Hudson placed the ornament on the tree.
Remember, we agreed to go to AJ’s for dinner.
“Shit,” Teague grumbled, but the tone didn’t match the humor dancing in his eyes. “Is the pregnant girl gonna be there?”
Hudson grinned. Yes, Milly will be there.
Since the day Milly had informed Hudson’s brother, AJ, that she was pregnant—an accident that had taken place on the cruise back in May—the two of them had been spending quite a bit of time together. Now that she was six months along, he wasn’t sure which one was freaking out more. They were getting quite antsy. Neither of them seemed to know what was going on. If Hudson didn’t know better, he’d say they were both clueless over how this was going to work out. However, they would probably figure it out right quick once the baby was born.
Cam and Gannon will be there.
Teague frowned. “Seriously?”
Hudson nodded.
“Great.”
It was no secret that, at one point, Teague had had a hard time when it came to big gatherings. Hudson knew he didn’t enjoy getting that close to people, but he was getting better. He figured now wasn’t the time to inform Teague that they were planning a huge Christmas dinner with everyone. Cam and Gannon, Cam’s dad, Dare and Noah, Dare’s grandmother, Roan, as well as Milly and AJ. It was going to be interesting, to say the least. The plan had come together one day when Teague had been out and Hudson asked if they could keep it on the down low until he had the chance to talk to Teague about it. If Teague refused to go, Hudson wasn’t going to force him or try to guilt trip him, either.
“You hungry?” Teague asked, obviously trying to change the subject.
Hudson nodded.
“I’ll make breakfast while you”—Teague waved his hand toward the tree—“do whatever it is you’re doin’ to that thing. Cheerios or Cap’n Crunch?”
Eggs and bacon.
Teague looked at him as though he’d lost his mind.
Hudson waited patiently.
“Fine. Two eggs?”
He offered another nod, keeping his eyes trained on Teague as he sauntered out of the apartment and across the hall. When Teague was out of sight, Hudson turned toward the tree once more.
He knew Teague was putting on a good show. They’d talked at length about their pasts. About how Teague’s mother had committed suicide when he was a very small boy, about how he’d grown up in one foster home after another, never getting attached. Hudson had grown up with his mother and his brother, AJ. Their mother had succumbed to depression and taken her own life when Hudson was a teenager, and by then, AJ had been old enough to ensure Hudson wasn’t pulled into the system. Needless to say, they had a lot in common, but significant differences as well.
Hudson wanted nothing more than to create his own family traditions with Teague. He wanted to show the man he loved that the things he spent his life running from were no longer a threat to him. Hudson was there to catch him if he fell and vice versa.
And this Christmas was the first of many to come for the two of them.
Yeah. It was safe to say there were no gifts necessary this year. Hudson had every damn thing he could ever want. But that didn’t mean they wouldn’t be exchanged.
No way was Hudson spending his first Christmas with Teague and not trying to give him everything he wanted.
And then some.
Chapter Five
“LET ME SEE,” Milly insisted, her voice low.
Teague peered around the room to ensure Hudson wasn’t hiding in some dark corner watching him right that very moment. When he realized the coast was clear, he pulled the jewelry box out of his pocket and flipped it open.
Milly drew in a deep breath, her eyes turning glassy when she looked up at him.
“Oh, Teague. You did good. They’re … perfect.”
Yeah, he had to admit, he’d done pretty well in picking them out. The matching black stainless bands weren’t anything fancy, but considering neither of them ever wore jewelry of any type, Teague figured they were perfect for them.
Milly pulled them out of the box and stared at them, twisting and turning as she read the inscription on the inside of each: Forever and a day. Teague would admit he wasn’t the most poetic, but he’d wanted something. So, he’d gone with that.
He frowned when he realized Milly was crying.
Laughing, she waved him off, tucking the rings back where they belonged. “Pregnancy hormones. This morning, I cried because I missed one washcloth when I started a load of laundry. You’da thought it was the end of the world.”
Teague chuckled.
