“I think for my first kid, I’d really love to adopt a baby. That’s what I’ve always pictured when I think about being a dad. But since that informational meeting the adoption agency had, I’ve been thinking more and more about the idea of eventually taking in older kids too. Maybe in a few years when I’m more confident as a parent, or if I’m married.”
I can’t help but smile at his answer. Hudson is going to be the best dad, the kind I wish I’d had growing up. “Whatever kids you end up helping will be really lucky to have you in their life.”
“Alright, guys,” his agent cuts in. “I’ll step out on the back deck, give you some privacy to walk through on your own and really imagine what it would be like for you two to live here.”
He leaves, and I turn to glare at Hudson. “Why do you keep letting him say things like that without correcting him?”
“Like what?” he asks, obviously distracted as he turns in the center of the kitchen, looking at different aspects of the room.
“Like we’re a couple who will be living here together!”
“Oh. Who cares what he thinks?”
Is he joking? “Hudson, he could tell the media he sold you a house to move in with a man and adopt a bunch of kids. You just said something about being married—oh my god! Did he think you were talking about marrying me? You need to go correct him. He could be out there telling someone right now! That was the whole reason you even moved in with me—to avoid scandal. Did we just make an even bigger one?”
Fuck, how did I manage to screw things up so royally? Is this it? Is this the end of our friendship? I knew it had an expiration date, but I’m not ready.
Hudson doesn’t seem to share my concern, smiling and chuckling to himself as he approaches me. He puts a hand on my shoulder. “Deep breaths, Charming. Everythingis fine.”
I lightly swat his perfectly sculpted chest, relieved by his touch, but still not as relaxed as he is. “Why aren’t you freaking out? He obviously thinks we’re together.”
He just shrugs. “I’ve known Jason for years, and I trust him. And he’ll make a lot of money selling me this house. He doesn’t need to run to the media.”
“You’re not even a little concerned that he thinks you’re with a man?”
“Nah, half the team has been giving me shit about living with you and asking when I’m going to come out and announce we’re dating.”
“They’ve been doing what?” I slap his chest harder, but he just laughs, not even pretending to be affected as he stands solidly in place. What the actual fuck? How is he not freaking out about that? “How have you not told me? Do you need me to say anything?”
“Well, maybe not half the team. It’s mostly Bell, but Anderson and Martin joined in when they overheard him last week.”
“Hudson! They need to be careful who they joke around in front of. God, not only would that be a pain in the ass to deal with at the end of your career when it’s not even true, but Beck has been dying to have the first openly out player on our team. I’d never hear the end of it if I was the cause of rumors that got his hopes up.”
Hudson finally drops his arm from my shoulder as he makes a humming sound, looking intrigued by my comment. I almost ask if he knows something I don’t about any of the other players, but that is so not my place to question if he does, so I try to focus and get back to why we’re really here.
“Okay, fine, if you’re not worried, I will try to follow your lead.” Even if I’m still internally freaking out about those comments. And only partially because I wish they were true. “So, what do you think of this place?” I ask.
“It’s even better in person.” His smile is as big as I’ve ever seen it.
“Hopefully they don’t have any hidden nanny cams in here because you weren't exactly subtle during the tour. If they heard a word of what you said about how much you loved it, any hope of negotiating is completely gone,” I tease. Touring the place less than twenty-four hours after they posted the listing also probably isn’t helping him come across as a casually interested buyer either. I’m sure he can afford the asking price, but still.
“I definitely think you could make it into a great home.” I nod as I wander the kitchen and dining area, looking around and confirming that the only thing with color in here right now is a decorative bowl full of apples. “Does it bother you that everything is pretty much white right now though?”
“Well, we’d want to change that, but I’m not in a rush to move out if you’re not. Everything online says that the adoption process can take a really long time, so I think as long as I own a house, I’d be good to start applying, right?”
Did he say we?He is killing me with how much he’s making it sound like I’d be living here too, so I take a deep breath and try to unpack everything he managed to fit in that comment. “First, I’ve already said you can stay with me as long as you’d like. That hasn’t changed.” Look at me sounding so casual even though I’m thrilled at the idea of him staying with me for months of renovations.
“Second, I have no idea when the ideal time to apply for adoption is, but I would agree that owning a home would probably make you a stronger candidate than someone crashing with their friend.” Okay, responsible supportive comments out of the way. Question time. “But back up, Hudson. Did you saywewould change? As in you and me? I thought I was just giving ideas today. If you do end up buying it, this would be your home to turn into whateveryou want.”
Hudson flashes me his biggest, most charismatic smile, managing to plead with his eyes before he even opens his mouth. “Come on, Charming, you know how much I love your design taste. The whole tour you were full of ideas for adding character and making everything more functional for kids. I know you’re really busy, but would you be able to help me turn this house into the dream home you were describing? Pretty please.”
Is he serious?
That’s kind of a lot of pressure. Not to mention how bittersweet it will be when I’ve been fantasizing about this exact scenario with the dream version of him that wants me romantically.
Although… working with his money instead of my much smaller budget would be really fun. And can I actually say no to him? “Well, I was just saying what I would do, but yeah, I can help you pick things that you would like.”
He walks over so he’s standing right in front of me again. “I liked every suggestion you said, and you know I’m obsessed with the way your place looks. If you make it anything like that, I know I’ll love it. But thinking about having to make every one of those decisions is kind of overwhelming.” Then he reaches out to hold my hand as he looks right into my eyes.What the fuck is happening.“I know I’m asking a lot of you, and I’ll obviously help if you want me to, but I’d love to not have to make every little decision. I trust you, Adrian.” He gives my hand a little squeeze, and I suddenly can’t remember how to breathe. “You’re the best at this stuff, Charming. Can you pretty please help me do it? I promise I’ll make it worth your time.”
