Stronger Than Passion
Author: Katherine McIntyre
Date: 2022-06-10 00:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Contemporary; Romance
Description: Hudson West is the enemy. Nico Shah is trouble. However, when they're forced to collaborate on a town project, they can't stop the passion from burning. Hudson West is the enemy. The calm, arrogant, stupidly hot owner of the rival restaurant in town never fails to push Nico Shah's buttons. So when he and Hudson are invited to collaborate to cater the Chesapeake Days festival, he wants to say hell no. But with his mother's upcoming transplant, he needs that money. Nico Shah is trouble. Hudson's noticed the gorgeous, witty flirt and has veered far away. He's looking for commitment while Nico's l
Publisher: Hot Tree Publishing

ALSO BY KATHERINE MCINTYRE

Rehoboth Pact

Confined Desires

Opposed Desires

Restrained Desires

Chesapeake Days

Stronger Than Hope

Stronger Than Passion

Stronger Than Longing

Outlaws

Midnight Heist

Twilight Heist

BLURB

Hudson West is the enemy.

The calm, arrogant, stupidly hot owner of the rival restaurant in town never fails to push Nico Shah’s buttons. So when he and Hudson are invited to collaborate to cater the Chesapeake Days festival, he wants to say hell no. But with his mother’s upcoming transplant, he needs that money.

Nico Shah is trouble.

Hudson’s noticed the gorgeous, witty flirt and has veered far away. He’s looking for commitment while Nico’s looking for his next flavor of the night. Except now that they’re working together, neither can ignore the chemistry that’s one spark away from burning down a forest. And when they finally collide, the connection is beyond anything either has experienced.

But with Nico still terrified of the word "boyfriend" and Hudson needing someone who belongs to him, this can only end in heartbreak.

STRONGER THAN PASSION

KATHERINE MCINTYRE

HOT TREE PUBLISHING

Stronger Than Passion © 2022 by Katherine McIntyre

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any written, electronic, recorded, or photocopied format without the express permission from the author or publisher as allowed under the terms and conditions with which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized distribution, circulation or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s rights, and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly. Thank you for respecting the work of this author.

Stronger Than Passion is a work of fiction. All names, characters, events and places found therein are either from the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to persons alive or dead, actual events, locations, or organizations is entirely coincidental and not intended by the author.

For information, contact the publisher, Hot Tree Publishing.

www.hottreepublishing.com

Editing: Hot Tree Editing

Cover Designer: BookSmith Design

E-book ISBN:  978-1-922679-21-5

Paperback ISBN:  978-1-922679-22-2

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Epilogue

Also by Katherine McIntyre

Acknowledgments

About the Author

About the Publisher

To my lovely husband and daughter for all our adventures.

CHAPTER 1

With the way this week had started out, Nico was two steps away from dousing the town in turpentine and tossing the match.

Crumpling the paper in his fist, he tried to suck in a deep breath. Not like it did much to calm the artillery fire in his chest. Fucking asshole.

He and Hudson West were going to have words. Some pithy, some sharp, and most of them unkind.

Harbor Pointe loomed in front of him, all beige walls and hunter-green shutters on the quaint historic house. Wide windows allowed plenty of natural light in, and the patio on the side of the restaurant was full of the high-end patrons this place attracted. Honestly, he couldn’t stand clientele like that, but while he’d love to say good riddance, he couldn’t afford to. Not when they swarmed during the summer and made up a lot of Chesapeake City’s business.

And right now, his pride and joy, Port of Call, needed any extra business it could get.

Nico sucked in a deep breath and slid his Ray Bans off, hanging them from the center of his V-neck. He preferred to avoid Harbor Pointe at all costs and rarely paid an in-person visit, but this… this warranted one. Hudson West had been trouble from the moment he rolled into town a little over a year ago and started a restaurant good enough to compete with Nico’s, and it didn’t look like he showed any signs of easing up.

Nerves. Settle them. Right.

He strode toward the side entrance of the restaurant, wanting to keep this confrontation as private as possible. No need for any onlookers; that would be bad for his own business. He balled his hands into fists and then flexed his fingers, rinse and repeat, as the crisp freshwater breezes wound around him, the picture-perfect view visible from the patio. The servers looked like they’d been plucked out of a country club in their white polos and dark slacks, which worked just peachy for the rich assholes who frequented the place, owner included.

Nico soaked in the pristine cloth napkins, hickory tables and chairs, and barely-there food against spotless white plates. Not for him in the slightest. He’d take his rowdy crowd of boozers at Port of Call any day. He ducked inside the restaurant, the slight chill of the air-conditioning prickling his skin. The lights were dim, gliding like gossamer over all the polished surfaces, since rich folks seemed to have an incessant need to view their own reflections. The paper in his hand was probably unreadable at this point from too many creases, but he’d brought it along to make a point, not be legible.

He skimmed through the room that preached quiet elegance, even with a fair number of patrons dining inside. The bar sparkled with glassware, the back lined by top-shelf liquors, and there, amid it all, stood the man he’d been searching for.

Hudson West was the epitome of preppy white boy with a square jaw, intense blue eyes, and thick, dirty-blond hair. Of course, the guy was built too, all well-defined arms, broad shoulders, and thighs that filled out his slacks far too well. Like Captain freaking America without any of the integrity. Fine, the man might also be stupidly hot, but even with Nico’s sloppy track record of one-night stands, he drew his line in the sand at pompous dickbags. And Hudson had proved to be a jackass from the first day they met.

Nico made his way forward, mentally daring Hudson to glance his way. He was sure the irritation in his look alone would rip the guy a new one.

Hudson’s gaze darted in his direction, those blue eyes darkening. Still, he didn’t bother to wave, nod, or acknowledge, just continued shaking and pouring an old-fashioned into the polished rocks glass. Basic politeness would be far too much of an effort. He handed the drink to a stiff-looking older guy sitting at the far end of the bar and returned to the center. Nico sucked in a breath and approached the bar, sliding onto the stool in front of Hudson.

Hudson arched a brow. “I’m assuming you’re not here for a drink?” His rich, low voice dripped arrogance, something Nico had marked about the man from the start.

Nico let out a snort. “Safe assumption. I like my martinis without the extra shot of condescension.”

Hudson rolled his eyes. “We all know you’re allergic to a little class, Shah.”

Nico’s jaw twitched. Asshole. “I’ll take personality over class.”

Hudson placed his palms on the surface of the bar, leaning closer. “What’s the reason you’re paying me a visit, Nico? I’d think with running a restaurant, you’d have better things to do than swap insults with me. Though, forgetting something as basic as bread in that shipment fuck-up last week—maybe running’s the wrong term.” With the small space separating them, Nico caught a whiff of spicy bay rum from whatever cologne Hudson had slapped on.

Nico forced a slick grin despite the irritation crackling through his veins. “You know as well as I do about vendor error. As for running a bar? It’s all about efficiency, West. You’d have more free time if you learned some.” He smacked the crumpled piece of paper onto the surface of the bar between them. “I’m here about you poaching the talent for our five-year anniversary bash.”

He’d been in talks with North Advantage, a rising star among the local bands who always pulled in massive crowds for their shows. Port of Call’s five-year celebration at the end of the summer was his best chance to try to bring in some extra cash, and ever since he got the news last Monday, he needed the money more than ever. This had seemed like the perfect solution—a band that would draw enough fans for a guaranteed successful night. Except then he’d seen a flyer posted around town with North Advantage listed to perform at Harbor Pointe’s Summer Series on the exact. Same. Night.

He’d talked to the band manager—more money, better offer, blah, blah, blah.

Of course, because Hudson West came in flashing cash, and everyone lined the fuck up.

Hudson’s brows drew together at first as he glanced down to the sheet Nico brandished. The confusion in the man’s eyes caused him to falter for a second. Had he let one of his staff arrange this without his knowledge? Hudson looked up, meeting his gaze with a level calm that brought all of Nico’s irritation exploding back to the fore.

“That’s not my problem,” Hudson said, his tone cool and unaffected. Bastard. “Leigh recommended them—said they’d be a solid draw for the end of my Summer Series.”

Which was exactly why Nico needed them for his five-year bash. He clenched his jaw so hard, his teeth might crack. “Right. I should’ve known better to expect decency from Hudson West. My bad, I forgot they don’t teach that at your fancy private schools.”

“At least at Key Academy I learned better manners than to storm into someone’s place of business,” Hudson responded, his tone so chilled he might as well just toddle off to the freezer.

Nico flexed his fingers, then curled them into a fist a moment later. He wanted to scream. The event was a few months away, but with the way bands booked ahead of time, trying to find a big enough name would be hell. And Hudson didn’t even need the funds—asshole came from money, and Harbor Pointe pulled in plenty. No, he just liked pissing off Nico every damn chance he got.

“If you think this is storming, sweetheart, you’re in for a shock when you finally push me too far,” Nico shot back, not bothering to hide the acid in his voice. “Which, at the rate you’re going, may be sooner rather than later. Since you’re not going to summon an ounce of remorse for a clearly underhanded move, I can see this was a waste.” He pushed up from his seat, not bothering to snag the paper.

Hudson opened his mouth, and Nico hesitated, barely daring to hope the guy would try to apologize now. His skin vibrated with irritation at this point—this man pissed him off more than anyone in existence, ever since they met a year ago.

Nico had attempted to welcome him into the neighborhood, and he’d offered a collaboration like he did with most of the small business owners around town. Better to make friends, right? Except Hudson West had clearly established he had zero interest in friendship.

I don’t need your pity.

Well, fuck you too. From that stunning introduction, they’d continued on a downhill trajectory.

Nico eyed Hudson, who shut his mouth again and picked up another glass, obviously done with the conversation. Why he’d even bothered coming here in the first place was beyond him. Vindication? Hope for redemption? The guy had confirmed from day one that he wasn’t worth Nico’s time.

“Have a nice night, Nico,” Hudson responded, back to the obnoxious calm that made him want to scream.

Nico lifted his middle finger in the air as he headed for the door, ignoring the couple of looks that darted his way. He didn’t trust his mouth at this point, because he was ready to spit nails. His skin prickled, his nerves jangled, and he might as well have been breathing smoke. This was what every encounter with Hudson West ended with, just pure, unadulterated aggravation.

He stalked out of the elegant bar that made him want to gag, and never in the good way. As he stepped out onto the deck, the sun warmed his skin. He wove past the crowded tables and headed toward the road. He’d said his piece, and he took pride in speaking up. West might be used to people rolling over to let him walk over them, but Nico wouldn’t. He’d cram a dose of reality up that arrogant ass if it was the last thing he did.

He slipped his Ray Bans back on and cast a glance to the gorgeous view of the river. The water sparkled under the midday sun, peaceful in a way he rarely was. He sucked in the freshwater breeze while he headed to his car, as if he could draw in some of that calm. If Hudson wanted to poach his main talent, then he’d find someone else. He had to.

His phone buzzed, and he glanced at the number. All the agitation switched over to pure nerves, and he tried to suck in a little more composure before accepting the call.

No two ways about it, Nico needed the extra cash as of yesterday.

CHAPTER 2

Honestly, the last thing Hudson wanted to do most days was visit a restaurant—owning Harbor Pointe gave him enough time spent in one, and while he loved the work, he couldn’t turn his management brain off at other establishments.

Yet Brian wanted to head to Smithson’s for his birthday, which meant the whole family was required to be in attendance for the golden son.

Hudson pulled into the parking lot and tipped his head back against the seat, staring at the ceiling of his Audi. He let out a long exhale, trying to summon his defenses for what would guaranteed be a miserable time. Even if Dad didn’t openly voice his disapproval, it tended to bleed out of his gaze and casual statements about how successful Bri was as a surgeon for Johns Hopkins, or how Jessie was acing her residency.

How two of his kids made him damn proud, unlike the son who’d dropped out of med school to pursue what he’d always wanted—opening his own restaurant.

It didn’t help that Hudson had poured all his savings into this and still took a minimal paycheck—par for the course with a new business. His creature comforts—the Audi, nice furniture, etc., were all gifts from his folks back in his med school days.

Of course, Dad just viewed that as a sign of complete failure.

Bile rose in his throat at the thought of what he’d have to face, and his hand paused on the steering wheel. Was it too late to feign illness? Except the bunch of doctors would be able to tell he was faking in a moment. He caught sight of Jessie and her husband, Rick, heading to the front door of Smithson’s, the black sign and elegant gold font beckoning. Time to nut up.

Hudson pushed from his seat and cracked the car door open, the brisk night air swirling around his bare forearms, since he wore his sleeves rolled to the elbows. He jammed his keys into his pocket and sauntered toward the entrance. If he were being honest, he missed Ollie most during times like these. Having a boyfriend by his side took off some of the stress. However, Ollie had ended up causing him a hell of a lot more of it when they split. Cheating bastard.

He stepped inside, the familiar burnished fixtures highlighted by the subtle lighting and the crisp, clean scent threading through the air. Like most upscale joints, Smithson’s formed a picture of contrasting colors, sharp black against cream, elegant sconces on the wall and glittering fixtures from the ceilings. The light tablecloths stood out against the dark wooden chairs surrounding the tables, and voices were kept to a murmur as a rule. He soaked in the state of the uniformed servers, noticing how they stepped a little faster when they left tables. Kitchen was probably behind tonight.

His family sat at a table on the far left, the usual area they tried to snag space at. Brian and his wife, Katie, sat beside Mom and Dad, and Jessie and Rick were finding their seats at the table. One was left open, for him. Apart from the few years he’d brought Oliver, it had been that way for far too long. The fuckup middle child who not only failed to uphold the family name career-wise but was also the one unmarried sibling out of the bunch. Hudson resisted the urge to skim his fingers through his hair, because anything less than a pin-perfect appearance would be noticed and criticized.

“Ah, look who’s finally showed up,” Brian announced, white teeth glinting like he belonged in a fucking Colgate commercial. Hudson forced a smile, trying to ignore the usual sting that accompanied his brother’s digs. “Those odd restaurant hours getting to you?”

Right, as if his hours at Harbor Pointe were any different than Bri’s ridiculous surgery schedule that meant he rarely stepped away from work. Still, what hurt worse was the rueful grin and shake of his dad’s head.

“Clearly, the wild and crazy party lifestyle is getting to me,” Hudson deadpanned, not bothering to give his brother the satisfaction of reacting. They’d been taking chips out of him for years, so he steeled himself. One of these fucking days, he’d prove to them that what he was doing mattered too. Harbor Pointe was over a year old and thriving now. Once his folks came and saw his restaurant, once they experienced his pride and joy—they’d understand why he left medicine and pursued this.

“Anyone would need to unwind with your insane work hours.” Jessie shot a rueful grin at him, easing some of the tension. Out of his family members, she was the one who actually tried with him. “Why don’t we place our orders?” Jessie tapped a pink, pointed fingernail on the surface of the paper daily menu. “It’s been a long day.”

“Busy at your residency?” Dad asked, his eyes crinkling with amusement. When they were kids, his father worked through birthdays, baseball games, and graduations, and now that he’d retired, those tendencies hadn’t abandoned him—he was still only interested in hearing about medical work.

“Like you wouldn’t believe,” Jessie started as she dove into a long-winded explanation of a tricky patient she’d dealt with all week. He tuned out because he and Jessie had discussed this subject earlier.

Hudson skimmed over the menu, soaking in the new items. Not like much of it surprised him—Smithson’s kept on trend as much as he did, and he knew they ordered from some of the same suppliers. Truffle oil here, grass-fed beef there. Fresh veggies from Forever Farms, check and check. He tried to ignore the ripple of frustration dwelling underneath his skin. Every family gathering, he ended up invisible.

Their server approached, a guy who looked in his early twenties with a slick smile, coiffed red hair, and a pressed uniform. When his gaze landed on Hudson, his eyes crinkled around the edges. “Scouting out the competition?”

Hudson’s lips quirked. “Just here for a family dinner.”

“My best friend, Derek, works at Harbor Pointe,” the guy clarified.

Hudson broke into a grin. Der had been with them since they opened. The guy was a blast to work with and kept staff morale high—which at least someone did. Leigh and Der both told him he came off like an asshole on his good days.

Brian coughed loudly, interrupting them. “Can we order?”

Hudson’s jaw set. This was yet another reason he hated dining out with his family—because they acted exactly like the entitled guests who mucked his day up. The server’s friendly grin disappeared, replaced by the polite one every person in customer service pasted on.

“Of course.” The guy switched into business mode, listing off the specials at a perfunctory pace. His family went around the table and placed their orders, of course with plenty of obnoxious requests that made Hudson embarrassed to be here. By the time the guy got to him, he asked for the crabcake with lemon garlic aioli and a side salad. Before the server pivoted and left, Hudson caught his gaze and mouthed “Sorry.”

The server offered a small grin as he headed back to the kitchen to place their orders.

“Popular with the staff, are you, Hudson?” Katie commented, her prim tone not hiding the veiled insult. The fact that she called restaurant workers staff was bad enough, but of course she needed to slide a knife in where she could. She and Brian were meant for each other.

“Are you asking if I know people in the industry?” he responded, forcing the surge of heat down like always. “I’d hope so, since I’ve been running Harbor Pointe for a year now.”

“We must get out there,” Mom said, offering a conciliatory smile. “You know how it is—the time just flies.”

“Right,” Dad said, not bothering to look at him. The disdain in his voice said enough. Things hadn’t been the same between them ever since he dropped out of Cornell.

Did it hurt that only Jessie and Rick had come to his restaurant?

Yeah, every damn time he thought about it. Instead of saying anything, he forced a grin. “Let me know when you do. I’ll get you a great seat.”

“It’s a solid spot, bro,” Jessie said with a sympathetic grin. Even though she was in Dad’s good graces, she wasn’t blind to the way the rest of the family treated him. He loved her for that. Hudson tipped his head in appreciation.

The server swung over with their plates, this time keeping the conversation brisk as he doled them out, Hudson last.

“What’s your name?” Hudson asked. “I’ll have to tell Der I saw you.”

“Jake,” he responded, some of the customer service mask slipping as he got a little more comfortable again. “And if you’re ever hiring again, let me know. Derek said you’re a great boss.”

Hudson’s chest warmed for the first time since he drove up here. “He’s a fantastic guy himself.”

Jake nodded as he picked up the tray and headed back to the kitchen.

“Isn’t he a bit young for you?” Brian asked, a slight sneer in his voice.

Hudson’s hand balled into a fist underneath the table. Escaping this dinner without committing murder would be a feat. “Yeah, he is. Which is why the only thing I’d consider him for is an employee.” While his family hadn’t given him a ton of grief when he came out, he’d always gotten the extra jab or comment that no one would’ve flung Brian’s way, a double standard he didn’t appreciate.

After all, Katie was ten years younger than Bri, and no one had buried his brother with barbs.

Hudson focused on his food after that, appreciating the subtle flavors, the tang of the aioli, the freshness of the crabcake. He’d gotten into this industry because he loved food and hospitality—he’d loved it ever since his first job as a server at Georgio’s, a mom-and-pop Italian restaurant. The rest of his family chattered on, Brian talking about the conferences he’d been attending and Dad listening like his life depended on it. Hudson remained quiet, but that was how he’d been around them for a long, long while.

“By the way, Hudson,” Dad said, setting his fork on the plate with a clink. “I spoke to one of your old professors at Cornell.”

Hudson waited for the follow-up there, because with Dad, there was always an angle.

“He said if you ever wanted to continue your education, they’d be able to get you back into the med school,” Dad said, breezing through as if they hadn’t argued over this topic in the past. “There aren’t enough good pathologists out there, you know.”

The line he’d heard year after year, ever since he decided to quit the long haul of schooling into pathology. Unlike some of the students there, he hadn’t burned out from the grueling hours and intense testing. It had been the soullessness of the routine. His heart hadn’t been in the studies, the job, or the field, and he couldn’t have imagined heading into that career for life, like the rest of his family.

“Yeah” was all Hudson replied with, not bothering to give a committed response either way. He didn’t want to fight tonight.

What he truly wanted was to get Mom and Dad out to Harbor Pointe. To change their mind in person. If they could see his restaurant and what he’d created, they’d back off.

And maybe, just maybe, for once they’d be proud of him.

CHAPTER 3

Coffee number three for the day, and it still wasn’t enough to banish Nico’s utter lack of sleep.

After his confrontation with Hudson earlier in the week, he’d been spending all his spare hours trying to find a bigger band who wasn’t already booked for the end of the summer. The last thing he wanted for their five-year celebration was some no-name, no-draw band, but with his current success rate, that might be where he ended up.

Fucksticks.

Chill acoustic music streamed from the speakers, and the interior lights made all the wooden furnishings glow in Chesapeake Brew. The coffee shop looked a thousand times better since Nate McAllister had gotten his hands on it. The man himself leaned behind the counter, chatting with Rachel, who was the perfect artsy employee for a place like this. And Nate hadn’t just revitalized this place but also transformed Nico’s best friend, Linc, as well. Ever since the two of them got together, Linc was the happiest Nico had seen him PM—Post Marissa, his dead wife.

Nico swished the coffee in his cup, his stomach lining beginning to protest the amount of acid he’d dumped into it, an ever-present reminder that he was no longer in his early twenties. Approaching midthirties was more like it, and he did not love the host of back pain and headaches that came with it.

The door swung open, and Taran stepped in, his thick, black-rimmed glasses askew and his hair a windswept mess. His laptop bag hung from his shoulder because they were crunching numbers today. Joy. He already hated that part of the business with Port of Call, and this situation was way worse.

Taran swerved his way to put down his laptop. “Need anything else from the counter?”

Nico shook his head. “Number three,” he said, lifting his mug. He’d gotten here far too early, seizing the chance to leave his house and clear his head. Chesapeake Brew was a great place to think—enough low chatter and background noise to let him relax.

Taran ordered a tea, which took Nate all of two-point-five seconds to prepare before his brother was heading in his direction, steaming cuppa in tow. Taran plunked it on the table, the spicy scents of cardamom wafting his way, reminding him of Ma’s chai. His brother whipped out the laptop next, juggling it on his lap as he focused all of that seriousness his way.

Nico skimmed over Taran’s latest tee—a picture of a bone with “I found this humerus.” “Tar, if you’re ever going to get laid, you need to start wearing clothes that don’t have a pithy saying on them.”

Taran arched a brow. “You just want an excuse to drag me shopping because no one else will go. The answer has always been no.”

Nico tipped back more coffee. “Clearly the people in this town lack taste.”

“Or prefer sanity,” a familiar voice called as the door creaked close. Linc stepped in, his tank top and jeans stained, still looking like a million bucks with those strong Italian good looks. He swung over to their table and tapped his fingers on the surface. “The last time I let you rope me into clothes shopping, we were out for three excruciating hours.”

Nico shrugged. “There was a sale going on, and your wardrobe hasn’t changed since high school.”

“The handyman look is classic,” Linc replied with a grin before he sauntered to the counter. Nate had already slipped out to greet him, and within seconds, they were making out like a brand-new couple, even though they’d been dating for close to a year.

Nico rolled his eyes and returned his focus to Taran. If a little part of him yearned, well, he could damn well shove it down like he did every other inconvenient feeling.

“Okay,” he said, placing the mug of coffee on the table. “Mama’s on Medicare, so that should cover a big chunk of the bill, right?”

Taran blinked, as if he snapped back into focus. “Great segue there,” he commented, with the same dry wit he’d always employed. “Medicare will cover some, but the rest of it is on her.”

The unsaid hung heavy in the air there—both of them knew she wasn’t flush with cash, not after raising two boys on her own after Dad passed away.

Nico swallowed, trying to ignore the tightness in his chest. He owed his mother more than he could ever repay. The woman had shouldered the weight of both parents while working two jobs to make ends meet. Amrita Shah was his personal hero.

Whose diabetes had gotten so bad that she needed a pancreas transplant.

“And by the rest, you mean…” He trailed off.

Taran gave him a look over the top of his glasses. “About twenty grand, give or take. I’ve already scanned over her assets, and she’s got a savings account with about five grand she can empty.”

“So, fifteen thousand unaccounted for.” Nico let out a low whistle. “I wish I could say I’m rolling in it from Port of Call’s success, but we just climbed out of the red a few years ago.”

“I’ve got some assets I can tap into,” Taran said, crossing his arms. “But that won’t cover the whole amount.”

“I was thinking of taking the hit for Port of Call’s five-year celebration bash and putting whatever we make that night toward her bills,” Nico murmured. Of course, the option had looked a lot more lucrative when they had North Advantage playing. Fucking Hudson West and his shitty-ass attitude. They’d gotten the news on Mama’s situation last week, and ever since then, the financial worries kept him up every night.

Taran’s gaze softened. “You sure the business is okay enough to do that? I don’t want you risking your livelihood.”

Nico fixed him with a look. “Who’s the big brother here? I wouldn’t offer if we couldn’t handle it. I just want to make sure I’ve got a big enough draw that night so our take-home will help cut those costs down.” He paused for a moment before lowering his voice. “How’s she doing?”

He’d been over there last week, but out of the two of them, Taran had the normal schedule, which meant he visited a helluva lot more. Not like his mother ever held it against him, though; just something he used to rake himself over the coals once in a while.

Taran offered a half smile. “She’s pretending everything’s fine. You know her. She doesn’t want us offering a cent to help.”

“Sounds about right.” Nico leaned back in his seat, heaving out a sigh. “Too bad for her, the stubbornness is hereditary.”

Taran snorted before taking a sip of tea. “We’ll make sure she’s taken care of, whether she likes it or not.”

“Way to make it sound ominous,” Nico responded. His gaze slipped to the door as it creaked open again.

The devil himself walked in.

Nico couldn’t help the audible groan that left his lips. Hudson fucking West.

His dirty-blond hair looked like he’d raked his fingers through it, and he’d dressed down in a navy Henley and some faded jeans. His clear blue eyes shone with focus as he made a beeline for the counter, not even looking in their direction. Rachel rang him up and slid over to the bar to work on his order while Nate pulled Linc to the back—most likely to do shit Nico wanted to know nothing about. The pair of horny motherfuckers put him to shame.

“No matter how hard you stare, you’re not going to be able to incinerate him on the spot,” Taran said, his tone droll. For fuck’s sake, his brother’s sarcasm grew by the year.

“Not for lack of trying,” Nico replied, trying to tamp down the thrill of irritation that surged through his veins. His blood still boiled when he thought of their encounter the other day, because how could someone pull a dick move like that and act so cool, calm, and unaffected? Nico tipped back his mug again to drink air. Guess he needed a refill because more coffee was great for his heart health.

Nico pushed up from the seat, and Taran heaved out a sigh, even though his eyes danced.

“What?” Nico leveled him with a look. “I want more coffee.”

“Don’t start a fistfight in Nate’s shop,” Taran warned.

Nico flipped him off and sauntered to the counter. Hudson hung out near the hand-off pane, and Nico didn’t miss the way the man’s gaze landed on him, lingering.

“Shouldn’t you be staying on your side of the river?” Nico asked, not shirking from the eye contact. “If we start crossing the Rubicon, that’s begging for all-out war.”

Hudson lifted a brow, a move that bled arrogance. “While wars have been started for less, I don’t happen to remember a conversation where we divided up the town like a divorce agreement.”

Rachel stepped up to the cash register and shook her head, trying to hide her smirk. “Want a refill, Nico?”

He nodded, passed the mug over, and then returned his attention to the menace. “I feel like it’s only fair to be given warning if I have to see your face around town.”

Hudson’s lips curled into a grin. “Worried you’ll swoon?”

“More like vomit.” Nico leaned against the counter, reaching out when Rachel brought his laden mug back over. Hudson’s cappuccino sat on the hand-off pane, but he hadn’t made a motion to reach it, his full focus centered on Nico. Those blue eyes darkened, like they did most of the time they interacted, the man so composed and cool that Nico wanted more than ever to muss up his hair or wrinkle his shirt.

Nico lifted his mug in a salute. “At least you took the memo on this side of the bridge and dressed casually for once. Did it hurt you to wear something other than polos and chinos?”

“You mean wearing attire other than work clothes at work?” Hudson responded, his voice deadpan. “How scandalous.”

Not like Nico would ever admit it, but the man dressed down a smidge was a sight. His broad shoulders filled out the Henley perfectly, and the way his jeans clung to his ass created a traffic-stopping distraction. His tan skin gleamed against the soft fabric of his shirt, a tempting contrast to all those hard planes. If only the man himself wasn’t an arrogant dick. Nico needed to open up Grindr pronto, because his last hookup had clearly been too long ago if he was having traitorous thoughts like this.

Amusement danced in Hudson’s gaze.

Busted.

“Is something distracting you?” Hudson asked, his tone too innocent even as a wicked grin curled his lips.

“Absolutely,” Nico drawled, clawing to regain his composure. “Seeing you twice in one week has my delicate constitution a mess.”

Hudson snorted and picked up his to-go cappuccino. “Delicate isn’t a word I’d ever use to describe you. See you around, Nico.” He pivoted on his heel and began to saunter toward the door, slower than necessary. If there was an extra swing to Hudson’s hips as he went, Nico wasn’t paying attention in the slightest.

Nico clutched his mug of coffee, trying to keep the piping hot liquid from splashing over the edges as he stomped back to the table.

Taran glanced up to him, the glow of the laptop reflecting on his glasses. “You really showed him, Nic.” The sarcasm dripped from him, and Nico caught his brother’s eyes crinkled in amusement.

Nico flipped him off again, trying to ignore the simmering way his nerves jumped after that encounter. Goddamn Hudson West. He sucked in a deep breath. They had to pull together these numbers and figure out how much he needed from the five-year bash. Probably more than he would be able to accomplish now.

“Come on,” Nico said, placing his coffee on the table. “Let’s get this figured out.”

As if it could be so simple.

Either the five-year bash paid for the rest of his mother’s transplant, or they were screwed.

CHAPTER 4

Hudson strode toward the Parks and Rec department section of the municipal building, his heart pounding a bit faster with each step closer. Gale, the head of the Chesapeake Days Festival, hadn’t said much beyond wanting to discuss an opportunity with him, but his brain had seized on the word and run wild.

He’d been chasing after success from the moment he dropped out of med school to open Harbor Pointe. He needed to prove himself, at any cost.

The chill of the building’s air-conditioning caused his skin to prickle as he walked down paste-colored halls with beige carpeting. He might lunge for opportunities, but he wasn’t looking to be an outright dick. Hudson shook his shoulders, as if he could shed the guilt that had accumulated there since Nico had come to confront him for poaching North Advantage.

Truth be told, he’d had no idea they’d been in talks with Port of Call for that date. Leigh had suggested reaching out to the band; he’d offered a fee, picked a date, and they’d said yes—no mention of previous engagements. Not like Nico would believe it. The guy hated his guts, probably because Hudson was blunt on his best days.

The tan door stood out at the end of the hall, and Hudson sucked in a deep breath. Game face—not the grumpy one Der called him out for all the time.

He pushed the door open and stepped inside, not making it two strides before he came to a dead halt.

Gale sat at her desk, prim and proper with her pressed blouse and maroon lipstick. One of the seats across from her was already filled.

Nico Shah leaned back in the chair, looking cocky as shit and all sorts of delicious.

His silver button-down highlighted his copper skin, and the black jeans he wore were tight enough they’d need to be peeled off. As usual, his jewelry flashed—the chunky rings on his fingers, the hoops along his right ear, and a gold pendant around his neck. Thick lashes fringed the man’s big brown eyes, and between his full lips and the slight bit of scruff he rocked, he drew eyes anywhere he went.

The guy might be beyond gorgeous, but he despised Hudson and also had a hit-it-and-quit-it reputation. Hudson avoided guys like that by default.

“Hey, Gale,” Hudson announced himself, both sets of eyes zeroing in on him.

Nico’s brow furrowed, and his lips pressed into a thin line. Hudson rolled his eyes. He might put up with Nico’s insults around town, but this was a professional meeting. Which begged the question—what was the owner of his rival restaurant doing here? The excitement that had been swirling through his veins emptied down the drain.

“Didn’t realize you had another meeting,” Nico said to Gale, pointedly ignoring him. That worked for Hudson just fine. He still hadn’t regained his equilibrium.

“I wanted to speak to both of you,” Gale explained, gesturing for him to join them.

He stepped up to the empty seat and plunked into it, ignoring the heat of Nico’s gaze. Nico could dislike his arrival all he wanted, but they’d both been invited here. “Now you’ve got me curious,” Hudson said, focusing on Gale.

She steepled her fingers together, glancing between them. “I noticed both of your businesses had signed up for booths this year, and I had an idea. I already talked the proposition over with the others in the committee, who all think it would be wonderful.”

Hudson’s chest bounced, the curiosity snaring him. Despite the way he’d always struggled to find his place in school, in his family, ever since he’d opened Harbor Pointe, this town had welcomed him in with open arms.

“Well, don’t hold us in suspense, doll,” Nico said, laying on the charm with Gale, something the man never did with him. Not like he’d noticed or anything.

Gale beamed, her teeth white against her dark lipstick. “As the two premiere restaurants in town, we want you to collaborate on a menu for the festival we’ll call Chesapeake Eats. The both of you will be representing the best flavors of the town.”

Hudson didn’t miss how Nico’s shoulders tensed. This was a damn honor though, and he wouldn’t let Nico’s beef with him fuck it up.

“That sounds great,” he said, not having to fake the enthusiasm. Being recognized as a town staple? Hell, that was all he could’ve hoped for when he opened Harbor Pointe. “Sign me up.”

Gale glanced over to Nico, who still hadn’t said a word. If the guy wanted to let a grudge get in the way of this opportunity, that was on him. Hudson wouldn’t miss out. After the sting of his brother’s birthday dinner the other night, he needed to prove himself more than ever.

“If you’re worried about the booth fees you already paid, don’t stress,” Gale jumped in, as if she sensed Nico’s hesitance. “Not only will we refund you, but we’re also prepared to offer some compensation for supplies. This would do a lot toward making the town a go-to summer destination, and we want to capitalize on it.”

Hudson’s eyes widened. He’d been all on board before for the publicity, but the amount of income he could bring in from that? Beyond worth it. After being open a year, he was still trying to climb out of his initial expenses, and he’d take anything extra to throw at his mountain of debt. The day he could start pulling an actual paycheck from his restaurant would be the day he could throw it in his father’s face that he was succeeding. He couldn’t help but glance Nico’s way.

The man shook his head, a slick grin appearing. “You know how to sweeten the deal, don’t you? I’d be thrilled to be a part of this.”

Even as Nico gushed, Hudson didn’t miss how his focus remained on Gale. Hudson didn’t hold any delusions that he and Nico would suddenly be buddies because of a shared project.

Hudson leaned back in the seat and strapped in as Gale dove into the nuts and bolts of the plans, what she’d need from them, and when. The woman’s chipmunk energy had him scrambling to keep track of how fast her arms were darting around and the words spilling out. His mind was leaping ten steps ahead to menu ideas that might work for the crowds that poured in for Chesapeake Days. Although, anything he came up with, he would need to discuss with Nico. And knowing him, he’d veto Hudson’s ideas out of spite.

He snuck a glance over at Nico. The guy fixated on everything Gale was saying, staring in rapt attention. To be honest, he hadn’t seen many sides of Nico beyond pissed or snarky, and the studiousness transformed his features—less cocky but infinitely more interesting. Those dark eyes absorbed everything, and his expression wasn’t as guarded as normal.

“Have any other questions, Hudson?” Gale asked, fixing her gaze on him.

He snapped back to attention, trying to ignore the flush that rose to his cheeks at getting caught off-guard. “Not at the moment, but I’ll be sure to shoot you an email or call if anything comes to mind.”

“Good,” Gale said. “I’ll be sending the two of you the full write-up and contracts to sign. If there are any concerns, be sure to contact me at once.”

“Sure I can’t contact you for anything else?” Nico responded with a flirty wink.

Gale shook her head, a grin on her face. “We all know I’m not your target demographic, Mr. Shah.” She stood from her seat and placed her fingers on the desk. “Not to oust you boys, but if you don’t have any more questions, I’ve got another meeting in five.”

Hudson nodded, rising from his seat. “Thanks for inviting me to participate in this. I’m looking forward to the big event.”

“We’ll knock it out of the park, Gale,” Nico added, still not addressing him.

Hudson squashed down his irritation. As much as Nico played nice now, what happened when they stepped out of the office? The need for answers or some sort of reassurance pounded into him. As the newer kid in town, he couldn’t pass this up, a chance to become an institution of Chesapeake City during their biggest festival. And financially, this might help him push through some of the startup costs he still wrestled with. Gale nodded to them in dismissal, and Hudson made it to the door first.

He slipped on through and then slowed his pace, waiting for Nico to catch up.

The thump, thump, thump of those footsteps behind him mirrored his erratic heartbeat. Was he nervous as shit that this chance would end before it began? Yeah, he damn was. Hudson had never met a guy who loathed him more, which was a shame because Nico was far too pretty to look at. Yet every time he came close to being honest or digging himself out of this hole they’d gotten themselves into, some sarcastic remark left his lips instead, and here they were.

Nico caught up with him, and they walked down the corridor in silence until they reached the end of the hall.

Once he turned the corner, Nico pivoted toward him.

“We’ll have this conversation outside,” he said, speeding up his steps to take the lead.

Hudson shook his head before heaving a sigh. Not like he expected anything different. Nico had as much as he did to lose if he caused a scene around town. “This isn’t a church, Shah. No one’s going to care if you curse in the halls.”

Nico lifted his middle finger, not stopping his stride. “Maybe I just need some fresh air before getting into this.”

“Trust me, I don’t think the fresh air is going to help,” Hudson shot back, quickening his pace until they were both quick-walking toward the nearest exit. Hudson’s heart pounded faster as they all but raced side by side. He’d never met anyone as stubborn as him in his life, but Nico proved to be his match every damn time.

Nico popped the door open, not bothering to hold it as he slipped outside. Hudson followed suit, his stomach in knots. As much as he wanted to turn the Chesapeake Eats collab into the most talked about thing at the festival, chances were, their pair-up would be a disaster.

He couldn’t imagine a universe where they could sit and talk long enough to come up with a menu and a game plan.

The second the door shut, Nico pulled a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from his pocket. Not like Hudson was surprised. Everyone he knew smoked—deal with the high stress of working restaurant and bar, and you needed a quick and dirty outlet. Either you smoked like a chimney, or you fucked around a lot.

From what he’d heard around town, Nico indulged in both, plentifully.

“So, how much of a problem are you going to be on this?” Hudson said, ripping the Band-Aid off.

Nico spluttered on the stream of smoke from his lit cigarette. “Excuse me?” His voice rose in volume. “Me be a problem? I’m shocked your inflated ego can stand the idea of working with someone. You made it clear from the moment we met that you didn’t need anyone’s help.”

Hudson’s brows drew together as he leaned against the brick wall. Nico’s shoulders were squared, his gaze flashing, but unlike the normal barbs between them, this held a deep note of bitterness, more personal. He opened his mouth, sucked in a breath, and then started again. “When did I ever say that?”

Nico’s jaw dropped, and the cigarette almost fell from his fingers. Even out here in the fresh air, he could feel the temperature in the air rise to boiling. “The first time we met. I offered to help, since you were new in town. You all but told me you didn’t need any from me.”

Hudson was glad he was leaning because the wind knocked out from him. Fuck, had he said that? Der and Leigh were right—he was a dick.

His stomach twisted. Shit, he did remember the conversation. They’d met right after he’d gotten off the phone with his father, who’d hammered in what a failure he was for dropping out of med school. How he’d never be able to make it on his own. And then in came Nico, all smooth, slick, and cocky with a successful business and offering to help.

Hudson had thought he was being patronizing. That had been genuine?

Nico stared at him at this point because the silence had stretched on far too long.

Hudson raked his fingers through his hair. “Well, I’m willing to try and keep my ego in check for this, if you’re willing to work with me. I know I can be an ass.” Not the apology he should be giving, but his words went to war with his mind as usual.

“You’re openly admitting to being a dick? Are you being coerced? Under threat?” Nico spluttered, still in shock. To be honest, the surprise on his features was cute, the fringe of dark lashes even clearer with his widened eyes.

Hudson shrugged. “I never claimed I wasn’t. However, I’m not going to let my bluntness get in the way of something that could be great for both of our businesses. So, are you in this or not?”

Nico wrapped his lips around the cigarette for a drag, and Hudson couldn’t help but track the sensual movement. Nico let out a slow furl of smoke, his gaze flickering over to him and fixing there. Hudson’s breath hitched in his throat, and he glanced away.

“Would I rather work with anyone else on the planet?” Nico said, ashing his cigarette on the asphalt. “Yeah, but I don’t have another option. I need this, more than you know. So, sure. I’m in this. But let me make one thing perfectly clear, Hudson West. This is a collaboration. If you start trying to take over or boss me around, I don’t care how good of an opportunity this is, I’ll walk the fuck away.”

Ouch. Not like he hadn’t earned the ire.

Hudson lifted a brow. “Because I’m sure no one’s ever accused you of being bossy.”

“Only in the bedroom, sweetheart,” Nico drawled, the low pitch of his voice like sex. “Otherwise, I’m a team player, unlike you.”

Fuck. The comment traveled straight to his cock, a delicious zing he couldn’t ignore. He’d been in such a dry spell he shouldn’t be surprised, but even at his most pissed off, Nico Shah was always sex on a stick, trouble in the worst kind of way.

“Funny, because I’m the opposite,” Hudson deadpanned, not sure what demon ran away with his tongue, except that it appeared every damn time he interacted with Nico.

Nico’s dark eyes flashed with a hint of surprise, followed by the sort of intense look that didn’t do anything to dispel Hudson’s current predicament. “Shocking. You’re telling me some men stick around after they’ve heard you speak?”

