“My flight for California leaves at six in the morning.”
I don’t even attempt to hide the disappointment that crosses my face.
“If I could stay longer I would.”
“I know.”
“But we have tonight.”
“I still can’t believe you’re here,” I say, shaking my head slightly. “How did you even know where we’d be?”
“You told me last weekend,” he reminds me.
“I did?” I question, not remembering that.
“At the restaurant. After you insisted we do shots of tequila.” He smirks.
“Damn tequila.” My smile widens. “Speaking of which, I think I’m due for a drink. You interested?”
“After the day I’ve had, hell yes.” He lets out a breath like it’s the first real one he’s taken today.
“Come on.” I drop my hold on him and grab his hand, dragging him toward the bar as the band starts to play a more upbeat tune.
“Two shots of tequila,” I tell the bartender.
“And a bud light, please,” Hudson adds, giving me a shrug. “Gonna need something other than tequila tonight, babe.”
“But you love tequila,” I remind him.
“I love the way it tastes on your lips.” He leans forward and sucks my bottom lip into his mouth.
I’m seconds away from tackling him right here when a throat clears behind us. Turning, my entire body freezes when I see my father. I had nearly forgotten where we were or that my entire family is here.
Oh god... I rewind the last few minutes on the dance floor, trying to remember if I had done anything too inappropriate.
“Daddy.” I smile as if everything is perfectly normal.
I feel Hudson straighten next to me but when I glance his way he seems completely at ease.
“You the country star I can’t get these women to shut up about?”
“That depends if what they’re saying is good or bad.” Hudson smiles and my dad chuckles.
“John Claire.” He shoves his hand toward Hudson.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Claire. Hudson Demasi.”
“Please, call me John.”
“Alright, John.” Hudson turns his attention toward the bar when our drinks arrive, picking up his beer and taking a long pull like it’s any other day and he’s not standing here meeting my father for the first time.
How is he so freaking calm?
“I understand you’re on tour right now,” my father continues, seeming to relax almost instantly. It’s Hudson. He has this way of making people feel comfortable.
“Yes, sir.”
“Hard being out on the road?” My dad holds up his empty scotch glass when he catches the bartender’s attention.
“It never used to be. But now I’m finding it near impossible to enjoy.” Hudson’s gaze falls to me.
“Women will do that to you.” My father laughs, reaching across me to retrieve the scotch the bartender set on the bar. “Well, I’ll leave you two be. Thank goodness Nana left already,” he mutters to me, but not quietly enough for Hudson to not hear. “It was nice to meet you, Hudson.”
“You too, John.” They each nod and my father disappears about as abruptly as he appeared.
“Well that was interesting.” I smile, reaching for my shot of tequila still sitting on the bar.
“He seems like a good man.” Hudson turns, picking up his shot as well.
“He is. I just wasn’t planning on introducing you to my family so soon.”
“Is that an issue?” he questions, studying me curiously.
“No. Not at all. Thanks to Starr’s loud mouth they all know about you anyway. I mean, not that we’re...you know.”
“Having sex?” He chuckles at my inability to say it outright.
I choose that moment to tip the glass and pour the liquid into my mouth, swallowing hard as it burns a trail down my throat. Hudson mirrors my actions. Only when he swallows he doesn’t flinch.
“Right. That,” I say, depositing my glass back onto the bar. “They know we’ve hung out a few times and that I really like you. I guess I’m just not sure how to introduce you.”
As if on cue, Starr appears with my mother at her side. Both women are smiling like damn fools.
“Hudson. It’s so great to see you again.” Starr reaches in and wraps her arms around his middle like they’re old friends.
I take this opportunity to snag his beer bottle out of his hand and take a long healthy drink.
“Starr.” He chuckles, not seeming the least bit annoyed by her unwarranted affection.
Of course I know that she just wants her guest to see her hugging a country music star. And while most of them probably have no idea who he is, I’m sure they will by the end of the night. My sister will be blabbing it all over the place, if she hasn’t already.
