“The truth,” I deadpanned.“We’ll be there in a few.”I hung up, looking over at her.“Just when I was looking for an excuse to spend more time with you.”I grinned.“Just didn’t imagine it involving my family, at least not tonight.They’re a lot, but they’ll love you.”
A feeling I found myself rushing toward at a blinding pace, with no desire to slow down.
Chapter 7
By the time we pulled up to a ranch-style home not far from the lake where we’d spent the day, the sun had almost set.
“I’ll put Ranger on a leash.I don’t think he’ll run off, but I don’t want to risk having three dogs to chase,” Hudson explained as he pulled a leash out of the center console and clipped it to Ranger’s collar.
After what could only be described as an incredible day, I was glad for the excuse to spend more time together, if not a little nervous to meet his family.
“Let me come around,” Hudson ordered as I reached for the handle.He got out of the truck, grabbing Ranger before coming around to open my door.“Always let me come around.”He stroked my hair back from my neck, his brief touch sending scorching tingles down my spine.
“Okay,” I agreed, trying to keep my breathing even as his gaze flashed to my lips.
The electricity had been crackling between us all day, and I swore if he didn’t kiss me soon, I’d explode.
I hopped down, closing my door as he reached for my hand, Ranger’s leash in the other.I took it, relishing the feeling of his warm strength surrounding me as he guided me up the front walk.He opened the front door without knocking.
“Hey Ma,” he greeted an attractive older woman as she plated food in the kitchen.With her brown hair, graying at the temples, and big brown eyes, the family resemblance was easy to see.She looked up, beaming at us both.“This is Lucy,” he introduced.“Lucy, this is my mom, Camila.”
She came around the counter, surprising me with a warm hug.“It’s so nice to meet you.I’ve heard such wonderful things.And look how gorgeous you are!My goodness,” she exclaimed.
“Thank you.”I felt the blush warming my cheeks.“It’s so nice to meet you.”
“Oh, honey, the feeling is mutual.”
“Okay, Ma.”Hudson sighed.“Let’s not scare her off in the first two minutes.”
She waved a hand.“Oh shush.No one’s scared.Especially this one.”She hooked a finger at me with a knowing wink.
It was simple, but I’d never felt more seen.I straightened my shoulders and smiled at her praise.“No, ma’am.”
“All right, well your father and brother are out back swearing up a storm while fixing the fence.We all tried to get the dogs back, but no luck so far,” she explained, the worry clear in her tone.
“I can try,” I offered.“I’ve never had a dog, but they seem to like me.”I shrugged.
In fact, I’d lost count of the number of strays that had followed me home in my youth.I’d begun volunteering at the local dog shelter my freshman year of high school and wasn’t surprised when my parents were appalled—until they realized it looked good on college applications and allowed it.
“I could see that.Ranger certainly does.”Hudson smiled down at me as the dog in question lay at my feet.“But I don’t want you going out looking by yourself.”
“From the sound of it, your help is needed on the fence.And though I could try, I won’t be much help in that department.And we’re not in the middle of nowhere,” I challenged.Griffin’s house was situated on what seemed to be a couple of acres of land, but we’d passed a few houses on the drive in.“I won’t go far.”
Hudson eyed me closely before nodding reluctantly.“Alright, if you’re sure you want to.They’re shepherds.Friendly but pretty aloof with anyone but Griff.Shadow’s the black one.Sadie’s the sable.She’s still just a pup, only about a year old.”
“Got it.I’ll give it a shot.”
“Don’t be gone long, baby,” he rumbled as he handed me a flashlight.
“Not long,” I agreed, fighting a full-body swoon at the term of endearment.
“Might as well take their leashes in case you get lucky.And here’s a few treats they like.Thank you, honey,” Camila added, handing me two leather leashes and a few treats.I slipped them into my pocket.
“I’ll see what I can do.”With a reassuring smile toward Hudson, I made my way outside.
As I stepped back out onto the front porch, I appreciated the rose-colored sky and the cool breeze that rustled my hair.Truth be told, though I was hungry for more time with Hudson, a few minutes alone to collect myself was welcome.
I’d never felt such simultaneous passion and comfort with a man.It was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying.