“If you’re wasting your mouth on words, you’re not doing it right,” Hudson shot back, his chest heating up. The trajectory of this conversation wasn’t helping with the tightness in his slacks, but as always with Nico, he never could back down. His words hung in the air as their eyes met, and he couldn’t seem to pull himself away from that magnetic, infuriating gaze.

“Thankfully my concern is limited to this collaboration,” Nico leapt in, tearing his gaze away. “The sooner we get this figured out and over, the better.”

“Clearly, since spending time with me is such a hardship,” Hudson replied, irritation creeping into his voice before he could ice it out. Sure, they’d had some bad run-ins, but Nico acted like he was the biggest monster on the planet.

Nico cocked his head to the side, curiosity flaring in his eyes as he regarded him for a moment. He dropped his cigarette to the pavement and ground it under his heel. “Right. See you’ve got the memo, West. Hit me up with your availability, and we’ll find some neutral ground to hash this out.”

At that, Nico turned away and tossed a hand in the air to wave goodbye. He sauntered down the walkway, and Hudson couldn’t summon an ounce of shame over watching the whole way. The guy’s ass looked fucking perfect in those tight jeans, and despite the acidic words that spewed from Nico’s lips, he revved Hudson’s engine more than anyone he’d met in ages. If he were being honest, sometimes he pissed the guy off just to stay in his sphere.

Not like Hudson would ever say a word.

Nico was everything he should avoid—flirtatious, smooth-talking, and loved to push buttons, and on top of all of that, he hated Hudson’s guts. Ollie had been all those things, and he’d wrecked Hudson’s well-ordered world. The last thing he needed was to fall for another fucking player.

One month of working together. He could handle that without combusting.

At least, he hoped.

CHAPTER 5

Nico leaned back in the vinyl booth at the Maverick Diner, tapping a spoon against his coffee mug.

Ting. Ting. Ting.

This wasn’t a date.

He glanced into the mirror paneling lining the booths. Tell that to the extra half hour he spent on his hair and picking out the right pair of ass-hugging jeans. Maybe he just didn’t want to get shown up by trim and tidy Hudson West. That sounded super convincing. He placed the spoon on the saucer and began to turn one of the hoops in his right ear. Coming early had been a bad idea—more time to burn as he sat on the uncomfortable cracked vinyl, wishing he’d picked a better location than the old diner outside of town.

Neutral territory, though.

Gale’s idea would be a perfect solution for his money woes—no table fee to worry about and a discount on supplies that meant far, far more profit on one of the biggest events of the year.

The only drawback was having to work with His Royal Arrogance, Hudson West. The fucker had such a wealth of dickish behavior that he couldn’t even remember their first encounter. That had stung. What made it a thousand times worse, though, was how the moment their conversation veered into sexual territory, the man’s low, sensual voice had stroked his cock to attention. Fucking embarrassing.

Nico glanced to his phone. Still ten minutes before their meeting time. How much more coffee could he drink before then? Not like they had alcohol here to take this buzz off. Nico tapped his fingertips on the table. He didn’t want Hudson to know how much he needed this extra income. Even though he’d talked a big game about walking away, he damn well couldn’t.

The cracks in the tabletop glared at him—man, this place needed an update. The swinging glass doors were covered in smudges, and the plastic menus held the ridiculously long lists of diner offerings. Despite several broken lights and the outdated wooden paneling along the walls, the meals were solid, and the place had been around for far longer than either his or Hudson’s ventures. The town council asking Port of Call to represent the town was a bigger honor than he could’ve hoped for.

The door swung open, drawing Nico’s attention.

Hudson strode in like he owned the joint. He wasn’t wearing his usual polo and khakis, instead donning a gray Henley that melded to his chest and brought out the blue in his eyes and a pair of black jeans that fit him far too well. His dirty-blond hair was swept to the side, not a strand out of place, and even the sallow lighting couldn’t hide the deep olive tone of his skin. Nico forced his gaze away and focused on his coffee again.

His empty notebook sat in front of him, pen at the ready for jotting down ideas.

Hudson stepped in front of him, close enough to catch the scent of his cologne—bay rum and musk, which shouldn’t smell so damn enticing since the man was an asshole. Before Hudson took a seat, he dropped a thick binder in the center of the table with a heavy thump.

Like he should’ve expected anything else.

Nico let out a groan, unable to hold it back. “What part of brainstorming meeting made you think a binder was necessary?”

Hudson slid into the opposite side of the booth with a smooth grace. He cocked an eyebrow. “Definitely necessary when my business partner shows up with a blank notebook.”

Nico bristled. “Hey, it’s representative. I’m here with an open mind.” Not as if Hudson would buy that load of bullshit for a moment. Between the stress of trying to find replacement entertainment for his event and prepping for his mother’s upcoming transplant, he figured he’d wing it—they could talk things out. Clearly, Hudson had other ideas.

“Sure,” Hudson said, his lips quirking with a grin he fast tried to hide. “Open mind. Is that what I’m supposed to be keeping about this place?”

Nico kicked him from under the table, irritation flooding through him. Of course the jackass would be making snide comments. “Have you ever eaten here? Or are you just casting stones because the place doesn’t meet your country club standards?”

Hudson opened his mouth and then closed it again. “Look, if we’re going to be working together, I should warn you now. I’ve been told I can be blunt.” The slight bit of sheepishness in the way he ducked his head had Nico looking a little closer.

Nico snorted. “Is that what we call being a dick these days?” Still, the man admitting anything shocked him. Once the words left Nico’s lips, Hudson’s expression began to shutter—fuck, was he locking the vaults again? Nico’s stomach dropped at the sight, and he lifted his hands. “All right, enough of my snarky commentary. I am listening.”

Hudson shook his head, fighting with a smile. “Is any other commentary even possible with you?” He sucked in a breath, and the brief flash of vulnerability in those bright blue eyes returned, making Nico stare harder. “Look, I just wanted to wipe the slate clean. Back when we first met, I brushed you off because I didn’t realize you were offering genuine help. I thought you were making a dig—like I couldn’t hack it on my own.”

Nico sat back in his seat. Hudson’s words slammed into him hard enough to echo. To say the confession rocked him would be an understatement. More like took C4 to the carefully constructed brick foundation of their entire coexistence. His gut churned. Had he come off like an ass when he made the offer back then? And ever since, he’d been making jab after jab. Not like the guy was totally innocent—he’d given as much as he’d received.

Hudson watched him like he’d just handed him a loaded bomb.

“You may not know me well,” Nico started, unsure if his mouth would run away with him or not. One look at Hudson’s blues and the sarcasm drained from his lips. “When I commit to something, I’m all in, and when I make an offer of help, it’s never mocking.” His words rang out like a declaration, far more serious than intended.

Sure, he might be competitive on the best of days, and he went through dates faster than tissues, but his father had drilled into him the importance of keeping commitments. His mother had taught him the importance of a community.

Their gazes locked, and the intensity there surprised him, even though they’d been bathing in flames from the moment they’d met. Nico swallowed, his throat suddenly going dry. For once, Hudson wasn’t emanating calm and cool, but the softer curiosity that lifted his thick brows and had those full lips pursed made him far, far more dangerous.

“However,” Nico dove in, quick to reroute whatever this was, “I’ve got endless insults at the ready for arrogant assholes who think they’re better than the rest of us.”

The corner of Hudson’s lips quirked. “Funny, because I’ve got plenty for shameless guys who flirt their way out of trouble.”

“Sweetheart, you wouldn’t be able to handle my flirting,” Nico said, grabbing the menu like a shield, as if that might stop the rat-a-tat-tat of his heart. He never met a guy who threw him off his axis more.

“If it’s anything like your insults, I think I’ll be just fine,” Hudson responded, his tone Saltine dry. He skimmed over the menu in front of him, a low hum escaping his lips. Nico forced his gaze away to spot the waitress heading in their direction. Hudson glanced up. “What do you recommend?”

“Breakfast is great, sandwiches are classic, apart from anything with their turkey, which you’re better off avoiding—shit supplier—and they’ve got a bangin’ crab soup.” Nico closed the menu, already knowing what he planned on ordering. Between after-school visits with his crew during high school and the countless times he’d come here with Mama and Taran, he had a rotation of different favorites.

Felicity, one of the older waitresses, sidled up to the table. “Nico, your guy showed? What can I get the two of you?”

Nico’s cheeks heated at the insinuation. He hadn’t gone on dates here since high school, but when you lived in the same town for a thousand years… yeah. “We’re here on business,” he leapt in to justify. Not like Felicity was doing more than making conversation. Nico didn’t miss the way Hudson’s lips lifted in an amused smirk. Nico shot him a look in return. “He couldn’t handle all of this.”

Felicity shook her head, an amused gleam in her eyes. “Well, as long as he can handle lunch with you, we’re good here.”

“I think I’ll manage,” Hudson responded, with the same dry tone that challenged him every time. “Sausage gravy and biscuits for me and a breakfast tea.”

Nico grimaced. “Tea? What are you, forty and British?”

“Didn’t realize those were the requirements for a cup of tea,” Hudson deadpanned. He cast Felicity a glance, sending her a “see what I’m dealing with” stare.

She chuckled and wrote the order down. “And you, Nico?”

“Buffalo wrap with extra buffalo and sweet potato fries,” he rattled off, making the snap decision. Even with the extra spice, it didn’t come close to his mother’s cooking, but they made a damn good wrap here. When he’d opened Port of Call, this was one of the places he thought of while constructing the menu. Even if he wanted to play around with new concepts, he needed to have his classics right.

Felicity scribbled it down and tilted her head in a nod before she sauntered toward the kitchen to place the orders.

Hudson leaned in an inch. “You do know you can enjoy food more if you don’t scorch off your tastebuds,” he offered in a mock whisper.

Nico’s lips started lifting before he could help himself. He snapped that shit down quick. “Please, pretty boy, I was raised on my mother’s curry. Everything in this country pales in comparison.”

Hudson settled back in the booth, his arms crossing in front of him. “So, you think I’m pretty.”

Of course he’d seize on that. Nico sucked in a breath. An amused grin played on Hudson’s lips, making his sharp jawline even clearer. This close, Nico found it hard to ignore the man’s aquiline nose or how his broad shoulders and muscular arms filled out his Henley.

Nico shot him a look. “Pretty obnoxious is more like it. Are we going to start this brainstorming session, or what?” With the way Hudson’s lips still lifted in that satisfied smile, he’d done a piss-poor job at diverting his attention. Brazenness flooded through him. He wanted to play it like that? Fine. Nico fixed his gaze on Hudson’s, a pert grin rising to his lips. “Come on, whip out that big… binder of yours.”

Hudson fixed him with a look and flipped open the binder between them. “You’ve been waiting for the opportunity, haven’t you?”

Nico shrugged. To be honest, he wasn’t sure what would spew from his mouth from one moment to the next. He’d learned a long time ago to roll with it. For whatever reason, his normal micro-thin filter vanished any time he and Hudson were in the same room, which made things even more unpredictable. This was the longest they’d interacted without a buffer, and he’d thought irritation would be fueling him the entire way through.

The apology had thrown him off his game, though. Never in a million years would he have expected Hudson West to admit to any sort of wrongdoing. Had to be a fluke. Maybe he’d caught the flu and was riding high on Sudafed.

Nico took another sip of coffee, letting the strong taste roll around his tongue. “Let’s see what you’ve got in your ever-efficient binder. Do we want to start on the menu or drinks?”

“That’s one of the points I wanted to discuss,” Hudson started, pushing the binder closer to Nico.

The page in front of him featured the specials menus from each of their restaurants. He flipped back further, seeing more printed menus on display. The beginning half of the binder featured pages of market research on food trends, drink trends, etc. The whole presentation was far more thorough than anything Nico could’ve come up with. Not like he didn’t love learning about the different aspects of the business, but he preferred to bounce from subject to subject rather than deep dive.

“If you’d rather not do it this way, I’m happy to work with you, but I know there was concern about how we divided tasks up. I figured I could take lead on the food end of things and you could take lead on the drinks. If you look over the specials we’ve got going, Port of Call has a lot more devoted to drinks, and I lean heavily into fine dining.”

Nico took another sip of coffee to give himself a second to mull over the idea. Part of him wanted to say no just to be petulant, but he’d agreed to work with Hudson, not against him. At least, regarding the Chesapeake Days venture. Truth be told, Hudson wasn’t wrong, as much as it pained him to admit. More folks came to Port of Call for a wild night out, whereas Harbor Pointe had become the fine dining destination in town.

“As long as taking lead doesn’t mean ignoring input,” Nico responded.

“What ever gave you the impression that I can’t take it?” Hudson responded, some wry amusement there that had eluded their other interactions. Who was this man and where had he been hiding behind the Ice King? The words registered in Nico’s brain, instantly exploding into filthy territory. The idea of Hudson West bent over the bar… fuck, lust punched him right in the gut, and his cock woke the hell up.

Nico eyed him, trying to not let an ounce of his reaction show. “Maybe everything about you, Mr. Blue Blood.” He didn’t look away from Hudson, even though he was pretty sure the air between them had amped up like the first plucked strings of an electric guitar.

Felicity took that moment to arrive, like a complete angel, shattering the tension. “I’ve got your tea here,” she said, sliding the piping-hot mug over to Hudson, “as well as your sausage gravy and biscuits. And Nico, here’s your spice trap.”

“Thanks,” Nico said, tugging the plate closer to him as he offered her a grin, all teeth. “You’re the best, Felicity.”

She rolled her eyes, used to his shit by now. “You do realize compliments don’t count as much when you dole them out to everyone.”

“She’s right, you know,” Hudson agreed, taking a sip from the steaming liquid.

“I’d rather be a compliment slut than withhold them like a miser,” Nico responded, shooting a pointed glance at Hudson.

“And I’m out,” Felicity said, grabbing the tray and shuffling away before he could draw her into their argument. Smart woman. However, that left him here, with Hudson.

“Is that you angling for a compliment, Shah?” Hudson asked, his low voice stroking Nico’s libido. Well, that backfired.

“An apology and a compliment in the same day? I think it might summon the apocalypse,” Nico said before he took a bite from his wrap, relishing the dance of spice on his tongue. He needed some sort of distraction from this man, because for some godforsaken reason his body had started reacting to every wry comment and amused twinkle of his light eyes.

Hudson lifted his brow. “When did an apology happen? Because I only recall an explanation and a warning. Might want to brush up on your definitions.”

And there was the normal grade-A asshole he’d grown used to. Nico flipped him the middle finger on reflex.

“Oh, good,” he responded. “Just a normal Tuesday.” Nico wiped his hands on a napkin before he turned another page of the binder. He trained his focus there, as if he could rewire the adrenaline surging through his veins and ignore the steady thump, thump, thump of his heart. The return to insults came as a relief—normal, regular terrain.

Because the brief glimpse of the guy he’d gotten earlier?

That guy was dangerous.

CHAPTER 6

A mere week ago, if someone had told Hudson he’d be going to Nico Shah’s house, he would’ve called them crazy.

Yet, the past few days since their diner meeting, they’d been texting and emailing nonstop, brainstorming ideas for Chesapeake Eats. While he didn’t mind the tedium of running a business—keeping track of the financials, working on fresh marketing—this creative stuff was a siren song, drawing him in every single time.

Hudson drove down the narrow street filled with older houses, the lamplights flickering on with the start of evening. Tonight was one of the few he had off, and by some rare stroke of fate, Nico did too.

Nico didn’t live in the historic district like Hudson would’ve guessed, instead on a side street in the outskirts of the area. In fact, his place was only a few minutes’ drive from Hudson’s, a realization that lingered far too much for his comfort. He pulled to a stop in front of the numbered mailbox, glancing to the twin house, Nico’s with black shutters and a white exterior. Two cars were in the driveway—did Nico live with a roommate?

Not like it mattered. He was just here to drop off some menu suggestions and have a brief chat about them in person. Which failed to explain why he’d spent extra time on his hair and happened to wear a tighter shirt than normal. Objectively, he could admit Nico was fucking hot as hell, but the man’s scorching once-overs didn’t mean a ton when he doled them out like Halloween candy.

Hudson turned off the engine and slipped out of his car, the night air fragrant, laden with the sweet scents of gardenia from the bushes in front of Nico’s house. As he strode down the walkway, jitters raced up his arms, ones he tried to dismiss. This was just swinging in for business. Nothing more.

He clutched his folder in one hand, wiping his palm on his pants with the other as he approached the door. Clearly, he needed to get out and start dating again if he was getting nerves over going to his business partner’s house for a fucking meeting. His dry spell had gone on far too long. With the opening of Harbor Pointe, he’d barely had any spare time to go on dates, and he sure as hell wouldn’t start accepting the numbers he got when he worked behind the bar. Which left him here. Having thoughts.

Hudson lifted his knuckles to knock right as the door swung open.

A short Indian woman stood in the doorway, her thick black hair streaked with gray and pulled into a bun. She wore a bright orange shirt and maroon skirt that complemented the gold bracelets on her wrists. Based on the twinkle in her dark eyes, he assumed she and Nico were related.

She blinked, looking up at him. “Nico, you didn’t tell me you were having a boy over,” she called.

Hudson’s cheeks ignited. “I’m just here for business,” he jumped in to explain. With the coy way this woman spoke, he didn’t question for a second she was Nico’s mother. He could see in an instant where the man got his sass from. He clutched his folder tighter as the woman scanned him over with an unparalleled scrutiny.

“Pity. My son could do worse than a handsome man like yourself,” Mrs. Shah said with a grin.

Hudson couldn’t help the embarrassment that heated his cheeks even if he wanted to. Definitely related.

Nico popped into view beside her, carding a hand through his hair. “Ma, I do plenty fine on my own.” Nico had yet to meet his gaze, so Hudson stood in silent mortification on his own.

She fixed a stare to her son. “Random boys at the club isn’t ‘doing fine.’ This one here at least looks respectable.”

Nico ducked his head, his jaw dropping. He refused to look up at Hudson now, which was fine. They could share the embarrassment. Hudson had pretty much become one of the trees at this point, rooted to the spot. Nico opened his mouth, but before he could say a word, his mother whipped around to face Hudson.

“I need to get to my doctor’s appointment, but promise me you’ll help my son eat some of the dinner I brought over,” the woman commanded. For someone so tiny, she had the sort of earth-shaking presence he didn’t dare disobey.

This should’ve been a quick drop-off. In and out. Not spending time at Nico’s house, eating dinner with him like they were more than just temporary business partners.

Yet, when she fixed her gaze on him, all he found himself saying was, “I promise.” Because apparently he’d dropped his spine somewhere between his car and the front door. Nico looked up, surprise in his dark eyes. Hudson managed a micro shrug, his tongue still stuck to the roof of his mouth.

Nico’s mom nodded with a firm grin and reached up to pat him on the shoulder. “See? Respectable. Don’t let him worry too much,” she said to Hudson before she stepped past him and shuffled to the driveway.

Hudson stood in the same spot, unable to move as a bomb of tension detonated in the wake of her departure. Nico leaned against the doorframe as if winded, the white exterior a perfect contrast to his tight black chinos, black Chucks, and pale gray tank top that showed off far too much of his slender, muscled frame. Seeing the normally sharp, composed man knocked over by the same tornado somehow made him seem a little softer around the edges. And now Hudson was staring. Fuck.

He lifted the hand with the folder, as if remembering why he’d showed up in the first place. “So, I’ve got the menu ideas.”

“Shit, I’m being a bad host,” Nico said, snapping to attention. He pushed himself off the doorframe. “Hurry, before my mother sees. Come on inside.”

All his preconceptions of this man were getting shattered by this glimpse into his personal life. His gut clenched the way it had the first time they met. This guy was trouble.

Hudson stepped inside, strong spices laden in the air, a delicious aroma that caused his stomach to rumble. Nico’s mother’s words rang in his head. Don’t let him worry too much. Was something going on with the guy’s mom? Not like he should shove his nose in their business. He scratched the back of his neck as he followed Nico through a neat foyer featuring hardwood floors and pale walls with a few colorful landscapes adorning the walls. He’d expected chaotic and splashy, but the man’s decorating style seemed relatively classic.

Nico cast a glance to him as they headed into the hallway. “Hope you understand that you’re now stuck staying for dinner. My mother is the sort who will follow up to make sure you tried her cooking.”

Hudson eyed him back. “How does anyone say no to that woman?”

Nico’s lips spread into a genuine smile, one that brightened his eyes. “You don’t.”

Hudson found himself sucking in a sharp breath. He’d seen the man offer slick grins to everyone but him for ages, but that single look transformed his features into something beautiful. Nico’s eyes lingered for a moment before he whipped his gaze away.

“Anyway, we might as well go over this menu shit over something to eat,” Nico said, stepping into a gorgeous kitchen, all granite countertops, stainless steel backsplashes, and white cabinets. Everything about Nico’s house was far neater than he’d expected, especially when his interactions with the man screamed messy. A two-seater table was wedged on the opposite side of the room, filled Tupperware containers dominating the space, as if Mrs. Shah had planned on feeding a crew of ten rather than her son.

“Glad you think so highly of my skills.” Hudson managed to reclaim some of his equilibrium as he made his way over the table. His pride stung a little, but he didn’t think Nico meant anything by the comment. The more time he spent around the guy, the better he was able to read his sarcasm. He placed the folder down on the surface. “Here’s that menu shit, as requested.”

Nico lifted a brow. “I’m shocked it’s not another binder this time,” he said, making his way over to the fridge. “Can I get you a drink? I’ve got cider, IPAs, and hard liquor.”

Two weeks ago, they’d barely even tolerated each other’s presence, yet now he sat in Nico’s kitchen having a drink with the man. Hudson was still reeling from how fast things had shifted.

“IPA is fine,” Hudson responded, leaning back in his seat.

Work. He was here for work. Nico cracked the fridge door, bending over to snag two bottles. Hudson couldn’t bring himself to look away, the man’s fine-as-fuck ass on clear display in those snug chinos. The thought of coming up to press behind him… fuck. A dose of lust jolted through him. He needed to go on a date and get laid soon. Not like he really wanted to update his Grindr profile.

Nico shut the fridge, carrying over two bottles and an opener. With deft movements he got both bottles open, and he placed the IPA in front of Hudson, close enough that the spicy scent of ginger wafted off him. Hudson swallowed hard. The proximity was messing with his brain. Nico’s eyes trailed over him slowly as he slid into his own seat, moving with a sanguine grace. In a few seconds, he had those tempting lips wrapped around the bottle, and damn if that wasn’t hot.

Hudson fumbled to tip his own back, quick to pull his gaze away. The way his cock hardened against his thigh made it all too clear what his body thought of Nico Shah, but his body was a damn traitor.

“Why don’t we eat the food before it cools?” Nico said, passing over one of the containers. “I’ll grab forks, and we can eat from these. As long as you don’t mind sharing germs with me.” Nico’s eyes scorched as they lingered on him, and Hudson took a sip of the IPA to cool himself down.

“I’ll take my chances,” Hudson murmured, his mouth quirking with a grin.

Nico hopped up from the seat, the man in perpetual motion, like he was wired on eighteen cups of coffee. He grabbed the forks and plonked down in the seat before passing over a container. “Here, white boy. You should be able to handle the dosas. I’m going to recommend you skip the curry.”

“What makes you think I couldn’t handle it?” Hudson asked as he cracked the top of the container. A mouthwatering aroma wafted up to him, the dosas looking similar to crepes and filled with spiced potatoes.

Nico pursed his lips, struggling with a grin. “Based on the way you blanched at my extra buffalo? Yeah, you’re leagues away from my mother’s curry.” As if to flaunt his tolerance, he picked up the container with the curry and dipped a fork in, taking a big bite of a dripping chunk of meat. “Mmm.” He exaggerated the sound, those dark eyes dancing. With the way they’d fought before, working together should’ve been hard, but this back and forth? It was easy. Too easy.

Hudson grabbed for the container, and before he could talk himself out of it, he plunked his fork in and took a mouthful of meat, sauce, and veggie. He chewed for a moment, waiting for the flavors to explode on his tongue. Nico watched him, jaw dropped. This wasn’t so bad. He opened his mouth, about to say so, but then it struck.

The spices hit his tongue with a vengeance, and oh fuck, they burned.

Hudson tried to swallow fast rather than spitting out the curry, and he fumbled for his IPA. His mouth scorched, and heat traveled up and down, tears stinging his eyes as he forced back the cool liquid. He fanned at his mouth, trying to will away the pain as he gasped for breaths.

Nico’s shock dissolved, and a moment later, laughter split the air between them. Nico hunched over, his shoulders shaking as he cracked the hell up. Hudson couldn’t even make a comment, because his tongue had been singed off. What the fuck? Who even enjoyed this?

Nico careened against the side of the table, clutching his thighs as he continued to laugh. He wiped at his eyes. “Oh god, that was too damn good. I wish I had recorded the bite.”

Hudson worked his jaw, the feeling beginning to return to his tongue. He shot Nico a look. “Glad one of us found it amusing.”

Nico pushed up on his thighs, the laughter ebbing even though his eyes still sparkled with amusement. “Considering I’d pay to see your pompous ass get knocked down a few pegs? Hell yes.”

Hudson shook his head, his tongue stinging as he stabbed a fork into the dosa. He attempted to discern flavor as he chewed on the pastry and potato, but the curry had scorched through his tastebuds. His cheeks flushed. He needed to move the conversation away from this damn embarrassment.

“What was your mom going to the doctor for?” Hudson asked, his mouth running away with him. The question had broiled in the back of his mind ever since he’d met her, but Nico had been a distraction from the moment he stepped inside the house.

All traces of Nico’s laughter disappeared, and his gaze darkened, as if he were locking a few doors that had creaked open. Fuck, he shouldn’t have said anything. This was why he pissed people off—his damn inability to keep his mouth shut.

“While I prefer to keep my personal business private, given that we’re working together for the next month, I’ll let you know,” Nico said, his voice hesitant and his shoulders bunched like he prepared for a fistfight.

Hudson took another sip of the IPA, still unable to taste much as he trained his gaze on Nico. Based on the way the temperature in the room dropped, he had the feeling this was serious.

Nico stared at the table, weaving his fork around the container of curry. “She’s got a pancreas transplant coming up.”

That vibrant woman? Hudson’s brows furrowed. He couldn’t imagine her having any health issues in the slightest. Nico chewed on his lower lip before taking a swig of his cider, the silence stretching between them louder than an alarm.

His mother’s earlier words slammed in with clarity. Nico had been worrying about this.

“The surgery’s a pretty safe one, right?” Hudson asked, trying to sort through what little he knew about the subject.

Nico nodded, picking at the label on his cider. “They say routine, and her chances of survival are high. Just expensive.”

That final comment weighted the air even more, to the point it grew saturated with everything brimming there, like laden clouds before a downpour.

“Which is why you need the Chesapeake Days gig so badly.” The words slipped out with the realization. His stomach sank. Fuck, he was an asshole. No wonder the guy had freaked out about losing the big-draw band for his anniversary celebration. Nico wasn’t just trying to chase after an extra dollar for personal gain—the guy was raising money to help his mother out with her transplant costs.

Nico grazed fingers through his hair as he stared off into the kitchen, definitely not looking his way. “We’re doing fine,” he justified, as if Hudson sat there judging him. “It’s not like we’re desperate or anything.” His pain radiated through the room, his stress an oppressive force, yet still he sat there, voice chilled on ice, trying to seem okay.

Hudson shook his head, too many conflicting emotions rising up. The predominant one was the urge to reach across the table and kiss the hell out of Nico Shah, so that got shut the fuck down. This hint of vulnerability from the guy who always seemed cocky as hell brought out a protective side of him, one that rarely emerged.

“With an ass like that, I’m sure you’re far from desperate,” Hudson said, the words gliding off his tongue with a husky rasp.

Nico locked eyes with him for a moment, and the sheer heat that rolled between them could fuel an inferno. The discomfort slipped away, and his eyes crinkled as a coy smile slipped to his lips. “Didn’t realize you’d been checking out my ass, West. Duly noted.”

Hudson fought a wry grin. “Don’t let it go to your head, Shah. Your ego’s big enough.” He tried to ignore the way his heart sped, neither of them willing to look away. Had he found Nico attractive from the first time they met? Hell yeah. However, he’d fast heard around town about the guy’s reputation as a one-night wonder, never bothering to stick with the same man long. And Hudson couldn’t go there.

The couple of times he’d gone out with guys just for sex, he’d felt so hollow afterwards, his father and Brian’s comments clanging around in his head. About failure. About disappointment. About never being worthy—whether it was for attention or love.

“If you’re done preening, we’ve got a menu to go over,” Hudson said, nudging the folder in Nico’s direction. The guy nodded and flipped open the folder, skimming over the contents with a curious gaze. Time to get back on track.

No matter how much Nico intrigued him, Hudson needed to keep this professional.

CHAPTER 7

First Nico had invited the enemy into his home, and now his restaurant?

He must be losing his tenuous grip on sanity.

Nico stood behind the bar, polishing glasses to keep his hands busy, mostly because Sunday evenings were always slow. It made for the perfect time to share a few of his drink ideas with Hudson and a couple of other guinea pigs, otherwise known as friends. Worries wrestled for dominance: Mama’s surgery next week, the bills coming after, or the fact that the three contenders he’d reached out to for the five-year bash hadn’t gotten in touch with him.

All three situations he simply had to wait on, and Nico was terrible at waiting.

Even with the lighter crowds on the second floor, patrons still lined the polished oak bar, and a handful of the four-seater tables were taken up. The globe lights stationed at the corners of the room cast a hazy glow onto the tables, highlighting the brass fixtures along the walls and dangling from the ceilings. Navy walls complemented the cream trim, all fitting with the nautical theme he’d gone with when he designed Port of Call. The old restaurant here had had patterned linoleum floors straight from the seventies. It had been a travesty they’d ripped out at once.

This place now, though? This was his, and he got slammed in the chest with intense pride every time he got a spare moment to soak it in.

He skimmed down the jotted list of drinks in front of him, ones he’d scribbled throughout the week. They’d been in contact with Gale since she made the offer, and the contracts were all signed. He and Hudson were officially in a partnership for Chesapeake Eats. His chest squeezed tight. Thoughts of that man had gotten far too complicated to wade through of late, which he needed to address, pronto.

He snuck his phone out and skimmed through his Grindr app for a minute or two, breezing past a couple of clear closet cases who probably hid secrets from their wives. Been there, so done with that drama.

A hot face and pair of killer abs drew his attention. Local-ish guy. Could be worth giving a shot. He sent a fast “hey” to get the ball rolling and then tucked his phone in his pocket. A quick hookup was the exact sort of distraction he needed—not the nonsense Mama nudged him with about finding a respectable guy to bring home. The fact she thought Hudson might fit the bill showed how preposterous that idea was.

That soulmate, ride-or-die life partner bullshit hadn’t worked out too well for any of the folks around him.

He caught sight of Sarah heading his way, dragging his attention front and center. The woman had dropped the bank attire and slipped on a black corset-back shirt, a knee-length black skirt, and black lace stockings, as if she were auditioning for a part in The Crow or Blade. Nate followed close behind her, offering a friendly wave when Nico caught his eyes.

“Linc and Beck send their love,” Nate said, slipping onto the barstool in front of Nico. “I offered to let him come instead, but he said if one of us was going to be drinking froufrou drinks all night, it wouldn’t be him. His words,” Nate clarified, rattling off the sentences like a machine gun.

Nico couldn’t help his grin. Linc’s boyfriend was adorable, all floppy brown hair, earnest blue eyes, and a contagious grin.

Sarah took the other nearby stool, the silver bracelets on both wrists jangling. “Reporting for duty. What drinks do you have in store for us tonight?”

Nico couldn’t help his glance to the door. Hudson still hadn’t arrived. Truth be told, the idea of the man in his restaurant was odd as fuck, but they had a truce in place, at least while they worked on Chesapeake Eats together.

He tried to ignore the slight buzz of electricity in his veins. Just another Sunday night. Except this time with some new drinks to try.

“I’ve got a whole list,” Nico said, bringing his focus to Sarah and Nate.

Nate raised his hand. “If it’s more than two, I’m going to need to stick to sips. Otherwise, I’ll be a hot mess.”

Nico’s lips curled with his grin. “I’ll make one drink and split it into sample sizes for the three of you.”

“Three?” Sarah asked, casting a critical gaze along the row of empty barstools, apart from Gray hunched in his normal spot. The man spent most of his retirement glued to the seat.

Before Nico could answer, movement by the steps caught his gaze.

Hudson stepped into view, and Nico couldn’t ignore the punch of reaction that followed, jitters coursing through his veins. Damn this man and his Henleys. Nico didn’t have a fixation with them, but on Hudson? The guy’s built muscles made the fabric stretch in delicious ways, and his broad shoulders brought Nico’s mind to filthy places—he loved to grab onto that area while getting fucked. Because that was a helpful thought to have now. Hudson’s stride remained confident even as he stepped into enemy territory, the dim lighting bringing out the different hues of blond in his hair and sharpening his proud nose and fuckable lips.

Mind. Out. Of. Gutter.

This was Hudson fucking West, the guy who’d been nothing but rude since the day they met. The one who went as far as to poach North Advantage from him. All of which contradicted with the guy he’d recently gotten to know—full of surprising sympathy, great humor, and a sexy smile when he flirted.

Hudson flashed his stunning smile now as he sidled up to the bar. Sarah’s jaw dropped as she glanced between Nico and Hudson, back and forth, back and forth. Great. This headache was the last thing he needed. Nico sent her a warning glare, one that Sarah ignored.

“When did the two of you start hanging out?” Sarah asked, the question brazen in the air. “I was under the impression you were mortal enemies, like, Burr and Hamilton level.”

Hudson took a seat on the open barstool in front of Nico and looked to him expectantly, an amused grin on his lips.

“We’re working together,” Nico responded, flattening his palms on the surface of the bar. At least he would stick to the status quo, even if his rival had decided that teasing him was more entertaining than launching acidic barbs.

“Try to sound more excited,” Hudson responded in his ever-dry tone. Even still, his words didn’t seem to hold the acerbic bite they used to.

“The opportunity’s an amazing one,” Nate jumped in, leaning on his forearm. His enthusiasm leaked from those dancing blue eyes. “The two of you will be representing the whole town. No pressure or anything.”

“Luckily, at least one of us performs well under pressure,” Hudson said, giving Nico a pointed glance. The lowered tone traveled straight to Nico’s cock, a firm reminder of the brand-new side he’d been seeing of Hudson as of late. One that was scorching and dangerous and needed to be avoided at all costs.

“True story,” Nico snapped back, pasting on an extra wide smile. “Aren’t you glad you have me?”

Hudson rolled his eyes as he settled into his seat, those corded forearms splayed comfortably across the surface of the bar. The asshole had rolled his sleeves to the elbows, as if flashing temptation on purpose. “I thought we were here to try these supposed drinks you came up with. Or is all this a stalling tactic because you’re still ‘brainstorming’ the ideas?”

“Oh, look, Binder Boy,” Nico said, picking up his paper and flashing it Hudson’s way. “I took a page out of your far-too-orderly book.”

Nate’s lips quirked in a grin. “You know, the way you guys argue is pretty cute.”

“Like a married couple, right?” Sarah joined in.

Nico didn’t bother disguising his shudder. “First off, I’m offended you’d ever think I’d get married. Secondly, if I did, I sure as hell wouldn’t be going for the owner of my rival restaurant.” If his heart beat a little faster, well, that wasn’t anyone’s business but his own.

“Please, Shah, like you could bag someone of my caliber,” Hudson drawled, bleeding arrogance as per usual. Not attractive in the slightest. Even if the guy’s pretty blue eyes cut toward him with infuriating amusement.

“Sorry, West. Conceited, rich assholes aren’t my type,” Nico responded, his tone saccharine sweet.

Sarah lifted a brow, tapping her crimson nails on the bar. “Are you guys just going to flirt all night, or are we going to try some drinks?”

Nico lifted his middle finger before he snagged the sheet from Hudson. He needed the distraction, pronto. To the man’s credit, it looked as if he was reading over the recipes, which shouldn’t be surprising. As much as Hudson could be pompous, he had a decent work ethic.

“I’m going to start with the grog,” Nico said, pulling out three shot glasses and a pint glass. He began to tug bottles, barely casting a glance to the recipe list. He hadn’t played around with the recipes much, but they were variations on classics, and after almost a decade tending bar, he knew those better than most. Three different rums, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and for an extra zip, he brought out the honey syrup they used in the more artisanal cocktails.

He moved seamlessly, shutting out the murmur of whatever Nate was saying to Sarah as he flipped bottles, pouring from the neck as he eyeballed shots into the pint glass. The movement came automatically, a melody he’d been following for years as the different amounts flowed in, one splash of color after another. For a brief moment he glanced up and caught Hudson’s gaze on him, those blue eyes even darker with their intensity. He almost fumbled on flipping the bottle of rum, barely catching it. Nico ignored the shiver that coursed down his spine.

He grabbed the cocktail shaker and poured the liquid in, ice following. His focus switched to the important thing—making the damn drink and not the way Hudson West watched him like he wanted to devour him. The thought made his tongue dry. Fuck, hopefully he’d have a hookup ready to roll before he left here for the night. Grindr never let him down.

With a quick couple of shakes, he poured the shots out, passing the drinks over, one in front of each of them of the canary-colored liquid.

Nate and Sarah took their sips, but Nico’s main focus was on Hudson. Out of anyone, he would be the most critical. It didn’t hurt that the man made for fantastic eye candy. He watched as Hudson cast a careful eye over the liquid and then brought the glass up to take a sniff, taking the time to view the drink from all angles. Nate had almost finished his taste at this point, while Sarah wrinkled her nose.

“Ugh, is there grapefruit in this?” Sarah asked. When Nico shot her a dirty look, she rolled her eyes and switched to sarcasm. “I mean, what an interesting acerbic note the grapefruit provides.”

Hudson took a sip, his expression unreadable as he let the drink rest for a moment before swallowing it down. Not that Nico was paying attention to how the guy’s Adam’s apple bobbed with the motion.

“It’s got classic flavors,” Hudson started as he set the shot glass on the countertop.

“But…?” Nico stepped in, sensing the continuation.

Hudson’s lips twitched as if he fought a grin. “But we want to stand out. A fun summer grog might be enjoyable, but it’s not going to linger in anyone’s memories. And I don’t know about you, but I want to last.” The sensual drip of the statement from his tongue burned Nico right up.

Hudson West was supposed to be stiff and arrogant, not this dirty-talking stranger Nico had only gotten to know over the past few weeks.

“I’ve never had a problem in that department,” Nico shot back, far too distracted by Hudson’s teasing grin as he reached for the guy’s glass. His fingertips slipped, and the rest of the contents went tumbling forward, splattering squarely onto Hudson’s pale blue Henley. The stain spread fast, looking dark against the fabric.

Hudson lifted an eyebrow as he plucked the damp fabric from his chest. Nico snatched the glass back and whipped out a rag to clean the bar surface. He glanced at the tattered state of it, not wanting to offer it over to Hudson.

“Your choice—I’ve got napkins or a sweet Port of Call T-shirt, in case you want to be our walking advertisement,” Nico rolled out, reaching for the napkins in the holder on the side of the bar.

“I’ll take the T-shirt,” Hudson responded, challenge in his gaze.

Nico’s brows drew together in surprise.

“Jesus, why don’t the two of you just go fuck in Nico’s shitty Volvo,” Sarah responded with a smirk before she gave another glare to her grapefruit-tainted drink.

“Excuse me,” he jumped in. “My Volvo is a delight. Don’t knock a reliable car.” Not like he could even hope to broach the other part of her sentence without his mind melting.

“Since we’ve got more to try, I’d rather change my shirt—if the offer was a serious one,” Hudson explained. “Unless you’re planning on dumping another drink on me?”

Nico eyed him. “Depends on what else you’ve got to say. I might be tempted.” He heaved a sigh. Embarrassment flooded through his veins at such a sloppy mistake—he rarely spilled. The last thing he needed was the ever-present reminder of his slip staring at him on Hudson’s chest. “The offer was a serious one, though. We keep tons of spares in the back from previous events, and yeah, we’ve got a bunch of other drinks on the agenda.”

He pushed off from the bar and strode toward the back room, not waiting for Hudson. The soft clap of steps sounded behind him as he slipped into the back of house, all stainless-steel surfaces and tan tiles on the floor. He passed by the sinks and the walk-in fridge to the wire shelving along the back wall, next to his desk and computer. A huge box poked out on the bottom shelf, and Nico dropped to a squat to tug it out and sort through a few of the black shirts for a large.

The footsteps stopped behind him, and a shadow fell. Not like Nico needed any other signals that Hudson stood there when he could feel the man’s presence a mile away. His fingers settled on the butter-soft fabric of the tee, finally one in the right size.

“Here,” Nico said, plucking the shirt from the box. He rose from his crouch and pivoted around.

Hudson waited inches away, tugging his Henley over his head in a fluid motion. This close, Nico got an eyeful of just how defined Hudson West’s chest was—droolworthy abs, smooth alabaster skin, and a few freckles in all the right places, including one right next to his left nipple. Nico caught a whiff of his cologne, all bay rum and spice, the scent sending a shiver through him. His cock stiffened in his tight jeans as his veins sparked with desire. Fuck. The man had no right looking like that.

Hudson’s eyes landed on his, those blues dancing with amusement. “Are you going to pass me a shirt, or are you going to stand there staring?” The wry quirk to his mouth snapped Nico back to the present.

Nico shoved the balled-up shirt into his chest. “You’re just far paler than I expected. Do you ever get out in the sun?”

