Page 9 of Claiming Lily
I laugh. “Yeah, I guess that’s what I expected.”
“Can I tell you a secret?” He rests his arm on my shoulder and draws me closer so he can whisper in my ear. “We even clean the bathrooms.”
Pretending to faint, I lean into him. “I’ve died and gone to heaven.”
His laugh rumbles against my body. I’m all too aware of his cologne and the way his fingers press into my blouse.
As subtly as I can, I extract myself from his hold. “So, where am I staying?”
“This way.” Hudson moves to the stairs along the back wall of the open concept space. I follow, aware of Gage and Cole heading to the living room.
Along the steps are gray scale drawings, landscapes and some beautiful portraits. Two women I recognize as Hudson’s mom and her partner. Are these his drawings? I know he drew in high school, though I’m a bit ashamed to admit, I don’t know much about their lives outside of Matt. We’ve always kept a respectful boundary since I was Matt’s girlfriend. They were nice to me, but we didn’t exactly share childhood secrets and hobbies.
We’ve definitely blown that boundary to smithereens, and when he shows me the gorgeous guest bedroom, I decide my ex can shove it as I take it all in. Tall ceilings with thick wooden beams running across them to warm up the space, a queen bed with a rustic wooden headframe, soft gray bedding, and a window that takes up the far wall. Matching gray ceiling to floor length curtains are pulled back to showcase the view.
I walk to that window, pressing my fingers to the pane and sighing. The view is gorgeous. Part way up a mountain and backed up to a valley, their backyard is an endless sea of forest cresting into mountains that seem to touch the clouds. Sunlight filters through the trees, turning the leaves into a patchwork of gold and crimson.
“This is incredible.”
“Beautiful.”
I nod, turning around to find Hudson watching me with an intensity that makes my pulse skip. His gaze traces over my face like he’s memorizing every detail. Suddenly the spacious room feels tiny. I tried to avoid noticing before, but Hudson is hot as hell.
He’s your ex-boyfriend’s best friend, Lily.
The air between us crackles with something I can’t name. My skin warms and my breathing grows shallow. We stand there for what feels like forever, neither of us moving, until Hudson finally shakes himself. He clears his throat and gestures toward a door I hadn’t noticed.
“En-suite bathroom. Towels are in the cabinet under the sink.”
“Right.” My voice is a little rough. I clear my throat and wrench my attention away from his face. “Thank you.”
“Do you need anything else?” He’s back to that careful politeness and it sends relief rushing through me.
Polite I can handle. Caring, attentive, curious. I don’t know what to do with that. “You’ve done plenty.” I smile, hoping I don’t look too nervous. “More than enough, actually.”
He runs a hand through his short brown hair. “I better get back to the job site. We were planning to tackle the primary bathroom demo today.”
“Of course.” I fidget with the hem of my shirt. “Thank you. For helping with the house and for letting me stay here. I really appreciate it.”
“Anytime, Lily.” The way he says my name sends another flutter through me.
He heads down the hall, leaving me alone with the scent of his woodsy cologne and a head full of confusing thoughts.
I sit on the bed, and let my breath sink into my belly, staring out at that incredible view. The knot in my chest loosens just a fraction. It’s so peaceful out here.
My phone buzzes. I tug it out of my pocket and smile at the picture of Callie sandwiched between three ridiculously attractive men, all of them grinning at the camera.
CALLIE
Missing you at our Sunday brunch! How’s the birthday girl?
Callie looks absolutely radiant with the guys flanking her. They look happy. Really, genuinely in love. Jealousy stabs through me. Not because I want her guys. I simply want what she has. The very thing that’s evaded me for as long as I can remember.
Love.
My fingers hover over the keyboard before I reply.
Matt and I broke up. Don’t worry, I’m fine.
