by Renee Roman
Ari rose from the wicker chair. “I’ll be right back.” Ari opened the screen door and went into the house.
Hudson drew her hand across her face, lost in memories and the awkwardness between them. The neighbors waved as they slowly drove by. The only sounds were from songbirds in the trees and the rustle of leaves from the breeze. Her time alone on the porch gave her a chance to mull over the last few days. After making love, she’d panicked, unsure what it meant for the future, and she’d left Ari’s bed a short time later. The word “future” scared her most of all. For more than a year, the decisions she’d made affected only her. As much as she enjoyed spending time with Ari, and as amazing as they’d been together in bed, it made her nervous to think she might be giving real consideration to the relationship moving forward. She hadn’t given Ari a chance to share her thoughts. For all she knew, they’d had a pleasant evening of mutual pleasure and that was all. Maybe she was worried about nothing. Certainly, if she’d had an opinion, Ari would have talked to her. Ari wasn’t the type to beat around the bush. No, Ari only had one thing on her mind, and that was making a go of her business. She didn’t have time to think about anything else.
Still, the little sleep she’d gotten in her cold bed had only confirmed how guilty she felt. Ari wasn’t one of her casual pickups. She’d fought the urge to return and apologize, but what could she say that wouldn’t make the situation worse? Her body and mind were exhausted. Hudson sat back and closed her eyes.
* * *
Ari wiped off the wooden tray she’d found at a garage sale. It was intricately carved with a floral pattern and polished to a high gloss. It was special, like the time she spent with Hudson. The memory made her smile. She reached into the refrigerator and pulled out several items. She sliced cheeses and arranged green and red globe grapes in a decorative pattern on the center of the plate. She added a basket of crackers, a bottle of wine, and two goblets. Once everything was on the tray, she stopped and took a breath, looking through the house toward the front door. Hudson was out there. They’d been quiet, not saying much. Most likely both of them lost in thought. They needed to talk about the other night, but she wasn’t sure how to approach the subject. She hadn’t been prepared for Hudson’s quick departure, and it had left her feeling empty. She knew Hudson fought against the memory of her ex and the abrupt end to their relationship. Had Hudson learned from the experience? Was she capable of moving on, and if so, was that what Ari wanted? Or was she biting off more than she could chew?
And hadn’t she sworn off getting involved because there wasn’t room for success in business and success in an intimate relationship?
She was about to push open the screen when she saw Hudson. Her eyes were closed and her chest moved in and out in a slow rhythm. Her face didn’t hold the earlier tension Ari had noticed. She looked at peace, and Ari liked what she saw. As quietly as possible, she stepped onto the porch and set the tray down on the small table, then poured the wine. Curling up in her chair, she took the opportunity to admire Hudson’s striking features. Her eyebrows were narrow and dark enough to draw attention to her almond-shaped eyes. Her cheekbones were exquisitely sculpted and her chin lent character to her androgynous appearance without masking her femininity. In her relaxed state, the cute dimples that appeared when Hudson smiled mischievously were mere shadows. The tank top did little to hide her perfectly shaped modest breasts, and she couldn’t help remembering how the hardened point of her nipples felt in her mouth. Her center heated in response to the memory, and she hoped there would be a chance to feel them again.
Hudson’s eyes fluttered and she stretched her arms over her head, making her top rise up, exposing her well-defined abs.
Ari’s center clutched at the sight. This time she didn’t turn away.
A sheepish grin broke out on Hudson’s handsome face. For a fleeting moment, the dimples reappeared.
“Sorry. I can’t believe I nodded off.” Hudson rubbed her face and shook out the cobwebs.
“No apology needed. I had a really nice view.” Hudson’s cheeks colored. Ari held out a glass of wine. “A penny for your thoughts.”
Hudson swirled the contents and sipped before meeting Ari’s gaze. “Life is unpredictable.”
“That’s about the only thing that is predictable.” She didn’t know if now was a good time to talk business, but at least it was a topic Hudson was comfortable with, and it looked as though she could use the distraction. She couldn’t avoid discussing their lovemaking followed by her fumbling departure, but if given a little time, she hoped Hudson would be the one to bring it up. “What are you doing tomorrow?”
“I’d like to put some flowers in and spread grass seed. It’s supposed to rain over the next couple of days. What did you have in mind?” Hudson asked.
Ari leaned forward. “Well, you know how I wanted to create a menu?”
“Uh-huh.”
“So, I was thinking…”
* * *
Hudson had been shocked when Ari asked her to try her hand at designing advertising materials for the catering business. She looked through her sketches and made a few finishing touches, pleased with the end results. It wasn’t that her designs were spectacular, but they were good. Even more so since she hadn’t done anything like it since college. A big part of her excitement came from knowing Ari valued her artistic eye. From a young child, she’d always surprised teachers with her color choices. Her bold strokes, in an otherwise standard palette, were the things that garnered praise.
The house and apartment had been her biggest decorative undertaking so far and she’d loved every minute of it. Admittedly, she hated seeing the project end. It had filled the void of lonely nights and wayward thoughts of Ari while she’d spent every free minute on the house project. Not that she hadn’t continued to think about her in more than a professional manner, but she was able to let it run in the background while she concentrated on details of the renovations. She had wanted to be sure they fell in line with Ari’s vision.
