Ayla snuggled under the covers, and I hugged and kissed her. When Hudson moved to leave, Ayla lifted her arms. "Hug?"
I saw the moment when he realized that he couldn't resist her. He leaned over and hugged her, and my heart beat harder at the sight. What if Hudson could be ours?
It was inconceivable just last week. But now that he was here, I could see him in our future. My present was reorganizing itself with Hudson playing a role in our day-to-day. I loved the way that he made me feel. Like I could rely on someone. ThatI could love and be loved. I'd almost given up hope on finding something like that for myself.
I hoped I wasn't being naive. That he wouldn't get tired of dating a single mom. The fact that our time alone would be limited, or Ayla would be sick or have activities.
Only time would tell. But I'd never know if I didn't take a risk.
I said goodnight and turned off the light. I closed the door and walked downstairs with Hudson. "Did you want to stay for a bit?"
"Yeah, I'd like that."
I sat with him on the couch, unsure what to do. "I haven't been on a date in a while. And it's probably been longer since I had someone at my place."
He sat with his knees spread, his thigh resting against mine. "I could say the same. This is different for me."
"Because I have a kid."
"That and I really like you. This isn't some fling for me. I'm hoping that you're willing to take a chance on me."
I let out a breath. "I want to."
"I want to be there for you and Ayla. If you'll let me."
"It's not easy for me, but I want that too."
He surprised me by picking up the remote. "You want to watch TV?"
"Sure."
He turned on a holiday movie, and we settled into the cushions. I wanted to kiss him again. I wanted far more than that, but I had to wait until Ayla was asleep.
When the couple kissed on the screen, I felt restless. I wanted to touch him.
His hand landed on my thigh, and everything inside me stilled. "You think Ayla's asleep?"
"I don't think she slept well last night, waiting for Santa, so I think we're safe."
He shifted so that he faced me, his hand landing on my jaw, and I leaned in closer so that our lips met. I couldn't seem to get close enough. I lifted my leg so that I straddled his lap, and both of his hands cupped my cheeks as we kissed.
I felt reckless and a little wild. I wanted more. So much more.
He rested his forehead against mine. "I want to make you feel good."
I looked into his eyes. "I want that too."
He shifted so that I was on my back on the cushions and he was hovering over me. He kissed me as his hand drifted under my top and his palm covered my stomach. I wanted him to touch me everywhere.
I lifted up, and he helped me unbutton my pajama top. Underneath, I wore one of my products, a sheer bra with a candy cane design.
"I think I'm in love with what you wear under your clothes," he said as he stared at me, not touching.
"I own a lingerie shop. I'm a little naughty."
He groaned, not wasting any time sucking on my nipple through the transparent material. I bit my lip so that I wouldn't make any noise. We had to be quiet.
The only light in the room was the fire and the tree. It flickered over Hudson's face. I closed my eyes as he lightly bit my nipple, his other fingers working the band of my bottoms, pulling them down.
