Hudson

by Shayne McClendon

  What the fuck was he was going to do now?

  Chapter Five

  Two weeks later, Hudson left the building for work wearing his usual dark suit and power tie. Nothing from the top of his smoothed black hair to the tips of his thousand-dollar shoes was out of place. Appearance was important to him as a man. Even more so as a businessman.

  Henry held the door with a quiet, “Good morning, sir.”

  He inclined his head and stepped into a day that was noticeably cooler. From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Gabriella. She was buying a pretzel from a vendor down the block. Without a word to the driver who waited for him, he turned with his Burberry over his arm.

  He’d watched her often over the past week.

  At first, he thought she hadn’t taken the job. A few days ago, he asked Carlo casually what happened with her taking the position. The concierge told him she was training during the graveyard shift. Later that night, he asked where she was currently working.

  Within minutes, he walked down the hall to the open door of the temporary suite she was currently cleaning. Two voices came from inside.

  “Brie, they vomited all over the bathroom floor. I don’t understand these kids who come here on vacation and spend it wasted.”

  Peering around the door, Hudson saw Gabriella on her hands and knees. She backed from under the bed with a used condom in her gloved hand. “I know but they’ll probably grow out of it. If they don’t, think of the millions rehab facilities will make from their parents.”

  The other woman laughed. “Give me just a minute. How many fucking condoms have you found so far?”

  Brie tilted the trashcan and did a quick count. “I think that was fourteen but it might be fifteen. Impressive, actually. They were only here for two days.”

  She tilted her head and looked at the other woman. “The morning sickness is bad today, Pica. You’re positively green. Why don’t you do the next room and I’ll finish up in here?”

  “No way am I leaving you to this alone. It’s disgusting.”

  Stripping off her gloves and tossing them in the trash, Brie stood. “Don’t be silly. You’ll get two rooms done by the time I finish in here. That’s a huge help.”

  “You’re a horrible liar, Brie.”

  She laughed. “Maybe but no way am I having you add to that mess in there. I’ve got it.” Gripping her shoulders, she turned her toward the door. “Get some water and sit for five minutes.”

  “Does anyone ever tell you that you’re too nice?”

  “All the time but I don’t have a toddler at home, still working full-time while seven months pregnant. It’s easy to be nice. Seriously, you need to get off your feet for a few minutes.”

  “Once I have this baby and get back, I promise to make all this up to you.”

  “Damn right. You’ll get the next two-box condom room.” When the other woman left, she didn’t notice Hudson standing at the bend in the hall in the opposite direction of her cart. She entered a room several doors down and he glanced around the frame.

  Gabriella put in a Bluetooth headset and made a call. “Hey, Izzy.” She pulled on fresh gloves. “Well, since you asked…I’m about to scrub a bathroom splattered in puke. I know you’re jealous.” There was a long pause and Brie snickered.

  “I completely forgot about that tour. The wine tasting after an unfortunate lunch at that new diner in town. Food poisoning and alcohol…what a combination. Oh girl, you know I’m fine. Iron stomach. I just wanted to take a quick second to call and check in. How’s your ankle?”

  Hudson heard water running and the distinct smell of cleaning products.

  “Baby it. You keep hurting the same damn ankle. Maybe…dare I even suggest it…flats for a little while?” Another hearty laugh then, “I will not bite my tongue!” She returned to the cart for brushes and disposable towels. “I love you, too. I’ll buzz you tomorrow when I grab breakfast. Yeah, I am talking about food while I scrub vomit. Later, Izzy.”

  He stood in the hall for another ten minutes, listening to Brie clean with occasional murmurs of disgust. He made a mental note of the room number and headed upstairs.

  A quick detour the next morning and he called security to remotely unlock the door. Inside, there wasn’t the slightest trace of what the room had looked like a few hours ago. He took special care inspecting the bathroom.

  He made one more stop to see Eleanor in housekeeping.

  The elderly woman looked at him strangely when he specifically asked about Brie’s overall performance. “She’s real good. Dependable. The others like her. Why?”

  Hudson shook his head. “Under the circumstances, I wasn’t sure. I wanted to confirm I hadn’t caused you any problems.”

  “None. She works hard, has a good attitude, and is always willing to pick up extra hours if we need her. Naturally, she’s strongest in the business center. Eventually, we’ll move her there. She asked to work in each department so she can learn.”

  “Excellent. Glad she’s working out. Thank you, Eleanor.”

  “You’re welcome, sir.”

  Now he took his time observing Gabriella as he walked toward her. She was laughing with the vendor and once again, he couldn’t figure out why.

  She was relaxed around others; a skill he had never developed. As a boy, he’d hidden his inability to connect to other people behind silence. When he was grown, he used intimidation. It was one of the many reasons Natalia was his only friend.

  Laughter lit this woman up like a beacon.

  Brie’s hair was pulled snugly to her head. Judging from the size of the bun, there was a lot of it. She wore jeans and a loose top. It irritated him that she hid her curves. Heavy boots covered her feet and the backpack she carried everywhere was over her shoulder.

