by Renee Roman
“Don’t worry. I know she’s treading lightly. It might take her a bit, but she’ll come around. I know she cares for you. She’s just trying to convince herself falling in love is worth the risk of being hurt again. It’s like that for most people.” Dale looked at her tenderly. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
Ari could feel her face heat up. “Yes.” Her voice cracked when she admitted she’d thought the same thing, although for her it wasn’t so much risking being hurt as much as the thought of failing at running her business and at love.
“Anyway,” Gina continued, “when she left Pam, all she took were her clothes. We kind of pushed her to get back the family heirlooms that were meant to be hers. Only it’s backfired.” Gina wrung her hands. Her eyes dropped to the sweating glass in front of her.
“Now, babe, don’t you think for one minute this is our fault. It has nothing to do with us, and everything to do with Pam,” Dale stated.
Her confusion must have shown. Dale went on to explain.
“We gave Hudson the name of our lawyer. A person who we knew would stand up to Pam and follow through on Hudson’s wishes. Unfortunately, Pam found out there was more to get out of our daughter.”
“I’m sorry; I don’t know what you mean.”
“Hudson has a trust fund and Pam knows about it. That’s why Hudson’s upset. Pam wants part of it.”
She sat back, dumbfounded. She had no idea about the trust fund. Why would she? They hadn’t known each other that long, and apparently, Hudson had kept the news from Pam, too. She wasn’t angry with Hudson. Her protective feelings for Hudson stirred her anger. An emotion she rarely entertained.
“She can’t do that, can she?”
Dale shook her head. “No. Even Hudson can’t access it until she’s older, but that doesn’t mean Pam isn’t going to try. I never did like that uppity woman.” Dale’s fists clenched.
“You know she only visited us once the whole time they were together? She thought she was too good for the likes of us,” Gina said.
Dale grasped Gina’s hand between hers and gave a little squeeze.
Ari tried to make sense of the info dump. Her head spun as she sorted through the main points. Pam intended to keep everything. Hudson had a trust fund. Pam wanted a piece of the pie.
“Thank you for telling me. What can I do to help Hudson?”
Gina spoke first. “Be there for her. Let her know you care. Be patient. I don’t know what the news will do to her.”
“And let her come to you. Sometimes she gets quiet with unsettling news. Sometimes it gets her hackles up. Never know which one it will be until she lets on,” Dale said.
Gina harrumphed. “I wonder who she gets that from.”
* * *
Hudson sat on the jetty and let the setting sun soak into her bones. The heat and wind chafed her skin, but her soul gained strength from the place she’d always found solace as a child. The jetty was the last place a person would want to be in stormy weather, but she’d been raised here, and even in the midst of sea surges, she would venture out, thrilled as the water crashed on the rocks and sprayed her face with foamy salt water.
It was here she came to work out dilemmas, and this was one. Pam wants another piece of me. She laughed without joy. That’s right up her alley. Take, take, and take some more. Hudson had given her whatever she’d wanted, including her freedom. Whatever she thought would keep Pam in love with her. No. It was time to be honest. Past time. She gave Pam everything so she’d stay and hoped she’d change her mind about never having a family. Hell, she was even willing to be the birth mother as long as Pam would invest in their family.
“I knew,” she mumbled into the wind.
Yes, she had known Pam would never be that parent. The most she could have hoped for was her agreeing to let Hudson stay home and raise their children until they were school age. But she wouldn’t have taken an active role. It wasn’t in her DNA. Hudson didn’t want to admit she’d made a crucial error in judgment when it came to Pam. Sure they made a handsome couple and moved in affluent social circles. Pam knew how to play people to get what she wanted and Hudson had been a casualty of the chessboard. Hudson was the exact opposite, much like her parents. The simple things brought her the most joy. That was the way she’d been raised. How had she fallen on such dark times? Shaking her head, she walked to the farthest point and looked out at the gently rolling sea. She might never understand the reasons she’d settled, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t change course from here on out.