“Congrats on the wedding. Everything looks amazing,” Hudson offers politely.
“Thank you.” She pulls back and smiles up at him. “Lennon did it all.” Before he has time to respond, Starr turns and nudges my mother forward. “This is our mom, Elise.”
The woman who looks like the older version of myself blushes slightly and I have to bite back a laugh. My mom seems as flustered as I do in his presence. It’s good to see Hudson’s charm doesn’t have an age limit.
“Mrs. Claire. It’s so nice to meet you.” Hudson takes the hand she stretches toward him. “I’m Hudson Demasi, Lennon’s boyfriend,” he says, right as I take another gulp of his beer. I instantly suck it back too fast, ending up having a mini coughing fit.
“You okay, babe?” He turns, dropping an arm over my shoulder.
“Yeah. Wrong hole.” I clear my throat.
“Well I won’t keep you. I just wanted to come say hello. Lennon honey, pace yourself, yes?” my mom says almost scolding.
Clearly she thinks my reaction is because I’ve been drinking. And not because every inch of my body is buzzing with the knowledge that Hudson James Demasi just introduced himself as my boyfriend.
“Yes, mom.” I nod, choosing not to correct her. While yes, I’ve been drinking, I’m nowhere near intoxicated. Maybe more like slightly buzzed. Though I’m not sure if that’s from the alcohol either.
“It was good meeting you, Hudson,” she says, linking her arm through my sister’s.
“You as well.” He smiles nodding at Starr who throws up a little girly wave before allowing my mother to pull her away. “Who are we expecting next?” he asks, seeming quite amused that we’ve been at the bar a total of three minutes and already he’s met both my parents and been mauled by my sister.
“God, no one I hope.” I take another drink of his beer before handing it back to him. “So, boyfriend, huh?”
“You said you didn’t know what to call me. I fixed that. You’re welcome.” He grins, his dimple popping before he drains the remainder of his beer in one long gulp.
“So... I’m supposed to tell people you’re my boyfriend?” I hate how juvenile I sound right now. I’m twenty-seven acting like I’m seventeen.
“Well I am, aren’t I?” He signals the bartender for another beer.
“If you want to be,” I say, trying to play it completely cool while my insides are doing backflips.
“I do.”
“Okay.”
“Then it’s settled.” He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me flush against him. “Should we make it official with a kiss?”
“Oh why not?” I roll my eyes playfully before looping my arms around his neck and pulling his face down to mine.
Like before, the kiss is pretty PG. I get the feeling Hudson is keeping it that way for my parent’s benefit. Which I appreciate. It still doesn’t mean I don’t want to straddle him right here and say fuck whoever chooses to watch.
“Come on.” He smiles at me, snagging my hand. Before I can object he’s pulling me back onto the dance floor.
The band has been playing a string of upbeat tunes but it seems like t
he second our feet hit the floor they switch to a slow song.
“I thought you didn’t like to dance,” I comment, remembering our first night at the club.
“I didn’t say I don’t like it. I’m just not very good at it.” He smiles, pulling me close before kissing the side of my head.
“You better be careful, Mr. Demasi. You’re attempts at wooing me might be working,” I warn, feeling like I could float away from the high he puts me in.
“Might be?” He chuckles in my ear. “Well I guess I’ll have to work a little harder.” He twists me out, spinning me before pulling me back into his arms.
“Are you trying to make me fall in love with you?” I ask teasingly, even though deep down I know it’s already happening.
“That depends.” He dips his face so he’s eye level with me. “Is it working?”
I’m seconds away from admitting just how well it is working, but fearing I’m getting ahead of myself, I choose to divert from this conversation altogether.
“Shut up and kiss me already.” His eyes light with humor as a hint of a smile plays on his lips.
“With pleasure.”
