What Love Looks Like

Our bodies sway to the music, and with each passing song, Hudson proves he does, in fact, have moves. Our eyes stay locked on each other as if everything around us has faded away, and we’re the only two people here.

When a slower, sexier song comes on, he pulls me closer until my body is flush against his. He slides his hands down my hips to my backside, landing on my ass, and tugs me closer. I can see it in his eyes that he’s going to kiss me… and I’m totally going to let him.

And then my phone buzzes in the back pocket of my jeans, reminding me of my obligations. “I have to go,” I tell him. “I’m sorry but thank you for the drinks and the dance.”

I step back, breaking our sizzling chemistry, and he opens his mouth, probably to ask why—and I’d like to think also to ask me to stay—when Lisa appears at my side.

“Give us a moment,” she says to Hudson as she pulls me to the side.

“Hol-y shit, girl.” She fans her face dramatically and then presses the back of her hand against my forehead.

“What the heck are you doing?” I ask with a confused laugh.

“I was checking to see if you have a fever. You guys were so hot on the dance floor. I can’t believe you haven’t caught fire.”

“Oh my God, stop. I have to go g—”

“No, you don’t. I have it handled. Stay here and enjoy your night.”

“But—”

“Nope, everything will be fine. Now go.” She pushes me back toward where Hudson is waiting for me. “You’re twenty-four years old, sis. Now go act like it!”

I want to argue with her—tell her that being twenty-four means responsibility and obligations, not staying out late with a sexy man I’ve only just met—but she’s right. I’ve been busting my ass for the past four years in school, and I’ve not only graduated but also secured a job. I deserve a night out.

“You sure?” I ask her, feeling like I need to give her an out.

“Yes! Now stop worrying and go have fun. We’ll either see you later tonight or tomorrow morning, but if it’s tomorrow morning, make sure you let me know so I don’t worry.” Then she saunters off, leaving me standing here wondering what the hell I’m doing.

“Everything okay?” Hudson asks over the loud music.

“Yeah. I, um, actually don’t have to leave after all.”

A smile splits across his face. “Yeah? Does that mean you’re all mine tonight?”

The thought of being his, even if only for a few hours, has butterflies exploding in my belly.

“I’m all yours.”

“Let’s go.” He entwines our fingers and wastes no time hauling me off the dance floor. I try to ask him where we’re going, unsure if he misunderstood and plans to take me back to his place and have his way with me—and then I wonder if I’d actually mind. I’ve never had a one-night stand before, but if I’m going to have one, it might as well be with someone who, based on the way he dances, has some moves in the bedroom.

Once we’re outside, the scent of the ocean breeze hits my senses hard, and I take a second to breathe in the fresh air. Even though it’s still warm outside, it feels cooler out here because the number of gyrating bodies in the bar made it hotter inside. With a few Jack and Cokes running through me, I’m a bit tipsy—the good kind, where you feel light and carefree, and your inhibitions are taking a walk, but you haven’t drunk enough that you dread waking up tomorrow with a hangover.

When we turn the corner, Hudson stops in front of one of the expensive-looking golf carts I’ve only seen the staff driving and bows dramatically. “Your chariot awaits, my lady.”

I find myself giggling at his silliness as I slide onto the passenger seat. He sprints around the front and jumps in, turning a key and stepping on the gas like he’s a part of The Fast and the Furious golf cart edition.

“Are we going to get arrested for stealing a golf cart?” I yell over the wind whirring around us as he recklessly drives down the sidewalk, taking the corners as if he’s in a real race. I should be concerned about us flipping or hitting someone, but as he laughs at my question, only picking up his speed in response, I find myself laughing along with him. I can’t remember the last time I felt this carefree. I’ll have to thank Lisa later for affording me this time to, as she put it, act my age.

We take the winding path in several directions, and since the resort is beyond massive, I have no idea which way we’re heading. Hudson’s driving as though he’s on a mission, so I hope he knows. When he finally stops, I look in front of us and see where he’s taken us.