“With the hours I work?” Hudson responded, rolling out the shirt before he tugged it over his head. Nico couldn’t help but watch the poetry of those abs in motion as Hudson finished dragging the shirt down his chest. His mouth dried, and his tongue darted out across his lips. This was the last person he should be ogling, yet he couldn’t seem to make his feet move.

Hudson tugged on the hem of the shirt, straightening it out on his chest, even though the fabric was snug. Inches separated them, and when Hudson’s gaze returned to Nico, their proximity grew abundantly clear. Neither of them moved an inch as the air between them heated with tension, like billows of steam from the dishwasher.

Move. He needed to move.

Instead, his gaze zeroed in on those full, fuckable lips mere inches from him. Because those were thoughts he should be having.

Hudson sucked in a sharp breath and raked a hand through his hair. “We should get back to work. Plenty of drinks to still try,” he said before spinning on his heel and all but darting away.

Nico leaned against his desk, clutching the edge and finding his breath. He needed to dive into the dating pool fast—hookup, date, whatever he could scrounge up. Anything to distract him from Hudson West.

CHAPTER 8

The kitchen was filled with shouts, clangs, and curses, and servers darted in and out, grabbing plates or diving to a corner to swear filthily before pasting on a grin and returning to the front of house. Hudson thrived in this chaos. For some reason, Wednesdays were always busy at Harbor Pointe, and this one was no different.

“Order up,” Jayne called as he slid a piping-hot plate of scallops in sherry cream along the line. Hudson stepped in front, grabbing hold of the plate and turning to hand it off to Leigh, who waited in the wings. Her table was full of blue-blooded customers who needed five thousand modifications and were still never happy. Not like Hudson had a difficult time navigating—he’d grown up in the West family, after all.

Heat roiled through the air here, enough that droplets of sweat clung to his neck, his temples. His undershirt was pasted to his skin at this point, the only barrier between soaking through his button-down.

Der slipped into the back, clapping a hand on his shoulder. The guy was all sorts of pretty—medium-length black hair, deep brown eyes, and well-toned from the gym—and also very, very straight. He’d been with his girlfriend, Nina, for three years now, and they seemed better than ever. Hudson couldn’t help the pang of jealousy anytime he hung out with the couple.

He wanted that, so damn bad.

Instead, all he got was hard-ons over Nico goddamn Shah, with his pert smile and perky fucking ass… and an allergy to anything resembling more than a fling. Not like Nico would even go for him in the first place.

“Smoke?” Der said, steering him in the direction of the back door. The guy was seriously his best hire—perfect at the bar but also with potential for management in the future. That was if Hudson could ever pry himself away from running everything.

Hudson cracked the door and slipped out the back, followed by Der. He tugged the pack of Camels from his pocket, a habit he only indulged here in the middle of a busy shift. Derek pulled out his vape and leaned against the wall, already lifting it to his lips.

“Needed to take a breather after the bevy of old bitches clustered at the end of the bar nursing their Cosmos.” Der let out a stream of vapor that smelled vaguely of cinnamon and vanilla. “Of course, they’re happy to take up space while they tip like garbage.”

Hudson rolled his eyes. “Sounds about right.” Most of the time, the folks who could afford to tip the best were the stingiest ones. Fucking assholes. Still, like everyone in this industry, he pasted on a smile and schmoozed.

“Where should I take Nina on Monday?” Der asked, casting him a glance. “I’m grasping at straws, and I promised to plan this date night.”

“You both work at restaurants, so I’d suggest skipping that idea,” Hudson suggested, flicking his Bic to light the end of his cigarette. He took a deep drag, enjoying the flood of nicotine as it calmed his nerves. Maybe that was where he’d gone wrong with dating Ollie, who had worked a nine-to-five accounting job. The guy had gotten sick of his hours real fast, though if he’d stuck with med school they would’ve been worse.

Hudson stared up at the fading evening sky, a stretch of mottled purples and hazy citrine streaks. “What about an evening picnic? The weather’s getting better, and the waterside’s a great view. You both have good taste in food.”

Der snapped his fingers. “On the money, man. How the hell are you single, again?”

Hudson’s heart thumped harder, as if trying to cover up the hollowness in his chest. God, he wanted something real so badly. “Know any hot guys who are looking for a workaholic med school dropout?”

Der shook his head, cuffing Hudson’s shoulder. “You mean successful restaurant owner? You can’t tell me you’re not getting dicked down on the regular—I’ve seen how many numbers you get when you’re behind the bar.”

Hudson took another drag of the cigarette, attempting to hide his grimace. “Not looking for a one-night stand, especially from a customer. How the hell does anyone even find a date nowadays?”

“There’s a little something called online dating, Grandpa,” Der shot back with a wicked grin.

Hudson’s stomach twisted. He hated the idea of meeting strangers. When he wasn’t in work mode, his bluntness tended to push people away rather than charm them. Case in point, Nico Shah, the guy who seemed to get along with everyone in this town. Also the guy who he needed to stop flirting with ASAP, because he was temptation incarnate.

“Can’t I meet someone at a coffee shop or something?” Hudson said, tapping the back of his head against the brick wall.

Der snorted. “Yeah, if you set up a date with them online first. Welcome to the world. Can’t you just hop on Grindr?”

Hudson let out a disgusted noise. “It’s all fucking dick pics and guys who want a quick and dirty blow job. Not my scene, man. I’m looking for more than a night.” His insides twisted tight. The last thing he wanted was the shitty hollow thump of feeling used afterwards, and he couldn’t seem to avoid it. He knew from an early age he was built for long-term relationships and that was about it.

Der nodded, taking another drag from his vape. “Yeah, not going to lie, I love knowing the person I’m having sex with. Just as exciting without the risk of STDs or heartbreak.”

“I’m so damn jealous,” Hudson admitted, casting a glance to Der. “You’re a lucky bastard, you know that?”

Der shrugged. “You could be too. Set up a profile and put yourself out there, bossman. Who knows what might end up happening?”

The back door creaked open, and Leigh poked her head out, ponytail swishing with the movement. “Hey, Hud, your sister’s here. Says she wants to talk.”

Hudson’s brows drew together. What the hell was Jessie doing here? Worry flushed through him in a quick sweep, and he dropped the cigarette to the asphalt, crushing the embers under his heel. “Did she say what she wanted?”

Leigh shook her head. “She looks serious, though. Good luck.” She joined Derek to lean against the wall and take a breather as Hudson pushed up off it. His nerves thrummed. While Jessie had visited Harbor Pointe before, if she wanted to talk, something bad must be going on. Had someone in the family gotten hurt? They would’ve called him if that were the case, right? The fact that he genuinely wasn’t sure unmoored him. He slipped his phone out to check for missed messages as he ducked inside before the door shut.

The second he stepped inside, the crack of porcelain hitting tile sounded, a noise he was far too familiar with. Gabby stood in the middle of the kitchen, a dirty plate in shards on the floor in front of her. His newest hire had seemed competent during the interview, but man, she was a human disaster. Not only did she constantly drop plates, but she’d already had more spills on customers in her first week than Leigh had in her first six months. He wanted to give her another week or two to see if she adjusted, but he wasn’t holding his breath.

“Grab a broom and clean it up,” he said in a level tone as he swept on by. He didn’t have the time to deal with that mess right now.

He slipped past the line cooks, dodging the spit and sizzle of cooking meat, and swerved out through the door to the front of house. Hudson made it a few paces before he spotted Jessie, standing by the hostess stand and looking lost as she skimmed the room. He tossed his hand up in a wave to catch her attention as he approached.

The second Jessie’s gaze landed on him, she began walking in his direction. Hudson’s heart pounded a bit faster based on the serious draw of her brows and the purse of her lips. Not like his sister busted out smiles on the regular or anything, but he knew when something was off.

“Is anyone hurt?” he asked once he stepped into hearing range. The words came out a little breathless, half from exertion and half from fear. They strode over to a quiet corner of the foyer, away from the dining tables and out of view of most of his employees.

Jessie shook her head. “No one’s hurt. I was just over at Mom and Dad’s though, and I thought you should know.”

“Know what?” Hudson asked, his arms crossed. The grim breath Jessie blew out had his nerves misfiring. What could they have said to bring Jessie here? The last conversation they had was at Brian’s birthday dinner, and as per usual, he’d received radio silence ever since.

Jessie tugged on the end of her braid, a nervous gesture she’d done since they were kids, one that she never quite grew out of. “I was making myself a sandwich—I visited for lunch—and they didn’t realize I could hear them. Dad was talking about the med school application he’s going to send your way. From the sounds of it, he didn’t think ‘this foolishness’ would go on this long; his words, not mine.” Jessie shot an apologetic look, even though she didn’t need to. Hudson was well aware of what his father thought. She continued, “He’s pretty much going to give you the option of either reapplying to med school or paying him back for the tuition. Remember the promissory notes he had us sign when we started college.”

Hudson’s stomach bottomed out.

Dad had covered all of their schooling, and they were damned lucky—he understood that. Hudson wouldn’t have been able to put the original funds for Harbor Pointe down if he’d had student loans to contend with, especially those from a failed med degree. However, he’d completely forgotten about that stupid slip of paper his father had them each sign before they started college. There had been a lecture about the importance of finishing what you started, about med school, but frankly, he hadn’t even been aware of what he’d been signing.

A promissory note. Of course the old bastard held them to a legally binding document.

And he’d seen the cost of the tuition bill each semester. Staggering didn’t begin to cover it.

Harbor Pointe had only been open a year at this point, and he was still swimming in debt. No matter how successful his restaurant was, first year costs were rough, and he’d just reached the stability he needed to start digging himself out. If Dad all of a sudden demanded he pay him back? Fuck, he didn’t know how the hell he’d survive. Panic flared in his chest like a fire alarm.

Hudson speared his fingers through his hair, letting out a helpless laugh. “What do you think my chances are of getting him here to convince him this was a worthwhile investment?” He paused a beat to meet Jessie’s reluctant expression. “Wait, don’t answer that. We both know.”

Jessie’s fingers twitched as if she might reach out for him, but she didn’t—they’d never been a hug-it-out family. Still, she offered a sympathetic shrug. “You know this place is amazing, and I know it too. Dad’s… well, he’s just stuck in his own head.”

Hudson let out a bitter snort. “That’s one way of putting it.”

“I’m sorry for dumping this on you here, at work,” Jessie said, tugging on her braid again. “I know the news doesn’t go down like a Xanax, but I also didn’t think it could wait. If he was going to pull this on me, I’d want to know.”

Hudson’s heartbeat thundered in his ears, his pulse racing like he’d descended into battle. Wasn’t it always that way with his father, though? No matter how many times he’d fought for the man’s approval, his attention, his dad was only interested in the medical field. He shook his head. “No, I appreciate the warning. Better to be prepared. I’ll have to figure out some way to convince him med school and I are a terrible fit.”

Jessie’s eyes softening in compassion hit worse than the news—she knew as well as he did what an impossible task that would be. Black sheep of the family? Fine, he’d take his lumps. But this?

This could ruin his business.

“I’ve got to get home,” Jessie said, taking the first step toward the door. “But don’t hesitate to hit me up if you need to talk more or bounce ideas. Whatever.”

Hudson squeezed her shoulder. “Thanks, Jess. Seriously.”

At that, she trotted across the polished wooden flooring to the exit, lit with a delicate off-white sconce. Hudson leaned against the wall for a second, letting the news cascade over him like the sure ruin those telltale drops of water brought to an outdoor wedding. The host station was in view, so he couldn’t unravel, but he took a moment to stare vacantly at the grain of the wood flooring, the hum and murmur of the restaurant and sweet strains of jazz turning to static in his ears. None of the sounds could compete with the roar in his brain.

Right now, it was just talk.

Dad hadn’t even sent the med school re-application his way yet, even though he knew the man would follow through. And maybe he was being dramatic, venting to Mom about something he never planned on enacting. A bubble of acid burst in his stomach.

Or maybe he’d been planning this all along.

Hudson sucked in a shaky breath, one slow susurration after another, until the rest of the room came into focus again—the swinging of the door open and shut, the heavy footfalls of a few businessmen approaching the host stand, and the deep strains of sax playing on the surround sound system. He needed to snap out of this, now.

He could reserve his existential crisis for after his shift ended.

Once Hudson stepped into the restaurant, he caught sight of a teetering glass of water right before it crashed onto the nearest table. Gabby stood at the helm, her eyes wide with shock as droplets flew everywhere. Hudson bit back a curse and quick-stepped for the back room. They’d need towels and a mop, pronto.

One-two-three, one-two-three. He counted over and over again, following the rhythm as he synced into the present, into the moment, into the ebb and flow of the pulse of the restaurant, which flickered around him like streetlights out a car window.

First, he’d clean the mess.

Then, he’d check on the kitchen.

After his shift, he’d begin constructing a plan to convince his father.

One slice of hope rose like a beacon in his mind—the Chesapeake Days festival. Maybe if that went right, he could convince his dad this was all worthwhile.

That he was worth taking a chance on.

CHAPTER 9

Nico wanted to be anywhere but here.

He settled back in his seat at the Hickory Room, wishing he could magic himself somewhere else. Mama’s surgery was tomorrow, and frankly, he was terrified. He’d stopped over earlier today and after he’d “buzzed around her like a drone,” she’d pushed him out the door, wanting peace and quiet for the rest of the night. Since being by himself in his house would make him go out of his mind and Taran also wanted to be left alone, Nico came up with the brilliant idea to go on a date with a guy from Grindr.

Not such a brilliant idea, it turned out.

He couldn’t even appreciate the chill pub ambiance of the restaurant right outside of town, because his date, Leo who might as well have been named Chad, droned loud enough to shut out the acoustic music. Nico was pretty sure his noxious voice would even blow a few fuses given time.

The blond-haired, blue-eyed preppy boy was not his normal type, and the moment he showed up to meet Leo, he’d realized he’d picked a pale imitation of another annoying jerk he couldn’t get out of his mind. Stupid subconscious. Hudson was all dry wit, smart quips, and a surprising amount of knowledge that Nico begrudgingly respected. Leo, on the other hand, was the sort of Wall Street douche who worshipped at the altar of Ben Shapiro.

Nico picked up his fork and contemplated gouging his eyes out. The drinks had come at this point, but they hadn’t ordered dinner yet. He’d realized within the first five minutes that no amount of alcohol would make this guy fuckable.

“Everyone’s just so concerned about feelings nowadays, needing to talk shit out,” Leo complained, lifting his lager. “No one’s logical about anything. Who cares about facts when some snowflake’s offended? Let’s bend over to whatever they’re crying about now, even though it’s something new every week.”

Fuuuuck, he was still going? Maybe homicide was on the table. If he called Linc, his best friend might consider covering for him—anything to slip out of this date. Had the guy been a different type, he probably would’ve said he wasn’t feeling this. But this sort of bonehead usually struggled with the word “no” and would try to argue with him, guaranteed.

What would Linc be doing in his shoes? Probably talking his worries out or having epic sex with Nate; all those perks of a steady relationship. Not hitting up Grindr to try to lose himself in a stranger yet again. Nico swallowed hard, acid pooling in his chest. Most days it didn’t bother him for a second—why the fuck would he want to get so wrapped up in someone that he shattered when they left?

He saw the wistful way Mama still looked at pictures of Dad…. His throat grew thick.

“Don’t you think?” Leo asked, casting a glance to him.

Nico didn’t even know what the douchebag was talking about. He needed to get the hell out of here, now. Even if it meant just sitting at home worrying by himself. Movement drew Nico’s gaze to the entrance.

Tall, blond, and delicious, Hudson was a sight for sore eyes. He wore his business attire this time, button-down sleeves rolled to the elbow and trim black pants that framed his muscular thighs all too well. Nico’s heart surged. Hudson skimmed through the restaurant, and when his gaze landed on Nico, those blue eyes widened.

“Uh,” he said, looking at Leo. “Would you mind explaining again?” As he stalled, he whipped out his phone beneath the table, typing a quick text.

Bad date. Save me.

He slipped his phone in his pocket, hoping beyond hope that Hudson was a) paying attention and b) wouldn’t leave him hanging. Irony smacked him in the face that the very guy he’d tried to distract himself from was the one he asked to pull him out of this mess. Still, he couldn’t escape Leo fast enough.

Leo let out a belabored sigh as he stared hard at him. “Were you even listening?” The guy’s lip curled up with a half-sneer, making him even less attractive. Douchebros were the absolute lowest on the totem pole. Why had he agreed to go on this date?

Oh yeah, crippling commitment issues and loneliness. Joy.

Nico pasted on the smile he used for pain-in-the-ass customers. “Sorry, I thought I saw someone I knew.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Hudson picking up his phone and staring at the screen. Please, please, please.

Hudson whipped his head in Nico’s direction. He lifted a brow, a casual arch that Nico shouldn’t find so damn hot. A slow smile rolled across those full lips, and a moment later, Hudson strode in his direction, those long legs carrying him quickly over.

Nico’s heart stepped into double time as Leo stared at him, clearly annoyed. He couldn’t care less if the asshole wasn’t into this, because Nico hadn’t been from the moment he walked through the door.

“Babe?” Hudson’s voice came from feet away, low, husky, and confused. The endearment on his lips didn’t freak Nico out like he figured it would—the way Hudson said it sounded… hot. Ugh. “I thought you said you were meeting up with your brother.”

Nico fought with a grin. Fun, so they were going this angle. “Uh,” he stammered, not having to fake that in the slightest. “I thought you were supposed to be at work.”

Leo stared between them, his brows drawing together.

“Who the fuck is this?” Hudson asked, faking being pissed off. The aggressive growl shouldn’t be turning him on, but his dick responded regardless. “Are you cheating on me?”

“Do you have a boyfriend?” Leo spat, his hand balling into a fist on the surface of the table.

This night just got infinitely more entertaining.

Nico shot up from his seat, arms out. He locked eyes with Hudson. “Sweetheart, it’s not what you think. I was grabbing drinks with a friend.”

Leo sputtered. “Oh, hell no. I’m out.” He pushed up from the table, slammed a five-dollar bill down—as if that was what drinks cost nowadays—and began walking away. “Don’t contact me again,” he called before he turned around and made quick work heading for the exit.

Nico’s lips twitched, but he waited, watching Leo reach the door. He could feel Hudson’s stare boring into him, but he was so close to breaking he couldn’t risk it until his date evacuated the building. The door shut behind Leo.

Thank fuck.

Laughter escaped Nico in a whoosh. His shoulders shook, and tears pooled at the corners of his eyes, but he couldn’t stop. He’d been stressing over getting rid of Leo, and hell, he’d been stressing from the moment this day began, but goddamn, that had been fun. He slumped against the table, the side biting into his hip. A wheeze came from his throat as he tried to suck in enough air to compose himself.

Hudson wasn’t cracking up like a lunatic, but an amused grin played on his lips, those dancing ocean eyes far too pretty.

“So…,” he said, arms crossed in front of his chest. “How bad was this date?”

Nico’s shoulders stopped shaking as he caught his breath, the laughs dying down even though the hilarity still bounced in his chest, a lightness he’d needed more than he realized. “On a scale of one to you? Off the charts, because it turns out, you’re not so bad.”

Hudson’s brows lifted, a soft vulnerability in those blue eyes that made Nico’s chest tight. “Can I get that in writing?” he joked, his voice coasting on the same gentle amusement.

Nico couldn’t help but notice his proximity; mere inches separated them. When the hell had his mind gotten this one track? He blamed the partnership for Chesapeake Eats. Apparently spending more time with Hudson was hazardous to his sanity. “Like you need the ego stroke,” Nico responded, fingers skimming to the five-dollar bill the asshole left. “Looks like I’m covering most of his drink too. Clearly, he’s never worked in the service industry before.”

Hudson glanced to the bill and blinked. “Fucking cheapskate. Was he a trust funder?”

“Some stockbroker,” Nico said with an eye roll.

“And you planned on sticking your dick in that?” Hudson asked, his tone incredulous. “Though I shouldn’t be surprised. You obviously lack taste.”

Nico lifted his middle finger. Somehow the back-and-forth between them had grown less acidic and more… comfortable. He’d needed a friend, a distraction, someone, and Hudson had become a welcome face. Maybe after all this time working together, he’d built an immunity to the guy’s dickish ways. Though, truth be told, he’d never been the worst.

“Trust me, there was no way I would sleep with the guy,” Nico responded, hooking a thumb in his belt loop. He skimmed a heated gaze over Hudson, soaking in the details—like the tight muscles of his forearms and the contrast of his navy button-down to his light skin. “Besides,” he continued, the devil running away with his tongue, “what gave you the impression I prefer to top with an ass like this?”

Hudson’s gaze traveled in that exact direction, his pupils blown with lust. Well, that was a damn sight. Nico pivoted his hip, jutting his ass out slightly to put it on better display as he basked in the sheer hunger rolling off Hudson.

He sucked in a heady breath. Fuck, that was the exact trouble he’d been attempting to avoid by going on this date tonight. No sleeping with his temporary business partner, and definitely no sleeping with his rival. He slipped his wallet out and placed bills on the table to cover his drink and the rest of his shitty date’s.

“What were you doing here anyway?” Nico asked. “I thought you would’ve been at Harbor Pointe tonight. Not that I’m complaining. You saved my ass.”

“Literally.” Hudson smirked, and Nico bit back his grin. Hudson cast a glance to the front stand. “One of the vendors we both share accidentally delivered our order here, so I came to pick it up. Derek’s managing the floor for the rest of the night.” His brow furrowed. “Which I guess means I’ve got the night free—not used to that.”

“If you’re bored…,” Nico started before he caught himself. What the fuck was he doing? Asking Hudson to hang out? They weren’t friends, or really anything but business partners. “Never mind. You should enjoy your time off.”

Hudson crooked a brow. “I don’t know. The idea of heading home sounds pretty boring to me.” His tone was smooth but curious, and Nico found his prickly nerves melting in response.

“God forbid you’re bored,” Nico responded. “I owe you a drink or something for bailing me out.”

“Or something?” Hudson’s lips curled, and the heat in his gaze licked right up Nico’s body. Fuck, phrasing.

“A drink,” Nico said firmly. “Preferably not at a bar or restaurant at this point. I’ve got a handle of bourbon from Dragon Distillery in my car if you’re down.”

Hudson’s fingertips skated the surface of the table, inches away from Nico. “Yeah, I’m down. Let me drop the order off at Harbor Pointe first.” This close, Nico could feel the man’s presence, a disparate mixture of calm and fire. Somehow, he felt himself moving an inch closer, pulled into this man’s gravitational field every time.

“I’ll text you an address, and you can meet me there,” Nico said, straightening up and snapping the spell he’d fallen under. He lifted two fingers in a salute and pivoted on his heel. Nico hadn’t made it two steps toward the door when the reality of what he’d just done descended on him with dizzying force.

In his attempt to avoid spending more time around Hudson West… he ended up asking the guy on what basically amounted to a date. King of Good Decisions here.

Nico pulled into the parking lot across from the Bethel Bridge lighthouse and tugged out his bottle of bourbon. He hadn’t done something like this since he was a teenager, but with the way he felt tonight—all twisted up and in his head about Mama’s surgery with a loneliness that ached something fierce and a sense of absolute confusion—it wasn’t a far stretch from those days. Back when Dad had passed away and their family had shattered to pieces, trying to glue themselves together without him.

Night had fallen at this point, the velvety hues coating the surroundings a gentle navy. He slipped his messenger bag over his shoulder, heavier with the weight of the bottle. The cool waterside breezes rippled over his bare arms, making him wish he’d worn more than a tight tee with his jeans tonight. In his defense, he’d originally been hoping to get laid.

The Bethel Bridge lighthouse stood out, a stark white beacon, pale against the dark star-splattered sky and the inky depths of the surrounding river. Nico’s feet carried him forward unbidden. Of course he’d ended up here. Like he could go anywhere else.

This was the place he’d retreated to after he found out the news about Dad. When Mama’s anguish had grown deafening in the saturated air and the burden of being the oldest son slammed in too heavy while Taran retreated to a shell. As he took the steps across the parking lot, he seemed to fall back in time, the years cascading to the asphalt like scattered gravel. He crossed the street, step after careful step toward the grassy knoll surrounding the lighthouse.

Mama’s chances were good.

Real good.

His stomach bottomed out as he reached the base of the lighthouse. But fate didn’t give a damn about chances. He’d learned that the hard way. Nico took a seat on the grass, ignoring the cool, damp press against his jeans. He leaned back on his elbows and stared out at the river. The surface glittered, always okay, okay, okay, no matter how much stirred beneath.

Nico swallowed hard.

Headlights reflected from behind him, but he couldn’t pull his gaze away from the river ahead of him. Maybe he should’ve just come here on his own. He wasn’t good company for anyone tonight, no matter how much distraction he tried to hurl himself into.

Minutes passed before the soft thump of footsteps sounded in his direction. A shadow dropped beside him before Hudson settled on the grass in that spot. Nico cast a glance to him. Hudson fit in this solemn quiet far more than he ever had. The man could brood like a professional with the elegant curve of his chin, a proud nose, and the way his deep eyes seemed to soak in his surroundings.

“I’m guessing there’s more going on than a bad date,” Hudson murmured, his deep baritone like a caress. “Want to talk?”

Nico shivered, and not from the cold. Hudson eyed him and shrugged out of the canvas jacket he’d donned. A second later, it landed with a thump on Nico’s lap.

“I’ve got layers,” Hudson said. “More than the scrap of fabric you’re calling a shirt.”

Nico couldn’t help his wry grin. He lifted his middle finger and slipped on the jacket, trying to ignore the warmth and musky scent, all bay rum and man.

“Ma’s surgery’s tomorrow” came from his lips unbidden.

The silence stretched between them in the wake of the confession, a bombshell neither of them could duck around.

The toe of Hudson’s boot knocked against his. “I’ve only met the woman once, but I’m pretty sure she’s got enough moxie to get through a tiny thing like a pancreas transplant.”

The breath whooshed out of Nico’s lungs at that. Somehow, Hudson said exactly what he’d needed to hear all damn night. The confidence in his tone, the granite support he offered in that moment—shit. It was everything. Nico’s eyes burned, so he leaned to open his messenger bag and plucked out the bottle of bourbon. Get it together, Shah.

“I promised you a drink, not a sob story,” he said, shocked his voice remained steady. “Please tell me you’ve tried this distillery before.” He placed the bottle between them. Hudson’s smirk was visible.

“What sort of bougie business owner do you take me for?” Hudson joked. “Of course I explored all the local options.”

Nico snorted and popped off the top. He took a swig, the sweet amber liquid burning in his throat, warming his insides. He passed the bottle to Hudson, the bourbon sloshing around. Hudson tilted it back, and Nico couldn’t help but watch. His Adam’s apple bobbed with the quick motion, and when he placed the bottle on the ground, the sheen of bourbon still glistened on his lips, highlighted by the moonlight. The sharp shadows only enhanced the man’s features, making him impossibly hot.

Nico shifted, resisting the temptation to adjust himself. He snagged the bottle back to take another sip, enjoying the smooth glide down. The company was unexpected, but far more welcome than he would’ve anticipated. The man seemed to seamlessly know when the mood needed lightening and when to push, and Nico didn’t want to think too heavily on that. Somehow between the car and here, his nerves had settled, and he knew who was responsible.

Nico placed the bottle down between them again, casting his gaze to the river ahead, the silvery moonlight glimmering on the surface.

“Thank you.” The words came out almost a whisper.

Tonight could’ve gone worse in a bunch of different ways, but Hudson had been there when he really needed someone. He couldn’t forget that if he tried. He could feel the pressure of Hudson’s gaze, but he didn’t dare look. One glance into those gorgeous eyes and he’d be far too tempted.

Hudson knocked a knee against his, the contact sending a delicious shudder through him. “Don’t know what you’re talking about,” Hudson murmured. “I’m here for the bourbon.”

“Right,” Nico responded, a smile breaking inside him like sunrise, slow tendrils of light overtaking the dark.

For the first time in a long, long while, the quiet ache inside him lessened. Whether it only lasted a second, a minute, or these stolen moments by Hudson’s side, he wanted to cling to the feeling for as long as he could.

CHAPTER 10

It was a Monday night, and Hudson was going to a club.

He’d left Harbor Pointe after the rush with plenty of time to spare and an encouraging thumbs-up from Der, who was happy to hear he was going somewhere other than work. When Sarah had extended the invite, his first inclination had been to decline. However, while a gay club in Baltimore might not be his scene, between that and Grindr, he’d choose the former.

Hudson rolled up to Sarah’s house, finding a spot to park on the street. All he knew was he needed to start dating before his infatuation with Nico Shah reached an unhealthier level. After the night they spent at the lighthouse, just swigging bourbon by the river and talking about nothing and everything—fuck, he hadn’t experienced a connection like that in years. Except he was pretty sure Nico had been avoiding him on purpose ever since.

At least the guy’s mom pulled through—Mrs. Shah’s surgery had been a success. He’d managed to drag the information out of Nico, despite the man’s attempts at avoidance.

Hudson glanced in his rearview mirror, tweaking the tips of his hair, a slight comb through of product keeping the strands in line. He’d tossed on a slate-blue V-neck tee tonight and gray ripped jeans, both of which veered on the snugger side. As much as he wanted someone to see him beyond just looks, he wasn’t an idiot—he knew he needed to put his best foot forward. He sucked in a breath and clapped a hand to his pocket—wallet, keys in hand—time to go.

As he approached Sarah’s house, his heart thumped a little harder with nerves. He’d been shocked by the invite, but he needed to start putting himself out there. He’d left behind most of his friends in med school up north, and they’d fallen out of contact once he started throwing every available second into opening and running Harbor Pointe. So, on top of wanting to get back out there in the dating pool, he also didn’t want to turn down the offer to hang out with someone not connected to his job. Hudson attempted to ignore the sweat pricking his palms at the prospect.

The night air was electric, filled with anticipation, filled with possibility. He stepped up to the door, lifted his fist, and knocked.

Shuffling sounded, followed by a creak as the door opened.

A familiar-looking guy stepped into the doorway. He appeared a few years younger yet startlingly similar to Nico—at least by the jaw structure and thick inky hair—though he had scruff and a more dominant nose.

“Wait…,” he said, his eyes widening before a slow smile rolled onto his face. “You’re the friend we’re waiting on? Nic’s going to lose his shit.”

Hudson’s stomach sank as he connected a few dots. Before he could backtrack and retreat to his car, Sarah stepped into view.

“Hudson,” she announced with a wide, welcoming grin. “Glad you decided to join us.”

“I’m Taran,” the guy at the door offered, his dark eyes dancing in amusement as he cast a glance deeper into the house. “Hey, Nic,” he called. “We’re heading out.”

The thud of footsteps sounded, and a second later, Nico appeared at the base of the steps. “No need to shout, Tar. I can hear your grating voice a mile away.”

Hudson’s jaw almost dropped. Nico always turned heads, but tonight? Damn. A tight black muscle tee showed off his lithe biceps, and black pants clung to his thighs. The tattoos along his arms were on full display, and the silver hoops in his ears and the silver rings he wore glinted under the light. His hair was styled to perfection, a messy, freshly fucked look, and with his thick, thick eyelashes and a hefty helping of guyliner, the man was a mouthwatering sight.

Nico stopped at the base of the steps and gaped. “Wait, what are you doing here?” The air turned tense with his sudden surprise, and the fact they’d barely talked since the night that had felt a little too close dropped down like a bomb.

Sarah stepped between them, hands up as if she attempted to mediate. “I invited him,” she said, a challenging flare in her eyes. “At your drink tasting, he mentioned wanting to get out there to meet people, so I suggested he join us.”

Hudson schooled his features so he didn’t immolate on the spot at just how hot Nico looked tonight. The entire purpose of getting out there was to avoid this insane pull toward the guy standing feet away from him.

“What’s the matter, Nico?” he teased on impulse, as if that could shield him. “Worried if I’m there all the guys will flock to me instead?”

Nico cocked his hip, placing a hand there. He lifted an eyebrow. “Please, like I’d worry about that? I’m just shocked a preppy boy like you would be down for industrial night at Club Apollo.”

Hudson opened his mouth and shut it again, soaking in the fact that all three of them were decked out in black. He’d clearly missed a memo. Sarah wore a skintight black minidress with striped stockings, her thick hair pulled into a low ponytail, chunky chains around her neck, while Taran went for relaxed in a black button-down and faded silver jeans.

Sarah’s lips upturned. “I may have omitted the fact, but come on. You need to get out.” She pointed a black manicured fingertip at him. “All of this screams pent-up.”

Hudson worked his jaw. Yeah, he was pent-up, but it was due to one person.

Nico, the saucy fucking minx, winked.

Fine, he could play with fire too. “I’m not too worried. No one’s going to care if I wore black or not once my shirt comes off.”

A bark of a laugh came from Taran, and Sarah shot him a grin. Nico gaped, and Hudson reveled in shocking the man speechless, even for a second.

“You’ll do fine,” Sarah said, patting him on the shoulder before she swept into the other room, returning with a small black leather purse. “Last call before we leave. Bathroom? Bueller?”

“Let’s get the hell out of here before my brother decides he needs to redo his hair for the thousandth time,” Taran said, sweeping past Hudson to step outside.

Nico patted his pockets before following his brother out to brandish his middle finger. “Some of us have plans to get laid, Tar.”

Hudson tried to squash the acid in his gut at the idea of watching Nico on the hunt for a hookup. This was the exact reason he needed to get out there and find a guy who wasn’t Nico Shah. He hadn’t missed the way their looks lingered longer of late, but flash-in-the-pan attraction flared out fast. Hudson wanted something real.

Sarah clapped a hand on his shoulder and guided him toward the door. “Come on, lover boy. Let’s go get some action.”

Hudson shook his head, a wry smirk rising to his lips as he exited out the door into the crisp night air. Something electric traveled through the subtle chill, a little cool, a little distant, and a little vast, as if a world of possibility lay before him tonight. He followed Taran and Nico to the tiny black Honda Civic while Sarah locked up. The two stood in front of the doors bickering, based on their matching scowls.

“Her back seat is cramped as shit,” Nico complained as Hudson came into earshot. “You should be fine with your stubbly little legs.”

“I’m one inch shorter,” Taran argued.

Hudson rolled his eyes and headed for the back seat. “This is the reason why I bring home men rather than boys.”

“We’re the same age.” Nico shot him a glare, one that sparked even hotter with the dark liner making his eyes pop.

“That’s news to me,” Hudson retorted, resting his fingertips on the handle as he waited for Sarah to unlock.

“Nico, get in the back,” Sarah said, unlocking the door with an echoing click. “Roommates ride shotgun. Those are the rules.”

“You know, for someone as obsessed with cars as you are, I’d expect you to have a sweeter ride,” Nico said as he wove to the other side of the car, grabbing the door. He slipped inside before Sarah could respond. Hudson eyed the back seat like he was entering shark-infested waters. He could manage an hour in the car with Nico. Sure. He cracked the car door open and took a seat. The brothers Shah hadn’t been wrong—the back seat was tight as fuck. His knees bunched up, and when he plastered himself to the side, his calf pressed hard against Nico’s.

Lord, tonight was such a bad idea.

Yet, he couldn’t seem to pull himself away.

The car engine started with a thrum, and the heavy thump of bass filtered through the speakers, reverberating through the entire car. Sarah pulled out of her spot, rolled the windows down, and let out an exultant whoop that carried away into the night sky. Nico’s shoulders shook with laughter as they raced along the driveway, the years melting away. Fuck, he hadn’t been crammed in a car like this heading to some event in the city in ages.

As they zipped through the darkened streets of Chesapeake City, heading for the highway, all the stressors clenching his shoulders tight drifted off—running a restaurant, trying to shed the title of Disappointment of the Family, and what the fuck he’d do if Dad dropped the college costs on him.

Right now, he focused on the steady thump, thump, thump of whatever growling German music poured from the speakers, the quiet murmur of conversation from the front, and the single connecting point of his leg pressed against Nico’s, an unexpected heat that caused drops of sweat to prickle along his nape.

Nico leaned to the side of the car, his elbow crooked against the window as he propped his head up with a hand. He cast a feline glance over to Hudson. “Terrified yet? We’re going to a club where Dave Matthews Band is off the menu.” The mocking tease of his voice had a sensual curl to it, more intimate than their normal back and forth, especially pressed together in this car. The darkness brought out the way his eyes glittered with perpetual mischief, how those defined lips cut as sharp as his words.

Hudson arched a brow. “You do realize I was never a frat bro, right?” He tried to readjust his seat, but the movement pressed their legs even closer together. Whatever. He already drowned in lust over here, so a little more contact wouldn’t hurt. “When I did go to concerts—which wasn’t often, because I fucking hated crowds—they were shows you wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole.”

“Try me, pretty boy,” Nico responded with a lazy drawl. They’d reached 95 at this point, cars flashing on either side of them as Sarah raced along the highway like she was driving in the Monte Carlo and not maxing out her Honda Civic.

“Pretty much only punk—Nerf Herder, Letters to Cleo, Operation Ivy—I tried to hit up a lot of smaller shows too, anything that came into town.” Hudson stared at the ceiling of the car. His close friends had gone with him, friendships he’d fucked up because of how demanding med school had been. He regretted squandering those. He glanced to Nico.

Nico’s jaw dropped. “You’re kidding me. Were we at the same goddamn shows, West?”

Hudson blinked in surprise. That, he hadn’t expected, but then again, they’d both gotten each other wrong from the start. “You mean you weren’t chasing around Beyoncé on tour?” he shot back, unable to help the quirk of his lips.

Nico flipped him the finger, jostling his leg against Hudson’s. “No hate, but she’s not my scene. Speaking of scenes,” he said, fixing his glittering gaze on him, “I didn’t think the club scene was yours.”

Hudson shrugged. “It’s not. But as my bartender Der pointed out, I’ve either got to get out there or go on Grindr, and online dating is even less my thing.”

Nico’s gaze skimmed over him in a slow, burning perusal. “You kidding me? Pop a full body shot up on Grindr, and you’ll be up to your ears in dick.”

Hudson’s cheeks flushed as he fumbled to recover fast. “Is that an actual compliment from Nico Shah? I may faint.”

Nico arched a delicate brow. “Don’t make me take it back.”

Hudson couldn’t help his smile—the guy seemed to coax genuine ones out of him every time they interacted. “Hookups aren’t my thing. And yeah, before you say it, I know the club isn’t a great place to find the love of your life, but hey—it beats the meat market that Grindr’s become.”

Nico’s expression softened, and fuck, the sight captivated him. Those gorgeous, dark eyes invited him in a little further, and his plush lips pursed in consideration. Like this, stained in the night hues, Nico looked a little younger, a bit more vulnerable than the sharp, savvy guy he’d been swapping barbs with from the day they’d met.

“Didn’t take you for a romantic, West,” Nico said, the low timbre of his voice making Hudson all the more aware of the way their legs pressed together. They sank into silence for a moment, the bickering from up front fainter under the pulse of the music blasting through the speakers. Taran and Sarah were having some argument about how to do the dishes.

“Don’t worry, Shah, I’ve been told I’m tough to nail down,” he responded with a wry smile, well aware of how his voice dripped with suggestion. Somehow, he couldn’t help himself around this man, even though flirting was a bad, bad idea.

The lust that flickered through Nico’s eyes couldn’t be dismissed at this point, and Hudson shifted his hips, trying to ignore the way his length swelled against his thigh. Once they got to the club, he could shut shit down real fast—head out to the dance floor and find a guy to lose himself to the beat with. Too bad his body and mind only gravitated toward Nico. He kept his heart in reserve. Pursuing anything with this man would end in heartbreak, even if he found his restraint slipping more and more.

Quiet lapsed between them, increasing the tension in the air that grew hotter by the second. Nico pressed his leg in a little more, and his glance Hudson’s way blazed. Hudson leaned back in the seat, watching the Baltimore skyline grow clearer. Commerce Place and the Bank of America Building were lit up, beckoning them forward. The sheer proximity of Nico here caused his head to whirl, his spicy scent, all ginger and neroli, traveling straight to Hudson’s cock.

“Almost there, kids,” Sarah called to them, shouting over her music. “Ready to get your dance on?”

“Not sure anyone wants to see that,” Hudson muttered. “Not my strong suit.”

Nico pressed his thigh a bit harder against Hudson’s. “What’s wrong, West? Need help loosening up?” His wicked grin broadcast his intent, even if his husky voice missed the mark.

Fuck. Hudson tried to ignore the shiver rolling up his spine, how his body vibrated with anticipation just from this man’s casual touch. “Maybe I do. You offering?” he shot back before he could help himself. Thanks, mouth. That was the exact last thing he’d meant to say.

Nico’s eyes widened, and Hudson couldn’t look away from the tip of that tongue slipping out to trace those lush lips. Goddamn, the man was hot.

Rowhouses flickered by as they swept through the streets of Baltimore, and Sarah slowed, pulling to a halt into one of the parking spots along the road.

“We’re here,” she announced before shutting the engine off, the silence louder than ever with the absence of the pulsing music.

Hudson’s heart thundered. Nico still hadn’t responded, but he looked at him like he wanted to eat him alive.

Nico offered one last nudge of their legs together, as if he didn’t already hold his attention rapt. His lips quirked with curiosity, his dark eyes consuming him. Hudson swallowed, hard.

Nico flashed him a wicked grin as he pushed the car door open. “Careful what you wish for, West.”

CHAPTER 11

Nico leaned against his perch at the wall, gin and tonic in hand as he soaked in the ambiance. Club Apollo was one of the places he loved to go when the noise in his mind grew too loud. The scent of sweat and leather weighed heavy in the air, deep red strobe lights flashing through the room and casting beams down on the bodies grinding and dancing their hearts out on the floor. After the stress of the past week with Mama’s surgery, he needed to be here tonight, to just unleash all the pent-up energy still buzzing inside him.

