Page 4 of Bridesmaid By Chance
“You have three,” I say while pulling my phone out to go over his schedule. This is where I transform. This is where I have an out-of-body experience.
Normally, I can be snarky, sarcastic, maybe a bit too sassy for my own good, but when I’m around Hudson, I’m on my best behavior. Again, I know the value of appearances.
I’m talking,we’re having dinner at the in-laws,do not say anything incriminatingtype of behavior.
I’m polite.
I’m courteous.
I do the job, and I don’t linger.
When I got this job, Jude pulled me to the side and told me that I needed to put my big-girl pants on and be professional, especially since I would be working for his friend.
And I do what Jude says.
So, yup, every time I’m in assistant mode, I feel like I’m having an out-of-body experience.
“The first meeting is with Maggie at Magical Moments. A check-in on the business and then right after that, a few blocks down, you’re meeting with Archie Wimbach.” Hudson’s gaze falls to mine.
“Archie’s today? I thought that was tomorrow.”
I shake my head. “It’s today. I sent you the notes yesterday about the possible property purchase.”
“Jesus,” he mutters and then goes to his email. He scans through his inbox, and when he sees my email, he mumbles something else under his breath and then pinches his brow.
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
“Fine,” he says in a snappy tone, and I know it’s not directed at me, more so at himself.
I’ve heard it a few times, the anger and irritation over something he’s done or something not going his way.
Here’s the thing about Hudson Hopper. He’s incredibly intelligent, a diligent and hard worker, a kind, caring boss, but also vastly more intense than anyone I’ve ever known. Why?
Because he has something to prove.
Only a few months ago, together with his brother and mine, he formed a new business after parting ways with Reginald Hopper, Hudson and Hardy’s dad.
But not only did they part ways, they started a co-op with Reginald’s enemies, the Cane brothers, who own Cane Enterprises. It was the merger of the century. They invested in smaller businesses, such as Maggie’s, and they’re building up their philanthropic side by expanding affordable housing during a time when big companies are scooping up property and price-gouging. No one saw the co-op coming, not even Reginald, and now, he’s out for blood.
Which has led to the intensity Hudson lives with on a daily basis.
Hudson blows out a heavy breath and leans back in his chair while pinching the bridge of his nose. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you.”
See? Kind. Caring.
Hot.
Just look at how the top two buttons of his shirt are undone, showing off his muscular pecs and bare chest. I saw exactly what was under those button-downs when we were at Jude’s wedding in Bora Bora. God, he’s so impossibly attractive that just looking at him makes me sweat.
Weak.
And panting like a dog—for lack of a better description. Although, I am quite feral when I see pec definition.
I’ve had the occasional thought of how I would motorboat in the ridges all over his body.
And sure, do I seem like a horny assistant drooling over her boss, obviously, can’t deny it, but I swear I perform my job well.
“It’s okay. I understand the stress you must be under at the moment.”
