Hudson

by Shayne McClendon

  “Ha! Good luck with that. Your arms will get tired way before you finish. Next time. We do not have time to fuck with my hair right now.” Grumbling, they settled for doing her makeup and a casual up-do she never would have accomplished on her own.

  It seemed that everyone arrived at the same time and the space quickly filled with talking, laughter, and music. The friends and family who arrived were very different from the people Brie knew growing up in her little town in Washington.

  Tawny’s mother and Riya’s father had been married for almost two years so the young women were actually stepsisters now.

  Maggie was pretty and loved to laugh. She asked Brie rapid-fire questions about where she grew up, her family, and her interests. The older woman’s acceptance of her daughters’ ménage relationships blew Brie’s mind. Even Riya’s dad seemed fine with everything.

  Tawny told her things hadn’t always been so peaceful but it was better now.

  “Something to remember, Brie. If family wants you in their life badly enough, they’ll accept you for who you are…not who they want you to be.”

  Archer was a nice man with a booming voice. “Riya told me how you ended up here. I’d be happy to look into things, speed the process along for you.”

  “Thank you, Mr. O’Connell. The investigation is ongoing but I try not to think about it too much. I have a new life and friends, a fabulous apartment, and a decent job. It will either get resolved or it won’t but it won’t affect my life from this point.”

  “Good attitude. If you change your mind, just let me know. Call me Archer. Mr. O’Connell makes me feel old and I’m convinced I’m still in my prime.”

  Food and alcohol flowed freely for hours and when the deejay put the holiday music on hold and started playing dance hits, the open space along the windows became an impromptu dance floor.

  Her first partner was Riya’s father though she tried to decline several times.

  “Maggie! Tell this lovely young woman I won’t step on her feet! It’s not natural for young people not to dance. I danced all the time when I was your age.”

  Maggie called, “You can trust him, Brie. Have fun, dear!”

  All the dancing she’d ever done in her life was with family. Mexican celebrations were filled with music and dancing. For a moment, she almost panicked at dancing around people not related to her.

  These are friends. They won’t judge me.

  “Mr., uh, Archer…I’ve never danced with anyone who wasn’t a relative.” His eyes lit up brightly and he walked over to tell Maggie.

  Tawny and Riya’s jaws dropped open.

  The older woman nudged their chins up with her fingertip. “You enjoy yourself among friends, Brie. Everyone needs to have fun. This is your youth! Dancing brings joy whether you’re good at it or not.”

  Without another word, Archer led her out. The man had to be in his sixties and he could move.

  Blushing brightly, she soon found the rhythm and began to relax.

  In the middle of the song, Micah tapped on Archer’s shoulder and cut in. She did her best to keep up with Riya’s husband.

  Over the music, he told her with a laugh, “Someone has been keeping her mad dance skills a secret. Don’t you know we always need partners? I’d say that is the only drawback to our lifestyle.”

  Brie shook her head with small smile. When the song changed, Max took her other hand and Micah’s place. After half an hour, she’d also danced with Zach and Quinn.

  Quinn bowed over her hand and returned her to Riya and Tawny. The only thing she could do was hug both of them.

  “Thank you for that. For helping me feel less awkward.”

  She was on the verge of tears and Tawny was determined to keep her mood up.

  “I am totally kicking your hermit ass, Brie.” She held up a glass of Patrón. “Don’t make me drink alone.” Brie took it gratefully. “When you’re ready, we go out. We dance, we drink, and we make Riya drink so we can record the chaos.”

  Laughter erased her almost tears.

  Chapter Eight

  For the next several hours, Gabriella alternately danced and mingled with the other guests. She was thrilled when she discovered a couple of Riya’s dissertation subjects were among them.

  Joshua was around her age and chose Beautiful Liar to pull her out on the dance floor. He held her close and she thought the man was ripped like no one she’d ever touched. They were chatting and dancing for a few minutes when his girlfriend Jessica joined them.

