“C’mon, Mommy!” Abby says to me. “We’re gonna swim with the dolphins.”
Hudson chuckles. “I’m not sure we’ll see any dolphins right now, but they’re definitely out there somewhere.”
We spend the next several minutes playing in the shallow water. Abby loves it, asking if she can bring some water and sand back with us to show her grandparents, and of course, Presley offers her one of her buckets to do so.
When the girls have had enough, I offer to take them back to play in the sand while Hudson stays out with Lucas so he can play on his board. We spend the day on the beach. Hudson rented a huge cabana that comes complete with couches, lounge chairs, and even a flat-screen TV in the corner. A little while later, I learn it also comes with a waitress, who makes sure we stay hydrated and brings us lunch.
“Today has been fun, thank you,” I tell Hudson as we carry our exhausted daughters up the sidewalk with Lucas and his board following. It’s early afternoon, and since the kids are beached out, we decided to call it a day.
“I’m glad we could be a part of your first official time at the beach,” he says.
“You’ve spoiled us, and my daughter will be shocked tomorrow when she learns going to the beach doesn’t equal a mini-house and a waitress.” I wink playfully, making him laugh.
“Daddy, can Abby come over and watch a movie with me?” Presley asks, half-asleep. Abby is already passed out in my arms for her afternoon nap. I thought naps would end once she started school, but she gets so worn out from learning all day that she’ll take a small power nap when she gets home. In a couple of hours, she’ll be reenergized and ready to go again.
“If it’s okay with Sawyer, I don’t see why not.” He glances at me with heat in his eyes. “What do you say? Dinner and a movie?” He waggles his brows, so only I can see, and my insides tighten in response.
I should be responsible and say no. We’ve only just met, and we’re already spending a lot of time together. We should probably take some time apart. But there’s just something about him that has me gravitating toward him. I shouldn’t already trust him, but I do. I’ve watched him closely all day with our kids. He’s patient and kind and playful. He’s a damn good hands-on dad from what I’ve seen, and I’m not ready to end our time together yet.
“Dinner and a movie sounds great.”
After exchanging numbers to communicate, we part ways since he’s staying in a different building. I take Abby back to our room for her nap, and while she’s sleeping, I shower and get dressed. While I’m hanging up our wet suits, a text message comes through from Hudson.
Hudson: All day I couldn’t stop thinking about you.
I suck in a sharp breath at his admission. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about him too. We might’ve been together all day, but with three kids, the world revolves around them, putting whatever was brewing between us on the backburner.
Me: What were you thinking about?
Hudson: I don’t like how things ended between us last night.
Me: How did things end?
Hudson: That’s the problem… the night ended. I want a to be continued.
I get what he’s saying. The chemistry was clearly there. But I don’t know what he wants, knowing on Saturday, I’ll be leaving. Maybe that’s just it. He’s a single dad, and I’m a single mom, and maybe, despite him being some famous professional athlete, he’s as lonely as I am, and he’s looking for some company… temporary company. Can I be that person? I’ve never been a one-night-stand type of woman. Then again, I barely know what type of woman I am since I’ve spent all these years focusing on school and Abby. I’ve had a few short-term relationships, but none of them were ever serious enough to introduce my daughter to.
Maybe, just for this week, I can let myself just be. See where things go… enjoy my time with him for what it is, knowing there’s a time limit on it. Or maybe I’m overthinking things, and after tonight, I’ll never see Hudson again.
Just as I’m working myself up with the unknowns, another text comes in.
Hudson: And to be clear TBC means I want more time with you. I’ll take as many hours of your time while you’re here as you’ll give me, in any capacity.
Well, okay then. Guess he’s not one to beat around the bush. Unsure what to text back, I leave it alone. I’ll see him in a couple of hours anyway.
After Abby wakes up from her nap, I give her a quick shower and text Hudson to let him know we’re on our way over and to ask for his room number. I find out he’s on the top floor, most likely in one of those ridiculous suites, and my suspicions are confirmed when he says he’ll meet me downstairs because a special key card is required to access his floor from the elevator.