Until the night they’d made love. When everything changed. When Ari had left no doubt about her attraction for her.
She had been sure Ari would ask why she’d suddenly left the bed, grabbed her clothes, and hurried upstairs. Panic had set in, and she hadn’t been able to control the overwhelming feeling that she was headed down the same path she’d traveled with Pam. She knew it wasn’t fair to Ari and wanted to call and tell Ari the real reason for her abrupt departure, but it was a lame excuse. Instead Hudson acted as if nothing had happened. Doing so wasn’t any better, but at least she’d avoided talking about her own insecurities.
She knew she had to face what they’d shared sooner or later. The thought of talking about its implications made her cringe. What if Ari expected a commitment, or worse, what if she believed sleeping together meant they were a couple now? She wasn’t ready to take that step. She wasn’t even able to process that she’d slept with Ari knowing she could never be a one-night stand.
It was time to face the music. Hudson tucked her laptop under her arm, picked up the sketches, and grabbed a bottle of wine from the refrigerator. She knocked on the door at the bottom of the stairs.
“Come in.” Ari stood at the stove, a cookie sheet in her mitted hand.
“Hi. I come bearing gifts.” She opened the bottle and went for glasses.
Ari stood with a hand on her hip. “I told you not to knock. Remember?”
She nodded, not ready to make eye contact yet. “I know, but boundaries and all…”
Groaning, Ari tossed the mitt on the counter and stood beside her. “I think it’s a little late for boundaries, don’t you?”
Her stomach tightened in response. They needed to air things out. No time like the present. She handed Ari a glass, their fingers accidentally brushing. Visions of their lovemaking ran through her mind, but she was determined to do the right thing. Ari deserved an explanation. She clasped Ari’s hand, and led her to the couch, pulling Ari down next to her.
Ari held her gaze for a long time. “I did, but I don’t think that’s what you really want to talk about.”
Hudson bit her lip. It wasn’t like her to hedge the truth, but Ari was different. She didn’t want to hurt her or lose her friendship, and being honest about what she was feeling might cause one or the other.
“Yeah, well, here’s the thing. You know my last relationship ended badly. I thought things were fine, and when they weren’t—I wasn’t prepared to deal with it.”
Ari watched her intently. She wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. She was having a hard time coming up with the words she wanted to say. Ari reached out and touched her face.
“Stop. You’re making this much harder than it needs to be. I told you I wanted you to just feel and not think. I meant it.” Ari paused. “I’m not saying I want a casual thing with you. I think you know me better than that. But I am willing to take this…attraction we have slowly to see where it will lead. You don’t want another broken heart, right?”
“It would crush me,” Hudson said.
“And I’ve never believed I could have a business and a relationship. That it had to be one or the other.” Ari waved a hand in the air. “But people do it all the time. So maybe it’s possible for me, too. I don’t know, yet. What I do know is how much I enjoy your company. Seeing you on a regular basis makes me happy.”
“I like spending time with you, too, Ari. We—click.”
“Yes, we do.” Ari took a sip and set the glass down. “Physically being with you took me to a place I’d never been even though I’m not a virgin.”
“That’s good because I don’t think a virgin would have been able to do what you did to me.” Hudson held her gaze.
Ari blushed and a nervous giggle escaped. This was harder than she thought it would be. “I’ve never had a real relationship, let alone a memorable physical connection.” She could do this. She needed to tell Hudson how much their connection meant without pressuring her into saying words she might not be willing to admit right now. “I’d like to go there again. With you. When you’re ready.” She pressed her lips to Hudson’s before pulling back. “I think we should let things happen without overthinking the future. Life’s short and I’ve worked too hard for too long without taking the time to enjoy it.”
Hudson was surprised and a little shocked to hear Ari share some of her doubts. Even more shocking was her feeling of disappointment. She’d expected Ari to argue about the reasons they were great together. How much they enjoyed spending time together. And the sex. Well, the sex was mind-blowing. She hoped for both of them. She refocused. Ari was waiting for a response. She wanted to give her one without ruining whatever chance they might have at making this work.
“So you’re really okay with going slow?”
Ari nodded. “I think it’s best for both of us. For now.”
For now. What did that mean? A week, a month, a year? How long was enough time to see if what they had together worked only as it was right now—casual—or if it could grow into something more? Something permanent. She shook her head. Ari was right. She was overthinking it. They’d been friends for six months and slept together once. That didn’t make it a relationship, but it was the start. She took a shaky breath. They were okay. And so was she.
“Come on. I have appetizers for you to taste and then you can show me your ideas.”
Ari stood and walked away. The view made her salivate. Ari had a beautiful ass. She wasn’t sure if or when they’d be together again, but if they were, she planned on not missing a single inch of Ari’s delectable flesh.
Chapter Sixteen
A few days ago, Ari had watched Hudson’s expression as she explained how color and lighting affected the room’s overall feel. How texture was just as important when creating a mood. She hadn’t understood all of what Hudson talked about, but she did enjoy the surprised look on Hudson’s face when she’d asked her to design a logo and help with promotional items.
