by Baker, Tory
I get in the shower, immediately thinking about the woman that has had me rock-hard for months now. Jules doesn’t seem like a woman who needs a man. She’s on her own, tinkering inside her store, living in the upstairs apartment. Hell, she doesn’t even have employees to help her out.
She reminds me a lot of myself. She has a couple of close friends, but for the most part, she’s a loner. It’s only since I’ve been in Colorado that I’ve taken it this extreme.
I hop in the shower, letting the six rain shower heads pour water down on my body. The only thing missing is a certain blonde-haired beauty in here with me. We’d be working through my fantasies for a lifetime.
6
Jules
After Hudson left, I closed my store down and walked to Cora’s salon, Hair to Eternity. My hair is a nightmare and in serious need of a wash and trim.
“Hey, girl, how are you?” Cora says as I walk in. It’s close to time to everyone getting off work and heading home. There’s a lull in her shop that usually isn’t here.
“Hey, Cora, I’m good. Do you have time to do something with this mass of hair?” I ask her.
“Of course, but I’m not chopping your hair off. Not happening. I can do a wash and trim, though.” She knows how indecisive I am.
“That works. There’s probably paint in it.” I grimace. No one ever said I was a clean painter. Really, I’m probably the messiest there is when it comes to anything involving paint and crafting. Well, let’s just say I clean more than I craft.
“I’m used to it by now. Come sit down, and we’ll get started,” Cora says with a laugh. Her red hair is vibrant and glossy.
“Thanks, I was not looking forward to dealing with the rat’s nest that is my hair today,” I tell her as I sit down at the shampoo area.
“No problem at all. I heard you had lunch with Hudson. How did that go?” She’s got the water turned on, and the temperature is nice and hot just how I like it as she wets my hair.
“It was good. Different, but good just the same. It didn’t take long for the town to start talking, that’s for sure.”
Cora finishes washing my hair, drapes a towel over my head, and dries it as much as she can before saying, “That’s small-town life for you. They always have something to talk about.”
“That they do. He seemed shocked that I hung a light on my own. As if I haven’t done it before.” I act appalled.
“Well, he is kind of new to town. Who knows? Maybe Hudson will become your handyman around the shop.” She wiggles her eyebrows, and I bust out laughing.
It takes Cora a good hour to detangle all the knots in my hair and cut off two inches, opposed to her idea of only a trim. Then she starts blow drying it. “You don’t have to do that. I know it’s a pain in the ass,” I tell her.
“And have you walk out of my salon looking like a wet poodle? I don’t think so. Besides, you’re my last client of the day. After this, I’m going home, putting my feet up, watching some television, and maybe having a glass of wine.”
“That sounds like a perfect night to me.” Cora finishes my hair, and when she’s done, it’s laying in a thick, straight sheet down to my lower back, gleaming just like hers.
“Thank you. It looks amazing. I really need to take better care of my hair,” I tell her as I hug her.
“It’s really not that bad, just, you know, the paint and all.” She winks. I pay her, leaving her a hefty tip for her time. Plus, I made a huge profit today, and helping our local community out makes me happy. Once I’m done, I leave with a smile on my face and a plan to put into action.
7
Hudson
The next day comes and goes quickly. I make all the cuts for the table I’m working on, my mind never leaving Jules for longer than a few minutes. I itched to call her, even if it was for some stupid excuse. I didn’t last night or this morning, though, but come this evening, if she doesn’t reach out first, I may just have to make a second trip into town this week.
With that thought in mind, I finish up what I’m doing. I make quick work of showering, slip on some clean clothes, and head out the door to see Jules.
She’ll really be shocked when I step foot in her shop two days in a row.
Making the thirty-minute drive is easy, curving around Lake Aspyn until I meet the downtown area. Tourists seem to be milling around more than yesterday. For all I know, though, this could be normal, and I just never realized it. Always in my own world until Jules captured my attention.
