I roll my eyes. "Why are you here? And how the hell did you know where I live?"
He straightens his tie. "I texted you yesterday. You ignored me, and we have some things to discuss, Harper. And my father had your parents' address; it was quite easy."
I chew on my lip. I was meant to see Ace tonight. This is a disaster. A monumental fuck-up. And I need to make sure Hudson doesn't cross paths with him, because all hell will break loose.
Dad taps on the door and opens it. "We're heading to the bar shortly. You two want to join us for a few beers?"
"No," I say, at the exact same time Hudson says, "Yes."
Dad looks at me. "Come on, Harper. It's been a long time since we've had a family night out."
I miss that. I miss it so much it aches.
"Uncle Bert is going to be there," he adds.
I nod. "Okay. Only for a couple. I have to work tomorrow." I glance at Hudson.
Technically, I do. I think Hunter is going to agree to a meeting with Gianna, finally.
"Ten minutes," Dad says, and closes the door.
I turn to Hudson. "I need to get changed. Just wait here."
I go to leave. He grabs my hand and pulls me back.
"Your ring, Harper." His voice is low.
I snatch my hand back. "Engagement doesn't extend to Arizona."
He laughs and pulls something from his back pocket. The diamond catches the light as he holds it between his fingers.
Fuck. Shit. Fuck.
"No," I blurt out.
"My dad is watching my every move, Harper. It wouldn't surprise me if he had people following me. You cannot go out with me without that ring. Especially not after your little dinner performance."
I shake my head. "This is getting ridiculous, Hudson. I am not your fiancée. This—" I motion between us. "—is not real. What am I supposed to tell my parents?"
He shrugs. "Not my concern. If we go out, you wear the ring. That's part of the deal. You break it, you're off the case, and I'll insert myself right back in. And I'll take the money I know Gianna is paying you, and I’ll write the story exactly how I damn well please. And in this one, I won’t hold back on Sterling Ranch."
I glance away. He knows he has me. That I won't hand over this case. Not with everything riding on it.
“What do you know about the Sterlings?” I ask, keeping my cool.
He grins. “Enough.”
He pushes the ring towards me again.
"Fine." I snatch the ring and head upstairs, slamming my bedroom door shut.
I press my back against the wood and pull out my phone.
Ace answers before the first ring finishes.
"Is my Goldie on her way?" he says, and that warmth in his voice hits me so hard I have to close my eyes.
"Ace. I?—"