“Seriously, though, I love them. Hudson’s one lucky guy.”
Teague knew it was the reverse, but he didn’t bother to tell Milly that.
“When are you gonna propose?” she whispered, her eyes scanning their surroundings.
“Christmas morning,” he told her. “That day seems to mean something to him, and this way, it’ll mean something to both of us.”
Milly was studying his face, her smile gentle. “I’m happy for both of you, Teague. And I’m grateful to have you both in my life.”
Sentimental Milly was relatively new. The woman was usually witty and sarcastic, but the pregnancy was bringing out a softer side to her. Oh, sure, she still had a crazy comeback for everything, but this side of her seemed to be dominating these days.
Not knowing what to say, he mumbled, “Ditto.”
Teague tucked the box back into his pocket when AJ and Hudson appeared in the kitchen. AJ moved directly to Milly’s side, watching her closely.
“You okay?”
She nodded, beaming up at him.
Teague was fascinated by the pair. He wasn’t even sure why that was. When he first learned that they were pregnant, Teague had wondered what that would mean for them. They seemed to be working things out. He wasn’t quite sure the status of their relationship, but it was obvious they were both in support of the baby. Personally, he wasn’t fond of surprises, so he couldn’t imagine what they were going through.
“Anyone ready for dessert?”
Teague cast a glance at Hudson, grinning sheepishly. He doubted AJ was referring to what he had in mind, but he definitely wasn’t above planting that little seed in Hudson’s brain.
The look he got back was exactly what he’d expected. Hudson didn’t take kindly to being teased. Not that Teague would stop anytime soon. If the man continued to insist Teague be a part of these little get-togethers, he was going to insist on getting something out of the deal.
Hudson moved to stand behind him, his hand resting on Teague’s hip. He liked that the man didn’t shy away from him in public. It wasn’t that Teague wanted to be the center of attention—which tended to happen when a couple of the same sex was intimate in public—but he would rather deal with that as long as it meant Hudson remained close.
“I’m always up for dessert,” Milly said, smiling at Teague. When Hudson and AJ turned away, she mouthed, “You did good,” then disappeared.
Funny, now that he had the rings, Teague was eager to pop the question. Waiting until Christmas was going to be a serious test of his patience. Twelve days was a long time.
He didn’t think too hard on the fact that his patience had never been all that strong to begin with.
HUDSON COULDN’T WAIT to get Teague home. The kid knew exactly what to do to get under Hudson’s skin. A slight brush against him here, a wicked, needy look there... Hudson was ready to drag the man to the bathroom and fuck him senseless just for being so damn sexy.
And he would have if getting him home and making him fly apart in a million different directions wasn’t more important. Oh, and of course, he needed a little privacy to make that happen.
“You’ve got that look in your eye, big guy,” Teague said with a knowing smirk. “I’m gettin’ lucky tonight, aren’t I?”
Hudson narrowed his eyes and then pointed toward the door.
“Headin’ out?” AJ inquired a
s he joined them in the living room.
“Looks like it,” Teague answered. “You know me, I’m all for hangin’ out with friends for the rest of the night, but Hudson’s a bit of a recluse. Likes his privacy. Looks like I need to get him home.”
Everyone laughed, as Teague obviously meant them to.
“Well, thanks for coming,” AJ told them both. “Christmas is less than two weeks away. We’ll see you then, right?”
“With bells on,” Teague noted with a hint of sarcasm.
Hudson inwardly grinned. Three months ago, Teague would’ve been waiting by the front door, not talking to anyone. At least now he added his brilliant sarcasm to the mix.
Hudson signed: We will be there. What do you need us to bring?
“Whatever you want,” AJ said. “We’re supplying the turkey and all the fixings. If your boy here makes a mean pecan pie, he’s welcome to bring it.”
“Pecan pie,” Teague muttered, staring at the ground.
Hudson wrapped his arm around Teague and pulled him into him, nodding at AJ as he did. Before anyone could detain them longer, Hudson led Teague out the door and over to the truck.