She’d been a champ through the entire procedure, even if he’d been on edge from the moment it began until she came out. Now she was spending plenty of time at home resting and taking it easy—two things she hated.

Sarah had hit the dance floor the second they arrived, and currently she had her hands wrapped around the hips of some goth cutie. The woman’s perky tits were on display in a corset, and her ass neared full reveal with the way Sarah glided her hands up the woman’s hips. Meanwhile, Taran lurked by the bar, doing his usual people-watch. Nico took a sip of the gin and tonic, plucking the soaked fabric of his muscle tee from his chest. He’d just been out there getting hot and heavy with a few different guys, but every time he grew tempted to find a dark corner to make out in, he’d catch a glimpse of Hudson.

The guy’s mere presence cockblocked him, and that was concerning.

And Hudson wasn’t even seeking him out. No, Nico was doing that all on his own. Instead of being a total wallflower like Nico had thought, Hudson had ended up near the bar, finding an attractive guy to chat with after the first few minutes. Nico had swept onto the dance floor from the start, but after three songs where Hudson still chatted to the same clearly interested guy, he could no longer ignore the prickle of irritation under his skin.

He took another swig of his gin and tonic. They were on the opposite side of the bar, and the pretty twink leaned in closer to Hudson, his greedy hands trailing all over Hudson’s firm-as-fuck biceps. Nico almost choked on his drink.

Leave. Him. Alone. The guy had joined them to put himself out there for more than a hookup, and Nico didn’t go for anything beyond a single night. What Hudson did and with whom was none of his business. However, when the lithe twink brushed his lips against Hudson’s ear to whisper something, Nico’s jaw twitched, the urge to commit homicide rising. Hudson’s cheeks flushed in a gorgeous fucking blush, one Nico had been cataloguing for a while now.

Fine. Maybe he was jealous. Not because he wanted to be with him—fuck no—but Hudson was the hottest piece of ass in this club. And he hadn’t forgotten the soft question in the car.

You offering?

Fuuuuuck did he want to. The guy might piss him off more than anyone he’d met, but he also got his attention in a way few men had. Nico took another swig of his gin and tonic—empty. Hot twink tossed his head back in a laugh, his hand still resting on Hudson’s arm. A spike of irritation broiled through Nico. He glanced to his empty drink and back up to where they stood at the bar, feet away. Was he doing this?

His feet began moving for him. Apparently, he was.

He slipped to the bar, which was backlit in deep red lights, gleaming glass bottles lining the shelves. Hudson glanced his way. Nico made a show of placing his empty drink on the counter and winking at the bartender when the guy came to whisk it away.

“Don’t tell me you haven’t hit the dance floor yet, West,” Nico called, catching Hudson’s attention. Those blue eyes locked on him, filled with curiosity. Nico’s heart thundered loud enough to drown out any of his internal warnings.

“Did you want to dance?” Hot Twink said, leaning in a little closer to Hudson as he glanced over to Nico.

This guy wanted to try to stake claims? Fuck right off.

“Not my thing,” Hudson said, lifting his hand. Still, his gaze rested on Nico, steady, all-consuming, and so fucking hot, Nico was ready to detonate.

“Might not be, but I have a promise to fulfill,” Nico said. His stomach exploded with butterflies as he approached Hudson. This could all crash like a car in seconds, but hey, he couldn’t pull away from a wreck, even if it was his own. Nico extended his palm out with a flourish, right in front of Hudson.

Hudson’s brows drew together in surprise as he stared from Nico’s hand up to his face. Nico couldn’t read the look at all. Had he overstepped? For a second, a flicker of nerves slipped out in his hitched breath, Hudson’s gaze consuming all of it.

Hudson glanced to his new friend. “Sorry,” he said with an apologetic look. “I did promise him a dance.”

Relief unwound in his chest, strong and sudden, even as his nerves cascaded over him with hot and cold prickles.

Hot Twink shrugged before batting his lashes in Hudson’s direction, ignoring Nico. “No problem. You know where to find me.”

Hudson nodded, but when he placed his hand in Nico’s, any lingering jealousy was incinerated by the sheer heat radiating between them. His stunning blues locked on Nico, sucking the oxygen from his lungs. “How about it?”

“If you think you can handle this,” Nico said with a swish of his hips as his grip tightened on Hudson’s. He took the first steps toward the dance floor, his heart thump-thump-thumping in time with the heavy bass. For a Very Bad Idea, this felt so inevitable, it hurt. The second they reached the dance floor, the temperature amped up about a thousand degrees. The dark, throbbing beat cascaded over him, deep, sultry, and far too dangerous. On his way, he garnered a few appreciative glances, but for once, he didn’t bother with a wink or flirty grin back.

His sole focus was on their connected hands as he led Hudson onto the dance floor. Since when the fuck did he get nervous over dancing with a guy? He hadn’t gotten jitters like these since he was a goddamn teenager getting ready for junior prom. The moment he slipped into a clear spot in the crowd, he tugged Hudson with him, turning around at last.

Holy hell.

If sitting pressed against him in the back seat of Sarah’s Civic had gotten him hot, that paled in comparison to being an inch away from all that gorgeousness towering over him on the dance floor. Hudson’s V-neck clung to his sculpted muscles, and the tears in those jeans made Nico want to rip them right off the man. The tightness around the thighs and crotch left little to the imagination. With his blond strands artfully styled, Hudson looked a little more undone than normal, which got Nico hot and bothered in seconds.

Hudson arched a brow. “So, dancing?”

Nico snapped to attention. A wicked grin stole his lips. “That’s the plan. We’re going to loosen you up.” He reached for the hem of his damp muscle tee and tugged it up and over. He didn’t miss how Hudson’s gaze tracked the movement as he tucked the fabric into his back pocket. “Better than the dress code, right?”

Hudson’s gaze devoured him, and a second later, he tugged his own shirt off. Had the temperature cranked up somehow? The sight of those carved muscles and the tight six-pack inches away made him salivate, and he honed in on the hot-as-hell happy trail leading into the waistband of those jeans. He needed to get up close and personal with this man before he went out of his goddamn mind.

This hadn’t been in his plan tonight in the slightest. That had been “Find a fling and shut out everything Hudson West from his mind.”

Instead, he was drowning in the man, and he didn’t want to surface for breath.

For a moment, the pulse of the red and white lights, the thump of the industrial music, and the writhing bodies around them all faded away. Hudson stood mere inches from him, those sexy abs begging to be licked. His gaze snagged Nico’s and flickered with hesitance, evident by the way his shoulders tensed. That look alone snapped Nico into action.

Even though he felt like he waded through water, he closed the space between them to drape his arms around Hudson’s shoulders. The skin-to-skin contact made his mind whirl. If someone had told him he’d be dancing shirtless with Hudson West a month ago, he would’ve laughed in their face.

He wasn’t laughing now.

Nico began to sway to the beat of the music, a lot more up close and intimate than the slutty shit he usually pulled on the dance floor.

Nico leaned in, close enough to catch a delicious whiff of Hudson’s cologne. Did the guy have to smell so damn good? “Just swing your hips back and forth. Nice and easy.”

Hudson’s arms hung by his sides, even though he started to move in time, their chests a breath away. The temptation to reach out and press up against him grew with every second. Once they found a rhythm, Hudson wrapped his palms around Nico’s waist, and oh, holy hell. The firm grip melted him from the inside out, and within five seconds of dancing with Hudson, his dick grew impossibly hard. He didn’t dare reach down to adjust himself, not with their proximity.

The curious look in Hudson’s eyes blazed hotter, even more intense, and the air between them thickened as they swayed in time to the heavy bass beat. The shadows deepened the arch of Hudson’s nose, the definition of those delectable lips, and Nico found he couldn’t look away. This guy wasn’t light and flirty attraction or even a quick firework in the night. No, Hudson was this all-consuming force he couldn’t pull away from, no matter how hard he’d tried.

With Hudson’s palms pressed against him in a possessive as hell grip, he undid his arms and let his hands begin to roam. His fingertips slid down Hudson’s neck, and he watched the bob of Hudson’s Adam’s apple as he swallowed. Fucking sexy. His palms drifted down, over the wide panes of the man’s pecs, the smooth, hot muscle feeling like sin. Nico would be lying if he said he wasn’t tempted to drop to his knees just to get a taste.

He pivoted his hips back and forth, the space between them dangerously close as he used his hands on Hudson’s chest to brace himself and give subtle space. Drops of sweat pricked on his nape, even though he barely moved at his normal pace. Around Hudson, he felt too much. Too intense, too intimate, and too damn ablaze.

Nico was a master at keeping guys at a distance, and yet somehow, Hudson had worked his way through his defenses. Hudson’s steady gaze penetrated past his layers until he was stripped down and offering far more of himself than he had ever planned to share.

The tiled dance floor shook with all the people stomping around them to the dark, furious beat of the music. Nico bit down on his lip, overwhelmed. He didn’t miss the way Hudson’s gaze zeroed in on the motion, and he couldn’t help tit for tat as he stared hard at those lush lips. His body instinctively moved closer.

He needed to do something about that, and fast. Nico leaned in, brushing his lips against Hudson’s ear. “Keep your hands on my hips and let me do the work.” He winked at Hudson, not bothering to hide the husky rasp in his voice. Then he began to twist around to face away from him, so Hudson’s front plastered against his back. Hudson’s hands still rested heavy on his hips, but when Nico turned from his intense gaze, he was able to breathe again, to restart his heart.

The lights pulsed, breaking up the shadows as they illuminated the dance floor. Bodies crushed into the space, some people stomping hard by themselves, others slithering all over each other and getting down and dirty to the throbbing, dark electronica. He’d been on this dance floor already tonight, but somehow the landscape felt different—persistent, desperate, and so intense that he bathed in the sensations.

He knew who was to blame.

Nico shifted his hips back and forth a few times, testing Hudson’s grip, unrelenting, powerful, and so damn sexy. Then Nico thrust his ass back, and he might as well have short-circuited. That rock-hard cock brushed against Nico’s ass, and the breath caught in his throat. A sinful shudder rolled through him, and he thrust back again, again, again, just to let those thrills cascade over him, dominating his senses. The man was anything but small, and Nico couldn’t help the visual of sinking down on his thick length. Goddamn.

He’d done this thousands of times before on the dance floor—grinding up against a hard cock wasn’t anything new, and hell, a hot guy and good dance partner was enough of an excuse for a quick and dirty fling.

Except he’d inched in so fucking close to Hudson, he could feel the man’s breath puff against his neck. Bay rum cologne and sweat lingered with every inhale, reminding him who he was grinding up against, and the realization made him delirious. Even turning around didn’t help with the jackrabbit way his heart thrummed or how his chest felt a little too full, too overwhelmed, too much.

“Fuck,” Hudson swore behind him, the raspy curse sending a jolt right through him.

Nico wasn’t just getting down and dirty with a stranger. This was Hudson goddamn West.

Yet he couldn’t seem to pull away.

Fuck, he didn’t want to pull away.

He grabbed Hudson’s hands, drawing them up along his sides, those hot palms setting his bare skin ablaze. Nico swallowed hard. He was so turned on he could barely breathe, and the feel of those careful fingers brushing against his ribs, sliding up his abs created a heady sort of bliss that made him want to find a dark corner and get busy.

Nico swiveled his hips and rolled on impulse as he pivoted around to face Hudson again.

The sight of the man struck him square in the chest. Those deep blue eyes were blown out with lust, and his carved mouth opened in a huff of breath. Drops of sweat beaded on those perfect abs, those carved pecs, and Nico salivated. He ran his fingers down the center of that chest, feeling every ridge, every dip and hollow. When he bucked his hips forward, Hudson’s hands returned to the spot, holding tight enough to stop him.

They stood pressed together, their faces inches apart. Their heavy breaths mingled between them, and Nico’s cock throbbed in the confines of his tight pants. God, he wanted this man.

Nico caught the strain in Hudson’s face too late.

“I… can’t,” Hudson said.

He let go of Nico’s hips and took a step back, severing the tension between them. Hudson’s gaze flickered, dark and shattered, before he swiftly turned away from Nico and plunged into the crowd, heading off the dance floor.

Away from him, from this, as fast as possible.

CHAPTER 12

Hudson needed fresh air, ASAP.

He bolted out through the doors of the club, and his soles hit the asphalt with a smack. His shoulders heaved like he’d been running for miles rather than racing away from the ridiculously sexy man who’d been grinding up against him.

Goddammit, the sexy man he still needed to work with on this Chesapeake Eats venture.

Hudson had tugged his shirt over his head before he exited the club, but the sweat he’d worked up caused the fabric to stick to his skin like paste. He leaned against the brick wall and let the cold seep into him. What the fuck was he doing?

He wanted something real. Something more than a one-night fling. Nico was the exact opposite of that and had no qualms telling everyone. Hell, even earlier in the night he’d watched as Nico got sweaty with other guys on the dance floor. He wasn’t special. He knew that. Even still, the jealousy left a metallic tang in his throat. Then he’d gotten wrapped up in talking to Pierre, Perry, whatever the guy’s name was—but the second Nico came calling, all his resolve crumpled like a cocktail napkin.

This was exactly what he had been avoiding. Because he had been two seconds away from kissing Nico, which went way beyond some hot and heavy dance in the club. And kissing that man meant acknowledging how his interest in the guy increased every time they hung out, with every lively exchange, and he… just couldn’t. That way lay disaster.

Hudson speared fingers through his sweaty strands as he stared up at the night sky. The dark expanse was studded with so many silvery stars it held him spellbound for a moment, as if he could escape up there and leave these troubles behind. Slowly, his explosive breaths began to calm, even if his mind and heart hadn’t taken the cues.

The scrape of footsteps nearby sounded, drawing his attention.

He lifted his gaze to spot the exact man he’d run out on.

Nico had tugged his muscle tee back on as well—shame, because that bare chest was pure perfection. Granted, once the guy had stripped it off, Hudson knew he was a goner. He’d been wrestling with his attraction for weeks now, and his paper-thin restraint had snapped.

Caution flickered in Nico’s eyes, as if he approached a deer in the wild. Truth be told, Hudson was feeling that skittish, but where the hell could he go? Sarah had driven them here.

Hudson’s shoulders tensed instinctively as Nico sidled up beside him and found an empty spot to lean against the wall. Other folks hung nearby, catching a cigarette and chatting, relaxed, casual—the total opposite of the tension brewing between him and Nico.

“Hey,” Nico said, breaking the quiet. His voice came out tentative and low, but he kept his gaze on the ground. “Are you okay? Did I do something wrong?” Those deep brown eyes flickered up to meet his, the fear in them plain as day. His guyliner was smudged in a way that made Hudson itch to cross the distance between them and fix it with his thumb.

The words stuck in Hudson’s throat. He wanted to slice through this tension, laugh off the situation or dismiss it, but he couldn’t. He’d driven way past the point of being able to brush off the way Nico Shah affected him.

“Shit, did I cross a line?” Nico asked, turning to face him. “I… thought I’d read the signals right, but…” He hesitated with a flinch that shook Hudson. He’d expected Nico to remain in there and find a new dance partner who wouldn’t freak out in the middle of grinding on the dance floor. Or even when he did come out, he’d expected some cocky sass. This genuine concern shredded his last bits of restraint.

Hudson turned to face Nico, so, so aware of the minimal space between them.

The shadows carved out his features, the slender nose, his thick brows and witty lips. The slim lines of his body were tempting, and Hudson couldn’t forget the electric way Nico moved, how he’d glided up and down his body, holding him spellbound. The man was utterly gorgeous.

Nico’s gaze locked on his, and Hudson sucked in a sharp breath.

Too late now. He’d crossed the Rubicon the moment he agreed to work with Nico Shah.

Hudson took a step closer, but Nico didn’t budge. When Hudson placed his palm on the brick beside him and stepped in front, Nico’s breath hitched, but that gaze didn’t abandon him. The man’s eyes were filled with a hot curiosity Hudson couldn’t look away from.

“You were reading the signals right.” Hudson’s voice came out in a rasp, his lips inches from Nico’s. He watched how he swallowed, how the tip of Nico’s tongue slicked across his bottom lip. The sight went straight to his cock, which had already grown torturously hard from the way they danced in the club. The air between them was a taut rubber band waiting to snap.

Hudson closed the distance.

The moment his lips met Nico’s, all of the tension, all of the electricity that saturated the air flowed into his veins. Kissing Nico was so much more than physical sensation, than the press of lips, than the shuddering thrill of that sensual contact. A breathlessness flooded through his veins, the sort he hadn’t felt since the day he opened Harbor Pointe. When he’d stood in the middle of the restaurant he created, watching diners at their tables, the servers bustling around, and the chefs hard at work in the back. A whole road of possibility had stretched before him.

The same possibility threaded through him now.

Nico sank into the kiss at once, as if this collision was inevitable. There was nothing tentative as his clever lips caressed Hudson’s, teasing as he pulled away only to dive in all over again. Hudson’s palm flattened against the wall next to Nico as he caged him in, until their bodies pressed together. Nico’s head tilted back as he sank into the kiss, and he reached between them to grip Hudson’s shirt in his fist. Hudson reeled in the sweet taste of him, a hint of gin and lime on his lips as he kept coming back for more.

Hudson slipped his tongue in, wanting to devour him, and Nico melted. All the fire that had sparked between them this past year combusted into this kiss. He pressed hard against Nico’s lithe body, the sensation making him delirious. The scent of sweat, of neroli, of this fucking man consumed him, intoxicating. The subtle chatter from other folks around them faded away to a distant buzz as Hudson surrendered to this kiss.

Nico nipped at his lower lip, a tender playfulness to his movements that stroked Hudson to the core. If he hadn’t already been hard from how they’d danced in the club, this would’ve woken him right up. As it was, his cock tested the confines of his jeans. Hudson’s other hand wound around Nico’s hip, tightening there as he plunged his tongue into his mouth.

He ground against Nico, this kiss stripping him bare. The cool brick soaked into his palm, a contradiction to the way he burned, each point of contact between them blazing. He swallowed each and every moan from Nico’s lips, not caring that they were making out at the side of the club. Not caring that anyone else was around. Not caring that Nico’s thick length pressed against his leg like he was riding him here in the goddamn parking lot.

All that mattered was this kiss.

All that mattered was this man.

Hudson gasped for breath before he dove in again, tasting the tang of Nico’s swollen lips as he kissed him for all he was worth. Nico’s fist hadn’t released his shirt, his heavy cock brushing against his thigh as they lost themselves in the taste of their lips, the melody of their mouths. As the ferocity between them ebbed, the kiss began to turn tender, slower, longer strokes as he savored the feel of those soft lips and the slight scrape of stubble against his chin.

Hudson pulled away after what felt like hours, even though it could’ve been mere minutes. Their frantic breaths exploded through the midnight air between them, and Hudson gazed deep into those dark, wondering eyes. Even in the wake of that kiss, Hudson could still feel the sting where Nico had bitten down, the taste of him in his mouth, the sinful caress of his tongue. Hudson dropped his hand from the wall as he straightened his stance. He opened his mouth, about to break the quiet between them.

“That’s where the two of you went.” Sarah’s voice smashed through the air like an aluminum bat through a window.

Hudson whipped his head to the side at the same moment Nico stepped away from him. The separation from all the heat left him chilled, like he’d walked into shade.

Sarah and Taran had just rounded the corner and were heading their way fast. Hudson ran fingers through his hair in a futile effort to not look utterly debauched. Nico didn’t bother, simply hooking his thumbs through his belt loops and fixing his brother with a warning stare. Hudson swallowed hard, feeling like a guilty secret. He hated the idea of hiding anything, yet at the same time his mind still reeled that any of it had even happened in the first place.

He’d been trying to stay away from Nico, not kiss the ever-loving daylights out of the man.

Sarah glanced between the two of them, her eyes widening. Taran’s upper lip twitched the slightest bit. Yeah, like they could hide for a second what they’d been doing. Not with the way Nico’s styled hair twisted all over the place, his lips spit-slicked and swollen. The sight went straight to Hudson’s cock, the thought of them wrapping around… fuck. He needed to get a rein on his thoughts.

“We were trying to find you guys to head home,” Sarah started, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “But we could always wait a little while longer.”

Taran shook his head. “If I waited every time my brother wanted to get his dick wet, I’d never sleep. Let’s roll, guys.”

Hudson’s cheeks flushed as he glanced to Nico, who was making a very concerted effort not to look his way.

“You know how I get on club nights. Can’t help but throw myself at guys,” Nico shot back, all acidic sarcasm. “We’re good to go.”

Hudson swallowed nails. With the way Nico’s gaze flashed and how he strode past him toward the car, he couldn’t read him. Had this just been some club night fling for Nico? As stupid as it was, in those moments, Hudson couldn’t help but believe the kiss meant more. His heart squeezed tight, but he schooled his face. Nico had never made any promises, nor had he.

Taran swept past him, following close in his brother’s footsteps, yet Hudson remained rooted to the spot. Sarah’s hand clapped on his shoulder, and she squeezed.

“Come on,” she said, offering a sympathetic glance. “Let’s head home.”

Hudson followed behind her, his heart more tangled than ever. All he knew was that this time, he’d stepped in way over his head.

CHAPTER 13

Five days had passed since the club, and Nico had successfully managed to avoid Hudson.

Problem was, they needed to send a finalized menu in for Chesapeake Eats, which meant meeting up. With the festival in three weeks, he didn’t have the luxury of pushing this off.

Nico scrubbed at his kitchen table for the five thousandth time, because clearly he didn’t have anything better to do than make sure visitors could lick the surface.

Of course, licking led to sucking and sucking led to… fuck, he needed to get his mind out of the gutter. Especially with Hudson West coming over.

He didn’t get hung up on guys. Quick make out at the club? He’d never even looked back twice. However, when he’d locked lips with Hudson outside Club Apollo, that hadn’t been a make-out—that had been transcendent, revelatory, and all sorts of eye-opening in a way he wasn’t prepared to face.

Beyond the way Hudson owned his body, how he’d caged Nico against the wall and the possessive way he’d pinned him in place, the man’s kiss had branded him, and he hadn’t been able to think of anything else. Anyone else. The takeout he’d ordered was on its way, and it was a competition to see who’d show up first—Hudson or the delivery man. Maybe the delivery guy would be a scorching-hot blond with fuck-me intense eyes, a body built for sin, and the sort of smart mouth that had captured his mind a long time ago.

He had issues.

The shrill buzz of the doorbell sounded, jarring him to awareness. Nico’s feet carried him toward the door, even though he couldn’t help but skim fingers through his strands, as if he needed to freshen up. Not like he hadn’t spent a half hour trying to decide between his slutty jeans or marginally more appropriate ones. He went with slutty because some habits he couldn’t break. He could be professional. This was a professional visit, not a hookup.

Too bad his cock hadn’t got the memo.

He swung the door open, but no amount of prep could’ve readied him for the sight of Hudson West standing in the frame.

The man’s blond strands were tamed, begging to be messed up, and his deep blue eyes emanated an intensity that caused Nico’s breath to hitch. Bastard wore a gray Henley and worn jeans, as if he knew the look was Nico’s kryptonite. A hesitance buzzed in his stance, a curious vulnerability that amped the adrenaline coursing through Nico’s veins. He couldn’t help but soak in the sight of Hudson from head to toe, which heated him up from the inside out.

“What did I do to deserve that look?” Hudson said, placing his hand on the doorframe. His husky voice did little to dispel the heady lust swirling inside Nico.

“Sorry, I thought you were the takeout I’d ordered,” Nico responded, careful to keep his voice light. “My mistake.”

Hudson’s lips quirked. “It’s okay. No need to hide that you find me delicious.”

Nico swallowed back his splutter. Any idea they were going to skate on the superficial and ignore the fact that they’d gotten hot and heavy at the club vanished like smoke. As Hudson’s gaze traced his, the man’s smile widened. Cocky fucking bastard.

“Please,” Nico responded, trying to tamp down his rampant lust, as if he could hope to forget the way the man tasted, how he fucking kissed. “You’re no Szechuan chicken.”

Hudson stepped past him to enter the house, the corner of his mouth quirking up. Nico bit back a sigh and closed the door. He was in so much trouble. Cold, prissy Hudson West he could keep at a distance all day long. However, this version? Wry, snarky, and oh so sensual? Well, fuck him sideways, how had he even lasted as long as he did?

Sure, the finalized menu for the festival sat on his kitchen table. Yet, between the takeout, the movie he’d pulled up on his TV, and the sexual tension thickening the air, this felt more like a date than any he’d been on in years.

Hudson plopped into the seat at the kitchen table like he belonged there, even though he’d only come over once before. He skimmed over the menu while Nico headed for the fridge.

“Beer?” Nico asked, needing to keep some space between them. The reason he’d been avoiding him had everything to do with this. Any time Nico got into the same proximity of this man, he seemed to lose his damn mind.

“Please,” Hudson murmured, not looking up from the menu. And yeah, that focus of his was hot too—especially after experiencing it firsthand at the club. Nico grabbed two porters from the fridge and cracked the tops off before striding back over.

Closing the distance between them felt dangerous after he picked up the scent of the man’s cologne, one he’d just about memorized at this point. Nico had always been aces at keeping his hookups in a separate category from his day-to-day life. A spin in the sheets, friendly banter, and an amicable goodbye the next day. A few “boyfriends” lasted for a week or so, but never long enough to meet his family members.

He and Hudson hadn’t even fucked yet, and here Nico was welcoming the man into his home. For fuck’s sake, the guy had somehow already met Tar and his mother.

“What do you think?” Nico asked as he passed a beer over.

Hudson looked up, and Nico sucked in a breath. That gaze probed like a magnet, drawing out obnoxious things, like feelings.

“About what, Shah?” he asked, his tone serious. “The fact that we kissed and you went AWOL?”

Nico’s mouth dried. Well, shit. “I meant the menu,” he murmured. When Hudson didn’t respond, that unreadable gaze still locked on him, Nico sighed. “Fine, so we’re doing this?”

Hudson crooked a brow. “Unlike you, I don’t make a habit of hooking up with guys at a club. Or, at all, really.”

“That why you’re so pent-up?” Nico challenged, shooting him a look. Heat crackled between them, no fireplace necessary. Then the devil ran away with his mouth. “Need some help with that, pretty boy?”

His gaze tracked to Hudson’s crotch, the man’s thick, firm length clear from the way it strained his jeans. Nico ran his tongue over his lower hip and shifted his hips, trying to ignore how his erection tested the confines of his tight jeans. Good thing he wasn’t the only one suffering.

“Better stop making offers unless you’re serious, Shah,” Hudson responded, his husky voice licking him from top to toe. “Someone might just take you up on them.”

Holy hell. He was going to incinerate on the spot. Wasn’t his damn mouth what had gotten him into this trouble in the first place?

That, and the fact he had a fixation on Hudson he couldn’t seem to quit.

He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

The doorbell rang, and he all but bolted to get it. Nico’s nerves thrummed as he opened the door and tipped the delivery guy. His mind reeled, lust making him punch drunk at this point, as he could barely hold himself upright. Somehow, he managed to complete the transaction, grabbing the bags and closing the door behind him.

Did he want to jump the man’s bones or murder him? He genuinely didn’t know, and wasn’t that a kick in the nuts.

Nico still didn’t have an answer when he returned to the kitchen, but he had food, so hopefully that could buy him some goddamn time. Not like his cock took a cue—his erection was hard enough to stir a fucking drink with, though he wouldn’t, because no.

Hudson leaned against the wall, his arm draped over the back of the chair and his legs spread. The cocky fucker looked way too comfortable in Nico’s house, and how he’d gotten the upper hand on him was a mystery.

Nico plunked the bag on the table between them and took out the carton of beef and broccoli along with a pint of rice, passing them over to Hudson. “Here’s your food. Find something useful to do with that mouth,” he said, shooting Hudson a purposeful look.

“I can think of a few things,” Hudson responded, his lips quirking.

That was Nico’s normal line, and were Hudson any other guy, he’d be diving right in to flirt, fuck, whatever the hell was on offer. However, with the sheer amount he’d jacked off in the shower over the kiss they’d shared at the club, his senses were scrambled. He sucked in a sharp breath to try and regain what little composure he had.

“Eat your goddamn beef and broccoli, West,” Nico said, grabbing his Szechuan chicken and a pair of chopsticks from the bag.

Hudson’s brows furrowed as he pried the lid off his food. “How’d you know my favorite thing on the menu?” he asked, a hint of softness in his tone.

“I listen,” Nico responded, chasing a piece of chicken around with his chopsticks. He eyed Hudson. “Besides, we both know your pansy ass can’t handle anything with a hint of heat in it.”

“I’m certain I proved the opposite at the club,” he said, his gaze meeting Nico’s like he meant anything but business.

Fine. Fuck it.

Nico had been trying to dodge around this—after all, Hudson was Mr. Commitment looking for the love of his life, and Nico avoided that shit like the plague. But he was hot as hell, kissed like sin, and was clearly interested, if the aluminum bat in his pants served as any damn indicator.

Nico placed his container on the kitchen table. He was damned hungry, but not for takeout. Hudson tracked his every movement, the intensity a heady, consuming thing. He rose from his seat and took one step toward Hudson, then another, each movement deliberate until he stood in front of the man.

“About that offer?” Nico said, closing in until his legs bumped against Hudson’s knees. He placed a hand on the back of the chair, inches from where Hudson draped his arm. Nico leaned in so their lips were a mere whisper away. “Deadly serious, stud.”

Hudson’s breath hitched. Those blue eyes flashed with a hint of wonder before they darkened, drenched with lust. The heat amplified between them until the room broiled, and they both wore way too many layers.

“Then let me take you up on it,” Hudson rasped before his big palm pressed against Nico’s cheek and he closed the distance between them to claim his mouth.

Nico sank into the kiss. He melted against the heat, the hint of possession as Hudson slipped his hand under Nico’s chin to grip it tight, and the delicious taste of him, like the crisp beer they’d been drinking. His body reacted at once, like he’d pressed a detonation button, as if he’d been waiting for this ever since their last collision, a realization he didn’t want to think too hard about.

Nico sank into the kiss, letting Hudson take control of his mouth as the man kissed him with a hurricane force. Hudson’s deliberate movements were intoxicating, like every lick of his tongue against Nico’s neck, every nip at his chin, and every press of their lips together was primed to take him apart piece by piece. Nico slipped his hands down to latch onto Hudson’s belt, the buckle cool against his palm.

After the gigantic goddamn cocktease that had been their night at the club, Nico had known what he needed, even if he didn’t want to admit it. Maybe if they fucked this out of their systems… He pulled away for breath as he gave a gentle tug to the belt buckle and looked up to meet Hudson’s eyes.

Hudson nodded, his shoulders heaving with the ragged breaths slipping from his throat. Hunger blazed in his eyes, and for a moment, Nico just drowned in that look. He slipped the belt out of the buckle, the latch making a click that echoed through the air. If he didn’t get his hands on Hudson’s cock in the next few seconds, he might die, which wasn’t dramatic in the slightest.

“Any last words, West?” Nico murmured as he pressed his lips along the column of Hudson’s neck. The man’s skin tasted like salt, the musky scent of him something he wanted to drown in.

“I think we’ve both talked enough,” Hudson responded, his voice scraping across Nico’s skin like gravel.

Nico pulled at his belt, moving for his waistband next. He used it to tug Hudson up off the chair to stand. In the same motion, Nico sank to his knees in front of him. He popped the button on Hudson’s jeans and drew the zipper down with a snick, but when he looked up, his breath snagged in his throat. Hudson loomed over him, looking so bossy and dominant that Nico came close to popping his cork.

Nico dragged Hudson’s jeans and boxer-briefs down his thighs, the insistent throb of his own cock driving him insane. He’d been waiting for this since the club, even though he only had himself to blame for the lack of fulfillment. If he’d known Hudson was all sorts of DTF, he would’ve been all over him far sooner. Hudson’s cock lay brazen and bare in front of him, and Nico sucked in a sharp breath to keep from salivating.

It was thick, long, and had several tantalizing veins along the length, and Nico couldn’t fucking wait to deep throat him. The crown was flushed, reddened, and looked so damn delicious. Nico smoothed his palm down his own erection, still trapped in his jeans.

“Take it out,” Hudson commanded, his voice husky. “I want to see.”

Nico watched Hudson’s eyes as he let down his own zipper and pulled his straining cock out. The bone-melting lust in that gaze tunneled right into him, and he couldn’t help but give himself a few shuddering strokes. Nico leaned in, keeping eye contact the entire time as he brushed his tongue in a teasing lick across the tip of Hudson’s cock, drawing in the salty taste of his precum. Hudson’s throat bobbed, and he reached out to grip the back of the chair beside him.

Nico relished those reactions, savored them as he leaned further in, trailing his tongue in a stripe along the length of Hudson’s cock. Another hitched breath spurred him, and that was all Nico needed. He wrapped his lips around Hudson’s cock and swallowed him down.

“Fuck,” Hudson swore. His fingers wove through Nico’s hair, tightening there to the point it stung in the best damn way. Nico bobbed his head as he began to work Hudson’s cock down his throat, finding a steady rhythm. The sharp breaths coming from the man above him hit the air like shrapnel. Nico’s length pulsed, the cool press of his knees to the hardwood, Hudson’s rough grip on his hair, and the velvet erection he sucked down almost too overwhelming.

Hudson started to rock his hips once he realized Nico could take it, and they found a harder rhythm, one that had water welling at the corners of Nico’s eyes. He sank into the heat of the heavy cock in his mouth, the earthy musk of Hudson every time he took him in to the root, and the feel of his own cock in hand as he stroked himself. He drew Hudson in deep, the tip hitting the back of his throat as he forced himself to relax. Hudson’s grip on his hair felt every bit as possessive as the way he’d gripped his hips at the club, and Nico couldn’t help but surrender, letting Hudson fuck his face with faster strokes.

“Fuck, Nico,” Hudson hissed, his thighs tightening.

Nico could sense the tension in the air, taste the tang of the precum on his tongue—Hudson was getting close. He reached between his thighs to tug on his own cock, already so damn turned on he could spill in seconds. Sweat broke out on his temple, and his hand shuttled faster, matching the pace of Hudson’s thrusts into his mouth. Hudson let out a shout that echoed through the kitchen, and a moment later, his cock pulsed, and the warm, salty liquid slipped down Nico’s throat.

It only took a few more strokes before that coiled tension within him reached a peak. His breaths came out sharp, sharp, sharper, until he reached the crest. His orgasm burst through him, blinding, consuming as Nico closed his eyes and let the release wash over him. His cum shot onto the hardwood by his knees, and his shoulders dropped in sheer, stinging relief.

Hudson slowly pulled out of his mouth first, then dragged his fingers through Nico’s hair in a gentle sweep before he brought them away as well. A moment later, the creak of the hardwood sounded as Hudson padded away, only to return with a paper towel. Nico didn’t even have the time to register the movement as Hudson cleaned up his cum and helped him to his feet, all with a tenderness that was polar opposite to the demanding, consuming way he’d just been fucked.

“Goddamn,” Hudson said, his hands around Nico’s waist as he licked Nico’s lips in a slow, deliberate manner that was a complete fucking turn-on, as if he tasted himself on them.

“We all have our talents, West,” Nico murmured against his mouth, earning a begrudging smile.

“So, this was…?” Hudson responded, those lips inches away and his hands holding him like he never wanted to let go.

Panic thudded in Nico’s chest, but he swallowed it down. “A damn good time. Don’t ruin my afterglow.” Nico stole another kiss to avoid the way Hudson’s gaze darkened, and then he slid a finger under Hudson’s chin. “And a fantastic way to spice up our business meetings.”

Hudson tilted his head in curiosity, catching the drift Nico put out there. He wasn’t doing the talk, but could he be convinced into another hookup with this gorgeous man? He was prepared for the hardship.

“Speaking of work, we should get back to it,” Hudson said, tapping a finger on the kitchen table.

Nico crooked a brow. “Why am I not shocked. Here, help me move the food into my living room. We can at least run over this menu with entertainment in the background.”

“I’m terrified to know what you plan on putting on,” Hudson said, his tone bone dry as he began to pile the cartons of Chinese food into the bag.

“You’re going to watch Josie and the Pussycats with me and keep your damn mouth shut, because I love that movie,” Nico said, picking up his own containers.

Hudson shook his head. “Why would I have an issue with that? The soundtrack is fantastic.”

Nico slapped a hand to his chest. “Are we agreeing on something? I’m pretty sure that’s a sign of the apocalypse coming.”

Hudson snorted as he lifted the bag and made his way past him, heading toward Nico’s living room like he’d been here a thousand times, not once. Nico’s gaze followed the cocky swing of Hudson’s hips, his perfect ass on display, which he hadn’t even gotten to explore yet.

His heartbeat quickened.

This man was pure, unadulterated trouble.

CHAPTER 14

Hudson stared at the application on his desk.

The black letters spelling out Cornell glared at him against the stark white paper. His mother had called yesterday, warning him the application would be coming and that he should consider it. He understood the “should” for the threat it was.

He didn’t want to go back to school, but if he took on any more debt, he’d couldn’t keep Harbor Pointe afloat either.

Either route involved giving up on his dreams, but only one would leave him destitute.

Over by the prep stations, Kerry shouted something filthy to Danny, smirks on their lips as they talked to each other over the sizzle from the pans. Liam cooked up more of the daily special, brown butter pan-fried salmon in a white wine sauce. Hudson had stolen a few seconds at his desk to breathe after how busy tonight had been, but the fucking med school application wasn’t helping calm him in the slightest.

The best stress relief he’d gotten was the ridiculously hot blow job a few days earlier at Nico’s house. Talk about spank bank fodder for the next century. The sight of that man on his knees and that lush mouth wrapped around his cock was branded into his mind. He was pretty sure looking that hot was criminal.

Hudson resisted the urge to run his fingers through his hair. Last thing he needed was to come across untidy in case he needed to go put out fires amongst the patrons. Gabby was on tonight, and she seemed to be getting worse rather than improving. After another week or so, then he’d have to fire her.

He flattened his palm on the application, as if he could blank it out of his memory. Maybe if he could just get Mom and Dad to come visit then they’d realize what he’d built here. His sister’s warning still circulated through his veins with worry, but until his parents made the threat, all he could do was keep trying.

Der slipped into the back, his dark eyes dancing. He made a beeline straight for Hudson’s desk. “Hud, you’ve got to come see this.”

Hudson arched a brow. “Trouble, or…?”

Der smirked. “Definitely or.” He tilted his head toward the employee entrance, and Hudson pushed himself away from the piece of paper currently making him miserable. Based on the jaunty way Der strode out, this wasn’t some fire needing dousing, and Hudson could use a distraction.

He stepped out onto the floor, the dim lighting creating a beautiful, chill ambiance that paired well with the dark tablecloths, candles on each table, and cream menus. The antique building had plenty of charm that he’d worked with, leaving the pillars of what used to be separate rooms up to frame certain sections of the restaurant. The paintings of Chesapeake Bay by local artists hung on the walls, part of his way to involve the community, and all around him, patrons tucked into elegant meals that filled him with pride.

At least when they weren’t in Gabby Miller’s hands. She offered a smile as she wove past him to go grab a plate she would probably spill on some unsuspecting customer. Fuck, he should’ve already fired her.

“Over there,” Der said, pointing to the opposite end of the restaurant.

Tucked in the corner of the restaurant was the last person on earth he’d ever expected in Harbor Pointe.

Unless it was to yell at him or accuse him of poaching bands, which, okay, he might’ve accidentally done.

The same damn man he hadn’t been able to get out of his head these past few weeks, especially since they’d hooked up.

Nico sat at the two-seater with his mother, a slight hunch to his shoulders, as if he was terrified of getting noticed. Hudson’s heart beat faster. Goddamn, the man looked good in his classic white button-down, sleeves rolled to the elbows, his mouth open in constant chatter. Hudson could already imagine some of the sharp, witty things coming from him. Even dressed up though, Nico’s rings flashed on his fingers, and the extra hoops along his ears and the hints of his tattoos added those splashes of personality he could never tamp down.

“Better go give them a welcome,” Hudson said, flashing a grin at Der.

He didn’t miss the fact that the owner of his rival restaurant had somehow managed to come eat at Harbor Pointe before his own father. Hudson shunted the slice of bitterness down as his legs carried him toward Nico and his mother. Mrs. Shah looked healthier than he would’ve guessed after getting a transplant, but he shouldn’t be surprised. The woman was a fighter, just like her son.

He closed the distance, but it wasn’t until feet away that Nico happened to glance in his direction. Hudson’s lips lifted in an automatic smirk right as Nico let out a belabored sigh, followed by a glare.

“What brings the two of you over to my restaurant?” Hudson asked as he stepped in front of the table, addressing Mrs. Shah before Nico could get a word in edgewise. “I thought you’d be across the river at Port of Call.”

Mrs. Shah grinned at him, her expression open and those dark eyes as intelligent as her son’s. “We’re celebrating, and I wanted to check out the place that’s the other half of Chesapeake Eats. You know, Nico’s always forbidden me from coming here in the past, but I’ve heard wonderful things.”

Nico’s jaw twitched, the guy looking more murderous by the second. “Don’t let it get to your head, West,” he said. “Your ego doesn’t need any inflation.”

Hudson had to restrain his grin. Somehow, he’d started looking forward to the man’s barbs, and he couldn’t help but soak in all of the gorgeousness seated in his restaurant. Fuck, he couldn’t deny how much this guy twisted him up, even if he didn’t do temporary or NSA and that seemed to be all Nico was capable of.