It takes me a few minutes to find a parking spot, but as soon as I shut my truck down, I go right to Jules’ place.
Walking toward her store, I see there are a few customers inside. Beau is beside her, seeking attention from them. His tongue is lolling out, and his big ears make me smile.
“She’s a sweetheart, isn’t she?” I see her reflection in the window; her hair is red and curly. I have no idea who she really is, only that Jules has talked about her. But I hear she’s as free as a bird. I notice she has a stroller beside her, and inside is a pig. I have to cover up my laugh with a cough.
“That she is. You must be Ophelia?” I reply.
“Yep, nice to meet you, Hudson.” She holds her hand out, and we shake.
“Likewise,” I respond and head toward the door to open it for her.
“I guess we should go inside. Bogo and Beau have a playdate today.” Ophelia nods, proud as a peacock.
She walks in ahead of me, but I see the moment Jules clocks me. A small smile plays on her lips, though it lights up her whole face.
Fuck, if everyone wasn’t walking around inside her store, I’d march right up to her, pick her curvy body up, wrap her legs around me, and kiss her with everything I’m worth.
8
Jules
I’m in complete and utter shock. I didn’t expect to see Hudson. In fact, I was going to text him tonight to see if the next time he was in town, he’d help me hang a few lights. Sure, I could do it on my own. When Hudson pretty much growled at me, demanding I ask for help, there wasn’t any other thought to do it on my own from now on.
Plus, I could watch the muscles in his arms as he hung up the antique chandelier, and maybe I’d even get another glimpse of his firm ass as he stepped up the ladder.
Today, he’s in another pair of faded denim jeans, worn-in boots, and a white t-shirt that molds to his arms and chest.
Our eyes are locked. My tongue skates across my lower lip, and I see the heat smoldering in his own.
“Whew, I can feel the electricity off of the two of you from a mile away!” Ophelia exclaims while taking her pet pig, Bogo, out of his stroller. I set up a play area for the two of them.
“Oh, it’s something. That’s for sure.” I reluctantly turn my back on Hudson, but not before giving him the signal for one minute, wanting to get Beau and Bogo set up. Ophelia has a few errands to run, and I told her they could play while she did them. Afterward, we’re supposed to grab a bite to eat and catch up.
“You need to explore that.” Ophelia winks.
“I think I’m going to and soon,” I reply back. I see how the two of our pets play together, and there is something to be said for a pig acting like a dog. It has me cracking up laughing.
“Those two are something else. Are you sure you don’t mind watching Bogo? I promise he’s a good boy.” Ophelia bends down to pet him. Bogo is dressed in a bright pink tutu today. It fits Ophelia’s personality perfectly. Ophelia is always dressing her in the craziest outfits she can find.
“Definitely. They love hanging out with each other, and I may actually get more work done while Beau is occupied.
“Is that what we’re going to call it?” Ophie may be new to town, but she fits right in.
“That’s what I’m going to call it,” I smart back.
“Well, in that case, I’m out of here. Plus, your man isn’t waiting for you. He’s walking this way now. Bogo, be good for Jules and have fun with Beau.” She pets them both, turns on her heel, and leaves
the shop.
“She’s right, you know?” Hudson comes up beside me. His hand lifts and Hudson runs his fingers through my hair. I’m glad, now more than ever, that I stopped at Cora’s yesterday.
“Right about what?” I play dumb.
“I couldn’t wait another week to see you. Prayed like hell you’d use my number before I called you looking like a teenage boy seeking you out so fast, but I couldn’t stop myself.” Hudson’s voice is just over a whisper.
“I was actually going to call you today. A new shipment came in, and I know I won’t be able to hang this light fixture on my own,” I respond.
“You cut your hair? Show me where it is, and I’ll get it hung.” Hudson’s hands move to the end of my hair, lightly pulling on it, and making my whole body quiver.
“How did you know?” I question.
