Page 48 of Hudson
His eyes moved over her and he smiled. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” She pulled the door shut and locked it. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”
He chuckled and took her hand as they walked to his truck. He opened the passenger door, waited while she climbed in, then closed it and came around to his side.
“Did the rain give you trouble on the way over?” she asked as he started the engine.
“It’s letting up. Roads are fine.” He glanced over as he pulled out. “Hungry?”
“Starving. That sandwich was a long time ago.”
“The diner will fix that.”
“I love that place.” She settled back in the seat. “The burgers are incredible.”
“Best in town.” He grinned. “That’s what I’m having.”
“Me too. And pie after.”
He glanced over. “Now you’re talking.”
Blair laughed and watched the wet streets slide by outside the window. The storm had left everything clean and bright under the streetlights. She felt relaxed in a way she hadn’t in a while, easy and unhurried, and she realized it had everything to do with the man beside her.
The rain eased to a fine mist as they drove, the wipers keeping lazy time across the glass. Then the diner lights came into view, and he was pulling into the lot.
“Looks crowded,” Blair said.
“Saturday night.” He drove slowly through the lotuntil he found a spot the truck could fit and pulled in. “Sit tight, I’ll get your door.”
“You’ll get soaked.” She pushed it open and hopped out, then hurried around to his side just as the rain picked up again. A crack of thunder split the air directly overhead and she shrieked and grabbed his arm, then laughed. “I was not ready for that.”
“Come on.” He took her hand and they ran for the entrance, pushing through the door in a burst of damp air and laughter.
The diner was warm and loud and smelled like coffee and good food. Several people looked up and called out as they made their way to a booth, and they nodded and waved their way through the room.
Blair slid in across from him. “This town doesn’t know a stranger. The first time I came in here with Celine it shocked me how everyone already knew her name. Now when I come in alone I get the same treatment. I love it.”
“That’s Clifton. They’ll welcome you with open arms and treat you like family.” Hud set his hat on the seat beside him. “Unless you come in looking for trouble. Sam doesn’t put up with that.”
“Good. Every town needs someone like that.”
Connie appeared beside the booth, pad in hand, a smile on her face that suggested she’d already clocked them as a pair and filed it away for later. “What can I get you two on this rainy night?”
“My usual, please,” Blair said.
Connie looked at Hud.
“My usual. But no onions tonight.” He grinned across the table.
Blair laughed. “None on mine either, Connie.”
“Smart thinking, both of you.” She winked and tucked her pad away. “Back in a few.”
When their meals arrived, they dug in and the conversation drifted easily back over the day. Blair mentioned wanting to go riding again.
“Come out any weekend you want,” Hud said, dragging a fry through the ketchup on his plate.
“I don’t want to impose every weekend. I’m sure you have things going on.”