“Nic, stop being rude,” Mrs. Shah said as she thwacked Nico’s arm. “Your handsome friend has been nothing but polite to us.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Shah,” Hudson responded, amusement welling in his chest. She truly was the most formidable woman he’d met. “I’m so glad to hear your transplant went well. Let me add dessert on the house to celebrate.”

“Please, call me Amrita. Nic, why haven’t you married this one yet?” Mrs. Shah said, and Nico spluttered mid-sip of water. His eyes bugged out of his head. After all the dodging around the guy had done when he’d asked for a simple talk, he couldn’t help but bask in Nico’s freak-out.

“You mean murdered, right?” Nico shot back, as quick as ever. “I don’t know where you’re getting this marriage nonsense from when I’ve never even brought a guy home.”

“Whose fault is that?” Mrs. Shah responded, arching a brow. “You’re a beautiful man with so much to offer. Don’t you think so, Hudson?”

He’d been enjoying watching Nico squirm, but somehow Mrs. Shah had turned the tables on him. His first instinct was to blurt out some sort of insult, but with the way the woman stared at him, he didn’t dare.

Instead, he went for the truth, his gaze softening. “Yeah, he is.”

Fuck. That would, guaranteed, send Nico screaming in the other direction. Nico’s eyes widened for a moment, a seeking look in his gaze, and Hudson bookmarked it, just like he had every other slip of vulnerability from him. Those brief instances made him flare hotter than any slow grinding on the dance floor.

“I need a cigarette,” Nico muttered, sliding a palm over his face.

“That’s a habit you should kick,” Mrs. Shah said, pointing a finger in his direction.

Hudson glanced back to his restaurant floor. Nothing was currently on fire. “I can grab a smoke with you if you want company.”

Mrs. Shah shook her head. “And here I thought you were a good influence.”

Nico pushed up from the table. “Be right back, Ma.” He patted his pocket to check for his smokes and then met Hudson’s gaze to offer a nod.

Hudson cracked a grin at Mrs. Shah. “Hazard of the industry, Amrita. We’ll be back in no time.”

Truth be told, from the moment he’d entered Nico’s proximity, he was climbing out of his skin, desperate to reach out, to touch, to claim his pretty-as-sin mouth. Not like he could do that in the middle of his restaurant and in front of the man’s mother. Though, based on the way Mrs. Shah had been talking, she’d probably be thrilled.

Hudson headed for the side entrance that led onto the deck, which was in full swing tonight. The string lights glowed, casting a cozy ambiance over the outdoor space, which had a gorgeous view of the river. He passed several old women who seemed like they might get up to talk to him, and he offered a polite nod before walking a little faster. His blood thrummed, a heat coursing through him that he could no longer deny. Did he feel sort of pathetic with how he tended to drop everything when Nico was around?

Yeah, but he hadn’t fucking indulged in anything for far, far too long.

He led Nico around the back, out of sight from the deck. The view here was still gorgeous, even if the river was half-obscured by trees. Around the corner sat the back lot where his employees parked, and the kitchen exit that was left propped open whenever someone took their smoke break.

Hudson slowed and rested his back against the siding, casting a sideways glance in Nico’s direction.

The man had his pack out and was smacking it against his thigh. “Before you get started with the smirking and gloating, yes, I took my mother to Harbor Pointe because she deserves a nice night out, and this was the restaurant she wanted to go to.”

Hudson’s grin was softer than intended. Despite the way Nico tended to run screaming from most feelings, he loved his mother fiercely.

“Might not be the worst place I could’ve taken her for dinner,” Nico said, leaning against the siding with him as he lit his cigarette. “I mean, better than Dora’s Kitchen up the road.”

Hudson snorted. “We should print those high praises on the website. Better than Dora’s, whose menu hasn’t been updated since the seventies and has a different infestation each month.”

Nico’s clever lips slanted in a smile, and Hudson couldn’t help but watch as he sucked in a drag from the cigarette and then let the puff of smoke drift out. The man’s sensual movements were addicting, and lust punched him in the chest. The last place he needed to be getting an erection was his restaurant, but by some weird happenstance, Nico was here, and the response had become Pavlovian at this point.

Hudson reached over and plucked the cigarette from Nico’s fingers, taking a drag. The nicotine flooded through his veins, but even headier was the way Nico watched him and how the tip of his tongue dragged over his lower lip.

“Fuck me,” Nico swore, rifling fingers through his hair.

“Name the time and place,” Hudson responded, the corners of his lips creeping up.

Nico’s pupils grew impossibly dark, and the sharp inhale cracked through the tension between them. “You’re playing with fire, West,” Nico said, plucking the cigarette from his fingers. “Also, get your own damn cigarette.”

“Stolen ones are more satisfying,” Hudson replied. He tilted his head, looking up at the star-studded sky. The siding was still sun-warmed, and he could feel the vibrations of all the frenetic energy contained inside his restaurant. If he were being honest, the sight of Nico dining at his place reached inside his chest and squeezed tight. He didn’t do flings, and this was why—because all too fast he got a case of feelings.

Still, he couldn’t help but run into the flames on this one.

He’d never met anyone who made him immolate like Nico Shah, and after years of sticking to tame, he was ready to burn.

Nico took another drag and dropped his arm. A moment later, he sidled up in front of Hudson, his body a mere inch away. The air sparked between them. Nico leaned in and pressed his lips against Hudson’s in a sensual slide that had him reeling. The tip of Nico’s tongue darted into his mouth for a taste, and he let the sweet kiss linger, brushing his lush lips over Hudson’s before he pulled away.

Nico’s eyes danced. “You’re right. Stolen ones are more satisfying.” He passed the cigarette over to Hudson again and began to mosey away, back in the direction of the restaurant. Nico lifted a hand in the air to wave. “Keep it. You look like you need it.”

A bark of a laugh exploded from him before he could help himself. He felt lighter than he had all night after mere minutes around Nico. The man had cast a spell over him, and he didn’t want it to end. He sucked in another drag of the cigarette and then let the smoke filter out, watching as it trailed up into the night sky.

A thousand and one responsibilities waited for him inside. He stressed over every new bill that came his way, his dad was trying to shove the stupid med school thing down his throat, and he juggled an impossible crush on a guy who’d only ever want to hook up. He should be rocking in the corner or tearing out his hair from the stress.

And yet, after a kiss and some cocky remarks from Nico Shah, here he was laughing, despite it all.

CHAPTER 15

That motherfucker.

Nico pulled up in front of Hudson’s place, his entire body buzzing, buzzing, buzzing.

Tonight, he was supposed to be going on a Grindr date. Tonight, he was supposed to be getting back out there, keeping himself from catching feelings. Tonight, he was supposed to be forgetting about Hudson West.

And then he got a phone call.

Hudson’s place was a charming ranch, pale yellow siding and a bright green door illuminated by the amber outside lights—nothing like Nico would’ve suspected. The interior lights glowed from his windows, signaling that he was home, though Nico already knew he wasn’t at Harbor Pointe because they had considered setting up a meeting earlier. Maybe he should’ve texted in advance, but the moment he’d received the phone call, he’d just gotten in the car and started driving.

Nico tapped his fingers on the top of the steering wheel, his mind whirling.

Before he could talk himself out of it, he turned off the ignition and hopped out of his Volvo. His soles settled on the asphalt, even though he could barely feel them as he floated his way to Hudson’s front door. His heart thudded at a hundred miles an hour, and he couldn’t stop how the jitters rushed through him from head to toe.

This goddamn man.

Nico walked along the lit path, the shadows encouraging him on and the overhead sky full of stars flooding him with nonsensical ideas, as if he lived up there and not below. He stepped to the vibrant sage door, lifted his knuckles, and knocked.

The silence in the wake of the sound swept through him, begging to infect him with doubts, with the five thousand and one problems that showing up at Hudson West’s door could cause, and yet he soared far too high to let them drag him down.

The creak of footsteps came from inside the house, and a moment later, the door swung open.

Hudson stood there in a thin white tee and black sweats, looking like a glass of whisky after a twelve-hour shift. Add in the wet, messy hair and how the fabric glued to his muscles, and damn. Hudson’s brows scrunched together as he glanced up and met Nico’s eyes.

Nico didn’t hesitate. He closed the distance between them and pressed his lips to Hudson’s, balling his shirt in his fist. Hudson tensed at first in surprise, but a second later, he relaxed into the kiss. His hot tongue swept into Nico’s mouth, and Hudson’s hands wrapped around his waist like they belonged there. Nico didn’t let go of his shirt, the fabric still damp because the man had clearly just taken a shower. Hudson’s spicy musk enveloped him, and he sank into the heat of their kiss and the way it made all the buzzing in his veins explode, like lighting up dozens and dozens of fireworks.

Only a few days had passed since Nico kissed Hudson at Harbor Pointe, and he couldn’t get the man out of his mind. The moment their lips met, he knew why, because chemistry like this couldn’t be fabricated. Hudson made his heart yearn, like he was still a kid skipping stones across the river, wondering what waited for him on the other side. Hudson was downright dangerous, and yet Nico couldn’t seem to push himself away.

Nico savored the heat from his lips for a few more minutes as the kisses grew softer, more inquisitive, as if he could sense the man’s questions brimming under the surface. Slowly, slowly, they began to taper, and Nico pulled himself away for a breath.

“You fucking bastard,” Nico breathed out.

Hudson’s brows drew together again. “What did I do this time?”

“I got a phone call from North Advantage,” Nico said, fisting Hudson’s shirt, as though if he let go the man would somehow disappear. Saying the words out loud made his heart spill over again and again. “Who are suddenly available to play for my five-year bash.”

Hudson shrugged, his expression carefully constructed. So many times, Nico had been infuriated by that look, the composure the man clung to—except now, he could see past it.

“Yeah, well,” Hudson said, “I wanted to feature better bands on my showcase. You can have my leftovers.”

Nico swallowed the lump in his throat, and even then, his next words still came out thick. “Nice try, pretty boy. They told me who was bankrolling them to make the switch.”

Hudson glanced to the side and scratched the back of his neck.

“Why?” Nico asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Never in a thousand years would he have predicted Hudson would pull something as considerate and generous as this. Not only had he given up his headliner for Nico, but he was footing the damn bill. Nico couldn’t think of a time anyone had bowled him over like this. That sort of kindness deserved a fucking hall of fame commemoration in his memories.

“The whole thing was a shitty misunderstanding,” Hudson admitted, a sheepish flush to his cheeks that somehow made him hotter. “And you’re doing something damn amazing for your mom, who deserves all the help she can get.”

Nico’s heart was about to reach nuclear levels. Goddamn. This guy twisted him upside down. Every single time he thought he got a pulse on Hudson West, the man unveiled a new, intriguing facet that captivated him in a way he’d never experienced before. He’d underestimated him at every turn, and the more he learned, the more he realized he’d never met someone so fascinating in his life.

“Remember when you told me to name the time and place?” Nico said, his grip tightening on Hudson’s shirt. Their gazes met, and the air scorched. “Here and now, pretty boy.”

Hudson sucked in a sharp breath, his gaze flaring. “Fuck….”

Nico’s grin spread. “Yeah, that’s the idea. Going to invite me in, or do you want to give the neighbors a show?” Nico let go of Hudson’s shirt as his lips quirked and he took a step back, sweeping his arms in a welcome gesture.

Nico strode inside, soaking in the details of Hudson’s place as he did. The door closed with a click behind him, but he didn’t bother looking back. The cream walls had a sunset-gold glow from the standing lamps and sconces along the walls in his living room, the black leather couches and tables a beautiful offset. The white bookshelves across the back wall were filled to the brim, and from the looks of it, he had a substantial vinyl collection as well.

The place’s clean, organized, and sturdy ambiance was so Hudson, it hurt. Nico instantly wanted to mess things up and throw a little chaos into the center of the room, the same impulse that emerged every damn time he was around this man.

“Want a drink?” Hudson offered, his voice a low rasp.

“Is that what we’re calling it now?” Nico said, his voice coy. “Why don’t you show me your bar while we’re at it.”

“Right, because that’s what you want to see,” Hudson murmured, placing his big hands on Nico’s shoulders and steering him down the corridor. The heat from his palms soaked through Nico’s shirt, sending sparks through his veins. At the end of the hall lay Hudson’s kitchen, all white tiles and wide windows. At the opposite end of the kitchen sat a hunter green lacquered bar, the rest of the structure unpolished wood. He had it fully stocked, not that Nico should’ve been surprised.

“Well, damn,” he purred, approaching it with curiosity. “Maybe I do want to see your big bar, stud.”

Hudson rolled his eyes and slipped behind it with the same ease Nico would—the man had clearly worked in the industry for a while.

“What do you want?” he asked, the heat in his voice making it clear they were no longer talking about drinks.

Nico hopped up on the flat expanse of the back section of the bar, high enough that his feet dangled from the ground. Hudson’s gaze devoured him in one quick sweep.

“What do you think?” Nico challenged. He shifted to reach into his back pocket and tossed a condom and packet of lube onto the surface with a smack. “In case you weren’t getting the drift.”

Hudson stepped back a pace, and the corner of his lips quirked. “Right, so a gin and tonic?”

Nico shot him a pointed look. His cock had been aching from the moment he locked lips with Hudson, and ever since he’d sucked the man’s thick length, he’d been thinking about how damn good it would feel inside him. He’d been trying to keep from taking that step, because he’d already fallen in too deep with Hudson West, but then the man had to go and be so damn considerate it hurt.

Hudson stepped in front of him, right between his legs, and Nico’s pulse picked up speed. Game on.

Until Hudson reached past him and plucked a bottle of gin from the lineup of alcohol behind him. What the ever-loving fuck?

Nico opened his mouth to complain when Hudson reached for the home-bar version of a soda gun right next to the sink. Before a word could escape Nico’s lips, Hudson lifted the nozzle and sprayed him square in the chest. The cold liquid smacked against him, and Nico spluttered.

Hudson’s hands were on him a second later, and he grabbed the sopping wet hem of Nico’s shirt, beginning to lift it off. The bubbles from the tonic water fizzled on his skin, a subtle pop, pop, pop.

“Three parts tonic water,” Hudson murmured, those sensual lips smoothed into a sexy grin.

Oh, Jesus fuck. Nico’s tongue went dry as he realized what the man was up to, and his cock grew impossibly hard.

His shirt hit the floor with a wet whump, and the air cooled on his wet chest, causing him to shiver. Hudson still stood between his thighs, reaching out for the bottle of Tanqueray. Nico leaned back on his elbows, his ass pressed against the cool surface of the bar, the waistband of his jeans soaked and his cock throbbing. A second later, the cap screwed off with a delicate clink, and Hudson dribbled a splash of the gin down Nico’s chest.

The cold came as a shock, but Hudson’s tongue followed the trail a moment later, hot and tantalizing. The crisp scent of juniper filtered through the air, and the temperature ramped up about a thousand degrees with the scorching way Hudson eyed him. Nico’s heart was thumping so hard in his chest, he might as well have his own bass beat.

“One part gin,” Hudson murmured.

“Stingy,” Nico teased, unable to keep his mouth shut, even though, God, he wanted this man to fuck him more than he wanted his next breath.

Hudson reached into the small cooler on the bar and plucked out a sliced lime from the container. He spritzed some of the juice on his pointer finger and brought it up to Nico’s lips. Well, damn, he could sure as hell could work with this. Nico leaned in and drew the tip of his tongue along Hudson’s finger in a slow, teasing stroke. The burst of the lime zipped along his tongue, which he twirled around the finger in another tease until he sucked it all the way into his mouth. Hudson’s gaze never left him, those blue eyes searing.

His skin felt so sensitized, the scorch of Hudson’s tongue from moments before leaving trails on his chest. Nico sucked Hudson’s finger in deeper, until he let out a low curse and pulled it out with a pop.

Nico couldn’t help the lazy grin on his lips, one that vanished the moment Hudson leaned in to close the distance. His mouth closed over Nico’s, and with a hard jerk to his belt, Nico felt himself dragged to the edge of the bar. Hudson devoured him, hungry and fierce, his tongue plunging into Nico’s throat with the raw abandon of a filthy fuck. Nico had just braced his palms against the cool surface of the bar when Hudson’s fingers attacked his belt buckle, yanking it off, and then the zipper went down next with a sound that echoed through the room.

Hudson all but ripped Nico’s jeans and boxer-briefs off him, tossing them to the floor beside his shirt. Nico’s breaths came out faster, his chest heaving with anticipation. The confidence and competence behind Hudson’s movements came as a surprise, but maybe it shouldn’t have. Nico’s cock was achingly hard, and inches away from all the hotness that was Hudson, he prepared to beg for whatever he could get.

“Holy fuck, you’re gorgeous,” Hudson murmured, his sinful voice sliding right through him.

“You’re not too bad yourself,” Nico said, the words coming out more breathless than intended.

Hudson gripped his hips tight, and a second later he yanked forward, shifting Nico onto his back with a thump. His rough movements sent a thrill through Nico that fed the lust dominating his senses. He was swimming in it, the prickle of heat in the air, the spice of Hudson’s cologne, and the tart taste of lime on his tongue. Those big palms pressed on the insides of his thighs moments later, spreading him open. Hudson’s fingertips traveled down further until two slipped against the sensitive flesh of his asshole, and the man began to circle around the tight ring until it fluttered.

Nico sucked a sharp breath in, propping himself up on his elbows to watch. Hudson loomed over him, still fully dressed, the bastard. Yet, Nico kinda loved being sprawled out naked for the man more than he wanted to admit. Dressed down in just sweats and a thin shirt though, the man was built for sin, and Nico couldn’t help but send up a blessing for those sweats and the stretch of the fabric around the hefty tent in his pants.

Hudson ripped open the lube packet and applied some to his fingertips before returning them to Nico’s rim. After a couple of sinful circles that had Nico’s dick thrusting up in response, Hudson plunged one of those long fingers inside him. He drove it deep and then crooked it.

Pleasure exploded behind Nico’s eyes, and his tongue dried with want. Hudson teased him in slow strokes before adding another finger to the mix, a delicious sort of strain as the man stretched him out. When he thrust in with a third, Nico’s head tilted back, and he slid his elbows from under himself to lay back flat against the bar. The punch of those fingers against his prostate had sweat breaking out on his forehead, the sensations driving him toward overload.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

“Please,” Nico panted, his sweaty palms plastered against the lacquered surface.

“Please, what?” Hudson responded, a wicked amusement in his voice.

Nico ground his teeth as Hudson thrust in with his fingers again, hard.

“Please, fuck me.”

Those fingers left him so fast his rim fluttered around the absence, seeking that friction, that thickness. But a second later, he heard the rip of foil echo through the air. The blunt head of Hudson’s cock nudged against his entrance, and Nico grabbed his knees, spreading himself for the man. He didn’t give a flying fuck if he came across wanton or desperate. He needed Hudson to drive into him so bad, he ached.

Hudson began to inch inside him, and Nico just surrendered to the stretch, the burn, that thick length tunneling in. He bore down as the man plunged even deeper, the heady feel of his cock enhancing the bliss circulating through his veins. Hudson’s heavy palms settled around his hips, the weight there anchoring him. The surface of the bar was cool against his back, a contrast to the heat as Hudson pushed in deeper.

Then he passed the point of resistance and sank all the way inside. Nico let out a slutty moan as he arched his hips to accept Hudson’s significant length. The fullness opened him up, the feeling so intense his breath snagged in his throat, and he was about to scream if Hudson didn’t start to rock those sexy hips.

“You’re so damn tight,” Hudson rasped, his silky voice coiling around him.

“Going to use that big cock or just talk about it?” Nico forced out, desperate for the movement. He arched his hips again, but Hudson’s grip tightened, hard enough to probably leave bruises. Nico sucked his lower lip into his mouth at the thought, the rough, bossy attitude flooding him with desire.

Hudson pulled back slowly. So. Very. Slowly. The sensations glided through him, increasing the thrum of impatience, of need tenfold. Nico bit back a scream.

“It’s like you’re asking me to murder you,” Nico muttered. He pushed up to look at Hudson and caught the devilish gleam in those blue eyes, the slight curve of a smirk on his lips.

“Patience, babe,” Hudson responded, that teasing drawl lighting him on fire.

That was when Hudson thrust in deep and fast, the tip of his cock smacking into his prostate. A shout escaped Nico’s mouth as pleasure exploded behind the back of his eyes, the sensitive bundle of nerves sending sparks all through him. Hudson’s grip remained iron as he began to pull back and snap his hips forward at a faster pace, rough, demanding, and everything Nico could’ve hoped for. Their bodies moved in tandem, and Nico dropped his head back to the surface of the bar, his arms splayed above his head in total surrender.

Sweat pricked on his temples, and he could feel the same slickness on Hudson’s palms as he continued to thrust into him like a fucking piston. The man was relentless, all-consuming force and precision, pegging Nico’s prostate in such an intense succession he could barely form a coherent thought, let alone words. The moans exploded from his lips, and his thighs trembled as Hudson slammed into him again and again and again.

His cock leaked precum, and he was so damn worked up that one stroke would send him cascading over. Hudson’s low groans filled the air as the man fucked him like a freight train, those powerful thighs moving with unexpected grace and force. Hudson’s breaths were sharp and staccato, and based on the way he increased his speed, the man was about to spill over the edge.

Nico tilted his hips with each collision, offering as much of himself as possible even as pleasure melted him to the bone. It dripped through his limbs before spreading out to his fingertips and toes, and his cock was liable to explode if he didn’t come. Nico rode on pure sensation, feeling the sting as their skin smacked together, the way his skin began to glue to the surface of the bar beneath him. Hudson’s muscles flexed as the man absolutely dominated him.

Hudson reached down between his legs, and his hand wrapped around Nico’s cock. “Come with me,” he commanded, the guttural tone doing things to him.

All it took was two strokes for all that tension to spurt out of him. Cum shot across his stomach in a sticky stream as the bliss saturated him in one quick sweep, like submerging into cool water on a humid day. Hudson slammed into him at the same time, letting out a grunt as he came with a violent jerk. His cock pulsed inside Nico, who lay on the cool bar top, still swirling around in the headiness of his intense orgasm.

For moments, minutes, he wasn’t sure, they just remained there, their harsh breaths cutting through the quiet. Sweat pasted on his skin, and the sticky cum cooled on his chest. Hudson’s cock flagged, even though he didn’t make any move to pull out quite yet. The heavy grip around his hips kept him pinned there, and Nico hated to admit how much he liked it.

He threw a forearm over his face, as if he could hide the giddy swirl of emotions percolating through him right now, ones he repressed on a regular basis. This was more than a post-orgasm high, something that dragged him up the rails of a roller coaster far higher than he’d ever dared.

Yet he knew far too well how fierce the drop would be.

Hudson pulled out at last. Nico lowered his still-trembling legs, but before he could get up, the hiss of water running cut through the air, and a second later, Hudson returned. His gaze was as soft and tender as his strokes as he cleaned Nico up, wiping the towel over the cum on his chest, and bringing it down between his crease. The care in those motions made him shiver, and Nico tried to tamp down the flutter in his chest that threatened to go out of control.

Nico pushed himself up on the counter, his legs dangling over the edge. He should be pulling his clothes on and getting the fuck out of here. A quick couple of jokes, maybe a kiss goodnight, and then boots on and out the door. Any other one-night stand, and he’d be leaving as fast as his legs could carry him.

Instead, he opened his mouth and “How about that drink?” came out.

Hudson’s eyes flashed in surprise, but that vanished fast as his lips curled into a grin. “The gin and tonic wasn’t good enough for you?”

Unf. He’d never look at the drink the same way. One thing he’d never expected was that level of creativity in bed from Hudson fucking West. Nico’s ass rested on the cool counter, and he didn’t mind for a second that he was totally nude while Hudson was wearing his rumpled clothes, because he wanted to appreciate the eye candy—built muscles, broad frame, and round, biteable ass, albeit hidden by fabric.

“Well, it was a solid starter,” Nico responded, amusement welling inside him.

Hudson shook his head, a genuine smile lighting his face. “You’re insatiable.”

Only for you. Nico swallowed back the words, which doused him with silent terror the moment they emerged.

Fuck, he was in so much trouble.

CHAPTER 16

Hudson speared fingers through his hair as he strode down the sidewalk in the direction of Chesapeake Brew. This time of day, the streets were bustling, whether Mrs. Ruthers was out walking her Pomeranian or Jared whizzed by on his afternoon run. Hudson would be heading to Harbor Pointe soon, but before then, he needed coffee.

He’d convinced Mom and Dad to come visit his restaurant after the Chesapeake Days festival, and he was hoping beyond hope he could change their minds then. If only he had a plan for the rest of his problems. The main one revolved around a certain sexy bar owner he couldn’t get out of his mind. Not after the hot-as-hell night they’d spent together earlier in the week.

Hudson yanked open the door to Chesapeake Brew.

The scent of roasted coffee and vanilla burst in the air of the shop, the chunky beams of sunshine soaking into the oaken flooring, chairs, and tables of the café. Hudson hooked his thumb into his pocket as he strode up to the register. He hadn’t gotten five paces when he noticed both Nico and Taran sitting at their usual table, hunched over a bunch of papers. If he had to guess, they were probably figuring out finances to help their mother post-transplant.

Nico hadn’t spotted him yet, hunched over with his back to him. Even still, the man was unmistakable—his dark hair spiked with product, his lithe form on display in his well-fitting salmon polo and khakis. The mere sight of him punched Hudson with lust. All he could remember was the salt of sweat on his skin, the way those gorgeous lips opened in a moan, and the devastating depths of those dark brown eyes.

Taran glanced up at him and smirked, offering a wave.

Hudson froze. How did he handle this? They weren’t seeing each other—hell, they hadn’t even agreed to be exclusive, which sent a wave of nausea rocking through him. He sucked in a breath. “Well, if it isn’t the brothers Shah.”

Nico swerved around in his seat. When his gaze landed on Hudson, those dark eyes flared, but a moment later they settled to the normal wan expression Nico always regarded him with.

“Why are you bothering with coffee, West?” Nico said, the corners of his lips lifting. “I thought you just sucked the energy out of the room wherever you went.”

Hudson arched his brow. The man’s insults didn’t hold the bite they used to, with far too much amusement bleeding through in Nico’s expression. His mouth quirked. “Guess you would know about sucking.”

Taran snorted while Nico’s gaze widened and his mouth opened.

“Just like that,” Hudson said with a wink as he approached the counter.

Nate slipped over to greet him. “Hey, man. What can I get for you today?”

“Cappuccino, thanks,” he said, reaching in for his wallet. “All ready for the festival?”

Nate nodded and rang him up. “Except you’re taking my dance partner for this one. I’m going to have to fight for attention all by my lonesome.”

Hudson shook his head. “With how popular this shop is? You’ll do amazing.” He didn’t look back, but he could feel the press of a gaze—he didn’t question for a second who. However, if Nico wanted to talk to him, he could damn well approach. As it stood, suppressing the urge to walk over and kiss Nico in greeting was killing him. Yet he knew how well that would be received. The thought had him in tangles, unease spreading like a drop of ink through water.

Nate flashed him an earnest grin as he began to pull the shots of espresso and work the steaming wand with a hiss. “I heard you went to Club Apollo with Sarah,” he said while he made the cappuccino. “Meet anyone there?”

Fuck, that night. All he could think of was how Nico had ground up against him in the club and how that intense first kiss had overwhelmed him. He’d never captured lightning like that before—never thought that sort of electricity might be something he could feel. Even though he’d gone to the club in the first place to meet guys who wanted something serious. Not this secret fling where he couldn’t even acknowledge what they were in public.

Hudson scratched his nape. “There’s a guy I met there, Perry, who’s been hitting me up.” He’d exchanged numbers with him before Nico led him to the dance floor, and ever since then, the guy had been trying to convince him to go grab a coffee, a drink, anything. Twice already, he’d claimed work as an excuse, but in reality, only one man consumed his thoughts right now.

He glanced back on instinct, seeking out Nico. The man’s dark gaze zeroed in on him, as if he tried to bore holes into his back. The second their eyes met, Nico swiveled his focus to the table again. Taran caught his eye and shrugged, the man’s no-bullshit attitude refreshing given the number of confusing signals Nico had sent him from the start.

Nate reached over to place the cappuccino on the hand-off pane. “Well, good luck with that guy. You’re a catch, Hudson.”

Hudson swallowed. The genuine words struck him like sunlight after a day of rain. He was so used to being seen as the disappointment—reject in the family, never good enough for the guys he dated, and right now he felt like he’d gotten shoved into the closet again with all this secretive bullshit. His eyes burned a little, and he clutched the cappuccino fast to hide his reaction. And Nico was probably out there on Grindr every night anyway, finding other guys to slake his thirst. The trepidation that had been tugging at his heels rushed across him in one powerful pull, twisting up his stomach.

Fuck this.

Hudson offered a wavering grin to Nate before he pivoted on his heel and headed for the door at top speed. His fingertips trembled a little bit, but he couldn’t let himself break down here. Not in front of everyone.

Not in front of Nico.

He pushed out into the bright sunlight, not a bit of it seeping through his skin. He felt like an idiot for ever getting involved with Nico in the first place. He knew he couldn’t do flings. He knew it, yet he’d sunk into those stolen moments with Nico again and again and again, unable to help himself.

His boots thudded on the sidewalk, but he’d only gotten a few paces before another set of footsteps sounded behind him.

“Hey,” Nico called. Hudson was tempted to walk faster, but then he continued, “You forgot your cappuccino.”

Heat flushed through him in one mortifying sweep. Smooth fucking exit there.

Nico caught up to him, the spice of his neroli cologne curling around Hudson’s gut. He hated the punch to the sternum the man’s presence had on him, how it commanded his attention like nothing else. Hudson still hadn’t stopped moving, though he slowed his steps as Nico joined him. He pointedly refused to look in Nico’s direction, because hell, he didn’t know how to respond at this point.

Nico made no move to pass over the cappuccino, just keeping pace with him as they trailed past a few of the shops along the main street. Quiet spread between them; unnatural, since they always seemed to have something to say. Except this was weighted with unsaid words, loaded with stolen glances, and saturated with confusion. Hudson’s skin vibrated, all of these thoughts and feelings too large, too consuming.

“So… Perry?” Nico said, breaking the silence.

A helpless laugh bubbled up in Hudson’s throat, one he didn’t bother trying to choke back. He slowed to a halt outside of Paws Emporium and fixed Nico with a look. “You’re fucking kidding me, right?”

Nico pursed his lips, scratching the side of the to-go cup with his nail. “I mean, the guy was clearly into you.”

Hudson tilted his head back, torn between laughing and screaming. He shot Nico a pointed look. “And to my surprise, he makes no effort to hide it either. But we both know that’s not how I work, and right now, I’m tangled up with this guy who’s gorgeous, witty, and driving me goddamn crazy.”

Nico’s attention swerved to him and stuck there.

Hudson sucked in a harsh breath. Either they were or weren’t. “Look, we’ve danced around this enough. The idea of you out there going on dates and fucking other guys is killing me, so if that’s how you’re playing, I want off this ride now.” Hudson’s voice cracked even as he tried to suppress those feelings. His chest throbbed at the idea, but he couldn’t keep doing this, not knowing if he was no better than a Grindr hookup.

Nico leaned in, and his lips brushed against Hudson’s while they were standing there in the middle of the street, in this tiny town where everyone knew everyone. Where anyone could spot them, and news would spread. He melted into the kiss, his tongue sweeping into Nico’s hot mouth, which tasted like coffee and hope. Hudson’s palm settled on Nico’s hip as he drew him closer, kissing him a little deeper. The swirl of thoughts, of emotions that whirred like a hurricane all softened to a gentle spring rain.

He squeezed Nico’s hip as he pulled back, a shudder of relief coursing through him at the simple touch. He still needed answers, but he understood the intent of the action. Nico’s chest heaved, and the sunlight glinted across his raven strands, highlighting those too-pretty eyelashes and making the silver hoops on his ears shine.

“There hasn’t been anyone else,” Nico murmured, tracing a pattern on Hudson’s shirt with the tip of his finger.

The admission soothed something deep inside him, balm for the aching worries he’d been unearthing. Hudson resisted the urge to lean down and claim Nico’s lips again, because it looked like he struggled with more he wanted to say.

Nico’s gaze met his, those dark eyes sharp and demanding. “If exclusive’s what you want, then I’m on board, for as long as this thing between us plays out.”

Not an undying confession of commitment, but for Nico Shah? Might as well be.

Hudson swallowed hard. “Yeah… that’s exactly what I want. Just you.” His voice came out gruff and low, but he refused to look away from Nico. Somehow, he stood here offering Hudson something he’d never dared to hope for. Sure, he might want a declaration, an official title, but for now? This was more than enough.

Nico wet his lips, a familiar fire returning to his eyes. “So tell Perry to go fuck himself.”

“I’ve blown him off every time he’s tried to ask me out,” Hudson responded, realizing his palm still rested on Nico’s hip. He used the leverage to draw him closer again, until their lips were mere inches apart. Giddiness swirled inside him. This goddamn man. Around Nico, his insides lit up like sparklers, and the more time they spent together, the harder it became to deny just how much he enjoyed Nico’s company.

Nico shot him a wan look. “As long as you’re not blowing him.”

A grin lifted Hudson’s lips. “Are you jealous, Mr. Shah?”

A moment of panic flared in Nico’s eyes, but a moment later, he recovered with a smirk. “Please. What would you be doing, going after random twinks at the bar when you can tap this ass?”

Hudson ran his thumb along the side of Nico’s chin. “Fucking gorgeous.” He couldn’t keep the emotion out of his voice. The man mesmerized him, whether he was shooting snarky remarks his way or his gaze was softening with the slips of vulnerability that meant more than his last three relationships combined. Hudson wasn’t even ready to broach that.

Nico flushed and looked away. “All right, if you’re going to start being nice to me, that’s it—running for the hills.”

Hudson’s laugh slipped out of him unbidden. Like he expected anything else from Nico. “Too bad,” he responded, his voice lowering. “Because if you run for the hills, you’re never going to get a chance to tap this ass.”

Nico’s eyes scorched, and he trailed a finger down Hudson’s chest. “Well, what the fuck are we doing here with that on the table? Also, really? Because everything about you screams bossy top.”

Hudson smirked. “Don’t worry—I’m a bossy bottom too.”

Nico rolled his eyes. “Shocker.”

Hudson snuck the cappuccino from Nico’s other hand and took a quick sip. The sweetness of the foam and rich coffee hit his lips, but it was nothing compared to Nico’s sunlit kisses. The worries and fears from earlier whirled down the drain like a plug had been pulled from the simple confession. Just knowing Nico was willing to take the first step with him—fuck, it meant everything.

“All right,” Hudson said, letting go of Nico’s hip at last. “I need to get going. Harbor Pointe awaits.” He paused for a moment, staring at the space between them. Mere minutes ago, he would’ve seized up, but Nico had cracked open the lid to PDA, and Hudson wouldn’t be so easily shoved back. He dipped down to brush his lips against Nico’s, savoring the way his lush mouth opened for him. Fuck. He drank in the headiness of the sweet kiss, letting that bolster him.

“Don’t think you’re getting out of that promise, West,” Nico said, hooking his finger through Hudson’s belt loop and drawing them flush together. “We’ve got the catering supplies to set up for Chesapeake Eats, but after we’re done? That ass is mine.”

Well, if he hadn’t been hard before, his cock grew stiff as a bat now.

Nico reached around, squeezed his ass tight, and then began to saunter off. “See you tomorrow, stud.” He lifted his hand in a wave as he headed down the sidewalk, back in the direction of Chesapeake Brew.

Hudson just stood there clutching his cappuccino, a dazed and stupid grin on his face. Every interaction with Nico Shah was like stepping into the washer—he didn’t know how he’d end up.

But goddamn, he’d never had this much fun in his life.

CHAPTER 17

Nico hefted a large box of takeout containers that needed folding as well as the five thousand other items he and Hudson needed to assemble before the festival, which was mere days away. Thank fuck they’d recruited help. He headed up the steps to the community center where they had Gale’s permission to start assembling. Nico nudged the door open and stepped inside.

After all the planning that had gone into their festival participation, it was crazy to believe Chesapeake Eats would be unveiled in a matter of days.

Hudson pulled out chafing dishes by the tables, and Nico paused for a moment to admire how the man’s muscles flexed in his gray Henley with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. That level of hotness should be a crime. Hudson glanced back and caught him watching. His eyes crinkled as his face illuminated in such a gorgeous smile, Nico almost stumbled. He tried to ignore the heady swirl of warmth in his chest at the sight.

Fuck. Somehow, he was so gone for this guy, no matter what attempts he’d made to wall him off.

Icy tendrils chased the warmth away. The tenderness in Hudson’s gaze… goddamn.

All he could see was Mama sitting in her room, touching her framed wedding photo with the same look as tears streamed down her face. His heart clenched tight. Connections like that only invited devastation.

Yet here he was opening the damn door.

Nico strode over to Hudson’s side, dumping the box on the table. “I think there are a few more chafing dishes on the ground there that need picking up.”

Hudson lifted an eyebrow at him. “Right. You do know if you want me to bend over, all you have to do is ask.”

God, the man’s husky voice would be the end of him. His cock perked up at the thought of that muscular ass on display in his bed. Tonight, that was what waited for him. They just had to sort through a sea of catering bullshit first.

“That’s a dangerous thing to tell me,” Nico responded as he pulled out cardboard takeout containers. “Don’t think our rallied help are going to stick around if they show up to me buried balls deep inside you.”

“Fucking gross,” Taran said from the doorway as he entered. “Things I never wanted to hear from my brother.”

Nico flipped him off, trying to ignore the flutter of anxiety swirling around in him. Not like Taran hadn’t spotted the way he and Hudson had been tongue-fucking each other outside Club Apollo. His brother had figured out something was going on with them, but he also knew Nico well enough to not say anything. Even still, the asshole didn’t have a shortage of smirks.

Nico glanced over to see Hudson’s response, but the guy just shrugged, an amused grin on his face. Was he really the only one freaking out? What the fuck was wrong with him? Truth be told, he found the casual confidence Hudson wielded right now beyond sexy. The man was born for committed relationships, unlike Nico, who’d run screaming any time a guy said the word “boyfriend.” Their eyes met, and one look caused warmth to spread through his chest, like that forest of fucking feelings had caught fire and no limb was safe.

“Sarah, Nate, and Linc aren’t far behind me,” Taran said as he slipped over to Nico’s side. He picked up one of the cardboard containers at the table and started folding. “Is this recruitment friends-only, or do you have employees coming to help?”

“Leigh, Frankie, and Darren are coming from Harbor Pointe,” Hudson volunteered as he stacked a few more chafing dishes. The projected amount of supplies needed was bigger than any event either of them had planned for, mostly because they were the main food providers for Chesapeake Days. Which was a damn good thing, considering most of Nico’s share of the profits would go straight to Mama’s transplant bills.

“Maeve and Chris are heading over from Port of Call,” Nico said as he worked alongside Taran, folding takeout containers at a lightning pace. “Jer’s in charge tonight.”

“I’ve got Derek running Harbor Pointe,” Hudson said with a nod of understanding.

Nico’s heart thudded a little faster. If Hudson wasn’t already amazing in every way, the fact that he worked in the same industry sealed it. Friends and the guys he’d gone on dates with complained about his work schedule, but in the time they’d carved out for Chesapeake Eats meetings, Hudson never did. He understood the pressures of running a bar and restaurant in a way most wouldn’t.

Maybe why the man was perfect for him.

Even the thought made him break out in goose bumps, because he was clearly fucked in the head.

“Hey,” Linc called out, entering the community center. “We’re here.” Nate slunk in close behind him, holding his hand.

The sight of Nate and Linc should’ve been an inspiration to him—anything was possible—yet he couldn’t erase the first time Nico had seen Linc after Marisa died. The same fucking shattered eyes as his mother.

Nico forced a smile. “About time you showed up.”

Taran elbowed him in the side. “For free labor?”

“For free food and drinks at the festival,” Hudson jumped in. They’d agreed on that compensation ahead of time, because it was enough of a pull for their local friends.

“Oh, we dragged someone else with us too,” Linc said, jerking his thumb in the direction of the door.

Sarah swung in, followed by a familiar figure, one he hadn’t seen in years.

“Silas?” Nico said, blinking in surprise. Last he’d heard, his high school friend Silas King had moved to Philly. In the interim, he’d filled out with muscle and gotten a fuckton more tattoos, visible up his arms from his short sleeves. His dark hair had grown long and shaggy, but he still had the same wicked brows and looks that broke too many hearts back in school. A broad smile broke out on Nico’s face. “Good to see you, man.”

“Hey,” Silas responded with a big grin. “Been ages, so I figured I’d swing by to this… soiree, if what Linc’s claiming is true.”

“Forced labor.” Sarah mirrored Taran’s response.

Hudson’s gaze burned into him, and Nico resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He’d already offered the man exclusivity—it wasn’t like he planned on running up and humping his old friend. Though, part of him was tempted to play this up. Something about Hudson getting possessive made him hot when it should’ve been triggering his run-away reflex.

Taran stiffened beside him, his head whipping up. Nico’s brows drew together as he watched his little brother stare unabashedly at Silas. Had he missed something there? He was pretty sure he would’ve known if his little brother had slept with his friend back in high school.

Silas stalked over, and a second later, Nico found himself enveloped in a huge hug, one that made him giddy from the fact he could see Hudson’s jealous glare over Silas’s shoulder. “Glad I swung by.” He let go and turned to face Taran. “Damn, is that little Shah?”

Taran’s face flushed, and Nico’s eyes widened. Christ, Silas was the last person he should let around his younger brother. The guy was more of a manwhore than him while Taran was a serial monogamist.

