“That’s me.”
There was a beep, and he heard the latch open on the glass doors.
“Fancy.” It was like Mackey’s new house with the electronic locks. Jack could open that one with his phone. He found the elevator and hit the button. Lord, this place was nice. He’d stayed in a couple Airbnb’s like this. They were always wild.
Hudson was waiting for him when he got off the elevator. “Hey, cowboy. Ooh. You look good. You’re not covered in dust.” Hudson grinned, teasing him.
“Do you recognize me?” he teased. “Do I need a password?”
“I don’t know, maybe you should drop your drawers so I can be sure.” Hudson gave him a quick kiss, then pointed to a door. “I’m this one.”
“This is a swanky place. Good on you!”
“Thank you. It’s really too big for just me, but I loved the neighborhood and the view.” They went inside, and he could smell dinner cooking. “If you want to drop your bag in the bedroom, it’s right down that hall.”
“Thanks.” Okay, this was a fancy-assed place, spotless and designed to within an inch of its life. The bedroom had a nice bed, though, and the view was stunning.
“Dinner will be ready in a few,” Hudson called after him.
The kitchen was just as spotless, counters clear, no goofy cookie jars or cereal boxes in sight. The grill he’d been expecting was really a grill pan on the front burner of the stove.
He guessed that it would be hard — to grill on whatever balcony deal Hudson had. It was a shame, because the sun was perfect, shining in the west-facing window like a dream.
“Beer?” Hudson brought one to him and clinked their bottles together, then pulled him in for a real kiss. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Oh, now. That was why he was here. Those hungry lips, the way Hudson felt against him.
Hudson led him to the kitchen counter, which had a few high stools, then set his beer down and checked on dinner. “I’m not an amazing cook, but I didn’t think you’d want to go out your first night here. I thought we’d just stay in.”
“I ain’t a snob, darlin’. It smells good.” He glanced around, trying to figure this chrome and modern with the Hudson he saw sweaty and messy in the sheets.
Hudson set plates down full of roasted potatoes and brussels sprouts topped with a pork chop on the bone. “I know. I just… I’ve been thinking about you a lot, that’s all. Dig in.”
“Look at that.” He snapped a picture with his phone. Mackey would ask. He cut a piece of pork chop, and it was fine. Tasty. Not too dry. He nodded and made yummy noises.
He’d have done it anyway, but it was easier when the food wasn’t gross.
Hudson smiled at him, obviously pleased that he liked it. “I can manage not to poison people at least. So tell me all about your new horses. Are they all settled? How much training do they need?”
“They’re sweethearts. Mercy is smart, but she’s willful, while Grace is ready to learn and do her job with her head down.” They were beautiful girls, fine and quick. Mercy was snow white with a black blaze down her nose. Grace was a dapple gray, and she just wanted love.
“Mercy sounds like a challenge for you. That’s good. I remember you said Princess was a challenge once too. I hope I get to meet them soon.” Hudson had always taken an interest in his horses and asked after them like they were family, which to him, they were.
“They’re both ready to ride. They’d like that. I looked at property next to Mackey. It wasn’t in the best of shape.”
“That’s too bad. Sid mentioned something about Mackey trying to get you to buy.”
“Yeah. I mean, maybe.” Shit, he didn’t know. He had been renting stable space since his brother’s family had inherited the family place.
“It needs work, huh?” Hudson was eating and sipping his wine, relaxed and easy. Just asking him questions. No innuendo. They weren’t even flirting.
“Yeah, there’s a house, a couple barns, a garage, and a workshop.” But they all needed TLC.
“Is that where you want to land, do you think? I mean, have you thought about it?”
“I don’t want to keep bothering Mackey and Sid, and I don’t want to go back to Texas.” He liked the potatoes a lot. Hudson made a good potato.
“Yeah, I don’t think I could do Texas.” Hudson popped a bite of pork chop in his mouth.