eggnog and have gone straight to the bourbon,” Chris said as he held up an almost empty bottle.
“It was actually almost empty when we started on it. But we did drink the eggnog. Sorry, that’s all gone,” Hudson said.
I wasn’t upset. I wasn’t going to drink anyway because it simply wasn’t worth the twinges or pain it would cause later.
“Okay, so you’re not drunk?” Chris asked.
“Nope,” Ford replied before he walked over to Chris and took him by the shoulders. I held my breath but let it out quickly when Ford simply moved Chris to the side and then walked past him. Of course, what did I think he was going to do? Kiss him?
“Is it just me, or is there something going on there?” Hudson whispered.
“I don’t know. Chris was grumbling about Ford and how he’s an asshole and something about spare tires. I’m not really sure.”
Hudson’s eyes rounded. “That was him?” he said loudly, drawing the attention of the other two in the room.
“Umm, maybe?” I tugged on Hudson’s hand and pulled him with me back to his bedroom. I wanted to put my bag down and out of the way, and I really wanted a kiss.
Hudson had the same idea because as soon as we were in the bedroom, I found myself pinned to the wall, and my bag thudded to the floor when Hudson’s lips met mine. My hands instinctively went to his hair, and I moaned when his tongue thrust into my mouth and started tracing the roof.
“You two, knock it off,” Ford said from just outside the door. I jerked a bit and pulled on Hudson’s hair, breaking the kiss.
“He’s not spending the night tonight, is he? I mean, it’s okay if he is but…”
“He’s not spending the night. He’s going home because he’s on duty so Wells can watch his niece for his sister and brother-in-law.”
“Okay, then maybe he shouldn’t be drinking the eggnog? And definitely not the bourbon.”
Hudson looked like he was about to argue but simply nodded and took off out the door.
“Hudson,” I called out, bringing him back to me.
“Yeah?”
“Hair. You should probably fix it,” I said.
Hudson looked up at his forehead before he took off for his bathroom. He was back moments later and snagged my hand on the way out the door. We made it to the kitchen just in time for him to whisk a cup of what definitely looked like eggnog from Ford’s hand.
“No more for you. You’re driving later.”
“It’s Christmas. You’re going to kick me out on Christmas?”
“Cuz, you’re on duty tonight. When do you think the calls will start coming in?”
“You’re working? On Christmas?” Chris asked, his face a look of sadness.
“Not all of us have nine-to-five jobs, Chris,” Ford said but reached for the cup that Hudson was holding.
“I’m good. That’s my second cup, and that’s all I’m having. I don’t go on duty until seven anyway. Plenty of time for it to wear off.” Ford reached for the cup again, and this time, Hudson let him take it. Seven was four hours away. Ford was right. That was more than enough time for any alcohol to work through his system, even if we weren’t about to eat.
“Fine. I take it supper is ready?”
“Yep. That’s why I was getting the two of you before you started ripping each other’s clothes off like you did the night of the Christmas party.”
“I still can’t believe you two did that. What if someone saw you?” Chris asked.
“I saw them,” Ford replied and headed back to the kitchen. We were never going to live that down. Ever.
“Does it matter? You won three days off,” I reminded him.
Chris smiled. “True. Thanks. I’m using them over New Year’s,” Chris said.
“Can we eat?” Ford asked.
“Yeah, we can eat.” Hudson looked at his cousin, concern in his eyes. I didn’t know what was going on, but I’d find out later after everyone left. Right now, I had Christmas dinner to devour.
20
Hudson
“Chris, what’s in these deviled eggs?” I asked. They were so damn creamy, and there was something else. I just couldn’t tell what.
“Cayenne. Just a pinch though.”
“Huh. I never would have guessed that,” Ford said and shoved another in his mouth. I had to agree. They were the best deviled eggs I’d ever had.
“And the cranberry salad?” I asked. I was used to what Ford called “canberry sauce.” It came out of a can, shaped like the can.
“Oh, that one I know. Jell-O, cranberries, sugar, grapes, and pineapple. It’s my favorite,”