Hudson stepped up beside Nico, close enough that their arms brushed. “Hey, nice to meet you. I’m Hudson, Nico’s partner.”

Nico blinked, the word sending a jolt of ice through his veins. He clapped a hand on Hudson’s shoulder. “We’re combining business efforts for the Chesapeake Days festival,” he explained, not missing the lingering look from Hudson. He wasn’t an idiot—those words were intentional, but goddamn. No matter how prepared he wanted to be, he clearly wasn’t.

Silas glanced between them, those big blue eyes soaking in their situation. He smirked. “Well, put me to work. I’ll help out and catch up.”

“Come join us,” Nate called as he pointed to the boxes of napkins and cups he sorted through. Silas bobbed his head and headed in that direction. Unsurprisingly, Taran abandoned the folding project and happened to trail over there as well.

Nico leaned in close enough for his lips to brush against Hudson’s ear. “Down, boy. He’s an old high school friend. Emphasis on friend.”

Hudson’s cheeks pinkened, and damn if that didn’t make him all the more tempting. Nico chewed on his lower lip, trying to restrain himself from leaning in and licking the delicious column of Hudson’s neck. Not like he wanted to field questions his nosy friends were sure to have.

Hudson let out a sharp breath and nudged his hips against Nico’s. “Right,” Hudson called out, taking control of the situation. “Let’s get to work.”

Three hours later, the entire team had assembled in the community center, including their employees.

The positive? They got a ton of the prep work done and would be wrapping up soon.

The negative? Tensions were high.

Nico was trying to be good and keep from pawing Hudson every five seconds, which didn’t help when Hudson found plenty of ways to “accidentally” brush against his cock or thrust his ass nearby. If he’d known the man could be such a goddamned tease, he wouldn’t have agreed to this whole arrangement, which was total bullshit, because of course the flirting only made him want Hudson more.

Linc’s stare was about to bore a hole through him, and the confused puppy dog looks Nate kept sending his way meant a conversation would be coming sooner rather than later from one if not both of them. Shoot me now.

Nico leaned against one of the laden tables, taking a moment to run his fingers through his hair, a few strands sticking to his sweaty forehead. Chatter and music still filled the room—both he and Hudson had been playing old punk favorites until Sarah commandeered the playlist with nineties pop, much to everyone except Taran’s chagrin.

Speaking of his brother… Nico eyed Taran, who all but clung to Sarah’s side as if he were trying to give Silas as large a berth as possible. Silas had taken to plying his charms on Nico’s server Maeve, and the sweet little blonde fawned all over him. It left no doubt in Nico’s mind who’d be going home together, but the surprise in this equation was the visible tension pouring off his brother.

He sucked in a breath and took a sip from his gin and tonic, which of course brought his mind to filthy places. Only a little longer. Once they wrapped up, he knew who he’d be going home with. And even though part of him was a little terrified about that fact, the other half of him wanted to pump his fist in excitement.

Fuck, why was this so complicated?

It shouldn’t be. Hudson liked him—he’d made that abundantly clear.

And despite Nico’s efforts to push him away, the man lit his days without trying. Yet, every time he thought about telling Linc, a queasy feeling bubbled up inside him all over again, making him want to bolt.

Taran strode over to him, carrying one of the big boxes. His brother’s eyes were more serious than normal, a small storm system dwelling in that gaze.

“Hey, do you need me to start carrying stuff out to the cars?” Taran asked as he stepped up beside him, leaning the box on the side of the table.

“What’s going on?” Nico lowered his voice. He cast a glance in Silas’s direction, one Taran reluctantly followed.

“Absolutely nothing,” Taran responded, his tone wooden.

“Do I need to have a talk with him?” Nico asked, concern thudding through his veins. His little brother wasn’t like him in the slightest—he didn’t do the hit-it-and-quit-it routine. If Silas had hurt him somehow, they would have words.

Taran blanched as if Nico had slapped him. He squared his jaw and met Nico’s eyes. “Nah. But let me know if I need to load this in your car or your boyfriend’s.” His voice came out louder than normal, and the sound echoed through the room.

Nico’s blood drained from his face at the word. “He’s not my boyfriend” popped out of his mouth. Before he could process that maybe this whole exclusive relationship thing was exactly that. Before he could rationalize that Taran was just lashing out at him. Before he could notice that Hudson stood mere feet behind them, staring at him.

Hudson’s gorgeous blue eyes were one of his favorite features, whether they were darkening in lust, dancing with amusement while they bickered, or filled with warmth, like Nico had hung the moon. However, in this moment, those expressive eyes flickered, showing Nico in painstaking detail how much he’d gutted him.

Nico wanted to hurl. Hudson stepped back a pace, and his lips thinned into a firm line. The hurt radiating off him made Nico feel like the biggest monster. When they’d kissed in the street the other day, he’d understood what Hudson needed, and he wanted to give it to him so damn badly. What the fuck was wrong with him? Only a few days into their arrangement, and he was already fucking things up.

“Let me take the box to my car,” Hudson said, his tone dead as he grabbed it from Taran’s hands and walked toward the door.

“Hudson,” Nico said, whirling in his direction, as if there was something, anything to say to make this less mortifying.

Hudson didn’t turn around. Instead, he headed for the door as if he hadn’t heard a damn word.

Nico stood there frozen. Leigh hopped up from her table, snagged a box, and made her way to the door, clearly following her boss out to talk. Probably about what a monster Nico had been. He should be the one chasing after him, and yet his feet remained glued to the shitty linoleum. He glanced to his left where Linc and Nate stared at him even harder, and then to his right where Taran watched him, jaw dropped.

“Nic,” he said, his voice hushed as he reached out. “I’m sorry.”

Not like Taran had said anything but the truth. Nico was the one too chickenshit to admit he was dating Hudson. The stares weighed down on him until he wanted to scream, wanted to crawl out of his skin, wanted to disappear into the linoleum beneath his feet.

“I’ll be back in a second,” Nico muttered, heading for the bathroom.

He’d just denounced Hudson not only in front of all their friends but their employees as well. Fuck.

Nico closed himself into the bathroom and sank down on the cold tile in one of the stalls. He clutched his knees, and the numbing buzz rolled over him. Fuck. He’d screwed that up so badly. His heart prepared to lurch out of his chest, but his mind screamed louder and louder until he rested his forehead on his knees, trying to drown out the noise. The look on Hudson’s face just cycled through over and over. His breaths rasped from him, and he focused on the ragged sound.

Minutes passed, maybe longer—he wasn’t sure. His ass grew numb against the tile floor.

The bathroom door creaked, and sneakers headed in his direction. A knock rapped on the stall door.

“Nic, he loaded his car and headed out,” Taran said. “I was being an ass back there. I fucked up.”

Nico’s chest squeezed tight, and his throat felt dry. Hudson had left.

The hazy promise of this evening, the warmth, the affection, the scorching memories they’d make together disintegrated before him.

“Nah, I was the one who did,” Nico murmured. He tugged his phone from his pocket, his fingers shaky. All he managed to type to Hudson were two words.

I’m sorry.

CHAPTER 18

Hudson’s week had started out shitty and veered toward disaster, right in time for the Chesapeake Days festival.

So, of course, his parents chose two days before the start of the festival to come to Harbor Pointe.

And of fucking course, tonight was far busier than normal, which meant more would likely go wrong.

His phone burned a hole in his pocket as he strode through the kitchen on his way to the front of house to check on his parents. He still hadn’t responded to Nico’s text from the other day, and he wasn’t sure if he would. Any bit of hope that the man might be in this for real had been extinguished the moment those words came out of Nico’s mouth.

He’s not my boyfriend.

Sure, they hadn’t put a label on the relationship, but he’d believed they were heading in a positive direction. However, the terse tone and the sheer panic in Nico’s gaze had told him all he needed to know. Hudson was deluding himself in hoping for a future with Nico Shah—that the guy might feel a fraction of the way Hudson had started to. He flexed his fingers, realizing he’d balled them into a fist, and entered the front of house.

The normal quiet murmur was amplified tonight with all the people pouring into the town in preparation for the Chesapeake Days festival. Mere days ago, the thought of it had thrilled him—not only on a professional front, but at sharing that success with Nico. Now, a bitter sort of dread swirled through his veins.

Chances were, Nico had already leapt back onto Grindr, working out his frustrations with a new guy.

Hudson shoved down the bile that threatened to rise as he plastered on a pleasant expression and headed toward the corner table where he’d seated Mom and Dad. It was one of the best spots in the house with a beautiful view of the river out the window, and chances were, they weren’t appreciating it in the slightest. He hadn’t gotten a few paces before Gabby nearly bowled him over—Jesus, fuck, the lack of coordination—and then seconds later, Leigh slipped to walk in stride with him.

“Kitchen’s running late tonight, and folks are getting pissed,” Leigh said, casting a glance to where he’d come from.

“I know. This was the worst day for Mark to call out sick with the flu,” Hudson said, even as he kept his features even. The kitchen had been behind all night, and of course, the patrons weren’t happy with the wait. The regulars were even more annoyed, since they had gotten used to a certain level of speed when the restaurant wasn’t a chef down and doubled in attendance due to the festival. The money might be rolling in, but this particular evening was a recipe for bad reviews and loud complaints.

Hudson placed a hand on Leigh’s shoulder. “Hold the fort down. Any big messes come up, I’ll be there to fix them.”

She nodded, offering him a sympathetic smirk. Truly, he wouldn’t survive without these guys. Most of his staff were the best people he knew, and he counted himself lucky for their friendship.

He veered in the direction of his parents’ table right as Frankie came from it. The slender guy couldn’t be called anything but pretty with his slicked-back hair and long eyelashes, and right now, those intense eyes fixed on Hudson as he rolled them.

Frankie offered a strained smile. “Would it kill your parents to not treat servers like the help? Jesus fucking Christ,” he muttered under his breath as he reached Hudson.

Hudson’s stomach churned. He hated that his folks were behaving badly here. Guaranteed, they’d tip like shit as well, because that was how most of the Wests rolled. Hudson nodded. “I’m sorry you got stuck with them. Anything I can do to take the pressure off, let me know.”

“Please, babe,” Frankie responded. “I’m just wondering how you handle those assholes. Once they leave here, I’m done with them, but you have to deal with those stiff-upper-lip jerks for life.”

Hudson shook his head, appreciating the empathy. “Honestly, your guess is as good as mine. One of these days I’ll snap.”

Frankie reached up to muss Hudson’s hair. “Make sure it’s on a day I’m not working. Thanks.” With that, Frankie headed back to the kitchens. Hudson sucked in a breath and steeled himself as he approached his parents.

Even feet away, he could feel the ripples of disdain pouring off them, and he braced for the complaints that were sure to come. Still, his feet carried him forward regardless. His mask might’ve been slipping around Nico recently, but with his parents, he always knew how to keep his composure even if he was dying inside.

“How’s your meal tonight?” Hudson asked as he stepped in front of them.

Mom bobbed her head in a nod, the pinched smile tearing him up on the inside. “It’s fine, dear.”

Of course, she said “fine” like a slur. With her black dress and pearls paired with Dad’s polo and chinos, they looked Country Club chic, which was his prime audience. Except, his parents were coming in extra critical today because they wanted him returning to med school. Not here. Not doing this.

Dad leaned in, a curl from his gelled silver hair slipping out. “Is the service normally this slow?” he asked in a stage whisper.

Even with all the preparation Hudson had attempted, the dig still slammed into his gut. Hudson shook his head. “No, the kitchen’s a bit behind today due to the crowds from the festival.” About a dozen other reasons existed for the slowdown, but he knew for a fact his parents wouldn’t give a damn. In fact, based on the careful stare his mother cast around the room, her blue eyes fringed with thick mascara, she’d already passed judgment.

“You’d think you would’ve prepared for this though, bud,” Dad said, his smile a little too sharp. “You’ve had the business for over a year.”

Of course, last year he’d been opening right around Chesapeake Days festival, and he’d been so new that they hadn’t dealt with the same influx. But again, reasons didn’t matter when his father wanted one response alone.

“Don’t worry, Dad,” he responded, shoving a hand in his pocket so his fist was hidden. “We’re doing fine.”

“We’re just concerned,” Mom jumped in, her tone wheedling. “You sank so much of your future into this when you have so much potential.”

Hudson clenched his jaw, trying to stave back the dizzying swirl of dread. He should’ve known it would be like this. He’d spent so much time trying to convince himself that if they only came and saw what he’d built, they would change their minds. However, from the moment they stepped inside Harbor Pointe, they made it clear they weren’t here to give him a fair evaluation.

Dad wanted him in medicine. Period.

“Look,” Dad said, lowering his voice so Hudson had to lean down to hear him. “We gave you time to play around with this, but your calling is elsewhere. You can’t tell me your restaurant is doing so well you’d be able to pay for all the medical schooling you wasted, can you?”

Hudson’s throat dried, and he tried not to take a step back as if physically punched. His fucking father had no problem bankrolling his siblings and their schooling, but because Hudson didn’t step in line, this was what it came to. All of the worries he’d placated into peace stirred, dousing his veins with ice. Could he even stay open if he needed to start paying back his father?

No.

Fuck.

That fear choked him now. Even though he wanted to fling his successes in his father’s face, where the hell was he now? Single and alone in a city he still wasn’t sure he fit into, and running a restaurant that just might fail, leaving him with nothing. The thrill of opening Harbor Pointe muddied like a distant memory, because in the face of this struggle, all he felt was tired.

Tired of being overlooked.

Tired of never being important enough.

Tired of no one ever wanting him around.

Hudson swallowed hard, trying to ignore the sting threatening to rise to his eyes. He couldn’t break down in front of his parents. “I’ll have to evaluate that,” he muttered, standing straight, even though his knees were close to shaking. All he caught was the disapproving arch of his father’s brow as he glanced away. “Let me know if you need anything else,” he said woodenly before he stepped from the table, heading anywhere but there.

He wanted to go hide in the bathroom and collapse, but he was needed on the floor tonight. He didn’t have the luxury of escaping like he had the other evening when Nico broke his heart. He didn’t know how much more pain he could take.

“Hud, we need you, now.” Leigh rushed up, her dark eyes flashing in concern. Her shoulders heaved from jogging his way, and based on the press of her lips, she couldn’t be delivering good news.

“What’s going on?” he asked as they began to walk, Leigh leading him in the direction of the fire that needed putting out. Dread cycled through his veins afresh at the urgency in her tone.

He didn’t have to go far before he caught sight of the problem.

Gabby stood at a roundtable near the front of the building, and a red-faced man was screaming at her. Hudson should’ve fired her weeks ago. He’d been planning on pulling the trigger right after the festival, but clearly, he hadn’t made the move fast enough.

“Any idea what’s going on?” he murmured to Leigh, trying to shove the shame to the back of his brain. Of course, his parents would be watching this whole debacle, taking notes, and adding to the pile of reasons as to why Hudson wasn’t cut out to run a business.

“She forgot to make a note about the guy’s food allergy, and he broke out in hives,” Leigh responded, keeping her voice low.

Hudson’s stomach dropped. Allergy issues were nothing to mess around with. Because this day wasn’t done doling out the blows. As they neared the table, the splotchy hives running up and down the man’s neck and on his face made it clear that Leigh’s story was correct. That sort of negligence would cost him. At the end of the day, he only had himself to blame—he should’ve fired her sooner and he hadn’t.

He’d been too busy wrapped up in a guy who would never be what he wanted, which was just someone to come home to at the end of a shitty night. Someone to give a damn when his world was crashing down around him. His gut squeezed tight, and he steeled himself for the thousandth time over the past few hours.

Instead, he’d be returning to his empty house, all of the day’s failures piling up until he couldn’t breathe anymore.

He didn’t even have the option of a hot hookup to distract him, because he’d never bothered responding to Nico’s apology.

Hudson stepped up to the patron, who was furious. “I’m so sorry, sir,” he led with, his tone calm and placating.

The guy rounded on him. “What’s the point in stating an allergy if no one’s going to listen?”

“She should have,” Hudson responded, turning to Gabby. “You’re fired. Go grab your things and head out of here.”

“That doesn’t fix this,” the guy complained, brandishing a finger to his hives. “I have half a mind to sue.”

Those words sent a bolt of fear through him, but he kept his expression calm. First, his father threatened to make Hudson repay him for college, and the cost of lawyer fees in a lawsuit would sentence him. Why the fuck was he even bothering?

“Leigh,” Hudson called out. “Can you help this man, please? Sir, I’ll grab you some Benadryl for the time being.”

At that, he turned on his heel and headed for the back of house. When he passed the corner his parents were tucked into, he could feel their stares burning him up, but he couldn’t handle the weight of them right now. His arms had begun to tremble, and he was three seconds from a breakdown. Not like anyone would be there to help him when it hit.

Alone. He was utterly alone.

He wove through the kitchens, ignoring the slamming wall of sound, the shouts, chatter, clank of dishes, and the steam roiling through the air as he headed toward his desk. A first aid kit was buried behind it, and he yanked it out, rummaging through for the pack of Benadryl he knew would still be there. His fingers trembled, and even taking calming breaths wasn’t helping with the emotions threatening to break him.

Shame.

Desperation.

Dread.

They all coiled in his gut, poisoning his thoughts, his hopes, and every stupid dream he’d clung to when he’d opened this place.

He seized on the Benadryl and tucked it into his pocket. As he closed the first aid kit, his gaze lingered on the packet of papers he’d been avoiding for weeks now.

If he wasn’t going to get run out of town after today, then he’d be so broke, he’d go under anyway. He’d planned on tossing the application in the trash can, but something had kept him from doing it.

Apparently, even his subconscious had just been waiting for him to fuck this up. He was stupid to think he could chase after his dream.

Looked like he’d be going back to med school after all.

CHAPTER 19

Nico pulled up in front of Hudson’s house.

His hand hadn’t left the clutch, because he hadn’t figured out if this was a terrible idea or not. Considering he came up with it, he leaned toward terrible. However, tomorrow was the beginning of the Chesapeake Days festival, and he still hadn’t gotten a response from his text to Hudson.

Not like he deserved one, after the way they’d left things. He hadn’t been able to sleep, and he’d barely eaten the past few days since he fucked things up between them. All he could see was the hurt vibrant in those blue eyes and how Hudson had just crumpled. Nico’s stomach ached like he’d tossed back twelve cups of coffee, but in the wake of all the regret, he’d come to one realization.

He was tired of running.

Hudson had already carved a mark on him whether he liked it or not, and even in the span of a few days, he missed him—whether it was a snarky text during the day, one of them making an excuse to visit, or the night they would’ve spent together if Nico hadn’t been so fucking awful.

He swallowed hard and squeezed the steering wheel, a sense of déjà vu hitting him straight in the gut. Hudson might tell him to leave once he saw his face, but Nico couldn’t rest without knowing at least he tried. He pulled his keys out from the ignition and cracked the door open. The fragrant breeze bolstered him, laden with promise. He balled his hands into fists, the multiple silver rings he wore glinting in the moonlight.

His feet dragged as he got closer to the entrance, but he forced himself forward regardless. By the time his knuckles rapped on the door, his body was jittering with nerves, louder than the trill of the early cicadas of the season.

The door creaked open, and the breath stuck in Nico’s throat.

In the past when he and Hudson bickered, before they started to work together and before he realized how damn amazing the guy was, Nico had always found Hudson’s cool deadpan infuriating. However, once he got to know him, he understood the subtleties behind the dry comments, the amusement that had been an undercurrent through all their conversations.

However, the look on Hudson’s face now was devoid of every subtle glimmer of emotion. The deadness in Hudson’s eyes made the ache in Nico’s chest intensify. He had put that there. All because he couldn’t admit the truth out loud—that somewhere along the way, he’d developed feelings for Hudson, ones he couldn’t shake.

“What do you want?” Hudson asked, not making a move to step aside or let him in. The slight tension in his shoulders made it clear he was bracing himself.

Nico opened his too-dry mouth. Right. Words.

“Look, just give me a few minutes.” Nico forced himself to speak. “If you still want to kick me out after I’ve said what I need to say, well, then I can admit that I deserve it.”

Hudson stared at him for a moment, his face blank. Nico’s internal alarms blared. Was he going to shut the door in his face? Not like he deserved a second chance after the way he’d been acting, but the idea of not being able to apologize sliced into him with serrated edges. This was why he didn’t do relationships, why he kept things superficial. This complicated tangle of feelings hurt. The silence between them stretched on interminably, until Nico’s calves twitched with the temptation to run the other way and pretend he never made this mortifying drive over.

Still, his feet remained planted.

“Come on in,” Hudson said at last, stepping away from the door, his voice heavy.

Nico swallowed, trying to ignore the jitters. He wasn’t going to be able to get out of this unscathed tonight. Deep down, he knew this. But he’d been running for so many years, keeping people at a distance so he could never get hurt and neither could they. After all, who had any expectations from the town slut?

Except Hudson had worked his way into Nico’s bloodstream, infiltrating slowly until he could feel the man in every breath, every movement, every heartbeat.

Nico stepped inside Hudson’s house, the chill of the shadows settling over him. Hudson wove over to the black leather loveseat in the main room, the peach glow of the lamps radiating off the white bookshelves and walls. Hudson took a seat with a creak, but Nico couldn’t bring himself to join him. Instead, he paced along the hardwood floor, back and forth, back and forth. The adrenaline coursed through his veins like he’d tossed himself into a snowbank, and it showed no signs of dying down.

Hudson watched him with a wariness that Nico had earned. He wasn’t an idiot. He’d seen how the man had lit up when Nico promised to be exclusive. Hudson made no bones about wanting something real.

Nico sucked a shaky breath in, staring at the wood grain of the floor because he couldn’t handle this conversation while looking into those eyes.

“First, I wanted to say I fucked up, and I’m sorry,” Nico managed, hating how quiet his voice sounded. “The second those words slipped out, I knew they were the wrong ones, especially after we’d agreed to start giving this thing between us a real try.”

He chanced a glance at Hudson, afraid of what he’d find. His intense gaze still bored into him, but some of the coldness leached away. Which meant no backing out of this conversation, no matter how much he wanted to. He owed Hudson this much.

“When I say I’m rusty at relationships, I need you to understand just how rusty,” Nico said, running fingers through his hair as he continued to pace back and forth, his boots pounding out a beat on the hardwood. “The last one I had was in high school, and we split after everything that happened.”

When he stole another look at Hudson and spotted only confusion furrowing his brow, he realized he’d have to explain further. Hudson hadn’t grown up here and didn’t know the timeworn story like all the townies did.

“Senior year of high school, my dad died,” Nico forced out, trying to ignore the shudder of grief that rippled through him. Not like anyone in his family talked about it. “Car accident on 95—it was instantaneous. I was dating this guy at the time, Ryan. Sweet thing, and he tried his damndest to be there for me after it happened, but I shut him out, just like I shut everyone out. Eventually, stubborn assholes like my mother, Taran, and Linc forced their way through, but as you’ve surmised, it’s not easy.”

All he could see was the way Ryan had stared at him, lost and confused, and all those concerned looks hadn’t even breached the numbness after Dad died. A year had passed before he’d started to feel anything after that, caught on an autopilot of “I’m fine, fine, fine, fine, fine.”

His eyes began to burn, so he stared even harder at the floor beneath him. “Anyway, Ryan lasted a hot minute before he got sick of my shit. And I’ve been running ever since. Why bother with boyfriends when you could lose someone that damn fast?” His voice trembled, but he couldn’t help the verbal vomit continuing to pour out. “Anyway. I’m not expecting anything from my stupid sob story, but I just figured you should know—it’s not about you. I’m not used to letting anyone in, and yet somehow, you snuck your way past those guards, mostly by pissing me off more than I thought anyone humanly could—”

A hand gripped his wrist, drawing his attention and stopping him midsentence.

All of a sudden, Hudson wasn’t on the couch anymore but right there, an inch away from him, giving him a tender look that not only terrified him but made his heart break. Yet somehow, it was the one thing that mattered right now.

“Apology accepted.” Hudson reached up with his other hand to cup his cheek, the heat of his palm soaking into him. This close, he just wanted to drown in the scent of bay rum and musk that wrapped around him, offering a comfort he didn’t deserve.

“I only have one question for you,” Hudson murmured, brushing his thumb over Nico’s lower lip. The smooth motion felt like sin and made it impossible to think straight. “Are you telling me you’re willing to be my boyfriend? Even if the word makes you break out in hives?” The corner of his lip tilted up in a smirk, and the joke shuddered through Nico with relief. Somehow, Hudson always knew when he needed levity. “Because that’s all I’ve wanted for a while now,” Hudson murmured in a husky voice that sent a thrill right through him.

“Yeah,” Nico said, resting his palm on Hudson’s broad shoulder and trying to pretend his knees weren’t trembling. “It might take me a bit to say the word without wanting to run screaming, but no one else has mattered since you came into the picture. I won’t pull what I did the other night again.”

Hudson stepped in closer until their chests bumped together, their lips a breath apart. His mouth quirked, and his eyes danced in amusement. “What if we just choose a different word altogether? Lover? Bae? Boy toy?”

Nico’s nerves melted away, the laugh slipping from his lips unbidden. This goddamn man. “You call me fucking bae and you can watch my ass walk away. I’ll just say we’re together. I can handle that much.” A mere inch separated their lips, so Nico leaned in to capture Hudson’s.

The moment their lips pressed together, relief melted through his body like syrup. He let out a low moan as he sank into the kiss, and Hudson’s palm traveled from his cheek to circle around his nape as the man gripped him tight. Nico basked in the possession, the way the man made him feel claimed, and for once, the maelstrom in his head fell utterly still, utterly quiet in the wake of this kiss. Stolen kisses, desperate kisses, ones filled with promise—none of them compared to the sweetness of this, the sheer, dulcet respite from the sharp slice of regret he’d been nursing since he thought he’d fucked things up between them for good.

He sank deep into this kiss, savoring the bliss that rolled through him as Hudson claimed his mouth over and over. His knees trembled again, but this time for different reasons. After he’d peeled himself raw, he couldn’t help but feel every sensation, from the stroke of Hudson’s tongue against his to the heat that bloomed between them and the scrape of his stubble against Nico’s jaw. His heart thudded hard, and his feelings spilled out of his chest unbidden.

When they separated for breath, the harsh noise of their exhalations broke through the quiet of the room. Hudson’s palm still pressed on Nico’s nape, and their foreheads bumped together. The tender motion swept through him with the dizzying realization.

He, Nico, great avoider of relationships, had a boyfriend.

A sexy, considerate, snarky-as-hell guy who made him laugh any time he was feeling down. Yeah, life could be a whole lot worse. He waited for his skin to itch, for the urge to bolt to tug at his gut, but as he stood here, connected to Hudson, their breaths cycling together, sheer relief crashed through him.

“Fuck, I thought we were over,” Hudson murmured. “If someone had asked me yesterday if you’d show up on my doorstep saying you wanted something serious, I would’ve told them they were crazy.”

Nico’s heart squeezed tight. “I almost turned around ten times on my way here,” he responded. “And truth be told, I may fuck this up still. But you’re the first person I’ve met who makes me want to try.”

Hudson pulled back to press a sweet kiss on his forehead, and if Nico’s knees weren’t already shaky, they would’ve dissolved at that. “I’m not peaches and cream either,” he responded with a soft smile. “I’m the disappointment of my family, too blunt sometimes, and get caught up in my head a lot.”

“Don’t we all.” Nico offered a grin, skimming his fingers through Hudson’s dark blond hair, which looked like spun gold in this soft light. Pressed against Hudson, his body started reacting. The kiss had perked his cock to action, and as they stood in close proximity, Nico ached to strip him down and trace those carved muscles with his tongue.

How he’d thought he could walk away from all of this mystified him. As much as the fears threatened to rise like the tide, the need to explore more of Hudson West grew so strong it drowned them out.

For the first time since he was a teenager, he could imagine a life beyond the next day with this guy.

Hudson gripped Nico by the hip, a move he seemed to gravitate toward any time he was feeling possessive. Couldn’t lie, Nico loved it.

“Stay with me tonight,” Hudson said, even though a hint of a question lingered in his voice.

Nico hooked his finger through Hudson’s waistband, very aware of the hard length testing the confines of the man’s sweats. The sight had him salivating. “Better get to sleep, right?” he teased. “After all, we have a long, hard day tomorrow.”

Hudson shot him a look and stepped away. The lack of the man’s heat had Nico reaching out in protest, but Hudson pivoted on his heel.

“Sure, or you could fuck me,” he called out, walking down the corridor in the direction of his bedroom.

Holy hell, yes.

Nico scrambled to chase after him.

CHAPTER 20

Hudson stepped into his bedroom and flicked on the light. His heartbeat slammed so loud he would swear his neighbors could hear it, but he couldn’t wipe the giddy grin from his face if he tried.

His heart demanded caution after the way Nico’s careless words had sliced into him the other night, but Nico had carved himself open for Hudson just to try to get him to understand why commitment terrified him, so he was all in, for better or for worse.

His cock tented his sweats. He needed this more than he could express. For Nico to steer the ship and fuck all the tension, the worries, the failures out of his system. He usually preferred to top, but after the nightmare of a week he’d had, Hudson was desperate to surrender in someone else’s arms. For once, he wanted to feel wanted, taken care of, whole.

And to his perpetual surprise, the man he’d thought might’ve been done with him was the one he trusted more than ever. He’d known Nico long enough to understand the guy didn’t do that sort of soul baring. Ever. And the fact he’d showed up tonight, even though Hudson had never responded—well, that meant everything.

Nico’s footsteps echoed behind him, and a second later a chest pressed against his back and a hot palm slipped under the hem of his shirt. Nico’s fingertips glided up his abs, and the man ground his cock against Hudson’s ass.

“Goddamn, West,” Nico murmured. “Fuck, I want to do filthy things to this ass. It’s perfection.” He accented his words with a thrust of his hips that had Hudson biting back a moan. The way Nico’s fingertips lazily stroked his abs, how he wrapped himself around him, all lithe limbs and coiled energy, ratcheted up Hudson’s need.

“Please, like you didn’t already know I was amazing,” Hudson forced out, even though the words felt cheap and useless on his tongue, counterfeit in the weight of the emotion pouring through him right now.

“You’re beautiful,” Nico murmured as he pressed his lips along the column of Hudson’s neck, delivering fever-sweet kisses that had him melting. Something unraveled inside him, the last threads of the armor he clung to at Nico’s own willingness to be vulnerable tonight.

Hudson sucked in a breath. As much as he’d been upfront with what he wanted from Nico, he’d been keeping his own hand hidden. If Nico could be brave, he would too.

Hudson tilted his head back to expose his neck further. “I need you” came from him in a husky rasp.

“You’ve got me, stud,” Nico responded, his voice breathy. He grabbed the hem of Hudson’s T-shirt and tugged it up. By the time Hudson shrugged it off, Nico was sliding the waistband of his sweats down his legs.

“Commando?” Nico asked, amused. “It’s like you knew I was coming.”

Hudson arched a brow. “Right, because the world revolves around you.”

“Now you’re getting the picture.” Nico grabbed Hudson’s ass, giving him a push forward.

Hudson strode over to the bed, each step feeling inevitable. Somehow Nico Shah had crashed into his life deeper than he could’ve imagined. He fell onto the bed and leaned back, stretching his arms over his head.

Nico stopped still, and Hudson’s jaw dropped as his gaze skimmed over him. The amount of heat there made him shiver.

Hudson’s lips lifted. “You going to stand there staring, or are you going to fuck me? Though I’m not sure how that’s possible with all those clothes on.”

Nico reached for the zipper of his jeans, tugging it down with a snick that echoed through the air as he walked closer to the bed. His shirt hit the floor, and a second later he shimmied out of his skinny jeans and boxer briefs, which just added to the pile. The sight of the man stripped down had him salivating—toned chest, lean thighs with dark hair, and some gorgeous ink along his torso, black lettering and ravens in flight. His cut cock stood erect, looking delicious.

“Supplies are in the top drawer,” Hudson said as he leaned back, propped up on his elbows.

Nico snagged the lube and condoms on the way over before tossing them on the bed beside Hudson. “I hope you don’t think I’m just going to get down to business instead of taking the time to explore all of this on display,” he said, gesturing up and down Hudson’s body.

Hudson’s cheeks flushed. The intensity in Nico’s gaze would be his undoing. He’d been in relationships before, ones he’d believed would be serious enough to consider proposing. However, being with Nico was different from all of them. He was like driving on the highway on a summer night, hope heavy in the air and an entire horizon of promise splayed out before him. They might’ve started out bickering, but all too fast, Nico had peered past the masks he wore around friends, around family, around his employees. How the man who’d once proclaimed them “mortal enemies” achieved it was beyond him, but the more he learned about Nico, the more amazed he became.

Nico climbed over top of him, his thighs bracing around Hudson’s and his cock pressed to his chest. He lifted Hudson’s wrists overhead and pinned them in place as he nipped along the length of Hudson’s neck. Sinful pleasure shuddered through him at each tender bite, followed by a deliberate lick. Hudson bucked his hips in response, his erection brushing against Nico’s ass. Nico continued, unperturbed as he dragged the edge of his teeth across Hudson’s nipple before giving it a light bite. The slight pain shot straight to his cock, and Nico did the same with the other before he let go of Hudson’s wrists.

Hudson didn’t make any attempt to move them. Instead, he relaxed against the mattress, surrendering to the melody of Nico’s mouth, to the bliss it offered. He hadn’t just swept in to fuck him hard and rough—no, it became clear within moments that Nico was trying to take care of him tonight, and the effort caused Hudson’s throat to tighten.

He was just so used to being alone.

Even when he was in a relationship.

“So damn pretty,” Nico purred as he kissed his way down Hudson’s chest, slowly tracing the definition of his abs with his tongue. Each tender caress made him ache, and precum pooled at the tip of his cock. The man moved along his body with a mesmerizing grace, and Hudson lost himself in the sensations until Nico climbed between his legs and leaned down to lick a stripe up his cock.

“Fuck,” Hudson breathed out, his hips arching off the bed.

Nico’s smirk flashed and then vanished as he wrapped his lips around Hudson’s cock and swallowed him down. Hudson tipped his head back. That wet heat felt like pure bliss, which had only begun to ramp up as Nico bobbed up and down on his length. A moment later, the snap of the lube cap sounded, and cool liquid dripped down his hole. Nico hadn’t moved away from his cock, still working him with the sort of suction that made him lose his mind, but then a finger traced his rim before plunging inside.

Hudson hadn’t bottomed in a while, but the intrusion was a welcome one, especially when Nico crooked the tip of his finger and brushed across his prostate. He let out a sharp breath, close to coming. Nico slid in a second finger on the next pass, the stretch and burn beginning to set in—not like he could pay attention when that gorgeous mouth wrapped around his cock.

“I can take it,” Hudson forced out, his breaths sharp and heavy. Any moment now, he’d tip over the edge, but he didn’t want this to end.

Nico pulled off his cock with a pop, and a lascivious grin spread on his face. “Yeah, you can. But this is my rodeo, cowboy.”

“Too out of practice?” Hudson shot back, as if he had any chance in the world of pushing Nico faster.

Nico’s eyes danced. “For that, I think I’ll take my time.” He leaned down again and drew a long, slow swipe up Hudson’s erection with the tip of his tongue, all while he shuttled those fingers inside him. Hudson let out a low curse, feeling the pressure build and build. Nico worked in a third, the slight burn keeping him from spilling over then and there. Hudson’s breath came out sharp as Nico thrust those fingers in, hitting his prostate.

“Fuck, I need your cock,” Hudson moaned.

“So demanding,” Nico responded, a feline grin on his lips.

“Please,” Hudson rasped. His cock was going to fucking blow any moment now. Nico’s eyes flashed with lust, and his tongue slipped over his lush lower lip.

“Manners will get you everywhere,” Nico said. He pulled his fingers out, and at once, Hudson felt the loss of the fullness. He wanted to be fucked and filled so badly tonight, needed to drown in those sensations. The rip of foil sounded, and Nico sheathed his cock in a condom before slicking it with a generous amount of lube.

Hudson couldn’t help but watch, mesmerized, as Nico placed himself between Hudson’s legs, his knees digging into the mattress. A moment later, his blunt head began to breach Hudson’s ring. He took a steadying breath and bore down as Nico pushed in one slow inch at a time. He tilted his hips to take more, and Nico gripped him tight.

“My rodeo,” he murmured, even though the slight strain of concentration lingered in his tone.

“You’re a monster,” Hudson said as he took him in a little deeper. Nico smirked, and a second later, he thrust all the way in, so fast Hudson had no chance to anticipate. Bliss rolled through him in one fierce sweep, and the sensation of being completely filled—fuck, that was everything he’d needed.

“Goddamn, you’re tight,” Nico swore, his voice reverent. He tested the waters with a few strokes, and Hudson gripped the sheets on either side of him, his fingers scrunching into the fabric. Nico was long, and with every push in, Hudson saw stars. He wrapped his legs around Nico’s hips, driving his heels into the man’s firm ass to draw him in closer. Nico continued to pump into him with slow, teasing strokes as he leaned down to press his lips to Hudson’s.

The man’s hot mouth was the exact sort of sin he needed right now as he thrust his tongue in, shifting his hips to take more of Nico with every pass.

“Bossy either way,” Nico murmured before he kissed Hudson again. The sweetness in this kiss, the tender way Nico thrust into him, all of it dizzied his mind, surfacing feelings he thought he’d put to bed. Nico made him long for every stupid, secret hope he’d shoved away for years. They synchronized in a way he’d never have expected and didn’t want to let go of.

And Nico wasn’t immune to this pull either. Every time he’d gotten skittish, every time he’d bolted… he’d come back. Sweat pricked on Hudson’s brow as he lost himself in the deliberate way Nico plunged into him, how his fingertips caressed his sides, his arms, the motions so tender his chest ached.

This meant more than all their other encounters, and when Nico pulled back to look in his eyes, the sight stole his breath. He hadn’t missed how the man often glanced away first or dodged around any talk of feelings in the past. Quick with a joke, a fake out, or some tease—anything to hide. However, he wasn’t hiding now. Those dark eyes fringed with inky lashes shone with a depth Hudson wanted to memorize, a seriousness he felt deep in his bones.

Nico’s breath quickened as his palm settled on Hudson’s chest, and he moved at a faster pace. Hudson met him thrust for thrust, shifting his hips in time as they found a rhythm effortlessly. The grace in those movements held Hudson spellbound as his cock ached for release, and Nico rammed into his prostate again, robbing him of breath.

“I’m not going to last much longer,” Nico murmured, reaching between them to grab hold of Hudson’s cock. He continued to thrust while jerking Hudson’s cock in time. Close. He was so damn close. Sweat prickled across his skin, and his balls drew up tight. Nico’s cock hit his prostate again, again, again, until the ecstasy sent him soaring. Hudson’s head tilted back on the mattress as he let out a low groan, his legs shaking.

Nico didn’t stop, his breaths staccato and his limbs slicked in sweat. His thighs trembled, the only signal Hudson got before he began to come. That triggered his own release. On Nico’s next upstroke, Hudson’s cock pulsed, cum splattering across his chest. Hudson closed his eyes, his hole spasming around Nico’s cock, milking the release as they both careened over the edge. Bliss tore through him in a spiraling, dizzying sensation, and he just surrendered.

Hudson floated on the consuming buzz, his limbs useless after that. Nico slumped over him, and his lips met Hudson’s in a lazy, satiated kiss. Hudson dragged the tip of his tongue along the bottom of Nico’s lip, tasting the sweat and the honeyed sweetness there. Fuck, he was so gone for this man.

Nico sank against his chest, the cum squishing between them, and his cock slipped out of Hudson’s ass. Hudson ran his fingertips through Nico’s sweat-soaked hair before wrapping his arms around him, not wanting to move in the slightest.

“Should ge’ up,” Nico slurred. “Dried cum’s a bitch to scrub off.”

Hudson’s lips lifted effortlessly. Nico seemed to coax smiles out of him even when he wasn’t trying. Hudson squeezed Nico tighter to his chest. “What makes you think I’m ready to let go of you yet?”

“We get it, we get it,” Nico murmured. “You’re bossy in and out of the bedroom.”

“You like it” came from Hudson’s lips on reflex.

Nico leaned up the slightest bit to look him in the eyes, a subtle hint of vulnerability still flickering there. “Yeah, I do.”

Hudson swallowed hard and crushed Nico tighter to his chest. “I like you a damn lot, Nico Shah,” he murmured into his hair. “Stay with me tonight?”

“Only if you’re prepared to drag my ‘I hate mornings’ ass out of here early so I can get changed before the festival,” Nico said, nuzzling into the crook of his neck.

“You’ve got it.”

Hudson soared. He stared at the pattern of the dim lamplight across the ceiling, the scent of sex and sweat heavy in the air, mixed up with the delicious ginger and neroli spice that was pure Nico. He ran his fingers through Nico’s thick hair, their limbs tangled and their bodies crushed together like they were one. The man’s delicious ass was on display as he lay on top of him, and Hudson gladly welcomed the weight—not just for the view, but for the way Nico filled the hollowness inside him, making him feel whole.

This week had been determined to crush him, but in a single night, he found his heart beginning to beat again. He felt himself beginning to hope.

CHAPTER 21

Chesapeake Days had arrived.

Even before Nico downed his first cup of coffee, he buzzed with anticipation for the day. If the collaboration for Chesapeake Eats took off, not only would that be beneficial for Port of Call, but the money they’d bring in would go a long way in bringing Ma’s medical bills down. That combined with his five-year bash should make a massive dent in her debt, yet he danced on needles and pins with the what-ifs.

The one thing keeping him grounded right now was his boyfriend.

