Page 43 of Best Kept Secret

He shook his head. “He’d never make a scene in public. Plus, he’s on a date. He’s probably on his best behavior because of Amanda.”

“Who seems very sweet, by the way. I wonder why he’s been hiding her from me.”

“He likes to keep his personal life private.”

“Isn’t that what we’re doing? Why should it be any different for us?”

He reached across the table and placed his hand over hers. “I admire your…”

“Tenacity, bull-headedness, balls?”

He tipped his head back and busted out laughing. It must have been louder than he thought, because, when he glanced across the room, he saw Jared glaring at him.

Great. I’m a dead man.

Thirteen

Despite having been discovered by Jared, the meal was delicious, and the company divine. They’d left the restaurant hand in hand, and now Hudson was pulling into her apartment complex. Their conversation had waned, and she could tell he was still worried. Earlier, she’d been determined not to let Jared ruin her evening. Now she was determined to make Hudson smile and laugh again.

He pulled into a guest parking space but kept the car idling. “Thanks for going out with me,” he said.

She wasn’t willing to settle for a quick goodbye. “It’s still early. Why don’t you come in?”

“I shouldn’t.”

“Because of Jared?”

“Not just him.”

They eyed each other for a few beats, and then she reached out and placed her hand on his thigh. “He doesn’t really scare you, does he?”

“No, but you do.”

“I do?”

He shrugged and looked down at her hand. “I’m not used to this.”

“A woman’s hand on your leg?” she teased.

“Everything feels different with you. I’m not sure how to explain it.”

“I feel it too,” she said, her voice fading to a whisper. Aside from their obvious attraction, she felt something more, something she’d never felt before. “Don’t we deserve the chance to explore this?”

“Not according to your brother.”

“He’s not here right now.”

“If I come inside, I’m only staying for a little while.” He’d adopted a stern voice, but he was grinning.

She nodded and tried to suppress her smile.

“And we’re not going to get carried away,” he added.

“Define carried away.”

He laughed, and her heart soared.

“Promise me,” he said firmly.