“Stop worrying.” She pulls me by the hand to our room. Turning the knob, she pushes the door open and gasps. Except I’m not looking into the room. I’m looking at Hudson who’s staring back at me.
I couldn’t help but notice how he flicked his gaze at my outfit. Then his eyes quickly moved up to mine. He smiles, still talking to several other men, who are also wearing suits. I don’t wait for him to approach, instead, I move into the room. Bonnie is oohing and aahing about the food and drinks on hand. Carl is busy praising the location of our seats. And me? Well, all I can do is fret about my clothes and wonder what Hudson is up to.
I don’t have to wait long, because Hudson finally enters our suite, pulling off his jacket as he comes. “I’m sorry I didn’t make it down to the sculpture. We got caught up in some negotiations.” He leans down and kisses me softly. “I’m glad you’re here.”
I can’t even think of a response. Or the kiss. Well, yes, I can. “I don’t understand. How did you get in without a ticket?” I mean, I know the guy is rich; he probably knows a bunch of people up here but still. We made a plan. Now, I’m confused.
“I was going to explain…”
Bonnie interrupts Hudson. “Thanks so much for the tickets, Hudson. This is amazing.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Let me introduce you to my man.” Bonnie smiles proudly up at Carl. “Carl Flaggler, this is Hudson Adler.” She giggles. “That rhymes.”
Hudson and Carl shake, saying stuff people always say when they first meet. I’m still waiting though.
“I’m starving.” Hudson tosses his jacket over a chair and makes a beeline for the huge buffet of food. It’s enough to feed twenty people, not merely four. Kind of a waste. Hudson fixes himself a plate and grabs a bottle of beer out of a metal cooler. Turning to me, he smiles. “You gonna eat, babe?”
And there’s that ‘babe’ again.
“Later. First, tell me what’s going on.”
“You two are missing the first pitch.” Carl says, facing the field.
“I’ll tell you later. Promise.”
“Mm-hmm.”
ChapterTwenty
HUDSON
I hopethis doesn’t end up biting me in the ass. I had every intention of meeting down at the sculpture. Hell, I even brought a change of clothes so she wouldn’t see me here in the capacity of owner. Well, part owner. Instead, here I am putting off the inevitable.
Not that she’ll mind. I’m sure she’ll merely shrug off the fact that it’s just another business I help run. At least I hope so.
After filling my plate with food that Willa ordered, I sit. Picking up my hot dog that I topped with ketchup, mustard, and relish, I bite down and moan.
So good.
I didn’t lie about how I feel about baseball. I adore everything about it from the hot dogs, beer, and pretzels to the players on the field. Whenever I’m at a game, I feel alive, happy. Hell, you could even refer to me as happy-go-lucky on the days I’m at the ballpark. Glancing over at Willa, I see she’s sitting with her arms crossed. I’d describe her appearance as rigid. And even though I haven’t known her for long, I’m positive it isn’t a good thing.
I’m going to have to explain.
Setting my uneaten food on the small table next to my chair, I then stand. Holding my hand out to her, I say, “Come with me.”
Without even a glance, she mutters, “Why?” She mumbles something else I can’t make out.
“So, I can explain.”
Now I get her eyes. She looks deeply into mine for a few seconds. Raising her hand, I take it and give her a little tug. Turning to Bonnie and her friend, I explain. “We’ll be right back.”
“Mm-hmm.” Bonnie waves us away.
Out in the main hallway, I walk toward the bank of elevators. Once inside, I scan a key fob and press the button for the fifth floor. Stepping off the elevator, we turn right until I’m in front of my office. It’s one I share with the rest of my partners. Taking my keys out of the pocket of my dress pants, I unlock the door and push it open and hold it for her to enter first. She steps through, making her way to the huge windows overlooking the field. It’s a similar view to the box, just a bit higher.
“Where are we?”