  By joined, the pixie blond stood behind Joshua and held Brie’s hands against Joshua’s ass…then ended up behind her with her hands on her hips. They kept talking as if nothing was strange about this at all.

  “We love the hell out of that woman. You know we work for Max and Micah’s companies, don’t you?” Brie shook her head slowly. “It’s great. We do what we can to provoke the M’s around Riya. They should never forget how awesome she is.”

  The couple nudged in closer. “Tell us about you, Brie,” Jessica said at her ear a moment before she nibbled her earlobe.

  Glancing at Riya, whose mouth hung open again, she gave a nervous laugh and let them do…whatever it was they were doing…and tried to sound coherent.

  When the song ended, they thanked her by taking turns kissing her on the mouth and giving her a card with their contact information on it.

  “Don’t be shy, Brie. I’d be so gentle if you let me take your girl-on-girl cherry. It would be our little secret.” They stroked their fingers down her arms. “You’re like silky caramel. I wouldn’t mind a little taste.” With a wink, Jessica led her man away.

  Riya and Tawny appeared at her side.

  “Just in case you’re offended, I’m sorry. I should have warned you about my darling Joshua and Jessica. They can, um, come on strong.”

  Brie stared at the retreating couple. “Offended? I’ve never been so flattered in my life.”

  The three of them started laughing and couldn’t stop. Brie made a show of putting their card in her cleavage. “If I ever get the courage.” That started a fresh round of laughter and they refilled their drinks.

  Tawny whispered, “Would you really consider taking on both of them?”

  “I’d feel so self-conscious, to be honest. They have like twelve-percent body fat.” She cupped her breasts. “With these I come in around forty percent. It isn’t a good forty.”

  “Oh, bullshit.”

  “I so wish I was kidding. I’m looking into a reduction.” She absently took her hair down.

  Riya had a little frown between her eyes. “Isn’t that dangerous?”

  “Not with the right doctor. I need to do some more research but…I hurt most days from the weight. It’s just too much.”

  Electric Slide blasted through the speakers and their eyes went wide. They moved to the middle of the room, drunk and barefoot.

  From the corner of her eye, she saw people join them. They watched Ricardo and his wife Malina bump and grind to the beat. Joshua and Jessica, not to be outdone, nudged the heat a little higher and the other guests started clapping along.

  She was covered in a light sheen of sweat by the time a second line dance song ended.

  Leaning heavily on Tawny, Riya said, “I wish you could have met Lucas and Victor. They can’t travel until summer with their businesses. You’ll get to meet Sean and his ladylove next week. Naturally, you’ll bring in the New Year with us.”

  A song began to play in Spanish. It was one of her favorites. Brie sang along, clapping at the right spots, and Riya joined in when she learned the chorus.

  Ricardo came over and Malina settled on the other couch. Gathering Brie’s hands, he tugged her up and danced with her to Lloralas as they sang the words. He complimented her in Spanish and twirled her back to sit.

  “I like this new friend of yours, Riya. You need more heat like Brie around you so you don’t forget, yeah?”

  Tawny seconded the motion.

  Riya laughed and a moment later
, Micah and Max collapsed beside her. Max raked his fingers through his damp hair. “Tawny, your mom kicks ass on the dance floor.”

  The friends grinned. A waiter came by with refills to their drinks and each of them took one. Tawny and Brie chuckled as the M’s exchanged a look.

  The redhead whispered, “I’m going up to get my phone…just in case. You know I live for the half dozen times a year I can get her wasted.” She stood and made her way across the room. As she approached the stairs, she was waylaid by her men and tugged into the den.

  Gabriella sipped her tequila and listened to Ricardo and Malina talk to Max and Micah with only part of her brain. Stretching her legs out and crossing her ankles, Brie sang along to the music with her eyes closed.

  When someone sat down beside her, she turned to find herself staring into Hudson’s black eyes. Nothing could have surprised her more.

  His voice shivered through her. “A Patrón woman. I’ll check my stock.”

