“How are you feeling?” His voice is low as his gaze flickers down to my mouth every few seconds.
Even though he didn’t say anything inappropriate, my breathing quickens. “I’m feeling good. Very good, actually. You’ve done an excellent job taking care of me. Thank you.”
Without consciously thinking about it, I lean in marginally, and he closes the last bit of the distance between us.
When his lips meet mine, my body relaxes instantaneously.
The kiss is light and sweet, and I want to stay like this for the whole day. What a perfect day that would be.
But reality crashes down on us pretty quickly when the noise from the kitchen filters out into the foyer.
Our lips part, and Hudson presses his forehead to mine. “You made it easy. You both did, actually. You just needed a lot of sleep and some food and liquids to get better. Mira did a lot better than I expected too. She barely woke up at night, and whenever she did, it wasn’t anything that a few cuddles or a bottle couldn’t make better.”
Nurse Hudson. Swoon.
My hands stretch out, trying to find his without looking away from his face. “You are an incredible person, Hudson. Seriously. There aren’t a lot of people that are as selfless and kind as you are, and I truly appreciate it.” I could go on and on with my praise—he’s such a polar opposite of Sebastian—but I don’t want to overwhelm him.
Instead of responding, he pulls me into his chest, his lips finding mine once more. This kiss isn’t anything like the one we shared before.
This kiss is deeper, more meaningful.
It makes its way straight to my heart, imprinting itself so deeply I’m not sure I can ever find anything like it again.
The need to explore that feeling further is almost too much to take.
A sudden booming of laughter breaks the connection and I sigh.
“Hudson, did you find her?” Mo’s loud voice echoes through the house, making both of us groan at the same time.
I brush my hands through my still damp hair before nudging Hudson in the shoulder. “Let’s go before she starts looking for us. We’ll continue this later on.”
“You bet we will.” The promise in his voice sends another shiver down my back, and I know the anticipation will make my nerves go haywire all day long.
When we walk toward the kitchen, he brushes his hand against my lower back, reminding me he’s right there with me.
Twenty-Seven
Monica sits on the cream-colored couch in the living room with Gabe on one side and her leg propped up on the other side. Mira is on her lap, and they’re looking at a book together—which basically means Mira just keeps flipping pages back and forth while Mo is trying to read the words as best as she can.
My best friend looks up when I sit down next to Hudson on the couch opposite them. Now that I’m on my second large cup of coffee, I’m a lot more relaxed and mellow.
She peeks around Mira. “Which restaurants are good around here? I’d love to take you guys out tonight.”
Hudson stretches his arm behind me on the back of the couch, making me smirk into my coffee mug. “Why don’t we do it here, Monica? We can easily throw you a little welcome dinner. We just get some takeout for everyone and maybe invite the rest of my family too, since they wanted to see everyone anyway. It would be easier with Mira too. That way we can put her to bed in her own room, and not worry about her getting tired when we’re out and about or bringing all of her stuff with us.”
He turns my way. “As long as you’re okay with it, of course. Do you feel well enough to do anything tonight? If not, we can just do it another day. No big deal.”
Monica’s eyes are burning a hole into the side of my head, and I’m sure I’ll hear about whatever is on her mind later. Right now, I can’t be bothered by much though. Mira and I finally feel better, my best friend is here, and Hudson keeps sending me smiles that make my heart flutter. It’s a good day. “I think that sounds like a great idea.” Turning to Monica, I nod my head in her direction. “So much easier with your leg too.”
She actually looks a little flustered, which doesn’t happen often. “You guys shouldn’t have to worry about me.”
“Oh, stop it already.” I’m actually getting excited. I decide to go in for the kill, singsong voice included. “I’ll make you something special.”
Her head snaps up, eyes wide before the big grin I was waiting for appears.
Gotcha.
“Strawberry mousse cake?” Her voice is higher than normal, and I’m surprised her tongue isn’t hanging out at the sheer mention of her favorite cake.
This time, I’m unable to keep the laughter at bay. “Sure. If that’s what you want.”