Boyfriend.

Fuck, what parallel universe was he living in?

He bustled around the Chesapeake Eats stand, the back burners already sizzling with food as Hudson’s chef, Mark, started the prep at the griddles for the first round of jerk chicken tacos. Everything had been prepped ahead of time, from the stacks of tortillas, the marinated blackened jerk chicken, and the mango salsa as garnish. Hudson had worked some magic on this menu—the man was clearly gifted on the food end of the business. Between the tacos, the brisket sandwich with caramelized onions, the smoked salmon BLT, and the crabcake sandwich with fresh remoulade, their menu had wide appeal. For the kids, they’d gone the chicken tenders and fish sticks route.

Hudson strode Nico’s way with a big box of cups in his arms, those biceps bulging. Nico couldn’t help but lick his lips, remembering every single minute of the night before. Fuuuuuck, his man was scorching hot. Hudson’s blue eyes were clear, dancing as their gazes met, and the sunlight brought out the golden strands in his hair. The navy blue Chesapeake Days T-shirt he wore stretched nicely across those broad shoulders and carved pecs, and Nico was half-tempted to find a dark corner and show him how much he appreciated the view.

Hudson propped the box on the table and leaned in to brush a kiss against Nico’s lips. The casual, affectionate PDA jolted through his system with an unexpected thrill. He slid his fingers around Hudson’s nape and deepened the kiss for a moment, sliding his tongue in for a taste. When he pulled away, a smirk lingered on his lips.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Jer said as he approached. “When the fuck did you start hooking up with Hudson ‘The Enemy’ West?”

Nico flipped him the middle finger. “We started seeing each other…” He paused to scrunch his nose and glance to Hudson. “When was it?”

Hudson rolled his eyes. “When did you agree to be exclusive, or when did we first start making out?”

Nico couldn’t help his grin, his chest bouncing with a newfound giddiness. His smile only widened when he spotted the jaw drop on Jer.

“You’ve got a boyfriend?” Jer stuttered.

Hudson tensed beside him, but unlike the last time this proclamation was made, his views had shifted. Nico nudged his hip against Hudson’s in reassurance, and he felt the man settle.

“Yeah, shocking, right?” Nico responded to Jer.

Jer ran his fingers through his wavy hair. “Does he have a magic dick or something?”

Hudson snorted, and Nico rolled his eyes. “Like you need to inflate his ego any more. Come on, Jer, let’s get this bar assembled.”

Hudson leaned in so his lips brushed Nico’s ear. “I’ll show you what my magic dick can do later.”

Nico smacked his arm. “Unless you’re offering a quickie in the bathrooms now, stop being a goddamn tease.” Still, he couldn’t help how those husky words woke his cock right up.

Hudson wrapped his hand around Nico’s head to pull him in, pressing a kiss on his temple. “Nah, we’ve got work to do,” he said, letting go and stepping off in Mark’s direction. Hudson glanced behind him and winked, an extra swing in his hips as he walked away.

Nico shook his head and bit on his lower lip, unable to help the bubbling warmth that threatened to overflow. He’d spent so much time fighting this, but he’d come to love his time with Hudson. No one person had ever managed to challenge him or keep him on his toes the way Hudson West could.

Jer coughed. “Now that you’re done being dick-whipped, are we assembling the bar or what?”

“Kinky. I like it,” Nico responded as he pulled out the bottles of alcohol for the drinks they had planned. He’d finally settled on three specials—Safe Harbor, a hibiscus pina colada, Port in a Storm, a blood orange hurricane, and Chesapeake Blue, a blue-ginger zombie. Between him on the drinks and Hudson on the menu, they’d created something he was truly proud of.

Just a year ago, he was splitting a booth with Nate doing a coffee and drinks combo, and now he stood representing the taste of Chesapeake City, his hometown. A shiver ran down his spine. A year ago, if someone had told him he’d be working with Hudson West, let alone that he’d be waking up in his bed and dating him, he’d call them crazy. Yet, here he was, getting ready to kick off the festival in that exact position.

He arranged the rum variants, the blood orange syrup, hibiscus syrup, and myriad other mixers in order on the table. After today, they’d have a better gauge of how many bottles they’d still have to stock up on, but with the way this town liked to drink at Port of Call, he had the feeling he’d be making a few trips to grab more before the end of the weekend.

Jer set up the stacks of cups on the table beside them, arranging the bar tools as well. “So, seriously though, man. What made him different? I was pretty sure you were riding the anti-commitment train with me.”

Nico shrugged, his gaze skimming over Hudson. The man’s muscles flexed as he worked, an earnest grin on his face as he helped Mark out on the griddles. Those gorgeous eyes crinkled with his smile, honest in a way that made him captivating. “He didn’t try. Hudson just saw straight through my bullshit, and the mouthy asshole wasn’t afraid to call me on it.” His chest grew whisky warm at the thought.

Truly, from the start, Hudson had challenged him at every turn and pushed him in ways he hadn’t realized. Yet at the same time, he’d laid his wants on the table and stepped back when necessary too. His kindnesses had crept up on Nico until he understood how Hudson had been willing to be a sounding board, someone to lean on, and true support. Everything a boyfriend should be.

Everything he’d never allowed himself until now.

In the distance, the first group of folks began walking in their direction. Thursday was always slower, but given they were running the main food of the event, he and Hudson would be moving nonstop all weekend. A few more stragglers from town ambled after them, and Nico set a few cups out on standby.

“Time to greet the masses.”

By the time night had fallen, Nico’s hands were sticky, his clothes covered in stains, and he was ready to drink his sixth coffee of the day just to stay awake. His muscles ached in that “I want to collapse and cry” way, and he couldn’t wait to go home and crash. Unless he was heading over to Hudson’s again? They hadn’t discussed. Apart from a brief make-out session in a bathroom stall on their break, they’d been working around each other all day.

Nico had just finished packing up, so they needed to figure that bit out. His heart stepped up the pace a little at the thought.

Hudson’s hand clapped on his shoulder, and Nico leaned back against the bigger man. He smelled like sweat, smoked meat, and a hint of his bay rum cologne, and even though Nico was dead to the world, he might be able to summon the energy for a quick jerk-off session in either of their beds.

“I’d say that was a successful day one,” Hudson murmured, wrapping his arms around Nico, who sank into his embrace. After all the years he’d spent dodging around PDA, he was surprised at how good this felt, all this open affection coursing through his veins. Ahead of them, the remaining booths were packing up or at least closing over their tents as the vendors headed home for the night. The street that had been crowded with folks during the day now lay empty under the darkness night brought. Since it was only Thursday, the event ended early, but Friday and Saturday, this place would be hopping until the late hours.

“Yeah, we brought in more than expected,” Nico responded, resting his hands on Hudson’s arms. “You excited to tell your folks about how things went? Ma’s going to lose her mind.”

Hudson stiffened behind him.

Nico glanced back. “Did I step on a landmine by accident? I’m guessing there’s a reason you never talk about your parents then.”

Hudson sank his chin into Nico’s shoulder, holding him even tighter. “I’m the disappointment of the family.”

Nico took a step out of his embrace to whirl around and face him. “Are you kidding me? You’re a successful business owner running one of the best restaurants in town.”

“Can I quote you on that?” Hudson replied, even though his smile slanted, as if at any moment it’d collapse. He let out a shaky sigh. “My dad’s a doctor. My older brother’s a doctor, and my younger sister’s a doctor. You can see where I went wrong.” The bitterness rang clear in his tone, and Nico’s heart twisted for the guy.

He lifted a brow. “I mean, if you want to be included so badly, you could put on a white coat the next time I blow you.”

Hudson let out a snort and clapped a hand over his mouth. “Fuck,” he swore, a grin rolling to his face. “You’re one of a kind.”

“Let’s walk and talk,” Nico said. “I’d prefer for us to be in my bed and naked as soon as possible.”

Hudson nodded and stepped away to grab a few tote bags, sliding them on those broad shoulders. A second later, he reached for Nico’s hand, and Nico pressed his palm to Hudson’s. Holding hands somehow wasn’t as terrifying as he’d expected. The comforting weight against his own had a surprising allure, and Nico squeezed his palm as they walked along the street toward Hudson’s car.

“So, I’m guessing your dad’s the one with the hard-on for medicine, right?” Nico said, breaking the quiet between them. “Let me guess. Every other industry is unsuccessful and beneath your family name, am I right?”

Hudson winced. “That’s a little too close to the mark.”

“Thank fuck my father wasn’t like that,” Nico said. His chest twisted tight at the thought of his dad. “He worked IT, so Taran’s not far from his line of work with software development, but he loved creativity. I started playing around with mixing drinks out of their liquor cabinet in high school—yes, underage, gasp—and Dad would help me develop them. He figured if I was going to drink underage, then I should have an appreciation for alcohol rather than downing garbage like Natty Ice and PBR.”

“Your dad sounds fucking amazing,” Hudson murmured, squeezing his palm back. “You would’ve thought I told my father I was going into a life of crime the day I dropped out of med school to chase after opening Harbor Pointe.”

“Fuck, forget the whole doctor schtick,” Nico responded, a grin curling his lips. “With an ass and abs like that, I need to see a striptease.”

Hudson knocked shoulders with him. “Good to see you’re in this for all the right reasons.”

“Psh,” Nico responded. “I like you for your big… personality.”

Hudson exploded into a laugh, the brightness in his eyes causing Nico’s heart to race. Somehow they both seemed to be able to pull each other out of their funks every damn time.

Nico’s beat-up black Volvo came into view, and they slowed upon approach. As much as Nico wanted to get home, he didn’t often get this open side of Hudson, and he didn’t want to cut off the conversation quite yet.

“So, apart from sticking it to your asshole dad, what made you want to get into the restaurant industry?” Nico asked, leaning against the side of his car as he rummaged in his pocket for the keys.

Hudson ran his fingers through those tousled blond locks. “My jobs all through high school and med school were in restaurants. I loved the atmosphere, and the more I learned from the chefs and the managers, the more I wanted to branch into that myself. Med school was soul-sucking, and if I was going to be pulling long hours either way, wouldn’t it be better to work in a field I enjoyed?”

“Don’t have to convince me, stud,” Nico reminded him. “There’s a reason I stayed in this industry all these years and never looked back. This field is hard, sure, but I’m with you there—hard work is better when you enjoy it.”

“Yet it’s never good enough,” Hudson murmured. For a moment, this distraught look of genuine sorrow flashed across his eyes, and Nico’s heart squeezed tight. “The first time they came to Harbor Pointe was a few days ago, and the visit couldn’t have gone worse. They made it clear I’d wasted my time this past year.”

Fuck, Nico couldn’t imagine living with that sort of pressure. Both his mother and father had never made him and Taran feel anything less than loved. His mom and Taran had been at Port of Call on opening night, along with all his friends. The more he got to know Hudson though, it became clear just how lonely the guy was. Nico swallowed hard and closed the distance between them to wrap his arms around Hudson and hold on tight. Hudson sagged against him, the weight a comfort.

How he carried this burden by himself was unimaginable. Nico might’ve spent years keeping people at a distance, but he had friends and family in his corner willing to claw their way through, even when he had his head up his ass. From the sounds of it, Hudson had no one.

Yet he’d still put himself out there with Nico in the first place.

If that wasn’t bravery, he didn’t know what was.

Nico pulled out of the hug to rest his palm on Hudson’s cheek. “Fuck ’em,” Nico said. “If your best is never good enough, then they aren’t the people who deserve it. I’m a greedy bastard and want more of you anyway. My mother couldn’t stop raving about the food at your joint, which I was close to getting insulted about.”

Hudson broke into a genuine smile, his eyes crinkling in a gorgeous way. “How are you this perfect?” His voice came out hushed, reverent, and Nico’s cheeks heated in response. He wasn’t used to the raw, open affection that Hudson offered in spades. It still made his skin prickle, as if he were undeserving, but putting that look on Hudson’s face was worth the effort.

Nico ran his tongue over his lower lip and glanced to his nails. “With an ass like this, how could I not be?” Even as he deflected, the warm look in Hudson’s eyes said he saw right through him.

Hudson placed his palm over Nico’s with a smirk. “It is a spectacular ass. One that needs some deserved attention tonight.”

Nico dropped his hand and straightened up. “Well, look at that—we need to be getting home as fast as fucking possible. Hard emphasis on the fucking.” He flashed Hudson a flirty grin and sauntered over to the driver’s side of his Volvo. The more he got to know Hudson, the more the man looked at him with those forever eyes, and the faster he was falling.

A little terrifying? Hell, yes. However, this man made him want to try more than anyone else.

Even if he fucked it all up in the end.

CHAPTER 22

Hudson had thought they’d been busy at the festival the past few days, but Saturday at Chesapeake Days was unparalleled.

The plastic handles of the bags bit into his palms as he carried the backups he’d rushed out for over to the Chesapeake Eats stand. The entire time, he was weaving around and bumping into so, so many people, whether couples out with their dogs, seniors who’d been living in the town forever, or families whose kids bolted out in front of them on tiny speed demon legs. The air crackled with excitement, chatter all around him, and the barked laughs and shrieks only amped up the energy.

The amount they’d made on Thursday pushed them into the black, so at this point, they coasted into profit. Hudson had done some basic calculations on Friday and, yeah, they were knocking this out of the park. If this could be a yearly thing… except he still wasn’t sure if his father was going to follow through with his threat. Maybe he’d be lucky enough that Cornell would reject his application. Hudson hadn’t broached either subject with Nico yet, because how could he?

The relationship between them was better than he could’ve ever imagined, and the last thing he wanted was to send Nico running for the hills again. Nico waking up in his bed this morning made him want to play hooky and spend the day exploring every inch of the man’s body. Too bad his work ethic was ingrained in him.

Hudson tried to shift the plastic handles so they didn’t slice right through skin, the bottles and boxes jostling around. Even with the crowds clogging the middle of the street, he could spot their massive banner for Chesapeake Eats as well as the long, long lines. Der had been running the show over at Harbor Pointe the past few days, and Jeremy handled the management at Port of Call, and somehow both restaurants were still functioning even though they were far busier than normal.

He should’ve been brimming with pride right now, but ever since his father showed up at Harbor Pointe, his mind had grown tangled.

He closed in on the stand and caught sight of the one thing that gave him clarity.

Nico maneuvered around the bar area like he was born there, a smooth liquidity to his movements that held Hudson captive. The man was beyond beautiful with the sun bringing out deep browns in his black hair, and he offered a quicksilver smile at anyone in his proximity. The silver rings on his fingers and hoops in his ears glinted as he moved. A flick of his wrist, and rum poured, his delicate fingers dancing from cup to shaker with ease.

Fuck, Nico was mesmerizing. And he was the lucky bastard who got to wake up with the man in his arms this morning. For someone who’d avoided commitment for as long as Nico, when the man went in, he went all in. Hudson’s heart sped at the sight of him, and he quickened his stride to reach the bar as fast as possible.

When he slid behind the bar stand next to Nico and those glimmering brown eyes locked on him, his breath snagged in his throat. He dropped the bag beside Nico with a clank and let him finish handing off a Chesapeake Blue before he snuck in to place a kiss on Nico’s cheek. The spicy scent of the man slithered down his spine, turning him on more than anything else. This was everything he’d wanted—all in one person.

“Hey, babe,” Nico responded, his voice a bit husky.

A cough sounded from the opposite side of the bar.

Mrs. Papadakis glared at the two of them as she stood at the forefront of the line, waiting to place her order.

Hudson flashed her a grin. “Sorry, just saying hi to my boyfriend.” If her issue was impatience, whatever, but if she was a bigot, he couldn’t care less about offending her precious sensibilities.

Mrs. Papadakis eyed the two of them. “Well, I’ve been waiting ages for a Safe Harbor, and I’m damn thirsty. Though clearly not as much as the two of you.”

Nico snorted, and Hudson couldn’t help the bright grin that broke onto his face.

“We’ll get you taken care of at once,” Hudson said, clapping a hand on Nico’s shoulder. He then pulled out the liquor and juices he’d picked up.

Before he could hold up the line any further by pawing at his boyfriend, he grabbed the other bag and took it over to Gia, who manned the grill today. The sizzle of meat was music to his ears as the scents of all the spices and marinades wafted his way. Every time pride tried to surge in his chest from the warm glow of seeing his dishes savored and enjoyed throughout the festival, the ice water of his father and mother’s disappointment splashed all over him.

Sure, he should tell Dad “fuck off” and do his own thing.

Yet he couldn’t ignore the voice of the kid who’d just wanted to be noticed. The one who’d do anything to get his father to pay attention to him, even for a little bit. He’d craved the man’s attention his entire life, but he always came in second. Always an afterthought.

The first person who’d made him feel different stood over by the bar, that sexy ass shaking as he whipped up more drinks. Nico gave him his whole focus, and that intensity was intoxicating. No matter how much he’d tried to step in with caution, there was no doubt about it—he was falling hard.

“I come bearing rolls and spices,” Hudson said, stepping up beside with Gia, who worked with a similar efficiency to Nico. She and Mark were his best chefs, and the fact that both of them had agreed to extra hours this week to help out at the festival made his chest twist in appreciation. He couldn’t have a better staff—all of them managed to make Harbor Pointe feel like a home.

“Thank god,” Gia said, tipping her head toward the long, snaking line of customers waiting to get their orders in. “We should probably integrate a few of these items onto our menu, with how much the crowds are losing their minds over them.” She moved the metal spatula over the griddle, searing the jerk chicken before she took the meat and assembled another few tacos, the bright yellow of the mango popping on the top.

“Seasonal special,” Hudson said, already opening up another roll as Jessie, the hostess taking orders from the line, called over a brisket sandwich. Hudson squirted the oil onto the open roll and upturned it over the griddle to heat it up before grabbing some of the caramelized onions and prepared brisket meat and getting a nice sizzle on both. “Got to keep them coming back for this—providing the town wants us doing Chesapeake Eats next year.”

The idea of working with Nico on this again in a year had his heart thumping hard.

Except, that would be impossible if he returned to med school. Harbor Pointe might be doing well, but with the high loan he was still paying back, if his dad added repaying his college tuition to the mix, Hudson would be sunk. He genuinely didn’t know how he’d climb out of that hole, even if his restaurant took off.

He hid the sourness in his stomach, putting the final touches on a brisket sandwich. Hudson popped it in a takeout container and passed it off to the tall guy waiting with an outstretched hand.

“Two crabcakes,” Gia announced, passing him a crabcake and bun to get started while she prepped the one. Hudson set in motion, letting the rhythm and flow of manning the griddle take over. The doubts weighing him down floated away while he worked on heating and assembling. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Maeve step up to Nico’s side to take over, which meant his boyfriend would be ducking out for five.

Nico headed in his direction at once, the simple act stoking the coals in his chest. That he’d be someone’s priority—that someone would pick him first—meant more than Nico could ever understand.

He finished heating up the crabcake, searing the sides before popping it onto the round bun and adding the drizzle of their house-made remoulade on top. Already, he’d gotten a few marriage proposals for that one. When he looked up to hand off the sandwich, he froze.

Brian and Katie stood in front of him, waiting for their food. The brother who’d never bothered to show up at his restaurant and probably had no idea he was one of the main restaurants involved in Chesapeake Eats.

He forced a grin. “Hey, Bri.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Nico approach.

“What are you doing working a grill, little brother? Your restaurant doing so bad you needed to pick up extra work?” Brian said, a huge grin on his face as if his words weren’t lobbed bombs.

Gia stiffened beside him but gave him a subtle head tilt and nod, which meant she had the next few orders under control. Pity, because Hudson would rather blow his brother off with work needing to get done.

Nico’s arm slipped around his shoulders, and the supportive touch made him want to sob.

“Excuse me?” Nico said, his tone sharp. “Are you that garbage of a brother to not know Hudson was asked to represent the taste of the city for this festival? Harbor Pointe and my place, Port of Call, collaborated for this.”

Brian’s jaw dropped at Nico’s bluntness, and inside, Hudson soared. He leaned in a little harder into Nico’s touch, the support something he never could’ve dreamed of.

“You might know if you’d ever been to Harbor Pointe,” Hudson couldn’t help but add.

Katie drew herself up. “You know your brother’s busy. He’s a surgeon.”

“Not too busy to stop by a festival and lob insults though, clearly,” Hudson shot back. He’d pushed off Brian’s insults for years, ignoring them at family get-togethers so he didn’t make waves, because deep down, he always knew who his father would pick. And it wasn’t him. Yet Nico’s arm around him hadn’t wavered, and that bolstered him in a way he’d never experienced before.

“Wow, babe, let’s skip meeting your family. They seem like total assholes,” Nico said in that smooth, sharp way of his, all charming with teeth. Hudson fucking loved it.

Brian and Katie both blanched, gripping their takeout containers a little tighter.

“Hey, if you don’t mind moving, there are more of us waiting for food,” one of the other customers called out. Hudson recognized the regular, Mr. Renhart, and his heart swelled. Somehow, this town had embraced him in such a short span of time. Between his employees, his customers, and the man who kept his arm wrapped around his shoulders, Hudson hadn’t felt more like he belonged in… well, ever.

“See you around, little brother,” Brian said stiffly before turning on his heel and stalking away. Katie followed behind him with a huff. Jitters raced down his arms, turning into full shakes at the confrontation. It had been a long time coming, but he’d never believed he could before. How could he stand against his family when he had nowhere else to turn?

Yet here Nico was offering him the exact thing he’d been searching for.

“Take five, boss,” Gia said, giving him a sympathetic glance. “I’ve got this.”

Hudson’s cheeks flamed at his employee witnessing that scene, but he wasn’t about to turn the offer down. He needed a second to pull his composure together again. Nico squeezed his shoulder and let go, even though the loss of the solid weight made Hudson want to seek him out all over again. He turned and followed Nico to step away behind their stands, far enough that they wouldn’t get dragged right back into the chaos. Hudson reached for his smokes on instinct, and his fingers fumbled with the lighter as he lit up.

The nicotine flooding his veins wasn’t as delicious as anything Nico offered, but a second later, Nico plucked the cigarette from his fingers to share, a mischievous grin on his lips. “So, I think that went well,” Nico said, taking a drag from the cigarette before he passed it back. He nudged Hudson in the side with his elbow, the amusement fading from his eyes as a hint of seriousness crept in. “You okay? I know you said your family was full of assholes, but damn.”

Hudson took another drag from the cigarette. How could he explain that this was the norm? This was the frozen hell he’d grown up in, that he waded through for years? No one had ever defended him like Nico. No one. He swallowed hard, trying to ignore how his eyes prickled.

He opened his mouth, but he didn’t trust his voice at the moment. Hudson tossed the cigarette to the ground, grinding it under his heel. He wanted a hit of something stronger.

Hudson closed the distance, and within seconds, his lips pressed hard against Nico’s. The man’s mouth opened for him effortlessly, his tongue slipping out to dart into Hudson’s. He gripped Nico’s nape, pouring everything he had into this kiss. He might not be able to voice aloud how Nico’s actions opened his eyes to years of blindly accepting less than he deserved, how deep he’d fallen for the man in such a short time, how he wanted to keep Nico more than anything, but that didn’t make them any less true.

Yet saying any of those thoughts out loud might send Nico running.

So, instead, Hudson just claimed Nico’s mouth with deep, aggressive strokes until they were both panting, their shoulders heaving. He tasted tart lemon on Nico’s lips, felt the brush of his scruff against his chin, and basked in the heat combusting between them.

When he pulled away at last, Nico looked a little dazed.

“Why do I feel like I got fucked real good from just a kiss?” Nico murmured as he ran his thumb across his plump lower lip. “Jesus, warn a man.”

Even in the middle of a festival, covered in sweat and grease from the griddle and running on minimal sleep from long shifts, time seemed to stop whenever he was in Nico’s proximity.

“Thank you,” Hudson murmured, weaving his fingers through Nico’s and squeezing their palms together. “I’m used to pasting a fake smile on and bearing it, but you… fuck, you tore him a new one, and it was brilliant.”

Nico swatted him on the shoulder. “Ew, you’re doing that creepy thing again where you’re all genuine and shit. Stop that. The only thing I want to be tearing into tonight is your ass, if that’s on the table.” Even as he quipped back, Nico’s eyes met his with understanding. The man somehow allowed him to keep his pride, and that meant so damn much.

“You’re assuming I won’t be dead to the world after the crowds today,” Hudson responded with an amused grin.

“Five minutes are up,” Gia bellowed from over at the griddle.

“Back to the salt mines,” Nico said, squeezing once before letting go of his hand. As Hudson watched him walk over to the bar, his heart thumped hard in his chest. Being here with this man, collaborating on something so monumental—it felt inevitable that they’d come together. And every step they took had him hoping so hard that this was it—he’d found the guy who made him tick.

Yet would Nico stay if he had to return to med school? Would he stick with him if Hudson was forced to bow out of the industry? He’d just barely gotten the guy to commit, and part of him worried that any turbulent waters could knock their rowboat over.

Hudson watched Nico slide into action, flipping bottles with grace and smiling away at the customers. Fuck, he was beautiful. The sight made his heart careen, and if he wasn’t in trouble before—after today, he was gone.

Nico had already stolen his heart, but only time would tell if he’d break it.

CHAPTER 23

Nico tried to ignore the way his skin itched as he and Hudson walked up to Linc’s house.

Bringing a boyfriend to game night.

Who even was he?

He’d already warned Linc and Nate who would be coming with him tonight, and his asshole best friend wouldn’t hesitate to dig in there. Yet, as much as the discomfort sometimes still rose to the surface, for the most part, he’d been swallowing up the attention, the PDA, and this fluid affection as if starved. In a way, he was.

Hudson slipped his hand in Nico’s and squeezed. “If you want to run away and try this another night, we can. I know this is a big transition for you. Not everyone can ace this whole relationship thing like me.”

The cockiness in his voice was clearly for Nico’s benefit, and right there, that signaled the exact reason Nico chose him. Hudson knew when he needed a push, but he’d also understood this wouldn’t be as simple as flipping a switch. For a decade, Nico had been avoiding relationships, and he couldn’t just shake off the fears that crept in.

“Whoever told you that arrogance is a turn-on did you a disservice,” Nico drawled as he lifted his knuckles to the door and rapped.

Hudson cocked a brow. “Funny, because I’m pretty sure that was you.”

Nico flipped Hudson the finger right as the door swung open and Linc’s son Beck came into view, bouncing up and down. Nico threw all his fingers up in a wave, hoping to mask the gesture. Linc stood a few paces behind Beckett, fighting with his smirk, because while his son might be oblivious, he definitely wasn’t.

“Uncle Nico,” Beckett squealed and threw his arms around Nico’s legs. Nico reached down to muss the kiddo’s riot of dark curls, unable to help his grin. The child was pure, unadulterated sunshine, just like his mom had been. His stomach squeezed tight at the reminder of what falling that deep for someone could cost. Yet, he sucked in a deep breath, trying to soothe those nerves as he caught sight of Nate’s approach, the man winging an affectionate arm around Linc’s shoulders and pressing a kiss to his temple.

Nate’s gaze seized on Nico’s hand—the one still intertwined with Hudson’s—and his eyes lit up like Fourth of July. Nico bit back a groan. Linc might tease the fuck out of him, but Nate would be worse—the golden retriever of a man would be happy for him. Gross.

Nico stepped in, almost dragging Hudson with him. “Yes, we’re dating, and no, you don’t need introductions, because you already know him.” Nico tried to ignore the flush that rose to his cheeks.

“Hi, Mr. Hudson,” Beck said, rocking back and forth on his heels. “What are you doing here?”

Hudson smirked, and Nico tugged his hand free, rolling his eyes.

“Your uncle Nico and I are boyfriends,” Hudson said, jerking a thumb in his direction.

Beck nodded. “Like Daddy and Nate?”

Hudson’s grin widened as his gaze met Nico’s. “Just like that.”

“Ugh, bury me now,” Nico said, glancing around the room for a second when he realized that was out loud. “What game are we playing tonight? I need a drink.”

Linc’s lips quirked as he struggled with his grin. He clapped a hand on Hudson’s shoulder. “Welcome, man. Thank you for… this. I didn’t think I’d ever see the day.” At that, the laughter exploded out of him, and Nico rolled his eyes harder before he stomped off in the direction of Linc’s kitchen. He grabbed an IPA from the fridge and paused before he grabbed another, even though he knew his asshole best friend would find endless amusement in this. Nico found the opener and popped the caps off both.

Hudson approached behind him—he didn’t even need to turn around to sense the man’s looming presence, as if his delicious cologne didn’t tip him off. For fuck’s sake, the mere scent made him want to drop to his knees and suck the guy’s dick on reflex.

“Here,” Nico said, shoving a beer into that so damn firm chest.

Hudson’s teasing grin hadn’t left from the moment they’d arrived here, and the more Nico saw it, the more his knuckles itched to knock that sass off his face.

“So clearly, all those times in the past when you came into my bar ranting, it was just you struggling with your undeniable attraction to me,” Hudson said, his blue eyes twinkling.

“Because your attractiveness is so overwhelming it makes me cranky,” Nico shot back, pure sarcasm.

“Is that how you snared this guy?” Linc asked as he picked up his already opened beer from the kitchen counter.

Nate shrugged. “I mean, Hudson is pretty.”

Linc wrapped his arm around Nate’s shoulders, squeezing him tight. “Stop staring at the pretty boy. You’re mine.”

“All yours,” Nate purred as he sank deeper against Linc. Nico rolled his eyes. The two of them were disgusting. He glanced over to Hudson, who was watching him with amusement in those gorgeous blues, and something unwound inside him. All the irritation and nerves he’d been riding on disappeared when Hudson looked at him like that. He might never be into the cutesy sort of affection that was all Nate and Linc, but he could at least admit to himself this man just did it for him.

Beck wrinkled his nose and smacked his palms against the cabinets. “When are we going to start the game?”

“I’m with Beck,” Nico said, stepping up next to the kid. “We’ve got more important things to focus on than my new relationship, like playing this game. Whatever the game is.”

“There are rainbow bugs,” Beck said, jumping up and down before he darted off into Nate and Linc’s living room. He still had to make the mental adjustment from visiting Linc at his old house to this new one. Linc had bought old man Fletcher’s place from him just to be able to move in with Nate, who’d been renting it at the time.

“Rainbow bugs,” Hudson said, his rich voice sending a shiver up Nico’s spine. “I love rainbow bugs.” Nico couldn’t help but watch as Hudson strode past him, heading into the living room. Warmth unfurled in his chest, and not just from watching that delicious ass in snug denim. The man took Nico’s fears in stride, and his unshakeable confidence regarding their relationship was beyond sexy.

Before he could follow, Nate skipped past him, and Linc placed a hand on his shoulder. So, he wasn’t getting out of this unscathed. Bully for him.

“I like this for you,” Linc murmured.

Nico shot him a look and gripped the neck of his beer even tighter. “You would, Mr. Monogamy. When are you going to pop a ring on Nate’s finger?”

Linc’s lips quirked. “Cute attempt at deflection. You should know that’s in the works by now. Care to explain how your loathed enemy ends up becoming your first boyfriend since high school?”

Nico shrugged. “Apparently I have a thing for people who insult me.”

Linc clapped his shoulder. “Bullshit, otherwise half of the town would’ve been dating you.”

“Fine,” Nico huffed as he took a swig of his beer. Hudson’s voice mingled with Nate’s and Beck’s from the other room, and he itched to leave the interrogation with his soppy fucking best friend and head over with them. However, he also knew how stubborn Linc could be when he wanted to. “He… gets me. When to push, when to back off, and the fact that he’s the hottest fucking thing this town has ever seen doesn’t hurt.”

Linc’s expression softened. “You deserve someone, Nic. I’m glad you let him in.”

Nico grimaced and shoved Linc in the side. “You’re being just as sappy and disgusting as your boyfriend. Go swoon over him and leave my surly ass alone.”

“You’ve already got someone all over your surly ass,” Linc snarked back before he headed in the direction of the living room.

Nico shook his head and followed, trying to ignore the way his heart raced faster with every step. When he stepped into the room, he stopped in his tracks. Beck sat in front of a rainbow board with little bug pieces he had arranged on the sides, and Nate and Hudson had plonked down on either side of him around the coffee table, no one bothering with seats. Beck pointed out something, explaining the rules in his cheerful little voice while both Nate and Hudson listened raptly.

The scene was so domestic, so fucking saccharine, and in the past, it would’ve made Nico want to race the other way so fast he left scorch marks. Except, seeing Hudson there on the floor with his best friend’s kid, hanging out in their monthly tradition like he belonged there—Nico couldn’t help the sharp longing that pierced his chest. He wanted this. And not just for a few months. A shiver coursed down his spine. He’d just opened the gates to dating. It was far, far too soon for these intrusive thoughts of what that looked like for the long term.

Even if the pesky fuckers kept cropping up regardless.

Hudson glanced up, and when their eyes met, he patted the spot on the floor beside him. Nico’s traitorous feet brought him in that direction before he could help himself. He thumped onto the carpet and took another swig from the IPA, the cool liquid coursing down his throat. He bumped knees with Hudson accidentally on purpose and was rewarded with one breathtaking grin.

“You guys knocked it out of the park with Chesapeake Eats,” Nate mentioned, glancing their way. “I’ve been hearing rave reviews from customers all week.”

Hard to believe that was one week ago. Somehow, he and Hudson had landed into bed together every night since, even if some nights they just curled up together. He’d never admit it out loud, but after a long shift at the restaurant, being able to sleep beside someone with no expectations was next-level amazing. The only person who’d managed to sneak past his defenses enough to do that was this man.

“The amount we brought in from that was pretty spectacular,” Hudson said, plucking one of the plastic bugs from the table as Beck set the rest in place, getting the dice ready to roll. “I’m still blown away by the reception.”

He wasn’t lying. Nico knew this would be a great gig, but he couldn’t have imagined how much profit they’d be rolling in. Enough to contribute a sizeable amount to Mama’s transplant costs. And that was before his five-year bash at the end of the summer, which would bring in a huge amount, thanks to Hudson’s generosity. Nico’s heart sped at the memory of what his boyfriend had done for him.

“Okay, pick your bug of choice from the starting line,” Linc explained, pointing at Beck’s neat line.

“Ladybug,” Beck called before anyone else could. Nate gave the little guy an affectionate smile and rifled his hair.

“I’ll take beetle.” Nico jumped in, eyeing the Day-Glo orange beetle.

“What are you guys going to collaborate on next?” Nate asked, those curious eyes settling on them. “Think of all the business potential with both of you owning restaurants.”

Nico’s brows drew together. Damn, he probably should’ve been on that. When he glanced over to Hudson though, the man pasted on a plastic smile that he’d come to recognize as fake.

“Maybe we’ll be lucky enough for them to ask us back next year,” Hudson responded in his customer service voice, which pinged Nico’s alarms. Nico stared at him, but Hudson wasn’t looking his way. His chest deflated. After how well they’d worked together, he thought Hudson would jump on an opportunity to do so again. Maybe he didn’t want to mix their work too much since they were dating? Even as he justified it, he couldn’t shake the hint of unease.

As much as he wanted to push, this wasn’t the time or place.

“All right,” Nico said, making his beetle dance on the board. “Let’s get started with this game.”

The hours passed quickly, and Nico sank into the comfort of the easy conversation that flowed between all of them, even after Beck was put to bed. Apart from the one hiccup, Hudson returned to normal, snarky comments lobbed his way as well as casual kisses and intertwined fingers. However, once Nate started to yawn, Nico took the cue for him and Hudson to head out. Unlike the two of them, both Nate and Linc weren’t used to late nights.

They hadn’t gotten a few paces out of Linc’s front door when Nico glanced in Hudson’s direction.

“So, care to explain the weirdness back in there?” Nico asked. “Don’t think I’m blind to your fake face.”

Hudson’s cringe flashed on his features for a second before he smoothed them, but Nico wouldn’t let him dodge out so easily.

“Thought we were past the whole ‘not willing to work with the enemy’ thing,” Nico joked, even though hesitance snagged his voice. Was Hudson having second thoughts? Sure, he was green as hell at this, but he’d thought they were doing well.

“Who knows if Harbor Pointe’s even going to last until next year,” Hudson said with a shrug. “It’s not like we have the longevity of Port of Call. It’s still a new business on rocky territory.”

Nico blinked. “Are you guys having a tough time? Because I can tell you, the fact the town asked you to do Chesapeake Eats means you’re a goddamn mainstay. If you need help, you know I’m here. I get how hard it can be.”

“I mean, we’re heading in a good direction financially,” Hudson murmured, spearing his fingers through his hair. “Let’s just say my parents’ visit to the restaurant shook me up a bit.”

Nico reached over to thread his fingers through Hudson’s, and he squeezed his hand. The hopelessness in the man’s eyes reached right into his chest and tugged. “If they can’t see how amazing you are, then they can fuck right off.” He paused, wrinkling his nose. “Though that’s probably not what a boyfriend should say, right?”

Hudson shook his head, the tender look in his gorgeous blues bowling him over. “No, that’s exactly what a boyfriend should say. You’re fucking perfect, Nic.”

Nico tugged on Hudson’s hand as they continued down the walk, heading toward Hudson’s car, since it seemed like they’d be sharing a bed again tonight. He didn’t miss the slight distance remaining in Hudson’s gaze, something that he hated to see; however, more than anyone, he understood the way old wounds could linger.

It wasn’t until Hudson pressed him against the side of the car and began to devour his mouth in slow, lazy strokes that any lingering doubts fluttered away.

CHAPTER 24

Hudson was in his kitchen making lunch when the phone began to ring. Nico would be swinging over in a few so they could spend a couple of hours together before their respective shifts at both Port of Call and Harbor Pointe. He loved how they made things work between them, catching scraps of time here and there and crashing in each other’s arms every night. This relationship was better than any of his past ones, and not just because Nico had an uncanny way of making him smile or how they ignited the goddamn sheets together.

“Hello?” Hudson clicked answer without checking the caller.

“I was hoping to get ahold of you with the good news,” Dad’s voice came over the line. The man sounded happy for once, which set off Hudson’s warning bells, because the man never had an ounce of pep when speaking to him.

“What are you talking about?” He continued to assemble the BLTs while his nerves started to fritz. Nico would be here any minute now.

“I spoke to my friend Leonard, who’s in admissions at Cornell, and they’ve accepted your application,” Dad said, pride in his voice that sawed at Hudson’s insides. “You’ll be back in med school for the fall semester.”

Of course. Forget that he opened his own restaurant and that he’d just come off a successful weekend at the town festival—all that mattered to Dad was medicine. Hudson swallowed back bile. When he’d sent the application, he’d been in a low place, but after the high of the Chesapeake Days festival and his relationship with Nico, he couldn’t imagine moving five hours away. Not getting to wake up next to this man every day. Giving up the restaurant he’d poured everything into these past few years.

“Honestly, it’s just a consideration,” Hudson said, not knowing what possessed him. “I wanted to know I had options in case I hit a rough patch with Harbor Pointe.”

Silence sounded on the opposite end of the line, the ominous sort of Dad’s impending disapproval.

“These chances won’t be available to you forever,” Dad warned. “I’m willing to help you out if you’re pursuing a sensible career, but this restaurant of yours? They’re notoriously dicey, and from what I’ve seen, yours is one bad patch away from a shutdown. Slow service, inept servers, and don’t think we missed the scene with the man threatening a lawsuit.”

Hudson’s stomach churned like he’d swallowed sour milk.

“Help me as in…?” He trailed off. His dad had made the veiled threats, and he’d already been given the heads-up from his sister, but he needed to hear the blunt truth this time.

“I agreed to pay for your college if it was complete; however, your degree’s unfinished. You were only a few credits from completion before you dropped out, and it’s an utter waste. If you’re going to throw your degree away by chasing after some foolish dream, then I can’t in good conscience bankroll you.”

Hudson’s jaw dropped, and he spluttered for a moment. Rage roiled through him. “Bankroll me? I was the one who took out the loans for my business on my own. I would’ve gone for a business degree, not medicine, but you wouldn’t hear anything else.”

“Because I knew you’d waste it on something frivolous like this,” Dad responded, his voice harsh and deliberate. “There’s no point arguing. I have the promissory note you signed to hold you to this.”

“And you think demanding I pay you back is going to get me to step in line?” Hudson responded, incredulousness in his tone. Something inside him snapped. He didn’t know what the fuck he’d do if he had to handle his bills on his less than a living wage made even worse by repaying his father. Yet the imperiousness in his father’s tone had him quaking with rage.

“Even if you don’t want to go into medicine, finish out your degree at least,” Dad said. “Finish out your degree, and I’ll call it even. Don’t make all the time and money a total waste with nothing to show for it except a career a teenager could do.”

Beyond the barbs, there was a logic to having a backup plan in case everything failed, but going and finishing the semester at Cornell meant abandoning his business. After only a year operating, he couldn’t just take off for an entire semester from Harbor Pointe. And he had no idea what sort of strain that would put on his fledgling relationship with Nico. Yet he also didn’t know if he could survive the financial strain of repaying his father for far, far longer. To make matters worse, the asshole threatening the lawsuit from the other week was still lobbing complaints. If he needed to pay lawyer fees on top of everything else?

Fuck.

Hudson stood stock still in his kitchen, the sandwiches sitting on plates in front of him, uncut. He swallowed hard, not sure what to say. Venom leapt to his tongue at his father’s derision, but whatever choice he made would have real, lasting consequences.

“Just think on it before you give me your answer,” Dad said, cutting through the quiet. With that, a click echoed as he hung up.