Fifteen minutes later, they were pulling into the parking lot of the marina. Surprisingly, Teague didn’t bolt from the truck. He was rather civil, getting out slowly, opening the door for Charger. That was a new development for Teague as well. Previously after spending the evening with their friends, the man would run for peace and quiet as soon as the opportunity presented itself.
Teague really was a different man than he’d been months ago.
Hudson led the way up the stairs, then unlocked the door and stepped back so they could go inside. He allowed Teague to make it ten feet before he was on him, pushing him against the wall, pressing up against his back. The man groaned, a delicious sound that told Hudson he was all for playing this game right now.
“It’s good, Charger,” Teague whispered when the dog turned around to stare at them. “So fucking good. Go lie down.”
Charger turned and wandered into the living room, probably to find his spot on the couch. Hudson nipped Teague’s ear, running both hands around to his chest, clutching his shirt as he lowered his head and kissed Teague’s ear. Unable to resist kissing him, Hudson freed one of his hands and gripped Teague’s hair, pulling his head back so he’d have access to Teague’s mouth.
Another moan from Teague. “God, yes. Do you even know how much I need this? You dominating me?”
Hudson kissed him again, loving that Teague was open when it came to how he felt.
“I fucking crave it, Hudson.”
Hudson yanked at the button on Teague’s jeans, continuing to press his chest against Teague’s back, pushing him into the wall. He wasn’t gentle when he freed Teague’s cock, gripping it tightly, stroking him roughly while Teague jerked his hips and fucked Hudson’s hand.
“Harder,” Teague pleaded.
Hudson tightened his grip, grinding his cock against Teague’s ass. He wanted to take him right here in the hallway. Unfortunately, he hadn’t thought it all the way through, and the lube was in the bedroom.
“Pocket,” Teague groaned. “Check my pocket.”
Hudson released Teague’s cock and reached for Teague’s pocket.
“No! The other one.”
Pulling back slowly, he changed hands and shoved his hand in Teague’s other pocket, coming out with a small packet of lube. He should’ve known.
Without hesitation, he shoved Teague’s jeans down to his knees, then freed himself. Within a minute, he had his dick lubed and was pushing into Teague from behind.
Teague slammed his palms against the wall, thrusting his hips back against Hudson.
“Fuck me… Oh, God, yes, Hudson. Love this.”
They both did. There were times Hudson thought he would fucking explode for wanting this man. His body could hardly contain the ridiculous urges the kid instilled in him. He’d long ago stopped worrying that he would hurt Teague. They both wanted it, needed it. Craved it.
Hudson dug his fingers into Teague’s hips, jerking him back as he slammed into him over and over, taking what he wanted from the man.
“Don’t stop…” Teague’s warning was given on a shaky breath.
Hudson didn’t stop. He continued to thrust his hips forward, back, forward, back. He drove as deep into Teague’s ass as he could. Leaning forward, he nipped Teague’s neck, sucking his skin into his mouth, savoring the taste of him, spurred on by Teague’s cries of pleasure.
He didn’t know how long they were there, how many minutes had passed before his release surged upon him. Needing Teague to come first, Hudson reached around and grabbed Teague’s swollen cock, jerking him roughly, making him beg for more.
Hudson refused to come until Teague did, but he was dangerously close.
“Aww … fuck yes… Come for me, Hudson. Right. Fucking. Now.”
Sensory overload made him see spots as he slammed into Teague one final time, coming hard as Teague’s dick jerked and pulsed in his hand.
And then it was over. He could hardly hold himself up. Teague took his weight as Hudson leaned into him, kissing Teague’s neck, trying to get his heart to stop slamming against his ribs.
When they were both steady on their feet, Hudson withdrew, then turned toward the bedroom, taking Teague’s hand and dragging him with him.
“That right there…” Teague said from behind him. “That’s what I want for Christmas. All day.”
Hudson grinned.
The kid was going to be the death of him.
