Chapter 7

7

Georgia

I'm dumbstruck, bewildered, overwhelmed and extremely turned on when I flop down on my bed after I hear Hudson's truck roll away.

Holy shit. What the hell just happened?

I run my hands over my cheeks, still warm from our kissing, and try to calm my breathing down. Maybe it was the close proximity of Hudson in the cab of his truck, the way he smelled, and the fact I may have had a tiny crush on him since as long as I can remember. It's all possible. But what I am certain of is the fact that I didn't want to stop there. And that scares me a lot.

It's true, I've never gone all the way with a guy, and not because I don't want to. I've just never felt that thing you're supposed to feel. Or maybe I watched too many soap operas as a teenager and now I have unrealistic expectations.

It's been one disaster after another with guys I've dated in Stoney Creek. And I've lost count of the times a guy has bailed after a couple of dates when I didn't readily want to jump into bed with him. I'm not a prude, but give it a minute so I can get to know someone and feel a connection. I've been a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kinda gal in most things for the better part of my life, but not when it comes to that.

So then, why did it feel so different with Hudson? Is it because I've known him a long time and things feel comfortable with him? The crazy part is, all we ever do is jab at each other, and more often than not, annoy one another. Certainly not frolic around drunkenly and kiss not once, but twice. He was probably horrified. Oh, God.

I lay my arm across my eyes. This can't be happening.

When I accidentally brushed his lap, I felt it. We both know he was hard, and the question is why? Over little old me?

He's always been a man's man. But tonight he was something else. If his cologne wasn't enough to grab all of my attention, his large frame taking up all the room in the cab was.He's ridiculously masculine and it's oh, so sexy.

Those deep, intense hazel eyes. The way he leaned over when the door jammed and he lingered.

It's like I've been on a merry-go-round and I've been flung off at high speed. Now I'm laying here feeling a little rejected from the way he said I'd better get inside. Was he annoyed? I mean, granted, it was the right thing to do. But I didn't want to break the connection. And he did.

Kissing him? It was like an electrical bolt ran through my body and wouldn't stop. I didn't want to stop. I wanted to climb him like a tree. Now he thinks you're insane.

All that's left of me is the aching hum all over my body and between my legs, but that's just the offshoot of getting all hot and heavy for a few moments with a man I can never have. I mean, Gray's best friend? And he's thirteen years my senior!

A man I take pleasure in annoying every other day of my life!

Not that any of those things are compelling enough reasons to not take things further, but it all happened so quickly. I've known him for a long time; why now? Have I secretly felt some burning desire for him that I have kept burrowed because he's such good friends with my family? Maybe my friends were right after all and I've just not wanted to see it.

I know that if something were to happen between us and it didn't work out, I'd never want it to be weird for him and Gray. They've been best friends since they were kids. You don't go after your brother's best friend for a reason.

For one, he's nicknamed Grumpy Pants, and two, he doesn't exactly scream, ‘I'm ready to settle down'. Not that I've heard or seen him around with anyone for ages, not since that whole Dolly Simpson episode.

The thought still makes me shudder. Not that I have anything against Dolly, I just didn't think she was his type. Maybe he likes buxom blondes with pearly white teeth? I'm the polar opposite of that. I'm nothing on Dolly.

Yet I can't help but wonder, is that the kind of woman he wants? And if so, how come he didn't hook up with her again?

I sigh and sit upright. I know what needs to be done… Erase Hudson Nash,with his pretty eyes, lips, and hard body from my vision immediately. I not only like, but love the way he kissed me. His lips were so hot and warm, and that scruff? Holy shit. He's the sexiest man I've ever encountered. On top of that, he can ride a horse like nobody's business. Wait. Do not think about Hudson mounting a horse!

Too late. My core clenches thinking about just that. I'm sure he could show me a thing or two between the sheets with those hips. Imagining his tanned body against my paler, more delicate skin has my nipples pebbling and my hand reaching for my nightstand. I reach into the draw and pull out my little bullet vibrator. It's small but mighty and I need to release some pent-up frustration, otherwise I'm never going to be able to sleep.

