Chapter 48

DIANA

Despite the urge to cancel dinner with my family, I knew deep down that it wasn't the right choice. They had been looking forward to our gathering for weeks. My parents wanted to meet Hudson and see what I saw in him. Bailing at the last minute would only disappoint them. So, with a heavy sigh and a sense of resignation, I resolved to go through with it, even if every fiber of my being longed for solitude. I didn't want to be around anyone—especially Hudson.

As I waited for Hudson to arrive, my mind swirled with conflicting emotions. Part of me still felt raw from the events of last night. His reckless behavior left a bitter taste in my mouth. But another part, perhaps the more compassionate side, recognized that we all made mistakes, especially when under the influence of alcohol.

Looking out the window, I saw Hudson's car as he pulled into the driveway. The man needed help, and instead of offering that, I was piling up more stress on him by introducing him to my family. The doorbell rang, breaking me out of my thoughts. I froze for a moment before moving toward the door. As I opened it, I was met with Hudson's sad eyes. He was normally so vibrant and full of energy, but now all that seemed to have been drained away.

"I'm sorry," he said immediately. His voice was low. His expression was contrite, his eyes filled with genuine remorse. I could sense the weight of his guilt hanging heavily upon him. My heart went out to him, but I knew I couldn't let him off the hook so easily. There were consequences to his actions, and he needed to understand that.

"I know," I sighed. "But you need to understand something, Hudson."

"Yes?" he asked. He understood that this wasn't going to be an easy conversation.

I took a deep breath before continuing. "If we're going to continue seeing each other, you need to prioritize your health. I can't keep doing this with you."

"I understand," he said softly. "I know you have no reason to believe me, but it won't happen again. I've learned my lesson."

I wanted to believe him, but I just wasn't sure I could. We fell into silence. Things were still not resolved. The tension was there.

Hudson cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Diana, I'm so sorry about last night," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I don't know what came over me. I let myself get carried away, and I know I crossed a line. I can apologize a hundred times and I don't think it will ever be enough."

I turned to face him, taking in the sincere look on his face. Despite my lingering anger, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for him. "I appreciate your apology, Hudson," I replied evenly. "I do forgive you. But you need to understand that what happened last night can't happen again. I need to be able to trust you to handle yourself in situations like that."

"You're right, Diana. I messed up, big time. I know I've said it before, but I promise I'll do better. I'll be more mindful of my limits. I won't let things spiral out of control like that again."

I reached out and placed a hand on his arm, offering him a small smile of reassurance. "I believe you, Hudson," I said softly. "But you need to understand that this is your last chance. I can't keep forgiving you if you keep making the same mistakes."

He nodded, his expression grave. "I know, Diana. And I won't let you down again, I promise," he vowed, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. "I'll do whatever it takes to earn back your trust."

We pulled up to my family's house. The earlier concerns I had about bringing Hudson to dinner dissipated. He was going to be okay. I couldn't expect him to be perfect. Despite the rocky start to our evening, I couldn't help but feel hopeful for the future. Hudson had made a mistake, yes, but he had also shown a willingness to learn from it. And for now, that was enough for me.

"Ready for this?" I asked him.

"Yep." He nodded. "As ready as I can be."

Abigail and Jessie greeted us at the door. "You look like crap, Jessie," I said.

"Don't remind me," he muttered.

"Where's Mom and Dad?"

I couldn't shake the knot of anxiety that coiled in the pit of my stomach. I wanted to believe my dad would have an open mind, but one never knew. I dreaded the possibility of any friction between him and Hudson. I had prepped Hudson extensively, warning him about my father's strong opinions and the topics to avoid at all costs—politics being at the top of the list. If my father brought it up, the plan was simple—just agree with him, no matter what.

"Mom is in the kitchen and Dad is on the phone in the den," Abigail answered.

"Great," I muttered under my breath, exchanging a look with Hudson. The den was where Dad took all his serious phone calls, which meant he was probably talking business. This also meant he would be in his no-nonsense mood for the remainder of the evening.

Hudson gave my hand a light squeeze. "We'll get through this," he whispered, pulling me close to him for a brief moment.

I nodded, taking a deep, fortifying breath before guiding Hudson past Abigail and Jessie toward the kitchen.

"Mom?" I called out tentatively as we entered the kitchen. The smell of baked potatoes and roast beef made my stomach growl.

She stopped stirring the pot and looked up. She smiled at Hudson. "It's so nice to meet you," she said.

"Hudson, this is my mom," I said.

"Hello, Mrs. Halstead," Hudson greeted, extending a hand toward my mother despite the potholder she held in her hand.

She giggled, a girlish sound that made me smile despite the tension I felt coursing through my veins. "Oh, please, call me Desiree," she responded. She quickly set the potholder down and took his hand enthusiastically.

While Mom was happily engrossed in conversation with Hudson, I took the opportunity to check on Dad. I slipped out of the kitchen and made my way to the den. The door was slightly ajar. I could see him sitting behind his grand oak desk and was scribbling on his notebook.

"Dad?"

He looked up. "Oh, Diana, you're here."

"Is everything okay?" I asked him.

"Yes, just the usual stuff." He smiled.

"Hudson is here," I said.

"I'll be right out," he said.

