Looking for You (Oh Captain, My Captain 1)

“Are you ladies ready to go?” Hudson asks, paying the bill. I feel bad that he had to purchase mine too. He had already paid for the movie and the drive up here. I hate that he is spending all this money on me.

We all three stand to leave. We were almost to the door when someone yells Hudson’s name. I turn to see a tall male come towards him. Panic seems to wash over Hudson’s face.

“Hey, Ellie, how about we get some fresh air?” Whitney loops her arm with mine, and she pulls me towards the door.

“Um, did you know that guy?” I ask Whitney when we’re outside.

“Hell, I have no clue. Hudsy seems to know everyone, though.” She shrugs. “My brother really likes you. I can see it.” Her smile deepens.

I drop my head and stare at the ground. I can feel the heat rising to my face. What do I say to that?

“Whit, let’s get you to your car?” Hudson comes out to us.

“I’m right there.” She points across the street. “I’ll see you in a few weeks.” She hugs her brother tightly. “Love you, Hudsy,” she sings out to him.

He just shakes his head. “Love you too.”

Whitney comes over to me. “I’ve really enjoyed tonight.” I’m very surprised that she hugs me.

I gently hug her back. “Me too.”

Hudson doesn’t move until he makes sure she is in her car and drives away. It makes me smile to think how protective he is over her. He takes my hand and we walk down the street to his truck. The warm spring air is just a great addition to the wonderful night that I’m having with Hudson.

We get back into the truck and head back to my house. On the drive, we talk about dinner, Whitney, and just listen to the music. I tell Hudson that I was nervous, but she’s a great girl. I can see how proud Hudson is of his sister and family.

When we get back to my house, it’s late, and I know that Hudson must be tired. I’ve thought about him sleeping on my couch again. He opens the truck door for me and holds my hand as I slip out of the truck. He walks me up to the porch.

I turn around to him. “Hey, it’s late. Why don’t you come in for a nightcap and just…just stay here for the night?”

“Oh, Ellie, I’ll be fine.” He waves it off like it’s no big deal.

“No, it’s okay, Hudson. I would hate for you to be driving this late at night, anyway.”

He looks at me for a moment. I know that he is thinking about it. “I’ll sleep on the couch,” he finally agrees.

I smile and open the door. I head for the kitchen, because a glass of wine is what I need to keep me calm while he is here. He takes off his jacket and puts it on the back of the chair. I hand him a glass. He sips it, as I slip off my heels.

“I’ll be right back,” I say. I go to my bedroom and change into my pajamas. When I come out of the bedroom, I have a pillow and blanket with me. Hudson is in the living room with his head in his hands.

“Hudson, you okay?” He looks up and his eyes go wide, looking me up and down.

“Yes.”

I walk over to him. I lay the items at the end of the couch and sit next to him. “I hope you don’t mind the couch,” I say softly.

He leans over to me. “I don’t mind.” He kisses my cheek.

I bite my lip to hold back my joy from his lips. When I look at his eyes, I see them sparkle. I don’t know what comes over me, but I kiss him.

I kiss him.

He moans as I open my mouth. I taste the sweetness of the wine as our tongues dance. He pushes on my lightly, and I follow his lead to lay on my back. Never have I had a man on top of me. I run my hand through his soft hair as he cradles himself between my legs. It’s my turn to moan. Hudson tugs my shirt up, and I freeze. I pull away from his lips.

“Hudson, stop.” I try to catch my breath.

“I’m sorry. I got carried away.” He lays his forehead on mine. “Sorry.” He sits up and pulls me with him.

“It’s okay. I’m just not,” I stop talking. How can I say the words? I’m twenty-four and a virgin.