I sit back on my heels and unclip my overalls so the bib part falls. I pull off my shirt and unhook my bra, letting my breasts fall out. My nipples are sensitive as I run a palm over one of them and click on my vibrator. Sliding my hand down my overalls, I pull my lace panties aside and press the pointy tip to my throbbing clit. I hiss out as it makes contact and I part my legs a little further.

I tug at one nipple as I rock my hips and let my little bullet do its magic. I'm on my knees and thinking about what it would be like if it were Hudson here with me.

Would he play with my nipples and suck them into his mouth one by one? What would he do with my body if we ever got down and dirty? What would one of those big fingers feel like circling at my entrance and then easing inside me — warming me up for his big dick. And I know it's big, everything about him is. I also felt it when my hand fell into his lap.

I moan, looking down at myself, watching my breasts bounce as I work with my trusty little magic maker.

I feel the tug from deep inside my belly; thank God this little bullet never takes long to get me off because I need this. Just for tonight I pretend it's him. All him.

Picturing Hudson's face, plus his toned, hot body and sexy scent, will ensure victory in record time. I press it a little harder and tighten my hold on my nipple, giving it a tug as I cry out, letting the ripple effect of my orgasm unravel. The hum of the bullet is freaking sexy, and so is imagining Hudson's lips wrapped around my nipple and tugging with his teeth. I cry out again as I ride it out, the wave going on and on until my body starts to lull and I flop down onto my bed with my hand still down my overalls.

I groan into the pillow. What the hell has gotten into me?

This is Hudson.

The ex-bull rider.

A man I nicknamed Grumpy Pants.

Gray's best friend!

No. No. No !

I'm not that drunk. I pull my hand out and switch the thing off.

Maybe if I sleep it off, I'll forget all about this charade by morning.

Keeping in mind that we've also agreed to travel together down to Florida has me feeling slightly nervous, but that was before I kissed him.

Maybe he'll change his mind.

Maybe going away right now isn't a good idea.

Then again, why should I miss my friend's wedding because I can't hold my liquor?

I'll just send him a funny text in the morning saying sorry and that'll be that.

He's probably over at his place, working out ways to torture me for the rest of time for this.

I put my head under the pillow and scream.

??

I wake up early, which isn't usually my modus operandi because I love to sleep. I'm sometimes in the office nice and early, but not always. And today being Saturday, I have nowhere else to be.

I don't work every weekend, in fact, we take it in turns so everyone gets a shot at a weekend off and it works well.

Today I plan to clean the casita and go and do some grocery shopping. Anything normal would be good; it might take my mind away from that strange thing I did last night in Hudson's truck.

My God.

My cheeks flush at the memory. It all becomes glaringly apparent by the time my eyes have even remotely opened. Then by my first cup of coffee —while I half sit up in bed — the more intimate details come flooding back. I pinch the bridge of my nose while thinking about the way Huds had to lean over me to pull the door open. Then I practically threw myself at him and begged him to kiss me so we could see what it would be like? Dear Lord, noooo! Was there something in there about Ronnie Templeton and Hudson being my plus one? Maybe.

Okay, I know damn well there was. I wasn't that hammered.

I put it down to the fact I was elated for Hart and Gray. That, mingled with the freedom of Friday night, and three glasses of wine — then Hudson smelling hot, had me in a spin. Any girl could have a slip. It doesn't matter whether I got off or not, imagining my brother's best friend — a man I love to annoy — is a problem, but my head is pounding and what's done is done. I can't undo it. Yes, I'm a complete idiot, and I can only imagine how Hudson is going to react when he sees me again. The one thing I can't forget is the fact he kissed me back the second time. There's no freaking way I could have imagined that.

I try to tell myself that everything is going to be fine. It's business as usual as I shower and get dressed for yoga and do a tidy up in my kitchen, living and dining area. I'm like the damn cleaning fairy.

I'm in complete denial during the whole hour that Autumn and I are fully emerged in our vinyasa flow.

We're in a downward facing dog, peddling our heels when Autumn whispers, "Are you okay, George?"

"Totally," I whisper back, wondering if I'm acting a little off somehow. I don't see how I can be; I'm trying to keep my mind from wandering and yoga is supposed to help with that. "My sleep was a little scattered." Between launching myself at Hudson in the truck last night, and us sharing a hot, illicit round of kisses — then helping myself to several deep orgasms with my magic bullet, things are a little hazy.