“I can see the difference. It used to reach beyond the dip in your back, but now it’s right at it,” Hudson almost groans out. His noticing something so small, it really settles into my mind that he’s the one seeking me out.
“Oh,” I breathe. His hand lands on my hip, squeezing it, and then lets go.
9
Hudson
Jules shows me the chandelier she needs help with. Customers come and go while I work on top of the ladder I bought her yesterday.
I flex my muscles every time I feel her eyes on me. Every time a customer leaves, her sole focus is on me and what I’m doing. Not like I can’t do the same myself. Today, she’s wearing a pair of jeans with more holes than material, cuffed at the ankle, and a tank top that shows off the curves of her body. The moss green of her shirt seems to highlight the tone of her skin.
I have to shake my head of the thoughts I have running through my head and get back to work. I wire it in then attach the hooks before placing the tools I needed back in my tool belt and stepping down and off the ladder.
“Oh my gosh, it’s so beautiful. The box it came in really did not do it justice.” I can hear the awe in Jules’ voice.
“It does look good.” My eyes never waver from hers. I see the look in her eyes. It makes me want to grab her by all of that hair hanging loosely down her back, dig my hands into it, and bring her toward my mouth.
“Thank you, Hudson.” She does the thing I least expect. She comes in toward me, and her arms wrap around my waist, hugging me. Except, that mouth is turned up at me, and she’s staring right at my lips. I give in to her, something I know I’ll do forever.
Her lips are pillowy soft against mine. I delve my hands into her hair, not giving a shit if it gets tangled. Thoughts of me taking care of her in every way come into mind—cooking her dinner after she’s worked all day, helping her wash away any worries she may have, and most of all, having her in my arms forever.
Her soft moan has me going all in. I want her taste on my tongue. I deepen our kiss, going for broke. It’s slow and sweet how our tongues do a tango together. A give and take. I give her what I know she needs and wants, and she takes everything I have to offer. Fuck, the way she’s moving her body into me, I know she’ll come apart for me once I have my hands all over her body.
I can taste the cinnamon still lingering from the gum she was chewing earlier.
“Jules,” I groan, nipping her lips one last time before breaking apart. I don’t want to, but I know she has a business to run.
She faceplants into my chest, and I hold her there as she settles down and is ready to look me in the eye. When she looks up at me, her cheeks are tinted pink, and a shy smile is placed on her face.
The song that comes on has me rolling my eyes, another eighties song, this one “Beat It” by Michael Jackson. I grunt out my distaste for her music.
“What?” she questions.
“Your taste in music, it has me scratching my head,” I respond.
“Too bad, I happen to love it.” She shrugs her shoulder at me. Something tells me, if I get to have a future with Jules, her music will come right along with her.
“Go on a date with me,” I demand.
“I think the correct way to ask me would be, ‘Hey, Jules, would you like to go on a date with me?’” she replies with so much sass. Her hand is now placed on her hip, and she took a step back from me. That’s something I can’t handle. I come up to her, both of us dancing; one of us to get away in a joking manner, me going after her in every way imaginable.
“You know you’ll say yes, either way,” I grunt once I have my hands back on her hips. Her body is backed into an old piece of furniture taller than both of us.
“Fine, I’ll say yes. But you’ll have to pick me up at my place like a gentleman would.”
“Considering I was going to do that anyway, you have yourself a date. I’ll be here tomorrow at seven o’clock.” I kiss her lips, but it’s not what I really want. I want her tongue teasing mine, but this will have to do for now.
“Okay, I’ll be ready. Thank you, Hudson.” Her eyes have a dazed look about them.
“Fuck, gorgeous. You’re making it hard to act like a gentleman and leave you,” I respond.
“Yeah, I guess we should part ways,” she agrees.
“I’ll call you tonight, Jules. I promise you that.” Leaving her is hard, but if I don’t, we’ll both end up naked and on display for the whole town of Thickwood to see.
