My Surprise Mate

Chapter Six

Hudson winks at me and maintains eye contact as he spins the girl back away from him and lets go. The entire time he has that damned lopsided smile plastered onto his face and I can feel myself getting lost in his blue eyes even from this distance.

I note that the dancing isn’t very s****l or romantic. It’s entirely friendly. I try to ignore my relief at that fact, as well as my desire to be in their position. To have him spin me like that. To feel his hands in mine, or to feel his hands on my hips. Or to feel his hands anywhere.

What really shocks me though is his body. He had never taken his shirt off that day at the beach, never went into the water with us, despite my friends encouraging him to. But now, with his shirt unbuttoned, I can see everything. His rippling abs, glistening with sweat from the warmth and exertion, look almost carved from gold. If it weren’t for the hair trailing from his naval to the waist of his boxers, which are just slightly peeking out from the top of his jeans, I would think he was made of stone or marble. No way a man could be this perfect. He had two defined creases leading down to his boxers as well, the top half of a V.

Llet the record show that I do not care how objectively hot he is. I absolutely did not stare, and even if I did I guarantee you my jaw didn’t drop. When my eyes do finally return to his face, I can see him smiling at me, mid laugh. He noticed. Damn it he noticed. I blush and wish that I was able to control that reflex, and turn my head back to Nova and Hadley. Except, Hadley isn’t there. I ask Nova where she went.

“Probably on the hunt for Miles. She’s had a crush on him since grade school.” Nova shrugs, clearly used to being left behind by Hadley, “And speaking of crushes, was that a little drool I saw on your chin? Who were you looking at?” She follows my previous eyeline while I subtly check to make sure Nova was joking, and I don’t actually have any drool on my chin.

“Oh Goddess, don’t tell me you were looking at Hudson Carter.” Nova groans, and hits my lightly on the shoulder.

“You know Hudson? Hudson and Miles are the guys you knew from high school?” I ask her, my voice intending to come off annoyed, but actually coming off more hopeful.

“Yeah, our families were close so I kind of grew up with them. How do you know Hudson?”

“I don’t, really. We both rented vacation homes on the same beach about a week ago.” I tell her and take a sip of my beer, hoping she doesn’t press further.

“Huh. Small world.” Nova says and shrugs. “Now come on, let’s dance.” She grabs my hand and leads me to the center of the living room where everyone is dancing. Hadley eventually comes back to join us, bringing Miles with her. It’s the first time I’ve seen him smile, and he looks happy. He does keep a friendly distance between them, and I can tell Hadley isn’t super happy at that fact, but is enjoying his presence.

I look around the room, hoping to catch another glimpse of Hudson if I’m being honest, and see Finn making out with someone against the wall. So they’re all here then. I continue scanning the room, and spot Hudson in the foyer. He’s speaking with a girl, leaning in closely to her. She’s laughing and he’s running his hands through his hair. I try to stop myself from wondering what they’re talking about, convince myself I don’t care.

“I’m gonna grab some water!” I shout to the girls, my face feeling red and my entire body heating up. Which I’m sure has nothing to do with the inexplicable anger I’m feeling towards Hudson right now. Man, this guy is really getting under my skin for some reason.

“There’s a tap in the kitchen!” Miles shouts back at me, pointing through the foyer. Great. Right past Hudson and his arm candy. I smile at him with tight lips, trying not to show my anger that is slowly boiling up inside of me, and then I head towards the kitchen. I keep my chin up and eyes pinned straight on the kitchen, willing myself not to look at Hudson as I walk by.

Hudson doesn’t acknowledge me as I walk past, although he quiets; I don’t catch any of the conversation he’s having. I grab a cup from the stack of clean solos on the counter, and fill it with cold tap water. I drink it all in one go, and refill my cup, taking a breath.

“Come here often?” A voice behind me asks, and the hair on the back of my neck stands up. I turn around to face Hudson, only to find that he is significantly closer than I expected. My nose is just inches from his neck, even with platforms on the top of my head barely reaches his chin. I try to back up but the sink and counter block me. I can feel the warmth coming off of him, and can smell the sweat and beer on him. It’s not a bad smell though, there’s also an underlying citrus-y scent. He takes a step back once I turn around.

“Stalker much?” I say to him, my voice laced with anger. I try to push past him but he grabs my arm. It’s gentle but firm, I could easily shake him off but his intent is clear. He wants me to stay, to talk I guess. I look up at him, a dangerous game because it’s hard to keep hold on my anger when I look in his eyes. He’s smiling at me, not at all mad. He’s never not smiled at me actually, despite how cold I’ve been towards him.

“Unless I’m mistaken, you’re the one who came to my house, darling.” His hand is still on my arm and I feel lightning bolts coursing through my skin. He studies me closely, and takes his hand away, which I’m ashamed to say disappoints me. “I saw you staring at me.”

“Staring? Please, I was clearly glaring.” I spit back at him, although we both know it’s a lie, and I can’t hide the lack of anger in my voice.

“Whatever it was,” he steps towards me, leaning down so his lips are almost touching my ear. I can feel his breath on my neck and have to close my eyes and take a deep breath to avoid pulling him closer to me. You have a boyfriend. You love your boyfriend. Hudson is not him. “Don’t do it again unless you plan to kiss me.” His voice was dark and sultry, and when he pulls back he’s not smiling. That doesn’t last long though, as he quickly winks at me then walks away.

As soon as he’s out of earshot I let out a breath. My skin feels like it’s on fire, my body vibrating. I can still feel the ghost of his hand on my arm and his scent lingers in my nose. I wonder if my clothes will smell like him later. I shoot a text to Nova and Hadley, we’ve already made a group chat, to let them know that I’m heading home.