Her grandparents had been of hardy stock. They had loved her as only grandparents could and wanted only the best for her and her brother. It was the reason they’d set up the trust funds when Dale had refused to be named as their heir. After a heated argument, Dale had accepted—on one condition. The trust would be split in two and given to her children. Hudson and Sid stood to inherit a small fortune when they turned fifty-five. It was meant as a retirement fund, or if either should marry, they could access part of the money at that time. Grandpa and Nana meant for her to enjoy life without financial worry, and she’d be damned if Pam would have any part of her future.
The sun would kiss the horizon soon, and she knew Ari would be worried. It was time she told the woman who had found a way into her heart what was going on and what her plans were. She also had to tell Ari she loved her. The thought still made her anxious. One crisis at a time. For the immediate future, she needed to talk with her lawyers and prepare for the battle that was coming. Maybe she could find an hour or two to spend at her hometown dojo. She would need to center her energy for the days ahead.
Chapter Twenty-one
Hudson leaned in and kissed Ari softly when she got back. The scent of the ocean clung to her skin, and Ari longed to take her in her arms and make love to her. She wanted to show her gentleness and devotion she’d never given to any other woman. God, I really do love her.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.” Hudson sat beside her on the top step and bumped shoulders. “We’re going to miss it.” She lifted her chin toward the setting sun they couldn’t quite see.
“There’ll be more.” Ari looked at Hudson’s profile. She didn’t want to have doubts, but she was human. “There will be more, right?”
Hudson’s gaze held hers and the shield Hudson normally had up dropped, letting her see inside. For the first time since they’d met, she knew how Hudson really felt and she shivered with the knowledge. Then Hudson pulled her to her feet, took her hand, and walked toward the end of the garden.
“Step up here.” Hudson didn’t let go of her hand as she balanced on the wrought iron bench and pointed left. “Look.”
Off in the distance she could see a small portion of sun and a tiny sliver of the ocean. The reflection coated the water with a fiery shade of orange and cast its glow upward into streaks of clouds. Hudson wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her tight.
“It’s the best I can do for now.”
Ari was sure she was talking about much more than the sunset. Hudson was asking for patience, but there was also a promise of more. Not just sunsets, but of their future. She believed in the unspoken pledge. She had to or else her heart would suffer a major blow. After admitting to Dale and Gina her feelings about their daughter, she embraced what she’d been hesitant to say out loud. She loved Hudson. Probably had for some time, and she was certain Hudson felt the same. Why neither of them could say it out loud, she wasn’t sure.
“I…” Hudson began before looking skyward. “You know how much I care for you, at least I hope you do. I wish I could tell you the words you want to hear….”
Ari pressed her fingertips to Hudson’s lips. “It’s okay. I can wait to hear it. I know it’s in here.” She placed her hand over Hudson’s heart. “The words will come when they’re ready.” She stood on tiptoes and replaced her fingers with her lips. A tear spilled over and ran down Hudson’s cheek. She brushed it away.
“I’m still a fool,” Hudson said.
Ari smiled. “If you insist.”
Hudson playfully slapped her ass. “Hey, you weren’t supposed to agree.”
“Too late to take it back.” Ari stepped down from the bench. “I’m hungry.”
Hudson stepped beside her. “Food is the last thing on my mind, but I guess I could treat you to dinner. Let’s head to town.”
* * *
“So, what’s your game plan?” Ari placed the last grilled shrimp in her mouth. She washed it down with a crisp Pinot Grigio and waited.
“I’m going to fight her. She has no right to my inheritance. I don’t care what it costs in legal fees. She’s picked the wrong time to go for the kill.”
She’d told Hudson about the conversation with her parents and that she wanted to help.
“I appreciate you being a shoulder to lean on, but this is my battle. I should have known she’d pull something backhanded. Finding out about the trust wasn’t on my radar. Of course, my radar’s been askew for a while.” Hudson’s eyes flashed with anger, but it quickly faded. “She’s pissed me off, Ari. I’m not letting her have her way. Not this time.”
