Page 42 of Best Kept Secret

Before he could reply, she lifted the glass and took another sip.

He grinned, his earlier discomfort forgotten.

They spent the next twenty minutes or so talking. He realized he didn’t know much about her job, and since it was a safe topic, he decided to start there.

“I know you work at an insurance company, but what is it you do, exactly?”

“I’m a customer service rep. I answer calls, listen to customer complaints, and try and solve their problems.”

“Sounds interesting.”

“Not really, but it pays the bills. I’d like to move into sales, but they don’t have an opening right now.”

“I could see you as a salesperson. You’re good with people.”

She smiled. “What about you?”

“Not so good with people.”

She laughed. “No, I meant your job. I know you and my brother design software or something, but…”

He was no longer listening. Instead, he was looking beyond her at the couple who had just walked onto the patio. His first instinct was to duck down, but it was too late. They’d already seen him.

“Hudson? What’s wrong?” She continued talking, oblivious to the storm that was approaching.

When Jared and his date stepped up to the table, she jerked her head up. “Jared?”

“Kelsey. Hudson,” he said pointedly.

Hudson scrambled for something to say, but Kelsey beat him to it. “What a surprise. I haven’t met your date. Hi. I’m Kelsey, Jared’s only sibling.” She stuck out her hand.

“I’m Amanda. It’s nice to meet Jared’s only sibling,” she said, smiling graciously.

Hudson had already met Amanda, but he didn’t know her very well. Still, she was like a balm on a potentially explosive situation.

“You’re not the only one who’s surprised,” Jared said, glaring at Kelsey.

“I know. What are the chances of us being here at the exact same time with our dates?”

Hudson was torn between wanting to hug her and clamping his hand over her mouth. He had to give her credit for standing her ground, though, and he needed to do the same.

“Jared, I—”

Jared cut him off. “We need to get to our table. I’ll talk to you both later.”

“Bye. Nice meeting you, Amanda,” Kelsey trilled as they walked away.

Luckily, they were seated far enough away that Hudson wouldn’t have to endure Jared’s piercing gaze throughout dinner. They were also separated by a boisterous group of people seated at a long table, so Jared wouldn’t be able to eavesdrop on them either.

Kelsey eyed him with a mix of concern and determination. “He had to find out sometime,” she offered.

“I know, but I should have told him sooner.”

“It’s not all on you. He’s my brother.”

“But he’s my roommate. He’s probably going to kill me later and hide my remains in the building basement. Nobody ever goes down there.”

She chuckled, though not as merrily as earlier. “His reaction could have been worse. He could have yelled at us or tried to drag me out of here.”