“Close it,” I tell her, not bothering to ask Hudson if he wants anything else. Given the way he’s been clutching the same drink all night, I think it’s safe to say he’s good.
“Sure thing, handsome,” she drawls sweetly as she heads over to the computer. I let my gaze rove over her. I wasn’t lying when I said she was hot. Long dark hair, perfectly round tits, and an ass I’m pretty sure you could bounce a quarter off of. Maybe it’s the drinks, but I know what Ishouldfeel looking at a woman like that.
But I don’t feel anything. Not like I used to. But commenting on it is a habit, I guess.
I reach into my wallet, pull out a couple of twenties and toss them on the bar.
“Have a good night,” I say as I focus my gaze up at the TV, which is showing highlights from Alex’s game this afternoon.
Hudson nudges me.
He’s standing, hands in his pockets, and so I push off the bar and do the same.
I smirk as I lead us through the bar toward the lobby. I can feel the heat rippling off him like he’s a damn furnace despite the distance between us.
“You didn’t get her number,” he says carefully.
“Huh?” I ask, realizing I must have spaced out because he’s staring at me.
“The bartender. Thought you were going to ask for her number.”
I shrug as we head to the elevators.
“Yeah, guess I changed my mind.”
“Probably good on account you’reengaged,” Hudson says carefully.
Shit, I forgot about that.
I press the up button for the elevator a couple of times.
I let out a deep sigh as his words settle on me.
I hadn’t meant to lie to the guys, but it just sort of happened. Just like when people assume Mandy and I are dating, AndreassumedI was engaged, and I didn’t correct him. I guess I figured it wouldn’t hurt. A little white lie never hurt anyone, and after this weekend it won’t matter, anyway.
My heart rate picks up as heat floods my face.
“Oh yeah, right,” I say, swallowing harshly. “It’s not true.” He looks at me, raising a brow. “I let people assume it because it’s good for my image, but it’s not real. I’m, uh… I’m not engaged.”
The elevator doors open, and nearly make me jump out of my skin. Hudson clears his throat, and I wave him in first.
“After you, Princess,” I tease.
He coughs out a, “Fuck you,” but I don’t miss the humor in his voice.
“Not drunk enough.”
He shakes his head. I let out a laugh as I follow him in.
When the doors close, the silence is deafening.
And tense as hell.
I feel him looking at me like he wants to say something, and when I glance over at him, I see the sad, wistful look on his face. I so badly want to know what’s going on with him. I feel like he isn’t telling me the entire truth. That he’s upset about something, or… I don’t know. But something is up with him. It makes my damn heart ache, and a memory hits me out of nowhere like a brick.
Hudson leans against me for support, staring up at the wall.
“Fuck, I’m so sorry,” he says over and over.