“It’s good to see you standing up for yourself. Just remember my offer is for the duration.” She had her own battle going on. The two sides of her brain were at war. One side hoped Hudson would lean on her for support. The other, now that Hudson had come to terms with the situation, wanted her to be strong and stand on her own. To find the determination to confront Pam until the conflict was resolved. She was sure Hudson would come through as the victor. She just hoped it didn’t cost her any more emotional pain. If her spirit was crushed again, she wasn’t sure Hudson would be able to bounce back. She hoped the person she’d met months ago no longer existed. For both their sakes.
“I know.” Hudson pushed her plate away. “Coffee?”
Grinning, she shook her head. “You know what I want?”
Hudson blushed in response to the innuendo.
“Well, that too, but I was talking about something else.”
Hudson swallowed hard. “What?”
“Let’s go to Guiltless Pleasures and have one of those sinful hot chocolates for dessert.” She’d been too full from the gelato last night, but the thought of dark chocolate melting into steamed milk had her licking her lips. Hudson watched the swipe of her tongue as it traveled from one corner of her mouth to the other.
“Jesus, you make me crazy.”
“In a good way, I hope.”
“Oh yeah,” Hudson stood and gathered Ari against her. “In a very good way.”
* * *
Hudson lowered onto Ari’s naked body, reveling in the feel of the soft, smooth skin against hers. Leaning on an elbow, she brushed the hair from Ari’s face and kissed her. Hudson moved her mouth in gentle patterns over Ari’s lips as she tasted the remnants of chocolate. The more she’d watched Ari lick the foamy richness from her lips, the more turned on she had become. By the time they left the café her Jockeys were soaked. As they strolled back, she’d had all she could do not to pull Ari into a dark alley and take her.
“What are you thinking?” Ari asked when the kiss ended.
“How hot you’ve made me,” she said, nipping at Ari’s chin before sliding down to take a pointed nipple in her mouth. It grew harder as she sucked. She ran her teeth around the base with enough pressure to make Ari gasp and arch into her. The other nipple tightened and she circled her tongue around the rosy area before capturing Ari’s lips once more. Ari lightly raked her nails along her back, sending a fresh wave of heat along her spine. Her sex beat with desire while she explored Ari’s hot mouth.
“I want you.” She looked into Ari’s hooded eyes, hoping to see the need she felt. She wasn’t disappointed. Sliding along Ari’s heated skin, she placed kisses in areas she knew were sensitive, making Ari squirm.
“Please,” Ari whimpered.
She settled between her milky thighs and kissed and nipped the tender flesh. She paused at her center and blew a warm breath over the glistening folds. Ari shivered and groaned.
“You’re enjoying torturing me, aren’t you?”
Hudson pointed her tongue and touched the tip of Ari’s clitoris, making her jump and gather the bedding beneath her in clenched fists. As much as she wanted to dive into the sweetness, her intent was to draw out their lovemaking. She moved her mouth to the other thigh. Ari snaked her fingers into her hair and pulled until their eyes met.
“I’m begging you. Don’t make me wait any longer.” Hot need burned in Ari’s eyes and she trembled under Hudson’s stare before letting go and falling back on the bed.
She abandoned her notion of traveling the length of Ari’s leg and turned to the core of sex pulsing in front of her. Hudson inhaled the scent of desire and licked the sweet folds from Ari’s opening to her throbbing bundle of nerves and back down. Light strokes set the rhythm before she took the hardened nub between her lips and sucked. She tongued the knot in tight circles, never losing contact with the point of pleasure. Ari’s sex clenched. Once. Twice. Her thighs began to shake and her tummy muscles tightened. When Ari’s climax neared, she slid her fingers inside and stroked the hard knot over and over again. Ari arched against her, color rising along her glistening body. Hudson slid in and out, her fingers coated in the thick juices of Ari’s succulent sex.
“Oh God,” Ari gasped before her body went rigid, locking Hudson’s fingers inside.