Chapter Seventeen
It’s nearing midnight and I’ve loved every second of dancing with Hudson. Laughing with him. Drinking with him. Introducing him to family and friends. I’m even more eager to have some alone time with him before he leaves
“Let’s get out of here,” I suggest as the band starts their final set.
“Is it okay for you to leave?”
“I could have left an hour ago. I just wanted to be the envy of everyone in the room for a little longer.” I smirk, hooking my hand around his tie and pulling him down to me.
“Is that so?” he murmurs against my mouth.
“Absolutely.”
His smile widens and so does mine.
“I need to go say goodbye to Starr. I’m sure her and Mark will be leaving soon.” I push up and kiss his jaw. “I’ll meet you on the beach in five minutes.”
With that, I spin on my heel and head toward my sister who’s standing next to the bar tucked against Mark’s side, looking happier than I’ve ever seen her.
“Hey, I’m taking off,” I tell her the moment I reach her. “Do you need anything else from me?”
“Are you kidding?” She bats at me. “You’ve done more than enough. Get out of here. Go show that hottie just how talented us Claire women can be.” She winks, knocking her hip against Mark who’s listening with a wide smile on his face.
“Good luck with this one,” I tell him, giving them both a quick hug before slipping out around the bar as to not be stopped by anyone.
While the venue is technically outdoors, there’s this curtain that walls off three sides, leaving only the side facing the beach open.
Making my way around the side, I spot Hudson instantly. He’s standing close to the water, his hands shoved into the front pockets of his jeans as he looks out over the gulf.
Kicking off my flip flops, I tread through the sand, sliding up next to him the moment I reach him.
“It’s beautiful out here,” he murmurs, his arm going around my shoulder. Fingers trace slowly up my bare arm causing prickles to pepper my skin.
“It is. Come on, there’s something I want to show you.” I entwine my fingers with his and tug him in the direction I want to go.
We walk in silence for several moments, enjoying the feel of the sand beneath our feet and the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore. It almost feels like we’re the only two people in the world right now.
“So where are we going exactly?” Hudson asks after we’ve walked quite a ways from the reception venue.
“You’ll see.” I knock my shoulder against his. “It’s just a little further. Patience, grasshopper.”
“Yeah, I don’t have much of that at the moment. I’ve been holding you pressed up against me all night imagining stripping you out of that little dress the entire time.” His words send a rush straight between my legs and I have to physically restrain myself from jumping him right here in the sand.
“Delayed gratification.” I release his hand to skip ahead.
I don’t get but a few feet before Hudson grabs my shoulders and hauls me back against him.
“Or how about I strip you bare and fuck you right here?” he growls into my neck before laying open mouthed kisses down the side and across the top of my shoulder.
“Hudson,” I plead, though I’m not sure what I’m pleading for.
“Say the word, Lennon, and I’m all yours.” His hand slides slowly down the front of my dress and I feel myself starting to waiver.
“We’re out in the open. Anyone could see us.” A feeble attempt to stall him, not that I’m really sure I want him to stop.
“Then let’s get somewhere and get there now or I won’t care who’s watching,” he says, releasing me.
The knowledge that he wants me so badly he’s willing to take me right here, out in the open, does something strange to me. There’s something to be said about being desired by a man like Hudson. So powerful and intoxicating about the whole thing.
“Well then you better keep up.” I smile over my shoulder before I take off running through the sand. Hudson laughs, quickly catching up to me, matching me stride for stride.
It takes less than two minutes to reach where we’re going, but I’m still panting by the time I stop in front of the enormous beach house set back a few feet from the edge of the sand.
Hudson doesn’t hesitate following me up the wooden pathway to the back deck. Lifting the key code on the door, I punch in the security code and the lock clicks.
“What is this place?” Hudson asks, following me inside.
“I’ll explain later. First,” I turn, kicking the door closed behind him as my hand moves to remove his tie and shirt.
