Page 59 of My Downfall

Hudson: I figured

Suddenly, I’m feeling a lot better about her weekend away.

***

“So I have something to ask you.” We’re sitting down at the breakfast bar as we finish off dinner. I don’t think I’ve ever heard her nervous before, but she definitely sounds it now.

“What’s up, baby?” My words are casual, but my heart is pounding in my chest. Why the hell is she nervous?

“As you know it’s Bella’s wedding next weekend and I’ve got a plus one that I wasn’t going to use, I wond—” I cut her off with a kiss before she can finish speaking.

“Yes,” I rasp. “Yes, I’ll go with you.”

“I didn’t even finish,” she splutters. “It’s risky, though, Hudson. We could be seen.”

“We won’t, no one will be paying us any attention, and if they do, then we tell them we came separately. I’m there for Reed, and you’re there for Bella.”

“You agreed very quickly, what if I was going to tell you I wanted to invite someone else?”

“We both know it’s me you want there.”

“You’re very full of yourself,” she mutters as she shakes her head at me.

“Let’s go upstairs andyoucan be full of me instead.” She snorts with laughter as I pick her up and carry her up to the bedroom.

Our bedroom.

Chapter Thirty-two

Mia

It’s a girls road trip. Bella avoids flying as much as possible and there is no way Reed would allow her to get on a flight without him, so we’re driving to San Francisco.

The music is blaring, there are endless snacks, and everyone except for Ava, who is driving, is having a little drink.

We’re away together for two nights and we are beyond excited to let loose and just spend some quality time with each other.

Tonight, we have a chef coming to the apartment to cook us dinner while we mix cocktails and drink far more than we should. Saturday, we’re going out on a boat tour of the bay that will involve champagne —lotsof champagne — then we’re out for dinner and off to a club to spend the rest of the night dancing.

Bella didn’t want anything crazy for her bachelorette, she just wanted a weekend where she got to spend quality time with her girls. And that’s exactly what we’ve given her.

I will, however, be amazed if Reed and River don’t show up at some point. I cannot imagine them being able to let the girls out of their sight for two nights. Not when it’s a bachelorette and drink is involved.

Harper and I have a bet going; she reckons they’ll rock up before the boat trip, I don’t think they’ll show until the club. They won’t be able to handle the thought of us alone with alcohol, dancing, and men. They are obsessed with their girls.

I’m maybe a little jealous. There’s a part of me that would love Hudson to feel that way about me.

Okay, a very big part.

“Have you and River had sex in this car?” I pipe up from the back seat while sipping on my can of mojito.

“Of course,” she shrugs.

“I need me some car sex.”

“Didn’t you have bike sex? That’s way hotter.” Bella turns to me from where she’s sitting in the passenger seat.

“Yes,” I salute her with the can. “You’re right, I did. Can’t believe I forgot about that bad boy. That’s going to have to be repeated, soon.”