Hudson clutched his phone a little harder, the impact of their conversation hitting him like a nuclear bomb. Whatever choice he made would cause problems. Would Nico be willing to handle long-distance? Could he even hope to keep Harbor Pointe if he caved and went back to finish out his degree? Hudson set his phone on the countertop, and his palms hit the cool surface next as he sagged over it, his head dropping.

He wanted to tell his dad to fuck off on principle alone, but the man could make his life hell. And he didn’t doubt for a moment his father would push and threaten to get his way. It was what he did best.

Say he did go back to finish his degree. Would the demands end there, or would his father pull another ultimatum the moment he finished and returned to the restaurant industry?

He was screwed, no matter what he chose.

The door creaked from the front of his house, but Hudson couldn’t bring himself to move. Numbness prickled his fingers. He just wanted to sag into his boyfriend’s arms and forget this phone call had even happened. Maybe Nico would have a better solution that he was missing.

“Where you at, babe?” Nico’s voice called.

Hudson coughed, trying to clear the leftover bitterness from his throat. “Kitchen.”

The footsteps creaked on the floorboards until a moment later Nico appeared.

“You okay?” he asked, his brows drawing together in concern as he sped up his approach. Nico’s palm rested on his upper back, and Hudson almost sagged in relief. This man was coming to mean more and more to him every day. The fact that he wasn’t alone in this… hell, even when he’d been in relationships, the guys he’d dated weren’t the types to let him vent or even check when he was hurting. No wonder none of them had worked out.

He glanced to the BLTs in front of him. “Made you a sandwich,” he murmured. “Why don’t we eat while we talk.”

Nico grabbed the plates and gave him a gentle nudge in the side. “We should take them to the living room. You look like you need to sit down.”

“Ah, yeah,” Hudson responded, his voice a little hoarse from the worries circulating through his veins.

He pushed himself up from the countertop and followed Nico to his living room. When he sank into the black leather couch, he just wanted to shut his eyes and crash out. Maybe once he woke up, he wouldn’t have to deal with this monumental decision.

Nico placed the plates on the coffee table in front of them, pushing one closer to Hudson. Not like he had an appetite at this point. He was five seconds away from hurling, currently coasting on queasiness.

“So,” Hudson started, not even sure where to begin explaining any of this. “I got accepted into Cornell’s med program for the fall.”

Nico’s brows drew together. “Med school? In Cornell, as in New York?” His tone was as unreadable as his features, which unsettled Hudson even more.

“Yeah, that’s the one,” Hudson muttered. Fuck, where to go from here? How could he even explain the amount of debt he was in and how he had no good options right now?

“So that’s it?” Nico said, a dangerous edge to his voice. “Bait me along, have me invested in an actual relationship for the first time in my life, and you’re going to, what—run away to fucking New York?”

“That’s not what I said,” Hudson interrupted, his voice coming out heated. This was getting out of control, and they’d barely started the discussion. “I never baited you along. This isn’t me trying to ditch you—I’ve got a lot riding on my decision right now.”

“Clearly,” Nico snapped back. His shoulders braced, and the wariness in his eyes stabbed right through Hudson. “What, were you expecting me to just jump on board? Sure, let me ditch my business and chase you up to New-fucking-York? Like that’s going to happen.”

This was going all wrong. Hudson scrambled to find the words to say, but they kept jumping out of reach. How could he explain he didn’t want to give up his life right now? If his father pulled the trigger, though, he’d lose it all anyway. This was a no-win situation. His stomach squeezed tight, but he barely managed to open his mouth. This conversation was going to break them, and whatever they’d been building would burn to ash like newspaper to flame.

“What about your own business? Are you going to shut down Harbor Pointe after everything you put into it?” Nico continued, unrelenting. His eyes flashed, and Hudson hated the panic he saw there.

Anger flared to the forefront—at his father for putting him in this impossible situation, at the way Nico was ramming ahead in this conversation as if he’d already decided they were over.

“Fuck, I don’t know, okay?” Hudson said. “Maybe I just need a real-world backup in case chasing this pipe dream doesn’t pan out.”

The moment the words passed his lips, he hated them.

He sounded just like his father.

His fingertips numbed, and he could see everything he’d created shatter before him. No single word or phrase would be able to glue them together again.

Nico’s jaw dropped. His expression hardened, and those eyes grew impossibly dark. “The business I built from the ground up isn’t a real job? Fuck you, Hudson West.” He placed his hands on his thighs, glancing for the door. Even still, Nico looked back in his direction, as if waiting for him.

Fuck. He needed to say something. Anything. Yet the words froze on his lips, and the silence stretched out between them like the razor edge of a guillotine. Hudson opened his mouth again, but before he could force the words out, Nico was already standing.

“I was an idiot to think we had something here,” Nico spat as he began to walk for the door. Hudson didn’t miss the tremor in the man’s voice, the sound scoring his chest. “Have a great life kissing your dad’s ass. Hope he gives you the approval you’re looking for. I’m done.”

Hudson shot up from his seat, his heart leaping out of his chest. “Nico,” he called, too late. The man had walked right out the door.

The echo of the slam as Nico left reverberated around his living room. Hudson’s throat tightened, and the world around him spun. Before, his dad’s phone call had thrown him off-kilter, but this? Nico walking out the door upended him completely.

Hudson’s feet carried him toward the door, but by the time his numbed fingertips turned the knob and he stepped outside, Nico’s car was already gone.

How had that unraveled so quickly?

He stared at the floor, which blurred. His eyes stung, and the first hot tears slid down his cheeks. Maybe he should’ve told Nico about the situation with his father from the start. Maybe he should’ve led with something, anything but the possibility of leaving. God only knew, Nico had a hair-trigger reflex to run, and the impulse didn’t vanish overnight. Fuck, fuck, fuck. How the hell could he fix this?

Tears slipped down his cheeks freely now, and his shoulders shook as the weight of everything he’d been shouldering alone crashed over him. He stepped back inside and sagged against the wall, his shoulder digging into the flat surface. His limbs trembled, and his mind rioted, screaming, screaming, screaming after the bombs dropped today.

He’d seen how Nico crumpled when he parroted his goddamn father. The very words that sliced into him year after year, the derisive comments, the way Dad looked down on him, and he’d unleashed them in the air, a grenade that had exploded all over both him and Nico.

Hudson tugged his phone from his pocket, even though his eyes were too blurry to type.

He hadn’t missed how Nico reacted to the idea of him leaving. Which meant if he had any hope of saving this relationship, he’d need to stay. Yet, with the way Nico bolted at the first sign of trouble, was that enough to bank his future on? After all, if he stayed, he would have to stick around and struggle, even if Nico decided the relationship wasn’t it for him after all. And the idea of being glued to this town while Nico fucked and flirted his way through it… Hudson would die inside a little more every day.

Yet without him, he already felt like he was.

He swallowed back bile, and on unsteady legs, he carried himself over to the couch, slumping down into it. The tears began to dry on his cheeks, leaving sticky trails in their wake. His hands still trembled, but he managed to bring his phone up and focused enough to type out a message.

I’m sorry for what I said. Can we talk?

Now, all he could do was wait.

Unfortunately, with or without Nico, his father would be expecting an answer. And if Nico never responded, if this was all over between them, he didn’t know how he’d respond. Hudson’s chest ached like someone had thrust a spade in and started digging. Here on the couch, he could still smell the lingering scent of Nico’s spicy cologne, and God, that hurt. Nico was the only person he wanted to see right now, the only one he wanted to talk to. Yet he was the one who’d bolted at the first sign of trouble.

He stared at his screen for far too long as the minutes ticked by, willing a response to pop up on his screen. It never did.

At the end of the day, he’d have to make this decision the way he always did.

Alone.

CHAPTER 25

Nico had worked his shift at Port of Call in a blur—he wasn’t sure how he’d even managed any of it—and then crashed out for the night, dead to the world.

The next morning, he strode up the walkway to his mother’s house, his footsteps echoing in his ears.

All he could see was the repeat of the fight with Hudson over and over and over. His heart hurt, more than he could’ve imagined. Mama’s longing expression when she looked at Dad’s photo dominated his mind, and the memory sent his nerves into overdrive.

Except Hudson was still here.

Hudson had texted him an apology last night, an offer to talk, and what had Nico done?

Run away and given silence in return. He should’ve known from the start he’d be terrible at relationships. Except unlike the other times he’d ditched guys who’d gotten too attached, he couldn’t just flip the switch. He’d given Hudson a piece of himself that he’d never shared with anyone he dated. He’d opened his heart to him, and this time, he was the one who’d gotten attached. This time, he was the one devastated when Hudson said he was going to New York.

Taran’s car was in the driveway—great. The last thing he needed was snarky commentary from his brother. Hell, he didn’t even know what he planned on saying to his mother. He just knew he couldn’t keep avoiding this topic. Maybe he should’ve stayed and heard Hudson out yesterday. There was clearly more to the situation than Hudson had managed to get out, but once Nico heard the words “New York,” he’d started spiraling, as if he’d lost control of his car and was hydroplaning into a tree. Just like Dad.

His mind was a ruthless dick today, apparently.

Nico didn’t bother knocking. He stepped in through the door to the sound of voices coming from the kitchen. The scent of curry and garam masala hung heavy in the air, which meant Mama was cooking. He ran his fingertips across the brown, orange, and tan blanket draped over the moldering beige couch in the living room as he headed in the direction of the kitchen.

He soaked in the paneled brown walls of this house, the retro linoleum, an ugly mottled puce, all unchanged from his childhood. Sometimes he loved the unchanging feel of this place, but other times it felt like a mausoleum.

When he stepped in through the doorway, both Taran and Mama turned to look at him.

“Your brother here told me you’ve found yourself a nice boy at last,” Mama said, an arch in her brow suggesting that he should’ve been the one to tell her, not Taran.

Nico’s throat closed up. He had found himself the perfect fucking guy, and then yesterday he threw it all away. Ran out of the house like he’d caught fire and left Hudson alone when he probably needed someone in his corner.

He was an asshole. His eyes stung, and he hated himself for the way they glossed over. Nico scrubbed at one of them, trying to mask the tears that collected there.

Taran’s brows drew together. “Are you okay?”

Mama’s sharp eyes soaked him in, and she placed a hand on Taran’s shoulder. “Can you give us a moment? Go watch some TV.”

“I’m not five, Ma,” Taran responded with an eye roll. He gave Nico a concerned look. “You know if you need anything, I’m here.”

“I know,” Nico said, rubbing his eyes with his palms. Fuck, something about being in this house made him feel like a teenager again, like the years just melted away.

“Sit,” Mama commanded, stepping away from the pot she stirred and taking a seat at the round kitchen table.

Nico followed the order, plunking into the hard wooden seat as his gaze stuck on the peeling yellowed wallpaper.

“Did something happen with the boy you were dating?” Mama asked, her voice softening. “Tar wouldn’t tell me much.”

“It’s Hudson,” Nico said, his voice soft. “Or at least, was.”

Mama reached across the table and clasped Nico’s hand in hers. “The handsome gentleman you were working with? He seemed like a sweet boy.”

“The sweetest,” Nico murmured, his throat going thick. Fuck, he was going to cry again. The more he replayed the conversation from yesterday, the more he realized he’d never given Hudson a chance to say anything before he’d flipped and stormed out. He might be a novice to relationships, but he was pretty sure that wasn’t how you handled serious discussions.

“What happened?” Mama asked.

Nico shook his head. It would be far too simple to get lost in the present, but he’d come here with a question, one he’d been needing to ask for years now.

One he’d frozen on every time the words neared his tongue.

His fingertips numbed, and he stared at the ruddy surface of the kitchen table. “Was it worth it?” was all that passed his lips.

He glanced up in time to see his mother’s expression sharpen as if she’d been slapped. She remained silent for a moment, and fear jolted through Nico that he’d pushed her over the edge. She was healing from surgery and didn’t need him unearthing the past or rooting around in old, painful memories. He’d opened his mouth to retract his statement when she spoke.

“You mean was loving your father worth it, don’t you?” she murmured.

Nico nodded, not trusting himself to speak with the lump growing in his throat. That single question was what had been plaguing him ever since the accident, from the sharp gouges Dad’s death had carved into both him and Taran to the devastation that remained with Mama. And after watching Linc experience his own tragedy with his wife—fuck, the idea of forever made him feel like he was coming down with the flu. Like he was preparing for the day the death sentence was delivered and destroyed his entire foundation.

Mama’s hands tightened on his.

“That’s why you don’t date,” she said, sorrow threading through her voice. “My boy, I’ve done you a disservice if you believe that just because it can be painful, love is something to avoid. Even if I’d known your father would die early, I’d choose a life with him again in a heartbeat.”

This was what he’d been running from for years, the terror of falling for someone so completely that he’d lose permanent pieces of himself. That he’d shatter and never be able to recover. And for years, as he’d seen Linc turn into a shell of his former self, it had only reaffirmed those thoughts. Yet last year when Nate entered his life, his best friend had come back to life again.

If he were being honest, even Mama didn’t seem less than she’d always been.

It was only him, always only him running scared after grief stole the first piece of his heart.

“Why?” Nico asked, his voice cracking. He hated this vulnerability, hated how his heart split open and bled. “I see the way you look at his picture. You still love him, yet he’s gone, and you’re left here to continue on without him.”

Mama’s eyes grew glossy, even though her lips lifted in a faint smile. “That loss I feel, the grief that sneaks up on me… it’s simply the love I still have for him. It endures when little else does. And finding your person, for as short or long a time as you have them, the one who touches you so deeply they steal part of you when they go—that, my boy, is a gift.”

Nico’s eyes filled with tears, the sensation overwhelming him in one fierce sweep. Her words transformed the hollow ache that rose in his gut every time he thought of what his dad might say, how he might react if he could see Nico now. That wasn’t loss but the love he still carried for his father.

The resolute way Mama spoke, the absolute confidence there—that was what he’d glimpsed in his time with Hudson. Something that could grow unshakeable. Something that could endure.

Yet he’d pushed him away, and he’d run off at every turn. Would Hudson even want to talk with him after that?

The text he’d sent said as much.

“Besides, I see Shivansh in you boys every day,” Mama continued, squeezing his palm. “Your father would be so proud of you if he could see the business you’re running now. He knew you would do great things. You get your independence from him.”

“And my stubbornness from you,” he murmured with a soft smile, finishing the statement she’d told him year after year.

“If your Hudson is anything like Shivansh was for me, you’ll be able to work through this. When it’s the right person, fights aren’t the end of a road but just a different turn. The important thing is that you take it together.”

Nico speared his fingers through his hair, grinding his palm on his forehead. “I fucked it all up,” he whispered. “I got scared, and I ran. And I think he needed me yesterday.” His voice came out hoarse.

Mama reached over and smacked the side of his head, a watery grin on her lips. “Then why are you here and not with him?” Even still, they shared a look, understanding a current between them. Mama continued, “There’s no point in regretting the past. All you can do is reach out to him and hope for the best. It’s clear to me he means a lot to you.”

Nico bobbed his head, unable to voice the words aloud right now. Fear gripped him by the throat, but this was a different type. In the past, those icy claws had descended at the idea of letting someone in that deep—now, it was all he wanted. The chance to do this with Hudson for real.

“And once you’ve made up, I expect the both of you over here for dinner. I’d like to get to know that handsome man as more than your business partner.”

Nico shot his mother a look. “Keep complimenting him like that, and I’ll think you’re gearing up to steal him from me.”

“Keep messing up, and I just might,” Mama said, her gaze twinkling.

“Cold-blooded,” Nico proclaimed, a genuine grin rising to his face for the first time since he and Hudson had fought yesterday. “Too bad he’s as gay as the day is bright.”

“Then you better go win him back.” Mama stood from her seat and went to grab her wooden spoon, giving the curry in the pot a few careful stirs.

Nico pushed himself up from the table, ignoring the creak of the chair. He strode over to where Mama stood sentinel by her pot and leaned in to press a kiss on the side of her head. “Thank you,” he murmured.

“Anytime, my love,” she said, fondness flickering in her dark eyes.

Nico stepped out of the kitchen and into the living room where Taran hunched forward on the old couch. He caught the shift in his brother’s shoulders even when he didn’t move or turn around. Taran was giving him the space if he needed it, the consideration just like his little brother.

“I’m going to make things right,” Nico said, cutting through the quiet.

Taran turned around to look at him. “I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but you know how it is. Small kitchen, thin walls.”

“Sure, use that old chestnut.” Nico smirked as he stepped to the back of the couch.

“For what it’s worth, I still get fucked-up about it too,” Taran said, his voice quiet. He didn’t need to specify—they both knew he was talking about Dad.

“Well, we already knew you were a mess,” Nico teased. “But seriously, if you ever want to talk… maybe we should.”

“Sound real confident there, Nic,” Taran responded, his tone dry as ever. “What are you planning on doing about Hudson?”

Nico sucked in a deep breath. The rusted gears had started to turn when he’d stepped out of the kitchen, and now they were whirring. “I’ve got an idea. But Ma’s right. I need to talk to him first.” He should’ve responded to Hudson’s text yesterday or visited him this morning. Anything but the silent treatment he’d been giving him while he had his own private meltdown. He only hoped he wasn’t too late.

“Very mature, big brother,” Taran shot back, even though Nico didn’t miss the soft affection in his dark eyes, so similar to their father’s. “You’re creative. If you tap into that, I’m sure he won’t be able to resist.”

Nico’s heart thumped hard as he started walking for the door.

“That’s what I’m counting on.”

CHAPTER 26

Hudson parked in front of his house and sagged against the steering wheel. Today had been long and yesterday even longer after Nico walked out the door. He hadn’t heard a word from him since, and his heart just ached.

In a few small moments, everything they’d built had crumbled, and he’d spent last night and all day trying to sort through the rubble that remained of his life. If he could just get Nico to answer his text, to come and talk with him—ideas had started whirling around in his mind, ones he hadn’t been able to grasp while he’d been floating along in indecision, hoping he wouldn’t have to confront his father.

Only one thing had become startlingly clear through all of this. Nico had made a deeper mark on him than he’d ever expected. From the way the man got him to smile to the fierce way he came to Hudson’s defense… how he supported his dreams and enhanced them rather than trying to squash them. Life with Nico was sharper, more vibrant, and better than he could’ve imagined. If he could convince the guy to hear him out, then maybe they’d stand a chance.

Hudson pushed off from his steering wheel, pulled the keys from the ignition, and slumped his way out of his car. His body ached, his heart hurt, and exhaustion pummeled him, not just from the long shift but from everything that had changed in a single day.

His feet slapped heavy on the walkway as he strode to his door, but when he looked up, he stopped midstride.

The faint yellow exterior light poured over Nico, highlighting him in sharp distinction. He sat on Hudson’s stoop, his head bowed and his forearms braced against his thighs with a formidable hunch. His dark hair shone in the faint light, and the sharp curve of his nose, those ink-stained lashes grew all the more captivating in the shadows. Hudson’s breath caught in his throat at the sight, and it took a moment before he had to remind himself to breathe again.

Nico looked up at him, those chocolate eyes holding a pleading he could’ve never expected.

He’d hoped for the chance to explain everything to Nico, but a deep part of him had worried he’d scared the guy away for good. However, Nico waiting on his doorstep? That had to mean something.

“Third time’s a charm, right?” Nico murmured as he slowly rose from his crouch.

“You showing up unexpected?” Hudson responded, his voice scraping as he tried to keep the emotion back. “I’m starting to think you just like keeping me on my toes.” He continued to close the distance between them, step by careful step, as if at any point Nico might disappear. As if this was all a sleep-deprived illusion.

“Part of my allure, right?” Nico said with a sheepish shrug. He slipped a hand into his pocket.

“I’m sorry,” Hudson rushed to get out. “For the comment I made and for bombarding you with that surprise. I should’ve talked about all that earlier.”

Nico held up a hand. “Stop right there.”

Hudson’s insides plummeted. Was this Nico breaking things off for good? His fingers twitched. He was desperate to reach out and touch the man who now stood mere inches away from him, definitely not an apparition.

“Yeah, what you said pissed me off, but I shouldn’t have left like that,” Nico murmured. “That’s not what you do in a relationship.”

Hudson’s jaw opened and shut again.

Oh. Oh.

Nico pulled out a small metallic object from his pocket and passed it over, the circular thing resting flat in his palm. Hudson looked harder. A compass?

“For you,” Nico murmured.

Hudson picked the antique item up, but the arrow didn’t move. “A broken compass?”

Nico rifled fingers through his hair. “Look closer, dumbass.”

The little arrow was stuck on West.

“Even if we’ve got to do long-distance for a little while, I want this relationship,” Nico murmured. “And you’re only going to hear this sappy shit from me once, so listen close. My heart’s in one direction, and that’s with you, Hudson West.”

Hudson’s eyes stung. His heart expanded to the point that he didn’t know how to contain the overflowing font. The little broken compass rested in his palm, the weight there offering the confirmation he needed. Nico was the one for him, the only one.

Hudson shut his hand over the compass and closed the distance between them. His lips brushed against Nico’s, hesitant, seeking. However, the moment Nico pressed his lips back, Hudson snapped. His hand wrapped around Nico’s nape, and he brought the man’s mouth crushing to his. Nico tasted like crisp gin, like honeyed sweetness, like coming home. Hudson devoured Nico as if he hadn’t seen him in years, not just a single day. A single, life-changing day.

Any doubts about Nico and if he could handle this evaporated with their kiss. At the end of the day, even if Nico ran, he always returned. Hudson gripped him hard, like he needed this man’s kiss to breathe, and some tightness unwound in him at the way Nico’s body melted against his. His fingers inched into Nico’s thick hair, and he tugged as he continued to devour this man’s beautiful mouth. Their tongues slipped in, hot and searching, and Nico’s moans lit him up from the inside out.

He thrust his thigh between Nico’s legs, feeling the delicious hardness brush against him, and it made him lose his mind. He wanted to take this man inside and explore his body from head to toe, but they needed to finish this conversation first.

Hudson broke away for a breath. Nico’s shoulders heaved, those pouty lips all swollen and sexy in the wake of the kiss. Hudson resisted the urge to dive back in again, even as his palm slid down to Nico’s nape.

“What I didn’t tell you yesterday,” he started, the contact between them bolstering him, “what I should’ve told you from the start is that my father had paid for my college. If I don’t go back to school, he dropped the bomb that I’ll be responsible for the rest. He can do it too—he had me and my siblings sign promissory notes when we were heading into college.”

Nico’s jaw dropped. “That fucking asshole. That’s some next level fuckery. Your restaurant’s still new. Can you even handle the extra expense?”

Hudson heaved a bitter sigh. “Not in the slightest. He wants to see Harbor Pointe fail. And for a moment, I considered just finishing out the final semester. But here’s the thing. You’re here, my business is here, and I don’t want to leave.”

Nico’s eyes searched his, even though Hudson didn’t miss how his shoulders dropped in relief. “What are you going to tell him?”

“I can’t bow to his demands. He’s not going to settle for me finishing out the degree. I know my father, and he’ll hold this over my head until I’m working in the field of his choice, even if I’m miserable as hell.” Hudson felt the certainty in his bones that this was the right decision. Nico had offered to work with his situation, and that meant the world, but right now, they needed to be together. They needed to give this relationship a fighting chance, not put strain on it while they were still so new.

“But the cost of paying back your tuition will bury you. What can we do to keep Harbor Pointe open?” Nico asked, their legs still pressed together. Their bodies were so close, it made Hudson feel settled in a way nothing else did. He loved the way the man said “we,” the simple word melting something inside him.

Hudson offered a tentative smile. “Remember how I was an asshole once upon a time who said I didn’t need your pity?”

Nico arched a brow. “Once upon a time implies you stopped being one. But yeah, I do happen to remember our miserable first meeting.”

He sucked in a deep breath. After a lifetime of pushing people away, the words stuck to his tongue. “If you’re still offering, I could use your help.”

Nico blinked in surprise, his breath a puff against Hudson’s lips. “You’ve got it.”

Hudson’s brows drew together. “Don’t you want to know what I’m asking first?”

Nico shook his head and then leaned in closer so their chests touched. “If you’re asking for help, that means you’ve thought whatever you’re about to propose through, and most likely to a neurotic, highly annoying degree. I also trust you to be fair, so in truth? I’m not worried.”

“I realized from working together at Chesapeake Eats that we’ve got something great here. I want a collaboration for real,” Hudson said, finding the words at last. “A partnership between our restaurants for a catering venture. The extra income from that should help pull me through. And yeah, I thought about clauses in the contracts in case things don’t work out between us, but the festival made me realize how lucrative catering could be here. If we’ve got two successful restaurants feeding off each other plus a catering branch, by the time my father pulls his move, Harbor Pointe might stand a chance.”

Nico stared at him for a moment, soaking in the words while Hudson held his breath. He had already said yes, but that was before hearing the proposal. Maybe something permanent would send him running for the hills, and maybe he wouldn’t trust Hudson enough with something this important, but for once? Hudson wanted to try. Nico made him want to chase after those dreams at full speed. The man made him believe he could.

A sly grin stole Nico’s lips. “You’re waiting for me to freak out, aren’t you?”

Hudson chewed on his lower lip. “A little, yeah.”

Nico shook his head. “Nuh-uh. I took the time to straighten out some shit I should’ve years ago. That doesn’t mean I won’t fuck up once in a while, but I’m all in, babe. Let’s make this a reality.”

Relief slammed into Hudson with a hurricane force.

His hands dropped to Nico’s hips, and he brought the man flush against him right as his lips dipped down to claim Nico’s mouth again. Nico twined his arms around Hudson’s neck as he kissed him just as fiercely, every ounce of worry dripping away in the wake of a connection that had never felt more right. Hudson reached down and lifted Nico’s thighs up.

He pulled back. “Wrap your legs around me. I need inside you as soon as fucking possible.”

Nico arched a brow, his cocky smirk like pure sin. “Are you sure you don’t want to give your neighbors a show? I’ve got lube and a condom in my pocket.”

“Fuck no, that ass is mine,” Hudson growled as he hiked Nico’s legs around his hips. Nico’s lips found his neck, sucking, nipping, and biting as Hudson strode up to the door, carrying him the whole way. After the plummet he’d taken yesterday, he could’ve never anticipated this climb as he soared higher and higher. His cock paid strict attention to how Nico teased, that sexy body flush against his and the spicy scent of his cologne consuming him.

The way he felt about this man was unreal. He fumbled with his keys a few times, the bite in the crook of his neck sending a bolt of lust right through him. He’d never found someone who understood him when all the layers were peeled back—beneath the fake smiles, beneath the competence, beneath the pride that pushed people away. Nico had just sliced right through, encounter after encounter until Hudson was raw and exposed, vulnerable in a way he’d forgotten he could be.

No matter what arguments they got in, how they bickered or fought with each other, he’d come to understand something fundamental about them. Nico was the support he’d been searching for, ever since he was a kid. The underlying foundation between them meant he could weather everything else.

He managed to kick the door shut behind him and only made it a few paces before he slammed Nico’s back against the wall. Nico’s mouth met his as they kissed hungrily, and Nico’s legs slid down his hips. In seconds, they were fumbling with belts, buttons, and zippers, unrelenting in the way their lips met over and over again. He could taste the slight tang of blood from their hungry collision, but neither backed down.

“You don’t need to prep me,” Nico breathed against his mouth. “I just want to fucking feel you.”

Hudson let out a low groan. The need to bury himself inside this man rose with every second. He snagged the packets from Nico’s back pocket, tearing the foil with his teeth before rolling the condom onto his cock and the lube to follow. Nico kicked off his jeans and boxer briefs, and Hudson grabbed those sexy hips and lifted him against the wall again.

Nico sank his teeth into Hudson’s bicep as he twined his arms around Hudson’s neck. “Fuck, it’s hot when you throw me around.”

“You’re so damn beautiful,” Hudson whispered against Nico’s throat, his voice hoarse. His heart cracked open. This gorgeous man was back in his arms, in his house, in his life, and it couldn’t feel more right. He lined his cock up with the Nico’s tight ring of muscles, pressing the tip against them. Nico sucked in a sharp breath, but as Hudson inched in a little more, taking his time, Nico bore down.

Hudson sank into him slowly, letting out a moan at the tight heat surrounding his cock. But this was so much more than driving into the man’s stunning ass. As he thrust all the way inside Nico, all the panic, all the worries, and all the doubts inside him settled. This was exactly where he was meant to be. And Nico Shah was exactly who he was meant to be with.

“Hold on tight,” Hudson murmured against his neck, tasting the salt of sweat against the smooth, hot skin. He began to rock back and forth inside Nico, bracing him against the wall. The man’s thighs wrapped around his hips, his arms around his shoulders, and Nico buried his face in the crook of Hudson’s neck, exposing his for the taking. Desperate moans slipped out of Nico, the sexiest music he’d ever heard.

Hudson plunged into him again and again, bliss riding through him with every pass. Nico wrapped around his hips and pressed against him as Hudson thrust deep into the man who meant everything right now. After all they’d been through the last few months, he didn’t question for a moment that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Nico.

Those thoughts might be too soon to voice, three little words brimming on his tongue, but Hudson felt the certainty in his bones. Nico’s moans lit the air, mingling with his soft grunts as Hudson thrust faster and faster inside him, needing to reach the crest along with him. The tight heat throttled his cock, threatening to push him over the edge far too soon. Not like it mattered—all that mattered was this man here in his arms.

“Come with me,” Hudson murmured against Nico’s neck as he sank his teeth in.

Nico reached down to stroke his cock, once, twice, until ropes of cum spurted between them, painting their shirts. The way Nico’s ass tensed in response was all it took to pull Hudson over the edge. His cock pulsed as Nico shuddered in his arms, and they rode out the waves of their orgasms together. Hudson clutched tight to Nico’s thighs, fingernails leaving imprints on his skin as pleasure consumed him in one fierce swell.

Nico sagged against him, and for a moment they just stood there, their ragged breaths exploding out of them.

Hudson slowly settled into his body again, feeling the sweat coating his skin, the tangle of their limbs, and how his soles glued to the hardwood. He pulled out of Nico as the man lowered his legs to the ground, even though his arms remained around Hudson’s shoulders. Hudson leaned in to press his lips against Nico’s one more time with a firmness he hoped to communicate.

As Nico pulled back, a smirk lit his face. “See? We’re doing great with this boyfriend thing. Make-up sex, check.”

Hudson leaned in and pressed another kiss to Nico’s neck, enjoying the way the man shuddered. “If you think that’s it for make-up sex, you’re sorely mistaken. I’m planning on keeping you up all night long.”

Nico licked his lips. “Well, damn. Keep talking like that, and I’ll be hard again in no time.”

Hudson wrapped his hands around Nico’s waist, not giving a fuck that their shirts were covered in cum, the condom still on his cock as he brought the man in close. Nico rested his head against Hudson’s chest, and something clicked into place.

He’d been searching for approval his whole life, for a sense of fulfillment—for something to consume the aching loneliness in his chest. He’d chased after his family’s approval for years and tried to find the fulfillment in his restaurant, but it wasn’t until standing here with Nico in the middle of his living room, filthy and well-fucked with the man he was falling in love with that those pieces locked together.

Nico made him happy. The laughter they shared, the steady support, the ease of communication. Success, chasing after his dreams, proving something to his parents—none of that meant as much as the simple joy of waking up with this man in his bed. In knowing at the end of a bad day, someone waited for him.

He didn’t need to fight for approval or affection when it was given freely, something he’d never experienced until Nico Shah.

“What are you thinking about?” Nico asked, reaching between them to press his thumb against the furrow in Hudson’s brow.

A smile lit Hudson’s face. “You’re all I ever hoped for, and honestly something I never believed I’d find.”

Nico’s eyes widened for a moment, and a soft, tentative grin rose to his lips. “I feel the same way, stud.” He reached down to squeeze Hudson’s ass as that grin turned to pure wickedness. “But as much as I love turning into complete mush with you, promises were made, and we have a bedroom to get to.”

Hudson scooped Nico up in his arms, and the man let out a whoop as he carried him out of the room. “Think you can handle more of this?” Even as he said the words, he knew they meant more than just sex. With Nico? He wanted everything.

Nico winked at him, the cocky mischief driving straight to his heart. “Bring it.”

EPILOGUE

THREE MONTHS LATER

Nico had expected the five-year celebration for Port of Call to be busy, but he hadn’t anticipated… this.

From the moment they opened for the evening, the tables were filled, the bar was overflowing, and there was a two-hour wait with no signs of stopping. Nico had no doubt that the profits tonight would be through the roof, and with the game plan he and Taran set up to cover the rest of Mama’s transplant bill, he no longer worried about if they’d reach their goal. The servers zipped around at max speed, and the extra staff he’d borrowed from Harbor Pointe were hard at work.

They’d signed the contracts at the beginning of the month—their restaurants were officially in partnership together, and their catering branch was racking up orders. With Port of Call’s success, he was able to get an additional loan to fund that arm of the business, no problem. On top of that, they were discovering more and more perks to the arrangement by the day. One of which included more time, surprisingly. Hudson’s talent for numbers and research helped pad out some of the things Nico let lapse, and with Nico’s new ideas and creativity, Harbor Pointe’s graphics were going through a bit of a facelift.

As for the partnership outside of the business? He’d never been happier.

He strode across the first floor, dodging around the chaos as he sought out the one person who managed to ground him, even in the middle of a madhouse. Nico swerved past Maeve, who rushed forward with a full tray of entrees. He skimmed over the crowds, the lights starting to dim down here.

North Advantage was setting up at the stage on the far end of the restaurant, closest to the outdoor decks so both indoor and outdoor patrons could enjoy the entertainment. Bands had been playing from the moment they opened, but these guys would be the big headlining act, and already, crowds gathered by the bars from people wanting to catch a drink and enjoy the music. Nico drank in the loud buzz of voices around him, the tart lemon from the sauce on the shrimp, the char on the steak, and the amber patterns the globe lights cast along the walls.

He’d known he’d be proud at hitting five years. It was a massive achievement, one he wished Dad were here to see. Everyone from the town had poured in—Nate and Linc, Ma, Taran, Sarah, and so many more of their friends. However, tonight he was feeling this accomplishment deeper than he ever believed possible, a grounding, humbling awe, and he knew who was responsible.

The swinging doors to the back of house burst open, and the man himself stepped through.

Hudson looked effortlessly gorgeous in a pearl-gray button-down and black slacks, ever the professional. The sleeves rolled to the elbow felt like a taunt though, because the man knew what an obsession Nico had over his forearms. Fuck. His blond hair was tamed, not a strand out of place, and as always, the urge to go over and mess it up crept in. That never changed—Nico just rocked his world with a little more chaos on the regular now.

When those beautiful blue eyes locked in on him, Nico’s breath snagged in his throat. The tenderness there, the sheer affection in a single look, still surprised him every damn day.

Nico found his legs moving automatically, drawn to this man every time they were in the same room. It was a good thing they divided and conquered their days at the restaurants, otherwise they’d never get any work done. Though after-hours blow jobs in their respective offices were a perk they’d both come to enjoy.

The brass fixtures glowed along the wall, and patrons smiled and laughed all around him, enjoying the food, the drinks, and the ambiance. Pride thrummed through Nico as he closed the distance between him and Hudson.

“How’s it going in the kitchen?” Nico asked when he drew close enough.

“Food’s still coming out, and no one’s dead,” Hudson responded with a smirk. “Also, the fire’s put out.”

Nico lifted a brow and bit back a groan. “Figurative or literal?”

Hudson’s lips quirked. “Literal. You’re welcome.”

Nico wound his arms around Hudson’s shoulders, leaning in to drop a kiss on those lush lips. “How ever can I repay you?” His voice came out coy.

Hudson’s eyes heated, his pupils blown. “I can think of a few ways.”

“Later,” Nico responded with a grin. “You get a chance to swing around to everyone?”

He cast a glance around the room, noticing that Hudson’s sister had arrived. Hudson had laid down the law with his father, not only informing him that he refused to go back to med school, but that he’d entered a collaboration to expand the business. While Hudson’s firm stance hadn’t changed his father’s mind completely, the man had agreed on giving him a full five years to prove himself.

Nico still wasn’t looking forward to any West family get-togethers, either way.

“Yeah,” Hudson said, his smile lighting up his eyes. “We’ve got a lot of support tonight.” He tilted his head toward the stage. “North Advantage is ready to play. They’re waiting on us. You want to do the honors of making the announcement?”

Nico nodded. His palms broke out in a sweat as he stepped away from Hudson. The nerves rushed him full force, but he tried to pull himself together. Couldn’t give anything away if he wanted to get one past Hudson West. The man seemed to have emotional x-ray vision when it came to him.

Hudson placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned in to kiss his temple, the tender affection sending a silent thrill through him. How he’d lived without this, he would never understand—the support, the sweetness, and the sheer comfort made him melt, every damn time. And they’d both been dancing around an important statement, one he knew Hudson waited on him to make.

As much as Nico assured Hudson he wouldn’t keep bolting at the next steps in their relationship, he loved how Hudson didn’t try to push and let him set the pace. Hudson knew he was in this for real, and that was all he needed.

Except, Nico wanted to give more.

“Let me go handle it,” Nico said, pulling away before he lost the nerve. He strode forward without looking back, weaving through the throng clustered by the bar, everyone waiting for North Advantage to start playing. He offered a few nods and waves to the regulars and familiar faces from around town, even though inside his adrenaline tapped to an Irish jig.

His feet felt heavy as he approached the stage, and the guys from North Advantage gave him casual nods when he passed by. The spotlight glared down on him, and if he hadn’t already been sweating, he would be by now. He tapped the edge of the microphone.

“Can everyone hear me?” he asked, listening to the echo as his voice filled the room. Fuck. Showtime.

The restaurant grew far quieter than before, just a murmur, which was a feat with all the people clustered in here.

“Before I introduce the last band of the evening, I wanted to take a moment to make an announcement. First off, thank you so much for making five years here such a success. You’ve supported us through it all, and I’m excited for the new changes to come. I love being a part of this city, and the reason is due to every single one of you,” he said.

The crowd erupted in cheers, hoots, and hollers. He caught sight of Sarah, Taran, Nate, and Linc by the bar, offering thumbs-up and catcalls.

His gaze traveled closer, to the man who’d worked his way into his heart. The rest of the crowd disappeared as he focused on Hudson West.

“And tonight, I wanted to announce the biggest change of all, even though most of you have probably heard word through the grapevine. I’m partnering with Hudson West, the owner of Harbor Pointe, in our joint venture—Compass Enterprises. What that means is a catering business combining our skills and hopefully more fresh energy toward both of our businesses like you saw at the Chesapeake Days festival.” Nico sucked in a breath. Hudson’s eyes were on him, and that was all that mattered. “I couldn’t have found a better person in my life—not only as a business partner, but my partner,” he said, his hands beginning to tremble. “I love you, Hudson West, and I can’t wait to see what we create together.”

Hudson’s jaw dropped, and a hush fell through the room for a microsecond right before the entire place burst into screams and hollers.

“With that, here’s North Advantage,” Nico called out on an afterthought before he left the stage. Hudson was closing the distance between them, and he headed his way. There was nowhere else he’d rather be.

As he stepped off the platform, Hudson’s hands circled around his waist, drawing their bodies flush, and Hudson’s mouth descended on his before he could say a word. Nico sank into the possessive kiss, in the way the man could claim him entirely. His heart jackhammered in his chest, but the kiss alone was the reassurance he needed—steadying, consuming, and thrilling. In his embrace, he was home.

Hudson pulled away, a giddy grin spreading on his lips. “I fucking love you, Nico Shah. Of course you pick the showboatiest way possible to tell me.”

Nico sank against his chest. “I needed you to know I’m not afraid anymore of whatever the future might bring. As long as I’m with you.”

Hudson pressed a kiss on the top of his head. “Always.”

Hope unfurled in Nico’s chest, bright, brilliant, and brazen. He’d spent so long running from a connection as all-consuming as this, someone who filled his days with promise and brought him comfort and love at night. Their fingers intertwined, and Hudson gave him a nod.

“Ready to dive back into this mess?”

Nico squeezed his palm. “Always,” he echoed. He wasn’t lying. Whatever might come, whatever hardships, whatever hurdles they’d face, he was ready for, because he couldn’t regret a minute spent by this man’s side.

If he was lucky, maybe he’d get a lifetime.

Get ready to check out book three, Stronger Than Longing! Plus check out Katherine’s delicious M/M romantic suspense Midnight Heist.

ALSO BY KATHERINE MCINTYRE

Rehoboth Pact

Confined Desires

Opposed Desires

Restrained Desires

Chesapeake Days

Stronger Than Hope

Stronger Than Passion

Stronger Than Longing

Outlaws

Midnight Heist

Twilight Heist

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book wouldn’t have been possible without all the wonderful folks who helped along the way. Huge thanks to Ember Leigh and Deana Birch for all their insight with this book, as well as Cate and Landra for always letting me bounce ideas and brainstorm. And of course, a huge thank you for everyone involved from Hot Tree Publishing for taking a chance on this book and this series and really enabling them to shine.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katherine McIntyre is a feisty chick with a big attitude despite her short stature. She writes stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—and there's an equally high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As an eternal geek and tomboy who’s always stepped to her own beat, she’s made it her mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there, from different cultures and races to all varieties of men and women.

Website: http://www.katherine-mcintyre.com

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ABOUT THE PUBLISHER

Hot Tree Publishing loves love. Publishing adult romantic fiction, HTPubs are all about diverse reads featuring heroes and heroines to swoon over. Since opening in 2015, HTPubs have published more than 300 titles across the wide and diverse range of romantic genres. If you’re chasing a happily ever after in your favourite subgenre, HTPubs have you covered.

Interested in discovering more amazing reads brought to you by Hot Tree Publishing? Head over to the website for information:

www.hottreepublishing.com

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