I lean my arm against the doorframe to shift into his space. Get another whiff of his cologne. Maybe get a little closer to him, but not so close I’ll have HR up his ass.
“I was in the neighborhood,” I say as someone moves out of the office behind me. He looks at Hudson, then at me. Then looks confused as hell.
I flash my press pass.
“Trey Kelly, Regional Sales, Nutri-Go,” I say firmly.
The guy nods. “You here to see Mick?”
I don’t know who that is, but I assume it’s M. Lowry on the sign behind me.
“Yes.”
The guy shrugs. “He should be back from lunch in five.”
“Great,” I say with another fake smile as he leaves me and Hudson.
“You gonna let me stand out here like a lost puppy, or are you going to invite me in?” I ask with a smirk, figuring it’ll make him laugh, but…
It doesn’t.
He looks like he’s about to scream.
“Or… not.” I stand up straighter. “Hudson, what’s wrong?” I ask, panic striking me hard in the chest.
He doesn’t say anything. He stares at me as his breathing quickens.
“I just thought—” I press into his space a little bit and he lets out a low sound. He holds his hand up, palm against my chest, stopping me from entering.
His touch is hard. I can feel him shaking, like he’s holding back.
“You can’t be here,” he says flatly. “I’m working.”
I blink.
“Oh, did you find five minutes in the day to work, huh?” I tease him, but he doesn’t laugh.
I shove off the weird feeling and cock my head to the side, trying to capture his gaze.
“No,” he says, his tone bitter. Like I did something wrong.
“You always text me and tell me you’re bored at work. I thought maybe… maybe, I… er… we…”
What the fuck? Why can’t I speak like a functional adult right now?
“I’m busy,” Hudson says firmly. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“You didn’t let me finish,” I say, feeling slightly defensive.
“I don’t care. Whatever it is—no. I need you to leave.” His voice raises an octave. I move just the slightest, closer to his face, trying to get him to listen. To look at me.
“Hudson…”
“I said leave,” he grits out through his teeth.
I purse my lips. “No.”
His eyes widen and he looks like he’s going to cry. But it’s only for a moment. Soon enough, it’s replaced with fury. Anger.
