Chapter 50

DIANA

Ibustled around the kitchen, preparing for Hudson's arrival. Tonight was going to be special. I wanted to do something for him. He had taken me around the world and did so much for me. I wanted to do something nice for him, something to show him how much he meant to me, how grateful I was for everything he did and continued to do. I knew he was trying very hard to stay sober. It was a lot to ask.

Tonight was going to be a night to remember. I wanted everything to be perfect, from the flickering candlelight to the romantic music drifting through the air.

I slid the chicken into the oven and drizzled it with some extra virgin olive oil and a handful of rosemary before closing the oven door with a soft clang. I wiped my hands on my apron and took a step back, surveying my work. The table was set, the wine chilled, the chicken roasting.

With dinner on schedule, I went to my room to put on the sexy little outfit I had bought for tonight.

I skimmed my fingers over the silky fabric of the negligee. It sent tingles down my body. I knew Hudson would appreciate it. His eyes always had a way of undressing me even when I was fully clothed. But tonight, he wouldn't have to use his imagination.

I quickly changed, admiring myself in the mirror. The soft material hugged my curves perfectly, accentuating all the right places. My heart fluttered with excitement, it was intimate and daring, just like our relationship. I spritzed some vanilla-scented perfume onto my wrists and neck before leaving my room.

I put on red lipstick and a little extra mascara. It was more makeup than I ever wore, but I really wanted to lean into this seductress thing. I put on the black heels and walked back to the kitchen to check the chicken. I felt absolutely ridiculous cooking dinner in about three inches of satin and lace, but I promised myself it would be worth it.

When the doorbell rang, a wave of nerves washed over me before I took a deep breath. I opened the door to greet him.

His eyes lit up when he saw me, a slow and appreciative smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Wow," he murmured, looking me up and down. "You look incredible." His gaze lingered on my barely there outfit, leaving a trail of heat where it touched.

"Thank you," I responded, giving him a sultry smile.

I invited him in and led him toward the dining room. He followed me closely, his eyes never straying too far from me.

"Damn," he said. "I don't know what I want more. Dinner smells great, but you look hot."

He grabbed me from behind and pulled me close. I turned around in his arms and eagerly accepted his kiss.

His lips tasted like desire and promise, sending shivers down my spine. He pulled away too soon for my liking, leaving me breathless and wanting more. His fingers lightly traced the lace trim of my negligee.

"I'm afraid I might forget about the dinner if you keep looking at me like that," he said in a husky voice.

I laughed, letting my fingers run through his hair, "Well then, we should eat before that happens. This is one of my mother's favorite recipes."

I led him to the table and watched as he took in the scene in front of him. The candlelight flickered softly against his face, casting shadows that made his features even more striking.

"This is for you," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper as I gestured toward the table. "To thank you for always being honest with me, for making me feel so valued."

His gaze softened with an emotion I couldn't quite place. "Thank you, Diana," he said quietly, his eyes meeting mine. "I've never had anyone do something like this for me."

The sincerity in his voice brought a warm flush to my cheeks. "You deserve this, Hudson."

I opened the bottle of sparkling cider and poured us each a glass.

"Sit down." I smiled. "Dinner is ready."

"The sooner we get dinner done, the sooner I get dessert," he said with a sexy smile.

I giggled, a blush spreading across my cheeks. "Well, then you'd better eat quickly."

Hudson pulled out his chair and sat down with an appreciative smile. He was looking at me like he was in awe, like he couldn't believe I was real. It was flattering and a huge ego boost.

I served the chicken onto plates with tender care, adding a sprig of rosemary on top for garnish. As Hudson took his first bite, his eyes closed in bliss.

"This is amazing," he whispered after swallowing, his eyes flickering up to meet mine in amazement.

"Thank you," I beamed, watching as he savored each bite. The pleasure on his face gave me a thrill of satisfaction. It was the same look he got when we made love—his features relaxed with pleasure, his eyes half-lidded, completely savoring the moment.

I remembered the playlist I put together and quickly used my phone to turn it on through the speaker. Soft jazz flowed around us.

"Subtle." He grinned. "But just so you know, I'm a sure thing. I don't need to be seduced."

