My face flamed red. “Lacey,” I hiss.
“Hey, you asked.” She laughs. “How is Paris and Mr. Perfect?”
I clear my throat and whisper. “I think I’m going to have sex.”
“What?” Lacey exclaims.
“Long time ago, when we first started see each other, I made the joke of losing my virginity in Paris. Well, I’m in Paris, so I guess he wants sex?” I almost start biting my nails in nervousness. I start to pace the room. Hudson hasn’t said anything, but I know that he has got to remember me saying that.
“Look, I’m surprised you two have lasted this long. I mean, Hudson’s right hand has got to be killing him by now, but if he isn’t pushing you into it, then what’s the problem? Do you want to have sex?”
I stop pacing. “Yes, but I’m so scared.”
“Hey, it will be okay. Hudson isn’t going to push you into anything you don’t want to do. If that was the case, he would have left a long time ago.”
“You’re right. I’m just nervous.” I can feel my hands shaking, thinking about what might happen.
“Look, everyone has their first time, but you have an advantage that others don’t have.”
“What’s that?” I have no clue how I can have an advantage. I’m a twenty-four year old virgin.
“You’re not some awkward teenager in the back of a Jeep. You’re not with some guy who has braces. You’re in Paris with a Stanley Cup Champion and captain of the Portland Vikings. On top of all that, he loves you. Now, go put on some sexy lingerie and get laid.” She hangs up.
I roll my eyes at the phone. As much as I hate to admit it, she’s right. Hudson won’t force me to do anything that I don’t want to do. I hear the bathroom door open, and Hudson comes out. He’s wearing a pair of boxer briefs, and they’re hanging low. I feel my mouth go dry. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen him in them, but something is different. I’m different.
Being with Hudson has given me confidence. Even though I still blush, and Hudson and I have only touched each other, but gone no further, I still feel like I’ve grown.
“Baby, you okay?” He asks softly, taking my hand, and kissing the inside of my wrist. I love the shiver that goes through me when he does that.
“I’m fine.” I kiss his lips. “I’m going to get ready for bed.” I grab my small bag and head to the bathroom.
I stare at myself in the mirror. My hands are shaking a little, but I manage to strip out of my clothes. I put on a pair of lace boy shorts and matching bra. They are hunter green, and bring out the color of my eyes. I fluff my hair and spray a little bit of perfume. I close my eyes, counting to ten. I say a silent pray that I won’t pass out. I slip on one of the hotel robes and open the door.
Hudson is sitting at the end of the bed, flipping through the channels of the TV.
“There is nothing on TV,” Hudson says before turning off the TV. “Ready for bed?”
I nod. He stands and turns down the covers. I haven’t moved from my spot.
“Ellie, are you sure you’re okay?”
I stare at his chocolate brown eyes as he comes closer to me. I step up to him and gently kiss his lips. I push my fingers through his hair, and he moans. He grips my hips, pulling me closer to him.
“What was that for?” He asks breathlessly.
“For being amazing. I know we started off rocky, but thank you for loving me.”
“Shouldn’t I be thanking you then? You gave me a second chance.” He kisses my lips. His tongue dances with mine. I can feel my body heat rising as he runs his hands up and down my back. Once we break the kiss, we stare at each other.
I love him. I smile at him as he looks at me, like I’m the only person in the world. He heads over to the bed and slides in.
“Ellie, are you just going to stand there all night?”
I shake my head as I head to my side of the bed. He’s lying on his back, not really looking at me. I don’t know where the confidence comes from, but I untie the robe and let it drop. I crawl into the bed next to him.
He rolls over and turns the light off. We kept the curtains open and the city lights dimly illuminate the room. I don’t know how to start this. I don’t know what to say. Lacey says that I have the advantage, but I think she is wrong.
“Ellie, baby, um, what are you wearing?” I see Hudson prop up on his elbow. I look at him and touch his face.