10
Jules
When Ophelia came back from her errands, I let her know everything that happened in those short few hours. She fanned herself and told me, “I told you so. What are you wearing tomorrow night?” With that, she picked up Bogo, and I grabbed Beau, and we walked up the stairs that lead to my apartment above the shop.
She helped me pick out the perfect outfit, hugged me, and then left.
Now, it’s the night of our date. Nothing is going my way. My hair is falling flat, not holding even a hint of the wave that it usually always has. The clothes Ophie helped me pick out just aren’t working for my mood today, not to mention, when I went to put on mascara, I jabbed my damn eye, so it’s now red and irritated.
“Oh, Beau, what am I going to do now?” I ask my dog that can’t answer, but he crooks his head to the side and smiles.
“Yeah, I know. I need to get up, wash my face, and deal with what I’ve got.” I pick myself up off the chair I have in my bedroom.
After washing my face, I reapply the mascara with a careful hand, glide on some Chapstick, then go into my closet and settle on some army green leggings, a long-sleeved cream shirt, and brown suede booties.
When I have everything on and put together, I take a spin around in front of my mirror and smile.
“Not too bad, right, Beau?” He yips, and I know that’s as good as I’ll get from him.
I find my canvas crossbody purse, transferring everything I’ll need tonight. Beau nudges my hand while I’m putting my things in there. Poor boy thinks he’s coming. “Sorry, baby, it’s just Hudson and me tonight.”
He barks again, this time his ears perking up, jumps off the bed, and waddles his cute little potbellied self to the front door. I hear the knocking in between Beau’s barking.
“Shhh, you know who that is,” I soothe him but look to be sure. Once I see it’s Hudson, I unlock the door and take him in. He’s wearing jeans, this pair much nicer, and his boots aren’t scuffed up. My gaze travels the length of his body until I reach his chest. The pullover he’s wearing is molded perfectly to his chest, his hair that’s usually flowing freely is in a bun, and he has a smirk on his face. He totally caught me taking in the full package that is Hudson Walker.
“Hello, Jules.” Hudson’s voice is deep and raspy, and it makes me melt for him. I want to hear him moaning my name as he comes deep inside me.
“Hey,” I all but moan. His hand finds my hair, which seems to be his thing now, and he gives me a chaste kiss. I’m almost disappointed until he bends down when he’s done with our kiss to give Beau a scratch behind his ear.
“Ready?” Hudson asks as he stands again.
�
��I sure am. Let me give Beau a treat, and we can be on our way.” I turn around, heading to where I keep Beau’s treat container on the counter when I hear Hudson let out a groan.
I whip my head around, and this time, it’s my turn to see him taking in every inch of my body. Tonight is going to be amazing; I can feel it.
11
Hudson
I’ve never done this. The palms of my hands are sweaty, so I rub them on my jeans before I place my hand on the dip of her lower back. Dating was never on my mind back in New York. It was a shit show of epic proportions, the way women would throw themselves at me. It’s what made me become the recluse I am today—well, until I met Jules.
She’s made me reevaluate my way of thinking when it comes to women. She’s pure as the fresh air surrounding these mountains.
“Where are we going?” Jules asks as I lead her to my truck. After leaving her shop earlier, I went home and cleaned it out; it was full of dust, wood shavings, and mud from the driveway leading to my house.
“I figure we’ll go back to my place and cook dinner. Is that okay?”
“Yeah, if we’re not going anywhere, though, do you mind if I bring Beau? I promise he won’t get into anything,” she asks, and I already know anytime she asks for something, the answer will always be yes.
“Yeah, gorgeous. I’ll wait here while you get Beau.” I kiss her softly on her forehead, then she turns around and runs upstairs, picks up the pup, holding him in her hands so he doesn’t have to navigate the steps.
He yips as he sees me. “Let’s go, boy. You want to go explore some grass?” He wags his tail in contentment.