Page 25 of Hudson
“Nothing here is amusing,” she said, arms braced at her sides.
He straightened. “You’re right. I don’t know how this started—”
“You know exactly how it started.”
He looked away, jaw working. “I’m going to go.”
“Fine.”
He shook his head, voice quieter. “That word never means what it’s supposed to mean.” They stood in tense silence, then he turned and walked off the porch, boots clicking against the concrete.
He climbed into the truck, shifted into reverse and her front door slammed just as he cleared the driveway. He winced.
“You dumbass.” He punched the roof of the cab, knuckles stinging on impact.
He rolled to the street and stopped under the glow of a streetlamp. Killed the engine. Sat there while regret twisted in his chest. Then he restarted the truck, turned around and drove back.
He parked and crossed the walk in three long strides, raised his fist and knocked firmly.
Minutes passed. The door opened. Blair stood in the soft foyer light, changed into lounge pants and a T-shirt, hair gathered loosely at her nape, arms folded.
Hud removed his hat and held the brim in both hands. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly.
Her shoulders softened slightly. “Apology accepted.”
“I’d like to see you again. But if you don’t want that—” He broke off. “I understand.”
She leaned against the doorframe. “I’ll give it some thought.”
He exhaled. “Come on. I’m not the only man who’s ever tried to turn dinner into something more. You can’t blame a guy for trying.”
“All you men do is think with your dicks,” she said flatly.
He took that without flinching. “That’s probably true.”
“There’s no probably about it. We just met, Hud. Do I look like that kind of woman? I like to know someone before taking that step. If I take it at all.”
“Fair enough. I didn’t mean to come across that way. I just—hell, I don’t know how to explain it.”
She gave him a long look. “Some men think they can talk a woman into anything. What about what the woman wants?”
“I get that. I do. But I’m attracted to you and I—”
“And I’m attracted to you,” she said, her voice dropping. “But I’m not ready for that. I can count on one hand how many men I’ve been with and still have fingers left over. Can you say the same?”
He dipped his head. “I’ve been with a few women.”
“A few.” She shook her head. “More like many. And you know your looks get you what you want most of the time.”
“You make me sound like a man whore,” he muttered.
“How many women have you been with, Hudson?”
He flinched at the full name. “I’ve never counted. Damn it, Blair. I’m damned either way with you.” Hesettled his hat back on his head, voice heavy. “You decide if you want to see me again. Until then I’ll leave you alone. Goodnight.”
He turned and walked back to his truck without another word.
“Damn,” he muttered as he pulled onto the moonlit street toward home. “women are a pain in the ass.”