She’s already shaking her head before I finish. “No, it’s too much work. I’m sure you have other stuff to do besides slaving away in the kitchen for me all day long, especially after being sick.”
“Mo, I haven’t been in the kitchen all week. I could totally make it.”
“Of course you could, that’s not the issue, but not today. Let’s make that another time when it’s not this crazy. How about just something simple for today?”
Leaning forward, I prop my chin up on my hand. “Oh. There’s this one cake I’ve been wanting to make. It sounds fantastic and is easy to make. Might as well use the chance and try it now.”
She rolls her eyes at me. “Gosh, you’re evil. When have I ever been able to say no to you making anything for me?”
Hudson claps his hands together, looking satisfied. “Awesome. What do you guys feel like eating? We can order takeout, or even call a caterer and have something made for us last-minute.”
Gabe shakes his head and waves Hudson off. “Don’t worry, we’ve got that covered.”
Hudson shrugs his shoulders. “It’s really no biggie. It’s just a phone call.”
“No, thank you. I said, we’ve got it. You guys can figure out dessert stuff, we’ll bring dinner.” Gabe stands up to his full height, towering over the rest of us still sitting on the couches.
Monica looks back and forth between the brothers and their pride-pissing match before she looks at me and wiggles her eyebrows. She gives me a thumbs-up behind Mira’s head and a huge grin before mouthing “Hot.” At least, I think that’s what she said.
I shake my head at her and snort. Hudson and Gabe look at me, confused—completely unaware of our wordless exchange, and maybe even their own brotherly rivalry—while Monica is trying not to laugh.
“I guess it’s all settled then. Monica, let’s get you and all of your stuff home.” Gabe’s words sound final, and Hudson rolls his eyes. “I’m sure you’d like to unpack and get situated.”
“All right, grumpy.” Monica gives Mira a kiss on the cheek before holding her up in the air. “Can someone take her, please?”
Standing and walking over to Mo, I snatch Mira and cuddle her as close to me as she’ll let me. Hudson comes over too, playing with Mira over my shoulder. Anxiously, I watch my best friend get up from the couch, obviously struggling. I hate seeing her like this, but I know her well enough to not even try and offer my help.
Not knowing any better yet, Gabe is by her side right away, offering her a hand. It looks like he’s met his match when it comes to pride because Mo dismisses him and his help immediately by waving him off.
Oh boy.
This woman can be as hardheaded and prideful as a pompous bull.
Thankfully, he lets her do her thing while staying close enough to intervene, if necessary. It’ll be interesting to see how these two get along. So far, it looks like they really are two strong-willed personalities, like Hannah mentioned the other day.
Good thing they won’t be living under the same roof, or I’d be worried about Gabe’s sanity. I’m sure it would only be a matter of time before he kicked her out. But then, you never know. Only time will tell.
I walk Monica to the front door—taking my time so she can keep up with her crutches—while Gabe stays back to t
alk to Hudson. “Are you really sure you’re okay living in Gabe’s guest house all by yourself, Mo? You know you don’t have to pretend with me. It would be so much easier to have someone around to help. I can see you’re in pain.”
“I know I’m not anywhere close to normal, but I’ll get there eventually. I’ve learned to deal with the pain. Plus, I’ve got some medication if it gets to be too much.” She lets out a sigh and nudges my arm with her elbow. “I’m really fine, stop worrying about me.”
Shaking my head, I give her a stern look. “Sorry, but that’s impossible.”
She rolls her eyes at me, and I have to laugh. “Gosh, you sound like my mom. Someone, please save me.”
“You’re such a grump when you’re injured.” I swat her playfully on the arm, and she smiles. “Seriously though, Mo. Promise me you’ll ask for help when you need it. You can come back here, or we can find another place together.”
“And take you away from your roommate? No way. He’d probably hunt me down for it.”
“Mo!”
“Ugh. All right, all right. I promise.” We’re by the front door, and she’s leaning on one crutch to swing the other one around dramatically. “Now, can I leave, please?”
I stick out my tongue at her. Monica brings that side out in me. “Of course. I’m sure your prince is ready to show you your castle.”