Chapter Six
Thursday, December 22nd
“I CAN’T WAIT any longer, Charger,” Teague mumbled as he paced the hallway between the two apartments.
Hudson was at the repair shop taking care of something, and Teague was going out of his mind. His patience had long ago run thin, and he knew he was going to break any minute now.
“I’m ready,” he told the dog. “I need to get this over with.”
Charger sat near the door, staring back at him. The little guy probably thought Teague was talking about going outside.
Nope.
In fact, he was tempted to head right down to the shop and drop on one knee and get this whole proposal thing over with. He was becoming a nervous wreck.
“I’m not good at this shit,” he continued, pivoting on his heel and heading back the way he’d come. “What if Hudson doesn’t want to get married? What if he says no? Or worse … what if he laughs at me?”
Teague knew his insecurities were getting the best of him, but he couldn’t help it. Ever since he’d picked up the rings, they’d been on his mind. He wanted to get this over with before he lost his nerve. But he wanted it to be special for Hudson. He didn’t want to blow the whole damn thing. Although, knowing him, he would anyway.
Teague’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He jolted to a stop and pulled it out.
Come down to the repair shop.
He smiled at himself. The cocky man had no problems telling him what to do.
Can’t.
Smiling, he resumed his pacing, waiting for Hudson to respond.
I wasn’t asking.
No, he wasn’t. And the demand was sexy as fuck, making Teague’s dick jerk to attention. But even the thought of sex in the middle of the afternoon wasn’t enough to calm his nerves.
Teague responded with: Maybe you should try asking sometime. Might get you somewhere.
He knew Hudson would only tolerate so much before he showed up at the apartment and took whatever it was he wanted. Teague happened to love that shit. The fact that his man couldn’t seem to keep his hands off him … complete and total turn-on.
Sometimes it was still hard for Teague to believe that Hudson was his. After all the shit he’d been through in his life, for things to go from bleak to bright seemed crazy. Yet here he was, living a life he’d never imagined, feeling things he’d never thought possible.
One more time. Come down to the shop.<
br />
Teague smiled as he read the text. Looked as though he wasn’t going to get out of this one.
Fine.
With a huff, Teague tucked his phone in his pocket, put the rings back where he’d had them stashed in the apartment, then headed outside with Charger in tow. Ten minutes later, after Charger sniffed around for a while, Teague wandered into the boat shop. The bay door was closed, so he went to the other door and let himself in. He found Hudson standing there, arms crossed over his massive chest, eyes locked on him.
Hudson’s hands fell and he signed for Teague to lock the door.
“Still not hearing please,” he muttered aloud, locking the door behind him.
As usual, Charger made a beeline for the bed they had in the shop.
Hudson crooked his finger, urging Teague to come to him.
Teague wanted to resist. It was what he did. Only he knew it never worked. No matter how hard he tried, he always gave in to Hudson. It was what he lived for.
He walked slowly, sliding his hand over the toolbox as he moved closer, never taking his eyes off the big guy. Hudson shifted, leaning his ass against one of the lower toolboxes as Teague approached. When he was within reach, Teague found himself being jerked forward, crashing into Hudson.
It was then that Hudson kissed him.
He fought the urge to sigh with contentment, but he gave in nonetheless. No way could he resist kissing this man. For the longest time, that was the only thing Hudson did. With the smell of oil permeating the air, Teague let himself get caught up in Hudson’s arms, holding on to him for dear life.
Yeah. This was the life he lived. And he was starting to realize it wasn’t too good to be true.
ALTHOUGH THERE WAS the possibility that the act of simply kissing this man could turn into something wicked in an instant, that hadn’t been Hudson’s reason for summoning Teague down here.
Hudson had merely wanted to see him. To kiss him. To touch him.
He wasn’t sure why he always had the urge to be around him, but he did. Always. When they were apart, Hudson felt as though part of himself was missing, and he loved spending time with Teague. Watching television, having dinner, sitting on the dock. Those were the times he enjoyed most.
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