Page 75 of With This Ring
“No, I’m fine, Dad,” she insisted. “But thank you.”
“Call me if you need me,” he told her before folding his tall frame into the car and starting the engine.
Dakota turned toward Skye and Gunner, who were laughing by a red sports car. “Gunner,” she said, and he looked over at her. “Are you going to stop by the store to get your tux for the prom?”
“He sure is,” Skye said, resting her hand on Gunner’s bicep.
Gunner held up his hand. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll be by after school this week.”
“Good. See you then.” She waved to her brother and his family and then ambled toward the house.
Her heart gave a little kick when she realized she was going to be alone with Hudson again. She stopped in the kitchen doorway and took in the view of him fixing her cabinet doors. “What do you think you’re doing?”
He looked over his shoulder and grinned, which sent shivers dancing down her spine. “What does it look like?”
“I told you I can fix them myself.” She walked over to him, and a whiff of his woodsy cologne sent her senses spinning.
He tightened a screw and then opened and closed the door, testing it. “You fed me, so it’s only right that I do something to repay you. And I found this screwdriver in a drawer.” He looked sheepish. “I didn’t mean to go through your things, but my aunt would tan my hide if she knew I stayed for supper and didn’t bring something to share.” He pointed the screwdriver toward the counter. “I was going to start the dishwasher, but I thought fixing your cabinet doors would be more helpful.”
“Thanks.” Despite herself, appreciation shimmied through her. “That’s really thoughtful.”
“Happy to help. Dinner was delicious, and the company was great too.” When he turned to face her, he was only a breath away. He stared down at her, and her throat dried. “I guess I should get going.”
But she wasn’t ready for him to leave—not yet.
“Would you like to sit on the deck?”
“Sure,” he said without hesitation.
She poured two glasses of sweet iced tea before handing him one.
He smiled again, and her heart did a jig.
They sat out on the deck just as the sun started to set, sending vibrant colors across the sky. A cool breeze kicked up the smell of moist earth mixed with honeysuckle. Dakota skimmed her hands over her arms and mulled over the evening. How easily Hudson had fit in with her family once again. Then she turned toward him and recalled their last conversation.
“Did you deliver the cufflinks to Layla?” she asked.
“Yes, and you’ll be happy to know we’ve agreed to call a truce. Again.”
She smiled. “That’s fantastic.” She took a long draw from her glass of iced tea.
“I heard your mom say she was worried about you,” he said, and Dakota gulped.
Had he been eavesdropping when her mother told her to avoid him? She tried to hide her embarrassment. “What exactly did you hear?”
“Nick said something about how you’d missed a bunch of their Sunday night dinners. Is that why she’s worried?”
Dakota nearly blew out a relieved sigh. “Yeah. I’ve been working late at the store trying to get Layla’s gown right, among other things. It’s turned into a more difficult project than I imagined.” She realized what she said and added, “Not that I can’t handle it.It’s just taking more time than expected, and I don’t want her to be disappointed with the final product. I know how much it means to her.”
“I have full confidence the gown will look exactly like my mom’s. You always were the best seamstress in Flowering Grove.”
Dakota smiled. “Thanks.”
“It’s the truth.” He shrugged. “I remember how busy you stayed tailoring all of your friends’ gowns during prom season. Your sewing room was full of dresses.”
She sipped her tea while the compliment warmed her from the inside out.
“Do you remember those matching shirts you made us for spirit day in high school?”