  She had to laugh. “I only drink when I’m around people I know.” Carefully, she cleared her throat. “Merry Christmas, Hudson.”

  “Merry Christmas, Brie.” He placed a medium-sized gift box on her lap. “I’m invited every year and usually decline. This year, I figured you’d be here.”

  She tilted her head and he shrugged. “I’ve noticed that you avoid me.” He motioned to the box in her hands. “I didn’t forget what you said.”

  Brie opened the paper carefully then the box inside and exhaled slowly at the small but stunning statue inside. It was tastefully done in jade, a nude man and woman wrapped around one another in passion.

  “Hudson, it’s beautiful. Really beautiful. Thank you so much.”

  Holding it in one hand, she hugged him with the other. His arms slid around her and Brie thought Hudson’s hug might be one of the best she’d ever received.

  He whispered at her ear, “Stop avoiding me, Brie. I don’t bite…unless you ask. Should that happen, I can assure you I’ve had all my shots.” Then he nipped her earlobe lightly.

  Heat flooded her system instantly and she gasped softly.

  “Dance with me, Brie.”

  The first strains of Feeling Good began to play and he pulled her to her feet. She tugged at him. “One second.” He held her hand as she stepped into her heels then pulled her out on the floor and into his arms. She focused on his shoulder as he led her around the room.

  His fingers stroked her hair. “I’ve never seen it down. It’s lovely.”

  “Thank you.”

  “How have you been, Brie?”

  “I’ve been alright. Working and exploring the city mostly.” Glancing up at him, she tried to steady her heart rate. Everything about Hudson screamed dirty sex in a way she really wanted to hear. “I didn’t get you a gift.”

  He stared at her, his hands tightened, and he pulled her closer. “I could be cheesy and say dancing with you is my gift. I’m not that selfless nor do I have a cheesy cell in my body.”

  Unconsciously, she tugged her lower lip between her teeth and he smiled. It was the smile of a man who knew how powerful he was, how sexual he was, and reveled in the knowledge.

  “You’re afraid to ask me.”

  “I…I don’t…know what you’d say.” They were still dancing but she couldn’t think about anything but the man in front of her. Staring up at him, she watched how he watched her.

  Lifting one hand, he traced her lower lip with his thumb. “You have fantastic lips, Brie. Full and beautifully shaped.” His eyes flicked to hers and she saw his resolve. “I want to kiss them. Now.”

  She tried to stay calm but it was wasted effort.

  Pressing his body forward, she felt a wall behind her and realized he’d maneuvered them into the small alcove beside Riya’s kitchen. She hadn’t even noticed.

  Hudson moved his hand beneath her chin, tilted her face as he lowered, and she inhaled the smell of him. His scent was incredible. A combination of expensive cologne and a trace of something that reminded her of the forests back home.

  He kissed one corner of her mouth, then the other, before his tongue traced over her lower lip. He sipped at her mouth with tiny open-mouthed kisses that threw her entire body into heat.

  Needing air, her lips parted slightly, and his tongue darted inside for an instant before he planted more kisses on her lips and nuzzled her cheek. His breath on her ear was warm and she pressed against him.

  “I’m not polite or gentle. I’m trying but I want nothing more than to fuck you until you know nothing but my name.”

  A small moan slipped past her control and he growled at her. Nothing registered in her brain but the feel of him. He was big, hard, and warm and she wanted to have sex with this man more than she wanted her next breath.

  His cock nestled against her lower belly and she tried to feel more of him without seeming obvious. Rocking her hips, she felt his entire body stiffen.

  “You make me come like this and I will get payback out of your sweet ass, Brie.”

  Her sharp inhale could have been shock or excitement. Possibly a little bit of both. Hudson slid his hand along the back of her neck, lifted her mouth, and held her still for the sort of kiss she’d expected from him the first time.

  A kiss that conquered. A kiss that made her question every man who’d ever touched her sexually. Her other lovers had been a simmer while Hudson was full-throttle open flame.

  This was passion.