  “You’re kidding me? She already plays Brahms at seven? That is incredible. It makes me so happy that you’re encouraging her musical abilities. I was in band as a kid but never showed much interest or talent. I’d love to hear her play.”

  Hudson knew the moment she spotted him from the corner of her eye. He watched the blush spread over her face. She probably thought no one could see it under the rich golden hue of her skin.

  “Good morning, Mr. Winters.” Smiling at the vendor, she said, “I hope I see you again, Mr. Tabai. Have a wonderful day.”

  “You as well, miss.”

  She stepped back from the cart and seemed unsure what to do with herself.

  Gruffly, he asked, “Where are you going?”

  He hated that they’d gotten off to such a bad start and simultaneously didn’t know why he cared. This woman glowed with happiness until she saw him. Hudson knew he had that effect on many people but an unfamiliar part of him wanted her to see him differently.

  “I…I’m going to my apartment. Running a few errands.”

  “I’ll walk with you.” He watched for it and saw her blush again as they began to walk. He shortened his steps to her stride.

  “Alright. Are you going to work?”

  “Yes. Carlo mentioned you work in the building now.”

  “I do. I hope that doesn’t…I mean to say…I’m sorry about how I spoke to you.” Narrowing her eyes, she added, “Not for what I said but how I said it. I was extremely upset. I’m normally nicer.”

  With a sigh, she tore a small piece off her pretzel and popped it between her pillowy soft lips. He could picture himself sucking her full mouth while he fucked her.

  Man, you need serious help.

  When she licked a grain of salt off her lower lip, he was riveted to the movement.

  “Thank you for clarifying. I don’t know how you could be nicer. You appear to charm everyone in your path.”

  “Not even close. Obviously.” It was impossible to miss the sadness in her voice.

  He stopped and turned to her, looking down into a face that was both sweet and pretty. Her eyes went wide and he worked to gentle his expression.

  “Criminals have no interest in emotions other t
han how they can use them to fleece you. The more good and pure of intentions you are, the bigger the dollar signs they see. What happened doesn’t reflect on you in any way. Nor does it mean that you are unattractive.”

  Hudson started walking again and she fell into step next to him. “Thank you for that. I hope you aren’t uncomfortable with me working in the building. I don’t know anyone else in the city.”

  “Did you find an apartment?”

  He watched her face light up. “I did. You know, I lived in an apartment above my mom and dad’s garage. It wasn’t mine and I couldn’t put out a statue that featured nudity because my poor mother would be scandalized. Now, I can decorate to my tastes and no one will judge me. I like that.”

  Brie smiled to herself as she chewed small pieces of her pretzel.

  The simplicity of her thought processes fascinated him. She came from means but her outlook was almost innocent. He was unfamiliar with such a character trait but it was refreshing to meet someone who wasn’t jaded or cold.

  “There are original moldings, crystal doorknobs, wood floors, and the light…” She waxed poetic about built-in bookshelves and he listened with an internal smile. “The landlady is wonderful. She has that timeless look about her – she’ll still be stunning when she’s eighty. Do you know she found me furniture?” Brie gazed off into the park. “I’ll have to do something to thank her.”

  Shaking herself, she smiled up at him. “I talk a lot. I apologize. I’ve gone on and on. Bor-ing.” Looking around with a small wrinkle between her eyes. “What direction were you headed? I think my chatter distracted you.”

  He gestured to the Rolls pulling along the curb. “That’s my car. I wanted to take a few minutes to see how you were adjusting to the city. Allow me to drive you.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of taking you out of your way. Thank you though.”

  “I insist. You aren’t inconveniencing me.”

  “Well, alright. Thank you.” The driver held the door and she smiled before getting in. “Hello. I’m Brie. I’ll be hijacking your services for a little.” She gave him the address and Hudson was proud that Leonard didn’t so much as twitch at the familiar location. “Thank you in advance.”

  “You’re welcome, miss.”

  As she grinned and got in the car, Hudson watched his stuffy driver’s eyes widen. Hudson slid in beside her. She traced her fingers over the leather between them.

  “I’ve rambled about me. What do you do for a living?”

  “You never looked me up?”

  She shrugged. “I never even thought about it. Where I come from – a town with about three thousand people – everyone knows everyone. If you say you’re who you say you are, suspecting you’re lying to me isn’t my first response.”

  Looking out the window, she sighed. “Which made me the perfect mark, I realize.” The self-mocking laugh sounded wrong coming from her. “I can’t believe I never thought to Google you. If there were photos of you online, that would have blown his whole deal. You look nothing alike.”

  “What did my impersonator look like?”

  “A couple of inches shorter than you; in general, very much…um…smaller than you are, blonde hair, and blue eyes.” She tapped her cheek. “He had an interesting scar right here but he never told me where he got it.

  Hudson went very still and Gabriella noticed.

  “What’s wrong?” Her head tilted away from him slightly. “Oh my god…you know who it is. I…I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sorry.”

  “Why the devil are you sorry?”

  “You’re not very friendly. If you know who it is, that means it’s probably close to you in some way. Either through your family or your work.”

