Page 100 of Best Kept Secret

She glanced to the side and noticed the other guests had left the kitchen. She and Hudson were alone, but probably not for long.

“Thank you,” she replied. Then she took a long drink of the cold beer.

While she was swallowing, his gaze traveled to her throat and then further down. The strapless sundress was bright pink and showed off her golden tan and a peek of her cleavage. She’d worn her tallest wedge sandals, thinking they flattered her legs. She was no statuesque blonde like Sonia, but she felt good about herself tonight. Apparently, he agreed as he eyed her appreciatively. For a moment, she forgot to be pissed at him.

“I didn’t know you’d be here,” she said, trying to sound disinterested, though her heart was beating overtime.

“I wasn’t sure I should come.”

“Why not? Stacy’s your friend too.”

“I wasn’t worried about Stacy.”

“Oh.”

Then Jared entered the kitchen. He took one look at them, turned, and walked back out. His reaction was curious, and she wondered if Hudson had told him what had happened.

“Do you think…? Can we…?”

“I should probably go find Stacy,” she said, turning away from him.

“Wait,” Hudson pleaded.

Something in his voice caused her to face him again. “What is it, Hudson?” She realized how cool and formal she sounded, but it was just a cover-up. Inside, she was bursting with fear, longing, and a myriad of other emotions.

“Can we please talk?”

“Where? We can’t do it here.”

“How about afterward? At my place.”

“What about Jared?”

“He’s leaving early to go to Amanda’s.”

She eyed him curiously. Had he and Jared worked this out ahead of time? Was Jared on his side now?

“I’ll tell you everything. I promise. Just say yes.”

She sighed. “I don’t know.”

“Please.”

Good manners got her every time. “Okay.”

He let out a heavy sigh and bestowed his smile on her for the first time in over a week. She felt the corners of her mouth lift ever so slightly without her permission.

Then Jenna came into the room, looking pale and visibly upset. “I need a beer,” she said.

“What’s wrong?” Kelsey asked immediately.

“I’ll let you two talk,” Hudson said. He gave her a lingering look before he walked out.

Jenna leaned against the counter, tipped her head back, and slugged down some beer. Then she slammed the can on the counter, pulled her phone out of her pocket, and handed it to Kelsey.

“This is what’s wrong. Read it,” Jenna demanded.

So Kelsey did.