  One of her hands touched his face, the other slid beneath his jacket and around to his back. He kissed her until she felt drunker from him than the alcohol she’d consumed. His tongue coiled and played around hers while she learned how to return what he gave.

  Bending his knees, Hudson positioned his cock against the cradle of her body. He rocked into her firmly and she wanted him inside her.

  There would be no lovemaking in this man’s arms. He fucked. She wanted that experience and she wanted it with him.

  Right fucking now.

  The head of his cock raked across her clit through their clothes. His fingers held her ass hard, working her against his length. She was more involved in the sensations he provided than ever in her life and she was still dressed.

  Brie came apart in his arms.

  He kissed her as she trembled through the unexpected climax. Strong hands smoothed up and down her back and ass. He squeezed and held her tightly to his groin.

  “I want to fuck you so badly, Brie. To be buried inside you when you come for me again.” She whimpered and pressed herself against him. “You are hell on my control. Absolute hell.”

  He stroked her until she stopped shaking and leaned back to look at her.

  “I have to do things differently. I have to be different. The usual man I am isn’t good for you.” Delivering another kiss that returned her to a sensual haze, his fingers tightened on her ass again. Then he suddenly stepped back and let her go.

  She was instantly chilled.

  Unable to understand what happened, what changed the direction of where she’d thought this was headed; Brie stared at him in confusion.

  She murmured, “Alright.”

  Lightheaded and unsure of herself, the past few minutes took on a dreamlike quality and she shook her head to clear it. What did a man like this want from a woman like her?

  “What are you thinking, Brie?”

  “That I don’t know anything about anything.”

  She moved to pass him and he caught her hand. “I don’t want to just take from you. My entire life is about what I can get. I want something different with you.”

  “I don’t understand taking. I only understand giving. I guess that’s my problem. Merry Christmas, Hudson and thank you for the beautiful gift.”

  She tugged her hand from his and he released her with a frown.

  Plastering a smile on her face, she returned to the party and watched the others from the landing. An hour later, she changed out of her dress in Riya’s guestroom. Familiar with mountain winters, she pulled on l
eggings, jeans, two undershirts, and a sweater.

  Gathering her hair in a loose bun, she picked up her heavy coat and backpack. The small jade statue was tucked safely inside.

  Back downstairs, she hugged her way through everyone and Riya pulled her aside. Her friend wasn’t completely steady on her feet.

  “Stay here, Brie. It’s freezing outside and you’ve been drinking.”

  “I love the cold, I’m dressed warmly, and unlike you, lightweight, I can actually handle alcohol. I have less than the slightest buzz now.”

  “Are you sure? Why don’t you just stay?”

  Hands on her shoulders, she smiled brightly. “I have Mass in the morning. I promised my mom. You need to wake up Christmas morning without guests so you can give proper thanks for the gift of Micah and Max. You don’t understand right now because you’re drunk off your ass.”

  “Let me call Rodney to take you then.”

  “It is Christmas Eve and that woman he’s dating would hate you. I’ll have the guys call me a cab. It isn’t a problem, I promise. Merry Christmas, Riya. Thank you so much for including me.” They hugged tightly and Brie was genuinely thankful to have met these people.

  Tawny walked her to the elevator. “Something happened.”

  “You’re right. I got really tired and want my fantastic bed. Someone who shall remain nameless made sure I only got about six hours of sleep in the last two days.”

  She grinned but Tawny didn’t buy it. “Hmm.”

  “Merry Christmas and go soak up some more attention from your men. Despite your earlier appetizer, they’re looking at you like a steak.”

  Without an ounce of shame, she said, “You need to let us drop you off or I’m liable to fuck them in the car on the way home.”

  “Forget it! I’m not being accused of cock blocking. Thank you for everything. I mean it.”

  She hugged Tawny tight and stepped into the open elevator. The other woman watched her with a small frown, her arms crossed over her chest.

  The man who filled in for Carlo called her a cab and they spent a few minutes catching up while she waited.