We both work in a frenzy, peeling back layers and discarding them on the floor without a single care where they end up. We can’t get out of our clothes fast enough.
Hudson spins me around, his front to my back as he presses me against the wall of windows that overlook the beach.
“I’m gonna fuck you right here like this, Lennon,” he groans, sliding his hand down my belly before dipping in between my legs.
A soft moan leaves my lips and I lift my head, meeting his gaze in the reflection of the window. My god, if it isn’t the most erotic thing I’ve ever seen. Able to watch the look on his face as he slides his fingers inside of me. First one, then another. I bite my lip and drop my head back onto his shoulder, my hand reaching up to grab his neck and hold him to me.
“Lennon.” Hudson slows his movements and shifts slightly.
“What? What is it?” I move against his hand, not wanting him to stop.
“I don’t have a condom,” he says like he couldn’t be more pissed at himself.
“It’s okay. I’m good.”
“Are you sure?” He dips his head, speaking against the side of my neck.
“I’m sure. Now, fuck me,” I plead, not at all ashamed by how desperate I am for him right now.
“Yes, ma’am.” Lifting his fingers to his lips, he sucks them at the same time he uses his knee to spread my legs further. While I’m lost in his reflection, he lines himself up at my entrance.
Our gaze meets in the window right as he enters me on one hard thrust. I cry out, pressing my palms to the glass in front of me to steady myself. He fills me so full that I swear I can feel him everywhere. He starts to move in long, deep thrusts. Watching the pure pleasure that contorts his face has me nearly coming undone.
Gripping my shoulder with one hand, the other pressed against my stomach holding me in place, Hudson pounds into me from behind. His pace quick and rough. I love it. I love that he knows he doesn’t need to be gentle with me. I love that he knows I want everything he can give me. And as my release starts building its way deep in my core, I love that he knows how to move to send me right over the edge.
I scream his na
me as I explode around him, Hudson’s grip on me tightening to keep me upright as my legs go weak.
“I’m going to come inside of you, Lennon,” he warns.
“Do it.” It’s a plea, the waves of my pleasure still coursing through me. My body aches to feel his release.
My chest is pressed to the glass, my lower body angled at my hips, giving Hudson the perfect angle to drive into me over and over. His hands hold with a bruising grip at my sides as he guides me up and down to match his thrusts.
I pull my head back just in time to watch him come apart behind me, my name a whisper on his lips as he does. I swear I’ve never felt more powerful than I do in this moment. Watching a man like Hudson come undone as he spills himself inside of me, knowing I did that to him, it’s a feeling I can’t describe.
“Fuck.” Hudson goes slack behind me, dropping his head against my shoulder as he tries to catch his breath.
“I guess I should have let you have your way with me on the beach.” I laugh, whimpering slightly when he pulls out, hating the loss of him.
“This was better. All the adventure without the sand.” He drops a kiss to the back of my neck before taking a step back.
He’s already sliding on his pants when I turn from the window, noting immediately that I will need to clean it before we leave. Otherwise Emma’s dad might want to know where two perfectly shaped breast smudges came from.
“Here.” Hudson snags my dress off the floor before holding it out to me.
“Where are my panties?” I look around the dark room. Even though the only light is from the moon, the room is completely empty so it should be relatively easy to spot them, and yet I can’t see them anywhere.
“Hmm. Guess they must have disappeared.” Hudson shrugs innocently.
“Whatever. You totally have them, don’t you?” I accuse.
He chuckles, sliding his shirt over his shoulders, not bothering to button it once it’s on.
“So are you going to tell me where the hell we are or should I expect to hear sirens soon?”
“You’re not going to hear sirens.” I adjust the straps on my dress. “This is the house Emma and I are working on,” I say, flipping on the light switch next to the door. “ Isn’t it beautiful?” I say, gesturing around the open area before Hudson’s eyes have a chance to adjust.
Tequila Haze (The Tequila Duet Book 1) Page 14