“That doesn’t mean she should,” I protested.“This is what family is for.When I was trying to pretend everything was alright in my old life, she and Goodie were having none of it.I think it’s time to return the favor.”
“Just another reason to be grateful to them.Though knowing you, you would have found your way regardless.”His unfailing confidence in me was humbling.He glanced over as he changed the subject.“Are you about packed?”
I nodded.“Though I’m hoping I have some time for some shopping while we’re there.So much of what I have is from the Stepford Lucy era.”I grimaced.“And anyway, I know you’ll be tied up for some of the time.”
His knuckles flexed on the wheel as he clearly struggled with the right response.
“Honey, you need to do your thing,” I coaxed.
He cut the engine and turned to me in the dim light of the truck cab.“My thing is you.”
Climbing over the console, I straddled his lap as he gripped my hips and stared into my eyes.
“I can tell you’re a bit anxious about this trip, and I don’t want you to be.I’ve been to New York—I can find my way around,” I assured him.“It sounds fun.”
His expression softened.“Darlin’, any concern I have has nothing to do with my confidence in you.You’re the most competent woman I’ve ever known.You’re also the most precious thing in my world.I’m a protective bastard—something I never knew before you.But that has everything to do with me and nothing to do with you, yeah?”He rested his forehead against mine.“If it really drives you crazy, I can try to check it.”
I raised a skeptical brow, smothering a smile.“Really?”
He looked adorably uncertain, clearly fighting to give me what I wanted, as he always did.
My smile broke free, and I put him out of his misery.“I don’t mind, babe.You never make me feel limited.If anything, I’m the freest I’ve ever been.”I leaned in the kiss him.“And I think it’s kind of hot how alpha you get.”
“Thank Christ, because I really don’t think I can help it.”Looking relieved, he gripped my hips tighter still, grinding me down against him.
I let out a breathy sigh at the feel of him beneath me.“I didn’t think so.”
“We’ll figure out time for you to explore,” he promised.“I know you can find your way around New York, but I’d feel better if you had security with you.They can be unobtrusive while you do your thing.And, baby, that thing includes you using my card.”
“But—”
He squeezed my hips, cutting off my protest.“Darlin’, far as I see it, what’s mine is yours.Let me spoil you a bit—or a lot, depending on how much you decide to spend.”He winked.
I still wasn’t entirely comfortable with Hudson spending money on me, but from the look in his eyes, I could tell this mattered to him.I’d just have to find something he liked looking at me in.
For now, that would be in nothing at all.
Chapter 20
Hudson
We landed smoothly in New York two days later, the midday sun streaming through the jet windows.
Lucy sat at my side, donning a green dress and boots, looking effortlessly gorgeous as always.As the aircraft came to a stop, she stared out the window with a smile, having fully enjoyed her first experience on a private jet.
I pulled my ball cap lower on my brow—my armor of sorts—as I stood up and reached for her hand before leading her to the exit.
“What about our luggage?”
“It’ll be seen to,” I assured her as I guided her down the stairs of the jet and directly into the waiting car.The security team would follow behind us in a separate SUV.
“Fancy,” she noted with a playful grin as we settled into the Escalade.
“Hi, Greg,” I greeted the driver, who I frequently used when in New York.
“Mr.Carter.”He nodded with his trademark professionalism.“Miss Kincaid.”No doubt he’d done his research.“To the stadium, sir?”
“Yes, thanks.”I had sound check for a few hours but had managed to free up our evening and had some surprises planned for Lucy.