"Mine too." She giggles as the instructor tells us to raise our right leg in a three-legged dog.

"Oh, boy. Not my brother again," I sigh, trying to square my hips and shoulders without falling flat on my face. "Please, no details."

"I am a newlywed," she reminds me.

"Like that would stop you."

We come to a plank, bringing knee to nose and then settle into pigeon pose on the mat.

I'm dying to confess to someone about the whole debacle, but I can hardly do it at the back of my yoga class with another dozen people scattered around the room. That would be rude. I stay silent for now; this is yoga after all. I'm sure Autumn doesn't need to be burdened with my new-found Hudson problems.

"It probably wouldn't stop me," she whispers as we stretch forward.

"So, you recommend getting married on a whim?" I can't help but give her a little wink from under my arm.

"Totally recommend it."

We hold the pose for a few good seconds, then push back to a downward facing dog and do the three-legged dog to plank pose all over again on the other side. "I think I need a man," I mumble as we find ourselves back in pigeon pose.

"I recommend that too. It works wonders."

I laugh.

This date with my bullet is all well and good, but I really want a partner.

I want to find the one. I truly believed that visualizations would put me into the perfect relationship by now. I seem to be able to find partners for every single other person in my life, including my twin brother.

"Maybe I need to get out more," I sigh.

"That would be a good start. You won't meet anyone in your pjs every night."

I scowl at her. "Not every night! I'm tired by the end of the day."

She gives me a withering look. "You're still young, babe."

We continue our practice without further discussion until we're rolling up our mats and heading out.

"Maybe we should have a girls' night before I go to Florida for the wedding," I suggest as we walk to our cars parked side by side out front.

"That's a fantastic idea. They're riding the moose on Thursday."

I try to resist the urge to not roll my eyes, but it's a little hard considering that brings up the whole Hudson thing again. Given he's the champion down at Moose's. There's also a fancier wine bar called Piccolos, but Moose's is always kinda fun. "I'm not exactly sure riding the moose was what I had in mind."

"Someone is bound to knock Hudson off his moose riding pedestal," she says. "I think Easton has been trying to give him a run for his money for a while, he's come pretty close."

"You're right, in the fact there could be some cute men," I ponder, knowing full well it's the same men every week down at Moose's. Unless I get lucky and there's a bunch of hot, cowboys from out of town passing by for the weekend. "That stupid moose riding always brings out the best of them." Okay, that last part is a little tongue in cheek, but a girl can dream.

She gives me a little smile. "That was sweet of Hudson to give you a ride home last night."

"He was just being nice, something he's capable of from time to time."

"I don't know, he was pretty forthcoming at his place the other day. That Hundred Acre Woods thing was so sweet."

I flash her a glance, pursing my lips. "You know Huds, he might be a thorn in my side, but he can still be a gentleman and keep his manners in check."

She laughs and gives me a little wave as we get to our cars and part ways. "See you Monday."

"Monday."

They might be living at the other side of my parents' homestead in the other casita for the time being, but they've been spending time at Autumn's cottage in town where her renovations are starting for her roof repair among other things. Beau did a quick repair job with Brooklyn, but it was only temporary.

I quickly grab a few groceries on the way home when a text comes through from Eden. I'm almost home when it flashes up on my screen.

Eden

Hey Georgia, what are you doing later?

I send her a voice to text back.

Me

Not much. Why, are you cooking up a storm again?

I often pop around to Brook and Eden's place because they're both great cooks and Saturday nights Eden usually has something baking in the oven.

Eden

Making vegetable pies for lunch. Our new donkey Lily is arriving too. I'm so excited!

That right there already confirms that I won't be going home to finish tidying up right now. I divert to their place. Lily is the new rescue they've been waiting on for weeks. A little friend for their current donkey, Sawyer, who is also the pride and joy of Brooklyn, so much so, he's set up an Instagram account for him. They have a whole hobby farm situation going on over there with goats, ducks, chickens, horses, and they foster guinea pigs and rabbits for Stoney Creek Paws rescue. Blake is the leader of the fray. It's like a zoo over there, but I love it.

I leave another voice to text:

Me

I'm headed over!

Eden

I'll put the kettle on x