Page 48 of Best Kept Secret

“No, but I’m going to.”

“When?”

“Soon.”

Jared looked skeptical, and he couldn’t blame him. He’d planned on telling her by now, but he’d chickened out every time. It was partly because of the way she looked at him, like he hung the moon, especially tonight when they’d been kissing and touching. It killed him to think of how she’d look at him afterward once she knew the truth.

“You’re screwed, man. Once she finds out you’ve been lying to her…”

Hudson hung his head again.

Jared stood up then, but he kept his distance. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to be the one to tell her. In fact, I’m done trying to keep her away from you, since it obviously hasn’t worked. But for the record, I’m against this relationship, if that’s even what this is.”

He started to walk away, but Hudson stopped him. “That’s what I want it to be.”

“Good luck with that,” Jared snapped. Then he went into his bedroom and slammed the door.

Hudson went into his room, stripped down to his underwear, and climbed into bed. Folding his hands behind his head, he stared up at the ceiling, knowing he’d be awake for a while.

After a few minutes, his phone buzzed on the nightstand. Ever since Annie was born, he’d kept his phone on at night so Sonia could always reach him. He quickly picked it up, and when he looked at the screen, his mouth split into a wide smile. Kelsey had sent him a text.

Are you still up?

Yes, he replied.

Whatcha doing?

Lying here not sleeping. What about you?

Same. I wish you were still here.

Uh-oh. He knew this was dangerous, but he couldn’t help himself. Me too!

What are you wearing right now? Just curious.

He laughed and then wondered if Jared had heard him. Oh well. Now that Jared knew about him and Kelsey, there was no real reason to hide. Besides, he could have been laughing about anything.

Just my underwear. And you? Just curious.

Nothing.

His face heated as he stared at the screen. Then he saw the dots appear as she typed.

Just kidding! Got your attention, though, didn’t I?

She’d captured his attention from the moment they’d met. That was mean.

Sorry. I’m wearing a T-shirt and panties.

He sucked in a breath, visualizing what she looked like under the T-shirt. He wondered if her nipples were hard, like they’d been earlier. What kind of panties? Right after he sent it, he wondered if he’d gone too far.

Pink bikinis. What about you, since we’re sharing?

Black boxer briefs. He thought but didn’t add: That are currently tented.

Hold on. I’m pulling up a visual…

He laughed quietly that time since he didn’t want Jared to bust in and see what he was sporting. Well? How was it?