Page 99 of Best Kept Secret

She suddenly felt parched and a bit lightheaded. Please don’t pass out, she thought as he advanced. She wished she would have grabbed a beer when she’d first arrived to help settle her nerves. To get to the kitchen now, she’d have to cross his path, and she wanted to delay their confrontation for as long as possible. So she stayed put and tried to get a handle on her nerves.

Then Jenna clapped her hands to gain everybody’s attention. “They’re here, everyone! Nick just texted. Take your positions and don’t say a word. Don’t even breathe!”

There were rustling sounds and light laughter as everyone hid behind pieces of furniture. Luckily, Hudson had been waylaid by a group of guys at the opposite end of the room, so she was safe for now. The room went silent.

Then came the sound of a key in the door, and the overhead light flicked on, which was their cue. Everybody jumped up and shouted, “Surprise!”

Stacy’s eyes went wide as she scanned the room, her hand clamped over her chest. “Ohmigod. You scared me,” she said.

They all laughed, and then the guests gathered around to greet her. Kelsey purposely hung back and waited her turn, partially to avoid bumping into Hudson. She watched Hudson and Nick shake hands, and then Nick leaned in and said something that made Hudson’s expression change from joyful to serious. What was that about?

When it was finally her turn, she gave Stacy a tight squeeze. “Are you surprised?”

“Yes and no. I knew he was up to something, and I sort of expected this.”

“Are you okay with it?”

Stacy smiled. “How could I not be after he went to all this trouble? Plus, my best friend is here, so I’m good.”

“I’m glad.”

Stacy leaned closer. “Did you talk to him yet?”

Kelsey shook her head and chewed her bottom lip.

“It’s going to be kind of hard to avoid him, sweetie.”

“I know, but this isn’t the time or place.”

Stacy squeezed her hand. “I know this is hard for you, but thanks for being here.”

“I’ll be fine as soon as I get a few beers in me,” Kelsey said, half-teasing.

“Drinks and appetizers are in the kitchen. Help yourselves,” Nick announced.

When Jenna came up alongside them, Kelsey excused herself to go into the kitchen. She was in such a hurry to get that beer that she made the mistake of not glancing around first.

When she entered the kitchen, he was there, leaning against the counter, beer in hand. Two people she didn’t know very well were loading their plates with snacks and didn’t pay her the least bit of attention. However, Hudson tracked her every move.

Fighting the urge to turn around and flee, she opened the refrigerator and pulled out a beer.

“Hi,” he said as she popped the top.

“Hi.”

She made another critical error when she looked directly into his eyes. She’d always admired his eyes, with their tantalizing flecks of brown, gold, and green. What she saw there now threatened to destroy her.

“I like your dress.”

She’d forgotten she’d worn one, and she glanced down at it, mostly to escape his gaze.

“Thanks.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a dress before.”

“Maybe not.” Why are we talking about my clothes right now?

“You look beautiful.”