She’s trying to hide her laugh when Gabe clears his throat behind me.
He bumps my shoulder lightly and winks at me before walking around me to open the door. “It’s not a castle, but I think it’s a pretty nice place.”
Of course, my cheeks turn hot immediately, and I cover one of them with my hand while Mira reaches out to Monica and Gabe, trying to wiggle her way out of my arms. Monica gives us both a hug and a kiss, staying with her mouth close to my ear. “Remember what I said about Hudson earlier. He seems like a great guy. And I’m really happy to be here, Charlie. It’s awesome to be close to you guys again.”
For some reason, hearing her say that makes me emotional, and I nod into her neck, needing a moment to collect myself.
After giving me a second, she pulls back and grimaces. “Oh no. Prince Gabe, the waterworks show is about to start, let’s leave.”
Shaking my finger at her, I give her a warning. “Be nice, or I won’t make you anything for tonight.”
Her eyes go wide, and she gasps. “You wouldn’t dare. I love you, but you know I’m no good with tears. They scare me.” She shudders for a moment, making me laugh.
Gabe is looking at us like we’ve completely lost it. He’s been acting all weird today anyway, and I wonder what’s up with him.
I shoo her out the door. “Well, go ahead then. I’ll see you tonight. And be nice to Gabe.”
She winks at me. “Always.”
Mira and I stare after them as they make their way slowly down the driveway to Gabe’s car, silently hoping Gabe is as tough as he seems to be. He’ll need all his strength and wits to deal with Monica.
Footsteps come up behind me, but I don’t turn around, enjoying the body heat that’s radiating off Hudson when he walks right up to me. “Are you worried about her?”
I take a deep breath to calm myself and nod. Poor Hudson has dried enough of my tears this last week. “She always acts so tough and strong, but this must have hit her a lot harder than she’s letting on. Not just the physical part, but also emotionally. I mean, her career has always been her dream, her life goal. Ever since we were little, she was talking about becoming a dancer. While all the other kids, me included, switched our future dream jobs on a weekly basis, Mo never did. She always just wanted to dance. And rightfully so. Watching her dance is magical. It’s like nothing I’ve ever witnessed before.”
Putting one arm around me, he pulls me into his side. Mira climbs from my arms into his, happily snuggling into his chest. “Ma-ma, ma, ma, ma.” Hearing her babble her little syllables is the cutest thing. Apparently, she’s already done, one of her hands in her mouth instead.
I didn’t think it was possible, but these two have grown even closer over the last week—not that I should be surprised with him taking care of her so much while I was sick. “Looks like someone is ready for her nap, huh? It was an exciting morning. Monica and Gabe probably tired her out pretty good.”
“No doubt.” Hudson gives my forehead a soft kiss, and I lean into his body, feeling comforted by the contact. “Please don’t hesitate to let me or Gabe know when you need anything for Monica. From what I’ve seen, she’s just like Gabe, too proud and stubborn to ask herself, so that will be your job. Doctors, physical therapists, special equipment, anything. Let us know, and we’ll make it happen.”
I look up at him at the same moment his hand reaches out to touch my cheek. “Thank you. That means a lot to me, especially since you don’t even know her.”
“I don’t, but I’d like to think that I know you pretty well by now, and she obviously means a lot to you, so that puts her on my important list too.”
Blinking up at him, it takes me a moment to respond. “You’re so good to me, I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”
He leans his head on mine. “You deserve it, and so much more. I hope you can see that one day.”
A soft snore makes us both look down. We wear identical smiles when we see Mirabelle has fallen asleep in Hudson’s arms.
Scratching my forehead, a bout of guilt rushes through me at seeing her this exhausted. “Poor baby. I probably should’ve put her down a while ago.”
Hudson looks back at me. “She’s okay, don’t worry. Just tired from playing and getting the rest of the sickness out of her body.”
This man never ceases to surprise me with his comments. “How are you so good with her?”
Shrugging, he looks down at her, his hand gently rubbing her back. “I don’t know. I’ve always loved kids and”—the rhythmic movement of his hand stops for a moment before it continues—“I kind of read a lot about babies too last year, when I thought...you know...that I’d be starting my own family soon.”