She lapped at the liquid heat flowing from Ari as her body convulsed in time with her orgasm. Hudson loved watching her come. Loved knowing she could give her pleasure. Yes, she loved her, but still couldn’t bring herself to say the words. She kissed the throbbing flesh once more and moved beside Ari, taking her into her arms. Ari laid her head over her pounding heart.
“You make me feel so good.”
Hudson kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back. “That makes me happy.” Entwining their legs, she sighed in contentment.
“I’m only staying here a minute. I want to make love to you.” Ari’s eyes fluttered as she spoke.
“Shh. Go to sleep, baby.” Although her sex throbbed, her need to hold Ari was stronger.
“But, don’t you want me to…?”
“Right now, all I need is for you to be in my arms.”
Ari snuggled closer. “If you’re sure?”
I’ve never been surer. “I am.”
* * *
Ari glanced over and noticed the tension in Hudson’s jaw. She’d been quiet on the ride home and Ari couldn’t help wondering what she was thinking. They’d had a wonderful weekend except for the part about the trust fund. It hadn’t stopped them from taking walks on the beach, shopping in town, and making love. If this trip was any indication of what their life could look like, she was all in.
“Hey.”
Hudson met her glance. “Hmm?”
“I was wondering why you’re so quiet.” Ari tried to read Hudson’s face, but from the side there weren’t many clues. She’d need to see her eyes to really know what she was thinking.
“A lot’s happened in a short time.” Hudson changed lanes and pointed to the rest stop sign. “Want to get a snack and stretch our legs?”
She wondered if it was a stall tactic or if Hudson really needed the break. “Sure.”
“Good. We can talk without me having to concentrate on traffic.”
Ari didn’t know what Hudson wanted to say, but it seemed important enough to have her full attention. She hoped for the best and prepared for the worse. When Hudson took her hand, and shared a grin, it didn’t quite reach her eyes, but she forced one in return.
“I’ve had an amazing weekend. Thank you for making the trip with me.” Hudson broke off a piece of her Danish and popped it in her mouth. “My mothers think you’re wonderful.” She reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “So do I.”
“Is there a ‘but’ coming?” She swallowed a gulp of juice. It was hard making it go down around the lump in her throat.
; Hudson shook her head. “No ‘but.’ I’ve been thinking how I would have never imagined feeling like I do right now.”
She held Hudson’s gaze. “How do you feel?”
“Grateful. For meeting you, for the offer of a place of my own, for our friendship.” She looked down at the abandoned food for a minute before she continued. “For the relationship we have and the romance we share.”
Ari waited, knowing there was more Hudson needed to say and not wanting to interrupt.
“I won’t lie and tell you I don’t get scared when I think about where our relationship is going, but I’ve come to realize I’m more afraid of not loving again. Life’s short. It gets shorter every day and…” she glanced around, watching the people hurrying around them, “I don’t want to be one of those people.” Hudson pointed to a woman dragging her struggling child toward the restroom. “Life isn’t meant to be raced through.”
“I’m not sure what you’re saying exactly, but I trust you.” She reached to cup her cheek; her thumb stroked the soft fuzz.
Hudson turned her face and kissed her palm. “I’m not sure either, but I think I had a point to make.” She grinned. “I just wanted you to know the future is looking much brighter than I would have ever imagined and I want you there.”
* * *
“That’s the last of it.” Hudson dropped an armful of packages onto the island. “Exactly what did you buy?” She surveyed the sea of bags. She’d never seen so many in one place at one time.
“Never mind. I had fun.” Ari searched in a shopping bag and pulled out a long-handled cooking utensil. “I’ve been looking for one of these forever,” she exclaimed.
“Uh-huh.”
“Oh you. You didn’t buy anything because you’ve been to those shops dozens—no, probably hundreds of times. Give me a break.” Ari placed her hands on her hips.
Hudson laughed. “As long as you don’t ask me to help put it all away, I’m good.” She peeked in the open bag, and Ari slapped her on the ass. “Besides, I did buy something.”