  This woman was very dangerous to his self-control.

  He schooled his features and gave her a small smile. “That description fits many people I know. It just crossed my mind that it would likely be someone I come into contact with regularly since I don’t make it a habit of leaving my identification lying around for someone to steal.”

  Brie looked out the window. “I did. Some days, I’m rather naïve.” She met his eyes and shrugged gently. “I still don’t want to be jaded. I don’t want to suspect everyone of foul play. I know it’s not very smart to be like me. Not in the real world.”

  Hudson stared at this woman with the fuckable lips and the perfect ass and realized she was a creature unlike anyone else he’d ever met before.

  She was decent and kind. Not because she had to be but because she wanted the world to be a place where good things happened. Where men didn’t pretend to love you while they stole all your money. Where men with money and power didn’t insult an employee just because they could.

  “I’m sorry about the day we met. For what I said to Henry.”

  She gave him a smile but it wasn’t a radiant one. “You’re a successful person and I guess it’s easy to forget people – even doormen – can be hurt by things you say. Thank you, Mr. Winters.”

  “Call me Hudson.” He took her hand and squeezed slightly. “I’ve been abrupt all my life. Most people would call me cold. I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t. I’ve always been this way. Everything is a competition to me and there is always an end game. I don’t know any other way to be. Kindness isn’t something that comes naturally to me.”

  Turning her hand, she squeezed back. “Then I hope you meet someone who can teach you how to be kind.” Gathering her backpack and checking for traffic, she opened the door and got out at the next light. “I’ll walk from here, Hudson. Thank you.”

  Brie closed the door and he watched her step up on the sidewalk. She shoved her hands in her jacket pockets and walked calmly down the street.

  “Sir? Shall I follow?”

  Hudson smiled. “Not this time, Leonard. Let’s get to the office.” With a last look at Gabriella’s rapidly disappearing ass, he took out his phone and started his day.

  Gabriella could not get away from Hudson Winters fast enough.

  She wasn’t sure what the hell was wrong with her but she knew he made her nervous on a primal level as a woman. As someone used to ruling his universe, he’d take and take as his due until a woman had nothing left to give. Being a person who gave generously would only further handicap her with a man like him.

  Not that he’d be looking for more than a casual fuck anyway.

  She needed to keep her head down and work on growing her life in New York. Wasting time contemplating a man way out of her league would just throw her off her plans.

  Brie focused on work and starting fresh.

  Over the next weeks, she finished training on the housekeeping tasks that fell to her and cross trained by request in other positions just in case someone called out. There was nothing worse than covering for an employee and not knowing what they hell they did from day to day.

  If she did happen to catch a glimpse of Hudson coming or going, she made herself scarce. Something about him fascinated her; something she didn’t like or need.

  While still on graveyard, she often ended her shift when a woman with jet-black hair exited the private elevator to Hudson’s penthouse. Carlo called her Miss Natalia. It was obvious she’d spent the night with him and the woman looked pleased with herself.

  She was pretty in a way that Brie could never be no matter how much she worked out. Tall, slender, and cosmopolitan.

  Once she switched to her new hours, her shift started before Natalia left and finished before Hudson returned from his office.

  As a result, months went by without seeing him or his lover. She concentrated on putting them out of her mind.

  Brie didn’t realize she was never far from either of the friends’ minds and few things could have surprised her more.

  Chapter Six

  Hudson stared through the window but saw nothing.

  The location – and the view – was rated one of ten best in Manhattan. He hadn’t been able to convince the owner to sell so he’d rented and refurbished
the top floors for his corporation. During the height of the recession, many of the other floors emptied as companies went under and he took over those floors as well.

  He was preparing to make the owner another offer.

  After all, if Winters Enterprises vacated, all that lovely rent money would disappear instantly. Hudson was well aware that the man was barely holding on to several of his properties. He’d spread himself too thin. The taxes and city codes were about to crush him.

  Many in the business world called him vicious when in reality he was an opportunist. He treated people fairly, if not exactly sociably.

  The chances that the owner would take the deal at this stage were high. His other properties were substantially mortgaged and the millions he’d clear from the sale would keep everything else in his life afloat.

  It was a win-win.

  The door to his office was open but there was no sound to distract him. The only employees on this floor were his assistant and the analysts.

  Lola was his first employee back in college. As a struggling single mother, she’d barely been surviving. He met her at the college bookstore trying to buy the books she needed to finish her last year of classes.

  A couple of years older than Hudson, Lola was broke, exhausted, and losing hope.

  He paid for her books and made her a job offer over coffee an hour later. He moved her into his building and set up a little office she used to run his business remotely.

  Camille fell in love with Lola and her little girl. His mother watched her during the day so the young mother could work and go to school.

  At first, they exchanged room and board for the duties she completed with grateful professionalism from day one. Nothing made him happier than the day he was able to give her a steady salary.

  When she received her degree a year before Hudson graduated, she chose to stay with him.

  Indispensable, she made more than the ten department vice presidents he employed. Only Natalia knew him better.