We had just finished setting the table when my father emerged from the den. I made the official introductions between Hudson and my father, even though they had already had a discussion. I was hoping we could start with a clean slate and pretend that particular conversation never happened.

We sat down at the table and things were good. Abigail and Jessie were keeping up the conversation, talking about the party without giving away too many details.

But just as I began to relax, my father cleared his throat. "So, you're a Bancroft," he remarked, his eyes fixed on Hudson with a scrutinizing gaze.

Hudson looked up from his plate, meeting my father's gaze head on. "I am," he replied simply.

I held my breath, bracing myself for my father's next words. I had learned a little more about the Bancroft family and their reputations, but I hoped no one else had. Panic gripped me. I just knew my dad was about to drop a bombshell.

He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands in front of him. "Billionaires, huh? That's pretty impressive." There was a hint of admiration in his voice. "You have a family legacy to live up to, son."

My heart sank as I watched the conversation veer dangerously close to territory I had hoped to avoid. I shot my father a pleading look, silently willing him to change the subject before things escalated any further. But he seemed oblivious to my silent distress. He knew exactly what he was doing. He wanted to make Hudson uncomfortable.

"Dad, please. Let's not talk about this."

My father's gaze flickered to mine. "Diana, I'm only asking about the man's family."

"Can we please just enjoy each other's company without bringing up money or status?" I asked with a sigh.

"I happen to know a little about the Bancroft family," he said. "I'm just surprised Hudson is a member of that family."

I couldn't tell if he was insulting or complimenting Hudson. I had a feeling he was trying to imply Hudson wasn't living up to the Bancroft standards.

"I'm not like most of my family," Hudson admitted. "I have brothers who I look up to, men who operate at a caliber of integrity that I aspire to but haven't quite achieved yet. I have a few cousins who are excellent businessmen and have done some great things. One day, I hope to uphold the family name with pride and not feel like an imposter."

His words hung in the air, a weighty silence settling over the table as we all absorbed his words. I stole a glance at my father, expecting to see a hint of skepticism or disapproval in his eyes. But to my surprise, he seemed impressed.

"It's always good to have people to look up to," Dad said. "Especially in one's family. It shows a lot about a person's character. And from what I see, Hudson, you are a man of strong character."

My heart thudded with relief. Maybe this conversation wasn't going to turn out as disastrous as I'd feared.

Hudson gave a small, appreciative smile, clearly relieved by the unexpected shift in the conversation. "Thank you, sir." His voice was steady, but I could tell he was still slightly on edge.

We finished dinner and dessert with no blood drawn. We made it through and now I couldn't wait to go home with him.

"Well, Hudson, it's been a pleasure having you here tonight," Dad said as we made our way to the door. "You're not what I expected, but I mean that in the best possible way."

Hudson smiled gratefully, accepting my father's handshake with a sense of relief. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate your hospitality. Desiree, dinner was amazing. Thank you for inviting me."

We walked out to the car. Hudson opened the door for me. A sense of contentment settled over me. Despite the initial apprehension, tonight had ended on a positive note. As we drove back to his AirBnB, I watched him. I admired him. He owned his demons. He recognized his shortcomings. And he had the courage to stand up to my father, something that not many people could do. Hudson was different, and I found myself being drawn to him more each day.

"Does it always go like that?" Hudson asked hesitantly, keeping his eyes on the road.

"What do you mean?"

"The grilling. Is it a sort of family tradition?" He shot me a quick glance, a slight smile playing on his lips.

I laughed lightly. "My dad has some pretty high standards. He's not used to not knowing people. I swear he has files on everyone in town. That's how he decides who I'm allowed to date and who I can't."

Hudson chuckled, a deep sound that sent warm shivers cascading down my spine. "Well, I'm glad I passed the test, then."

"Hudson, regardless of what my father thinks or says, you're so much more than your family name," I told him softly. "You're kind and you're strong. You have a good heart. And that's what matters."

We got back to his house, and I found myself unable to control my desire for him. Hudson turned to me, his eyes dark with passion. Without a word, he closed the distance between us, his lips capturing mine in a hungry, searing kiss.

His lips were soft, demanding, yet gentle. I kissed him back with fervor, my hands tangling in the soft waves of his hair.

Pulling back slowly, Hudson's forehead rested against mine, his breath warm against my face. "Diana, I've wanted to do that all evening." His hands remained wrapped securely around my waist, a touch that was as protective as it was possessive.

"That makes two of us," I admitted, my voice hardly more than a whisper.

"Stay the night?" he asked.

I grinned. "I'd like that. But are you sure you're up to it? You had a rough night."

"Oh, I'm sure," he said. "I can think of nothing I want more." His voice was a low rumble that made me shiver with anticipation.

Tonight felt different. Tonight, there was an undeniable air of intimacy hanging between us. He kissed me while walking me to his bedroom. His hands roamed over my body with a doting reverence that made me feel treasured, adored. He took his time undressing me, his fingers trailing over my skin in a way that left me trembling in anticipation.

"God, you're beautiful," he murmured, his voice thick with desire as he brushed a loose strand of hair away from my face, his gaze never straying from mine.

I reached up to touch his face, my fingers tracing the sharp angles of his cheekbones and jawline. "And you're absolutely breathtaking," I replied, meaning it with every fiber of my being.