Great. Now I feel like a jerk for bringing it up. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”
“Stop apologizing, you didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just what it is, and it’s in the past. I’m over it, really.” He starts walking toward the staircase, and I fall in step beside him. “Do you want me to put her down? I mean, if you don’t mind. Or you can do it. That’s totally fine too, of course.”
I touch his arm. “I’m good either way. You’re more than welcome to, if you want. Just let me know if you need help.”
He looks startled for a moment before smiling widely at me. “Sounds good. Why don’t you go eat some breakfast, and then I can help you with the preparations for tonight. Look and see if you have everything, or if we need to get something from the store. And when I come back down, I’m gonna rile up my family.”
An automatic protest sits on my tongue—he’s been doing so much for me, for us already—but I swallow it when I see the look on his face. His eyebrows are drawn together while his lips are relaxed. I’ve come to read him pretty well, understanding he’s silently challenging me to refuse his help again. “I’d love that, thank you.”
Careful not to move Mira, he bends down and kisses me softly.
I didn’t expect it—still not fully used to our open affection—but this time, I lean into him without a second of hesitation. This connection we have might feel overwhelming at times, but I can’t deny how right it feels. Far too soon, he pulls back, making me miss the contact instantly.
He straightens up to his full height. “Anytime. Let me get her upstairs, and I’ll be right back.”
I watch him walk up the stairs with Mirabelle until he disappears around the corner, wondering if I’m being brave or stupid to allow my heart to open up like this already.
Twenty-Eight
Hudson has been a real champ all day, helping me with my baking as well as getting everything set up for our little gathering. I love hav
ing him around, no matter what I do, even if he tries to help me with my baking and ends up making a mess. Not to mention all the stolen kisses that sweeten up my day.
It’s the best.
Sadly, Hudson’s parents and Hannah already had plans for tonight, but Hudson’s mom left me a message saying we’ll get together soon. That means it’ll only be the Mitchell siblings, Monica, Mira, and me.
That might be enough anyway.
It can be a bit crazy and overwhelming at times when the whole family is together.
Monica comes into the kitchen, interrupting my thoughts. She looks at the set table and whistles. I have to say I’m a little proud of ourselves. We used the nice dinnerware, and even got some flowers and candles. “Wow, you guys. This looks great. You’re, like, the dream hosting couple already.”
Rolling my eyes, I shake my head at her. “Stop it. And let’s keep all the couple stuff under wraps tonight, please, okay? We haven’t actually talked about any labels and all that stuff, so I don’t want things to be awkward in any way. Plus, I’m still getting used to all of it and don’t want to rush things either.”
Studying me for a moment, she lifts one of her crutches in my direction. “You’re not actually still wondering if you should give him a real chance or not, right?” She’s looking at me expectantly, even though I’m sure that was a mostly rhetorical question.
I walk over to the sink to rinse off a plate, then start cleaning up the mess on the kitchen island. “Nope. I’m past that point. I have officially given up resisting him.”
“Thank the unicorn.”
I chuckle at my weird friend. “You and your fascination with unicorns.”
She shrugs, hopping over to the plush chaise lounge Hudson brought downstairs from one of the bedrooms for her. Knowing how much time I spend in the kitchen, he wanted to make sure she’s comfortable. “What? You really can’t blame me. Unicorns are, like, the ultimate thing.”
“Ultimate thing of what exactly, Mo?”
“Everything. Obviously.” Her matter-of-fact tone makes us both laugh, as I watch her plop into the chaise and setting her leg up on the cushion. “Anyway, back to the matter at hand. He’s going to be good for you. I’m really happy you’re finally opening yourself up for this amazing man. Hopefully, in more than just one way.” She wiggles her eyebrows, and I throw a nearby kitchen towel at her. “What? You can’t tell me you haven’t at least thought about it.” She’s holding her hands up in surrender, waiting for a response.
The Mitchell Brothers Collection: A Feel-Good Romance Box Set Page 21