Trent studied him. "Wealth really doesn't matter to you, does it?"
"I admire those who work hard for what they have, no matter how much or how little. From a very young age, I was aware of the privilege I'd been born into. I simply couldn't understand my family's response to tho
se who had less than we did. It was even more apparent when my grandparents took me on trips to London. During one particular outing to Covent Garden, I saw a little boy about my age, at the time, huddled by a trash bin, shivering from the cold. I pulled my hand out of my grandmother's and ran over to him. I took off my cap and gave it to the boy. He gave me the most wonderful smile. I remember how good it felt to see him so happy. I returned his smile just before I was yanked away and scolded by my grandfather. I was confused by his anger. It was only a hat, and I had so many at home. Why couldn't I give it to someone who didn't have any? I thought about it on the train ride home, and I decided the reprimand wasn't going to stop me from doing it again. And I did. Again and again. Gloves, scarves, hats, money for sweets." Hudson laughed at the memory. "I'd come up with the most outlandish tales for how I lost them." His smile fell away, and he dropped his gaze to his fingers.
"They didn't take it well, huh?"
Hudson shrugged. "I was different. Stubborn and difficult. Some things never change."
"Hey." Trent covered Hudson's hand with his. "Look at me."
Hudson did, surprised by the warmth in Trent's eyes. "You're amazing. If they couldn't see that, it's their loss."
"Thank you."
Hudson was having a lovely time. He ignored his inner wolf's growls. It was not happy with Hudson in the slightest. In fact, the sweeter Trent was, the more furious and unsettled his inner wolf became. Pacing, growling, spitting, refusing to behave itself or take a bloody nap.
Calm your fucking tits, all right? Piss off.
The coq au vin was delicious, and Hudson appreciated how Trent had informed the waiter to exclude the mushrooms as Hudson had completely forgotten. He was feeling a little warm from the second large glass of red wine Trent insisted he have. Hudson wasn't much of a wine drinker, but he didn't wish to be rude. It was delightful, of course, but far more than Hudson usually drank. After one glass of wine, Trent stuck with nonalcoholic drinks, since he was driving, a detail he admitted to having overlooked in his eagerness to impress Hudson.
After their sumptuous meal, where they talked about everything from work to the weather, they walked next door to Glaukos, a posh martini bar awash in blue lighting, with comfortable chairs and a pleasant atmosphere. Hudson's blueberry lemonade was fabulous. He'd have to tell Dex about this place. Dex loved a good cocktail.
"I don't get it."
"What's that?" Hudson asked, before taking another sip of his cocktail.
"How someone so gorgeous hasn't been swept off his feet." Trent leaned against the bar, facing Hudson. It was a little disconcerting being the focus of Trent's intense gaze, but that was likely due to the fact Hudson hadn't been looked at in such a way in a long time, at least not by someone who wasn't Seb. Trent took Hudson's hand, his thumb stroking Hudson's wrist, making Hudson's cheeks flush.
"Yes, well, being marked tends to put a damper on things for some."
"Good thing I'm nothing like those idiots. Some people can be so narrow-minded. I admit, I didn't really get it at first, the whole being marked or marking someone, but it makes sense. I mean, you fall hard for someone, think they're going to be with you forever, and one day they're not. Why shouldn't you find happiness again?"
Hudson's heart skipped a beat when Trent slowly straightened. He put his hand to Hudson's cheek, his smile stunning. "You deserve to be happy, Hudson."
Before Hudson could respond, Trent kissed him. Hudson stiffened, the taste, scent, and feel of Trent foreign to him. This was not his mate, and his inner wolf was livid. Hudson quickly shook himself out of it. He leaned into the kiss and placed his hands on Trent's shoulders, slanting his mouth and parting his lips in response. It was a sweet kiss, their tongues exploring languidly, tasting, caressing. Trent was in no hurry, and Hudson relaxed. When they came up for air, Hudson felt his face flush at Trent's incredible smile.
"Wow."
Hudson laughed softly. He averted his gaze, but Trent gently turned his head back to him.
"I really, really don't want to say good night. Not yet. I thought maybe, since I missed your birthday, you'd let me make it up to you?"
"Oh?" Hudson blinked at him, surprised Trent had known about Hudson's birthday.
"Yeah, I got you a little something. It's back at my place. You can say no. I'll just bring it in to work tomorrow, and it's all good." Trent laughed and shook his head. "My God, that sounded like the cheesiest pickup line ever."
"You bought me something for my birthday?"
"Yeah."
Hudson was touched. He really was having a good time. What would it hurt to extend the evening a little longer? It wasn't late by any means, and they were just getting to know each other. They didn't get to speak much at work, and it wasn't as if Hudson was committed. Besides, Trent wasn't some stranger he'd met at a bar or club. He was a colleague. This was the perfect opportunity to see where things could go with Trent. A chance at a new beginning.
"All right."
"Great!" Trent got up and offered his arm to Hudson, who took it with a bright smile. It started to rain, and Hudson laughed as they ran down the street to the garage where the car was parked. By the time they reached the front door of Trent's ground-floor flat, Hudson's hair was a mess. They were both a bit of a mess, actually.
HUDSON TOOK a seat on the couch in Trent's living room as Trent fetched them each a towel. Hudson dried his hair and ran a hand through it before wiping his glasses. They'd fogged up from the run, forcing him to take Trent's hand.