What Love Looks Like

“I’m a huge fan,” Tim says. “Born and raised in New York. Moved here for college, but the Bluebirds will always be my team. Glad you decided to renew your contract.”

“Thanks for your support,” Hudson says robotically.

“Think you’ll bring home another ring?” Tim asks.

“That’s the plan.” Hudson takes a bite of his macaroni salad, relaxing slightly when it seems like the conversation is over.

“So, you play football in New York?” Deann, ever the nosy one, asks, not allowing the subject to drop. “How did you guys meet?”

“Our kids hit it off at the resort camp we were staying at earlier this summer,” I explain quickly.

“That’s so nice. Long flight to come to a birthday party,” Stacy, Deann’s sister, quips with a knowing smirk.

“Who’s ready for presents?” I call out to nobody, trying to change the subject.

Hudson’s hand tightens on my thigh, and I take a deep breath, having no idea how to handle any of this. It’s one thing for my family to be aware we have something going on, but it’s another for everyone to know. The last guy I allowed myself to get close to, chose his career over his daughter and me. The looks of pity I received for months after it got out was nearly enough to drive me out of town. I can’t imagine the looks I’d get if they knew about Hudson and me, only to learn he walked away as well… And he will walk away. He doesn’t have a choice.

“Sawyer,” Mom chides. “Presents are last. We haven’t even had cake yet. Besides, Abby is still eating her lunch with her friends.”

I sigh. “I’m going to go grab another drink. Hudson, want one?”

“Sure,” he says around his food, loosening his grip on me.

“Why don’t you come pick it out? I’m not sure what you like.”

He follows me into the house while I ignore the heat of everyone’s stares on my back.

The second we’re inside, Hudson corners me against the counter, his hands threading through my hair and his mouth attacking my own.

“Fuck, I’ve been wanting to do that since I got here,” he growls when the kiss ends. “I’ve missed these lips so damn much.” He rests his forehead against mine. “I can’t do this…” He shakes his head back and forth.

“Do what?” I breathe.

“Go weeks without seeing you.”

“Well, you better get used to it,” I say, pushing him away slightly. “Because regardless of what you’re telling my family, we still live a thousand miles apart, and once school starts and your football season officially begins, we won’t be able to hop on a plane to see each other.” Tears of frustration sting my eyes, and I dart my gaze away from Hudson, hating how emotional I suddenly am. “We can’t do this,” I mutter. “We have to cut ties. We’re only going to hurt each other if we continue like this.”

“Do you still love me, Sawyer?” he asks, framing my face.

“I…”

“Don’t lie to me. I want the truth.”

“Yes, I love you, Hudson. I wish I didn’t because then it would be easier to walk away from you, but I do. I love you so damn much.”

A smile, a real one, unlike the fake one from earlier, spreads across his face just before his mouth connects with mine in a slow, passionate kiss. He lifts me onto the counter and steps between my legs, and my arms wrap around his neck, pulling him closer. Our kiss deepens, as if we’re both trying to convey every emotion we feel with our mouths.

“I love you too,” he murmurs against my lips, lifting me back off the counter. “I need you. Now.” My brain screams I shouldn’t be doing this. I should be pushing him away, but my body tingles in response.

“Bathroom,” I breathe, hooking my legs around his waist.

The second we’re behind the closed door, our clothes are ripped from our bodies. Hudson spreads my legs wide, pulling me to the edge of the vanity, and enters me in one deep thrust.

I cry out, the feeling of him in me damn near sending me over the edge. He pumps in and out while peppering kisses all over my face and neck and giving my breasts special attention. His hands grip my thighs to hold on to me while he fucks me hard and fast.

“Rub that clit, baby,” he murmurs, suckling on the sensitive flesh just above my collarbone.

My finger finds the sensitive nub, and in doing so, I can feel him thrusting in and out of me. The closer I get to finding my release, the harder he fucks me. Just as I’m about to come, I remember something…

“No condom,” I moan as I come so hard my entire body convulses.

Hudson picks up his pace, fucking me through my orgasm, and then he pulls out, his fist wrapping around his hard length and stroking it a couple of times before ropes of cum hit my stomach and thighs.