taste it. Something is brewing and I don’t think it’s going to work in my favor.

Not wanting to let him create too much distance, I head out toward the terrace in one of my matching pajama sets, which I know he’s going to hate because he prefers me in his T-shirts. When I step out onto the terrace, he doesn’t say anything, doesn’t even look in my direction. His gaze remains fixed in front of him. So I move around his legs and take a seat on his lap. But when I sit down and balance myself on his leg, he doesn’t put his arm around me, nor does he look at me.

Uh-oh.

Trying not to freak out because I can see where this is going, I loop my forearm around the back of his neck and remind myself that just an hour ago, he was holding me tightly on the dance floor. How much can really change in an hour?

“Hudson,” I quietly say. “Are you okay?”

His leg that I’m not on bounces.

The tightness in his jaw looks like it could break a walnut.

And the angle of his brows, pointing down toward his nose, it’s all I need to know to know he’s not in a proper headspace.

I bring my hand to his cheek and carefully urge him to look at me. When he finally does, I don’t see anger or sadness…I see nothing.

Like he’s blanked out.

Become almost dead inside.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

His tongue darts out, wetting his lips. “It could all be a fucking lie.”

“What could?”

“The lawsuit,” he says through clenched teeth.

“Oh, did you hear from Hardy?”

“Yes, he’s just waiting to hear back from the lawyer, but he glanced at the documents and they don’t match up.”

“Oh my God. I mean, that’s good news, right?”

His eyes find mine and I can see right away that this is not good news, at least not the kind of news Hudson wants to deal with.

“Do you see what he’s trying to do, Sloane? He’s trying to fuck over his two sons and lay claim to something he has no right laying claim to. It’s undermining and deceitful, and it’s coming from my fucking father.”

God, I don’t know what to say because what do you really say to something like that? He’s a dick? He’s awful? You deserve better?

Those are all things Hudson knows.

I don’t feel like stating the obvious and I’m sure he doesn’t want me stating the obvious.

But before I can decide on what to say, he lifts me off his lap and stands from his chair. Still wearing his dress shirt and pants from before, but now his shirt is undone and hanging open, he walks the length of the terrace, his hand in his hair, looking distressed and angry.

“Did he just think that we would roll over and give him what he wanted? It’s fucking absurd.”

Standing awkwardly, I clasp my hands in front of me and say, “I’m sorry, Hudson.” Because what else is there to really say?

“Nothing was ever good enough for him, you know that?” he asks, looking me in the eyes. Is that rhetorical? Do I need to answer him? “And I did everything he fucking wanted. Everything. I worked as an intern in the mailroom. I sat through meeting after meaningless meeting taking notes for him, only for me to type them up and him to toss them in the trash the minute I handed them to him. He would use me when he needed, touting me around to family-oriented business partners, but would kick me to the curb when I wasn’t useful. And then when I was finally put in charge of something, when I put in my time and did everything he asked, he undermined every decision I made. Never once said he was proud and often took credit for the ideas I came up with.”

“Hudson—”

“And then when he tries to blackmail our sister, to hurt her business, we step out because we want nothing to do with him, only for him to retaliate with false information.” He tugs on his hair hard. “Do you know how fucking worried I’ve been?”

I nod, realizing he just needs to vent in this moment.

“Terrified. Fucking terrified that I not only ruined my business but the businesses around me, attached to me. All for what? So that my dad can try to make me feel less than what I am? What a fuck!”

I’m about to say something when his phone rings. We walk over to where he was sitting, and he picks up the phone and says, “Yes?”

I can’t hear who is on the other line, but I’m going to assume it’s Hardy.

And as Hardy speaks, I can see the tension grow in Hudson’s shoulders. I can see the anger start to billow out of him. Everything inside him is tightening.

“Countersue,” Hudson says in a meaningful voice. “I don’t give a fuck, Hardy. He wants to pull that bullshit, fucking call him out on it and sue him back.”

He’s silent for a second, his hand pulling out strands of his hair as he paces. “This is about us settling scores with our dad. He needs to realize he can’t fuck with us.” He moves toward the balcony of the terrace. “His lawyers should lose their licenses.”

Wanting to calm him down, I walk up next to him and place my hand on his back, only for him to shrug away.

“Hold on a second,” he says into the phone and then turns toward me. “Go to bed, Sloane.”

“Huh?” I say, feeling like I got slapped in the face.

“Bed. Go to bed.”

“I…I can wait for you.”

“Don’t.” And then he turns away and heads down toward the opposite end of the terrace.

With his back to me, he folds in on himself, effectively disregarding me. I don’t want to take it personally, but it does sting. I thought we were past that. But this distance feels like so much more than just space.