Page 5 of Hudson
“Celine is your cousin?”
“Yes.”
“Then call her,” he said. “Or call Killian.”
Blair dialed Celine. Her cousin picked up on the second ring, voice cheerful. “Hey, need reinforcements?”
“I’m not sure yet. Can I talk to Killian?”
“Sure, hold on.”
“Blair? What’s up?” Killian’s voice came on the line.
“Do you know—” She glanced at the man beside her. “What’s your name?”
“Hud Anderson.”
“I heard him,” Killian said. “Yeah, I know Hud. He’s a good man.”
“Thanks. Tell Celine I’ll call her tomorrow.” She hung up with a relieved grin.
“So? We good?”
“I guess you’re official.” She smiled. “Thank you. When I’m ready to leave, I’ll let you know.”
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“Blair Nelson.” They shook hands and she never wanted to let go.
From behind her, one of the cowboys swaggered up. “How about that drink now, sweetheart?”
Blair straightened. “I already said no thanks.”
“Come on,” another one laughed. “Just one.”
Hud shifted beside her, voice low but firm. “I just bought her a drink.”
The cowboy’s grin faltered. “Oh, I see. You’ll drink with him but not us.”
“Maybe she likes a real man,” Hud said, eyes narrowing, “not a boy with too much bravado.”
A hush fell over their corner of the bar. Blair’s pulse steadied. With Hud Anderson beside her, she could finally breathe.
“She’s just playing hard to get. And we’re men, just like you.”
Blair watched Hud’s grin settle into something cooler. “You’re nothing like me. You’re cocky little boys who think what you’re doing is fine. It’s not. Leave her alone.”
“You can’t take all three of us on,” one said.
“I’m game if you are.”
“I’m a lover, not a fighter,” another said, laughing.
“Okay. You two then?” Hud raised an eyebrow. Silence. “No? Then apologize to the lady and move on.”
The three cowboys looked at each other. Blair watched the swagger drain out of them all at once.
“We apologize, ma’am.” And then they disappeared into the crowd.
