Hudson told me that I should shower first and I didn't have it in me to argue. He had been working physically for the first half of the day and he frequently told me that I was trying to kill him. it wasn't true, of course, but I was trying to get the best shots and angles possible. Still, when he piled a faded green tee shirt and sweatpants into my arms I decided that I won't protest now. This would give me a chance to be alone and collect myself. And dear god I needed to collect myself if I wanted to get through this night.

I was mindful of how long I spent in the shower. I used just enough hot water to rinse off my makeup and run some shampoo through my hair. Without my hair brush I had to run my fingers through all of the tangles. When I looked in the fogged mirror at my reflection I couldn't help but laugh. The baggy shirt hid the fact that I wasn't wearing a bra, but gave my body no shape and the way the sweatpants hung around my hips made me look like some kind of balloon. Now, if Jen was wearing this she still would've looked like a goddess, but on a woman like me it was pathetic.

For a second I debated not leaving the safety of the bathroom. Surely Hudson would laugh at me if he saw me like this. But I told myself it didn't matter. I wasn't interested in the snowboard with the cute smile and honest eyes. Besides, I couldn't date clients anyway, especially not with Shawna looming around and Connor less than forgotten. I walked out of the bathroom with my head held high, prepared for laughter, but Hudson just nodded his head towards the television in the living room. I settled onto the couch without a word.

Max calmed right down when he realized that Hudson was staying home for a while. the big, bouncing dog settled into a couch potato who just wanted to lay his head in his owner's lap. When Hudson went to shower after he put the chicken wings and French fries in the oven Max decided that I could be second best. I ran my fingers through his curly coat, smiling a little bit when his tail thumped against the couch. I never had a dog of my own because I couldn't give it the time it deserved while I was following Connor around. I wondered how Hudson justified it with all of his travels. When those big eyes stared up at me I had a hard time even considering leaving him and he wasn't even mine.

"Are the wings done?" Hudson asked, materializing in the hallway.

"Oh Jesus, you scared me," I gasped, jerking so hard that Max lifted his head from my legs. My hand even fell over my heart. But when my eyes landed on him that hand stayed there. His thick brown hair was still dripping with moisture, running down his neck to strong shoulders, toned arms. Or, alternatively, the little water droplets were moving down his bare chest, disappearing as they went. My stare trickled downwards with the water until I hit the waistband of his shorts.

I snapped my eyes away. "Sorry, I haven't checked on them. Max has been stealing all of my attention."

At the sound of his name Max thumped his tail against the couch and let his tongue loll out of his mouth. I couldn't help but ruffle the fur between his ears and smile at him.

"Yeah, he'll do that," Hudson agreed, slipping into the kitchen and opening the oven door. "The good news is the wings are safe. The bad news is the fries are going to be a little crispier than anyone would prefer."

I tried to laugh but it came out as a little wheeze. My God, did he have to saunter around here without a shirt on? It had been so long since I had been with any man that I was staring at his bare skin like a teenage girl. He wasn't rippling with muscle like a hockey player would be, but his body being the perfect balance of fit and feasible almost made my mouth water.

Thankfully, he didn't catch me staring at his chest or his muscular back. He pulled both sheets out of the oven. While they cooled he went to the washer and dryer that were hidden behind a closet door and pulled a dress shirt out of the dryer.

"What does Max do all day when you're out on the mountain?" I asked, hoping that a normal conversation would slow my breathing and help me lose the blush that had overtaken half of my body.

"Whatever most dogs do when their owners go to work. Most lifts open at nine in the morning and close at four so it's shorter than a normal workday. Plus, I don't exactly work five days a week. I usually am only on the mountain two or three times a week for full days. Plus, we pretty much have the whole summer off to just hang out and be pals. He's a great little hiking buddy."

"I could see that," I mused, rubbing Max's chest. When I glanced at Hudson again I wasn't sure if I was relieved or disappointed that he had a shirt on. Still, I forced a smile when he settled on the couch beside me and handed me a plate.

"Sorry, it's not exactly gourmet, but it's all I had and I'm not feeling like risking an accident just to get groceries."

"This is perfect, Hudson. To be really honest I haven't been impressed by gourmet food in a long time. Oddly enough, when you took me out for supper I was craving a poutine."

Hudson let out a hearty laugh, the kind that came from someone's chest and was filled with so much warmth. His brown eyes were dancing with humor.

"You're my kind of girl, princess."

~~~Distraction Section~~~

Hey everyone, since the world is a bit of a dark place right now I figured I would do my part to spread some cheer. I started doing this in Stripping For The Alpha King and it was a success. So, for this book I will be posting a chapter every day for seven days straight. I know that some of you are in quarantine and self isolation and I wanted to thank you for doing your part the best way I know how, with writing. Also, to keep you a little more distracted I'm going to ask a daily question. Some will be funny, some will be deeper. You don't need to feel obligated to answer, I just like knowing that I got to distract you for a couple minutes.

Question of the Day: What is your favorite cheesy pickup line?