“So, what do you think?” Ari had asked while she’d waited for Hudson to answer.
“Why me?” Hudson asked.
“I trust your sense of style.” Ari waved her hand at the kitchen. “You did this and it’s perfect.”
“Are you sure you don’t want a professional? I know how important your business is to you.” Hudson had tried her best to dissuade Ari, without success, and finally gave in. “Only if you’re sure.”
Ari had sensed Hudson’s enthusiasm at the prospect of putting her talent to use. She would have done anything to keep the sparkle in Hudson’s eyes. “I’m sure.”
“Ari?”
Hudson looked at her with questioning eyes, bringing Ari back to the present. Creases between her brows marked her otherwise flawless features.
“Sorry. I drifted for a little bit, but I’m back now. Let me look at your designs.” Ari carefully took in the details of each page. She tapped the nearest sketch. “I like this one.” It read Ari’s Epicurean Delights in a stylish print with flair. “What’s this font called?”
“Monotype Corsiva. It’s one of my favorites.”
Hudson’s eyes danced. Ari wasn’t sure if it was from her liking the artwork or having the chance to talk about her hidden talent. Her interpretation of Ari’s vision was spot-on. She had an eye for design, and Ari couldn’t understand why she wasn’t making the most of her true talent.
“Why aren’t you doing this for a living?” she asked.
Hudson paled and shook her head. “It’s just a pastime.” She turned away and shuffled the sketches in a nervous gesture.
Ari reached out and stilled her hands. “It could be more. You’re capable of anything you want, but you already know that.”
Hudson met her gaze with a sadness Ari read as doubt. “I used to think so.”
“And now?”
Shrugging, Hudson picked up her wine and finished it. “Things change.”
* * *
Ari wasn’t ready to get up. She’d worked until one in the morning, and her back had been screaming by the time she sat down after the last customer left the Station. She wasn’t going to keep this pace up much longer. The business, not the funds to sustain it, would soon be taking on a much bigger chunk of her time. She’d give up the restaurant job first.
“Huh,” she said out loud. Once the decision was made, she felt relieved.
She threw the covers back and sat up with a groan. It was just after six. She had time for a quick cup of coffee and a shower before heading out to her day job.
She padded to the kitchen, poured and fixed her coffee, then blew across the surface of the steamy liquid. After a tentative sip, she sighed and closed her eyes. When she opened them, the shelf of cookbooks called to her. Menus. She had to make time to pull together sample catering menus for different occasions. Items she could make in large quantities if needed. Should the business grow quickly, she would likely need a sous chef or assistant. Lately, she didn’t have time for much, including Hudson. Seeing her on a daily basis had been a pleasure, but with the completion of the house there weren’t as many reasons to get together. That needed to change. Soon.
* * *
Ari held the sheet of paper up near the window and let the rays of sunlight bring the colors to life. Her original concept had been simple. She asked Hudson to design a flyer introducing her catering business, contact information, and the events she specialized in. She thought it best to start with smaller functions like birthdays, cocktail receptions, wedding rehearsals, baby showers, and the like. Down the road, she’d take on more formal events like weddings and corporate functions, but she’d need staff for those.
The flyer was alive with color, the font, easy to read. Cream paper with accents of lime green and pale orange caught the eye, making it stand out among similar advertisements. For a modest amount, she was now the proud owner of two thousand Ari’s Epicur
ean Delights flyers.
She danced around the kitchen. It’s happening. It really is happening. She picked up her cell, intent on calling someone to share her excitement with, and then she heard the sound of a car in the driveway. She rushed out the back door and down the three stairs leading to the shared rear entrance. With a full head of steam, she threw open the door and nearly bowled Hudson over with her enthusiasm.
“They’re here! They’re here!” She threw her arms around Hudson’s neck and kissed her cheek. Hudson grabbed her by the waist to keep them both upright. When she set her back down, Hudson tried to read what Ari was waving around.
“What’s here?”
“The flyers.” She waved the wrinkled paper up for Hudson to see. “Well, the rest are nice and flat. Aren’t they beautiful?”
Hudson studied the paper for a long time after she’d smoothed it out on the doorjamb and held it up to the dappled light. “Everything is spelled correctly and the colors are very close to the ones I…we picked out.” She handed it back.
Ari punched her playfully in the arm. “Are you kidding? They’re gorgeous! Just like you.”
“I wouldn’t go that far, but they are nice.”
“Stop being modest. You were right. The colors work and I like the paper.” She had boxes of napkins, magnets, and business cards to inspect, too.
“So what’s next?” Hudson bent to pick up the gym bag that had landed at her feet.
Ari leaned against the doorway. “Good question.” She needed to get the flyers out to her target customers. Hudson had been instrumental in researching neighborhoods that could afford, and might actually use, her services.
They’d created a Web site together, and Hudson had shown her how to track the hits that the site received. Then she uploaded catering menus for functions with fifteen to fifty attendees. It was a lofty number, but she could always advertise for a part-time helper when the time came. She was also going to run a small ad in the community newspaper.