We’ve never actually hung out outside of my house before. I can’t deny that him wanting me here with his other friends makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, even if I’m trying my best to act like it’s not a big deal. I know we’ve spent a lot of time together since he moved in, and after everything he’s shared about his dad andhis dreams for the future, I would even consider us to be actual friends. But this feels like a big step in that friendship. It gives me hope that we might actually remain friends after he moves out. Maybe he truly does enjoy my company and doesn’t just hang out with me out of convenience.
As much as I wish he could offer me even more, I know he can’t. So remaining friends is the most I can hope for. I’m not ready to think about Hudson not being in my life, so being friends will be enough.
Drink in hand, I head to the roped off section in the back of the crowded bar where the team is.
“Adrian! What are you doing here? Is everything okay?” the team’s goalie, Mathew Anderson, asks when I almost walk past him.
“Am I not allowed to sit with the cool kids?” I tease.
“Of course you can! You know we love having you around. I just haven’t seen you out with us before.”
“Don’t worry, nothing is wrong. I just wanted to spend my night surrounded by hot athletic men, and I knew you all would be here.”
Anderson is one of the guys I’m comfortable joking around with, and he laughs easily at the comment. Whenever I meet a new player, I make it clear that if I ever make them uncomfortable with my teasing, all they have to do is ask, and I’ll stop. I think flirting is fun, and in my experience, teasing the players with over-the-top flirting they know isn’t real actually helps make them more comfortable around me. I’m no longer one of the suits upstairs if we have that casual relationship established, and I think they feel like they can come to me if they need something because of it.
“Smart. Look no farther. Hot, athletic man right here.” Matt gestures to himself.
I hum, giving him an appreciative once-over,then laugh. “Hudson actually invited me though. I didn’t randomly show up. Do you know where he is?”
He nods to the back corner. “He’s probably with Bell. They’ve been really close this season. I think he wants the captain position when Roy retires.”
“He’s a little young for the C, isn’t he?”
He shrugs. “Maybe alternate then. I just know they’ve been spending all their time together this season. Maybe he’ll convince Roy to play another year.”
“I doubt it.” I chuckle, feeling a little smug that it seems like I know more about Hudson’s future plans than some of his teammates.
“I’ve actually been meaning to talk to you. Do you remember that bakery you suggested for my mom’s birthday last year? I can’t remember the name, but she requested the same cake. Any chance you know it?”
“Oh my god, I love that place, they have the best triple fudge brownies. I’ll text you the info.”
“Hey! You made it,” Hudson cuts in, sounding far more excited to see me than I’d expect for someone who spent a good part of their day with me already. He walks right up, wrapping me in a big hug that completely surprises me and nearly has me spilling my drink. It’s a short embrace, though, and there’s no time to really appreciate it before he’s pulling back.
He glances at Mathew, giving him a quick nod, and instead of his usual happy expression, he seems… annoyed, maybe? Shit, I hope they aren’t fighting. That’s the last thing the team needs right now with how strong of a start they’ve had this season.
“Want to come join Ollie and me back there? I saved you a seat.”
I don’t want to get in the middle of whatever’s happening between them, so I easily agree. “Sure. Well, it was nice chatting with you, Matt.”
“You too. Don’t forget to text me!”
Then Hudson takes my hand in his, and I forget all about my concern for team dynamics. It fits so nicely there, his large calloused one wrapping perfectly around my smaller, well-manicured hand. For a moment, I allow myself to pretend that he’s actually holding it because he wants to, because he craves that connection to me and wants to visibly claim that we’re here together in a crowded space in front of all these people.
But I know that’s not what’s actually happening as he uses that connection to practically drag me back to his table as we weave through the crowded bar. “Slow down, Hudson, my legs are nowhere near as long as yours.”
“Right, sorry. Just eager to sit down.” He still sounds a little frustrated, so I do my very best to keep up and stay right behind him until we arrive at the small round table Oliver Bell is sitting at. I take the open seat between them as Hudson sits back down in front of his drink.
“So what are you texting Anderson about?” he asks once we’re settled.
“Oh, he forgot the name of the bakery I showed him last year.”
Hudson hums in response, but Oliver cuts in before he can say anything else.
“So, Adrian, tell me about living with our captain.”
I turn to face him, crossing my arms over my chest. “Hudson is an excellent roommate. But I have a bone to pick with you.”
“What the hell did I do?” He looks to Hudson for backup, but he only shrugs.