I let out a soft giggle. "This is part of the game. I get to seduce you."

"Should I play hard to get?" he teased.

"I'd be disappointed if you didn't," I replied with a wink.

We spent the next hour talking and laughing. It felt so normal, so natural. I let myself imagine for a moment that this was our everyday life, that we were just an ordinary couple enjoying a home-cooked meal together.

After dinner, Hudson helped me clear away the dishes, but I could feel his gaze on me every moment. His eyes kept straying to the lace at the edge of my negligee, to where my skin was displayed suggestively. I tried to ignore the heat that rose under his gaze. His fingers brushed against mine as he handed me a plate. The brief contact sent a jolt of electricity through me. He caught my eye and held it, a slow grin spreading across his face.

"Are you trying to torture me?" he asked in a whisper, his tone teasing but his eyes serious.

I laughed, leaning closer to him. "Who says I'm not just desperately seeking your attention?"

"Can we leave these dishes for later?" he asked. "I feel like I could really, really use dessert."

I bit down on my lower lip, holding back the teasing smile that threatened to spread across my face. "Oh, Hudson. Always so impatient."

His arms circled around my waist as he leaned in further, his lips hovering dangerously close to mine. "For you? Always."

"Give me two minutes and meet me in my bedroom," I said.

"Should I get naked?"

I laughed, swatting his arm playfully. "Patience, Hudson."

"Two minutes," he promised, his eyes dancing with mischief and expectation. "That's all the patience I have left."

He kissed me passionately before pulling away. Leaving the dishes on the counter, I made my way to the bedroom. His anticipation was contagious, and a thrill of excitement shot through me. I looked at myself in the mirror, studying my reflection with a critical eye. I turned on the flameless candles and took off the flimsy robe that was sheer and meant to tease rather than cover anything. I stretched out on the bed, getting into the pose I hoped was as seductive as I hoped.

"Ready," I called out.

The bedroom door creaked open. Hudson stepped inside, audibly gasping when his gaze fell on me. He was wearing a simple black T-shirt and jeans, but under the low light from the flickering candles, he looked extraordinarily handsome. He had that edgy, devil may care look that made me hot. His eyes were hooded with desire as they roamed over my body, lingering on all the right spots.

"Wow," he breathed, closing the door behind him. "You're stunning."

I propped myself up on one elbow, doing my best to look seductive and coy at the same time. "Thank you," I murmured, feeling a rush of pleasure at his words.

Hudson crossed the room in three strides, his gaze never leaving mine. He was on the bed in the blink of an eye, positioning himself next to me delicately as if he was afraid I'd shatter under his touch. His fingers traced a tantalizing path down my arm, sending a shiver of anticipation through me.

"Is this part of the seduction?" he asked quietly, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

I nodded, biting back a grin. "Isn't it working?"

His chuckle was low and husky, making my heart flutter in my chest. "Oh, it's working alright."

Suddenly, he rolled away. "Where are you going?" I asked.

He pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it while kicking off his shoes. His muscles rippled, half-shadowed under the light of the flickering candles. "You said this was a seduction, didn't you?" he answered with a smirk evident in his voice. "That means we have to play fair."

He turned to face me again, his hands resting on his waistband. But instead of pulling down his jeans as I expected, he just stood there, grinning at me. "Well?" he asked. "Don't you want to do the honors?"

With a chuckle, I rolled off the bed and sauntered over to him. "With pleasure," I said as I advanced on him. My fingers found the button and zipper of his jeans, making quick work of them. As they pooled at his feet, he stepped out of them one leg at a time until he was standing in front of me in just his briefs. The sight made my heart race. No matter how many times I looked at the man, I never got bored. He was an impressive man. All hard lines and muscles.

"Satisfied?" he asked, his voice low as he wrapped an arm around my waist.

"Not yet," I whispered against his lips before kissing him again. His strong hands slid down to cup my hips, pulling me closer. I could feel his heartbeat thundering against my own. I could feel every contour and ridge of his body pressed against mine.

"Are you sure you can handle this?" he asked, voice husky with need.

"More than sure," I responded, my voice barely above a whisper.