Hudson (Anderson Billionaires #4) - Melody Anne Page 0,88

from them.”

“I hate when people use that argument. I’m sure there are those who want something for nothing, but I believe that’s far more the exception than the rule,” she said.

“I think the harder we work, the more pride we take in all aspects of our lives.”

“But work shouldn’t be our entire life,” she pointed out.

He laughed hard at those words and she glared at him. He didn’t seem at all offended by her stare. Instead, he reached forward and took a second helping of her dinner, oddly pleasing her that he liked it.

“I love that you’re the one saying this, considering how many hours you put into your goals, your dreams, and your career path. Plus, your bestie blew your cover telling us she couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen you on a date.”

“Yeah, payback for her blabbering mouth will be swift,” Daisy said.

“I’m sure you’re right,” he told her. “I have a list of paybacks for my brothers who are my best friends. But my point is that when we love our work it’s not something we dread. Maybe instead of focusing on those who want handouts we should focus on those who want more resources to find their dreams. Not everyone knows what those dreams are until they stumble onto them.”

She smiled, liking this train of thought. “I agree with more resources. There’s so much we could do for the community and for people who don’t know where to start.”

“Bingo,” he said. “And it’s also okay for me to build my dream property,” he added.

She again opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. Was he right? Was it wrong of her to try to stop his dreams? Her grandfather wanted him to have the land, he wanted Daisy to move on with her life, but was that what she wanted? She wasn’t sure anymore. She couldn’t remember feeling this conflicted.

“Maybe,” she finally said. The smile he gave her made her answer so worth it. She wasn’t conceding, but she was giving a few inches.

“Dinner was delicious. I appreciate you doing this,” he said.

Her gut clenched because his tone had changed. Suddenly she wasn’t thinking about eating or building. She wasn’t thinking about anything other than this man kissing her . . . and much more.

Her thoughts must’ve been written all over her face because he stood and moved the two steps to her before reaching down and pulling her from her chair, his arms wrapping around her back.

“Yes,” she whispered as he gazed at her. She had no doubt she was saying yes to a kiss and more. By the excited look in his eyes, he knew what she was saying as well.

“Are you sure?” he asked before leaning in and gently brushing his lips against hers, not with the passion she wanted but with a gentle probing.

“I’m more than sure,” she said. And as she spoke the words, she knew they were true. She wouldn’t regret this. She’d only have regrets if she walked away without knowing how it felt to lie naked in his arms.

He looked deep in her eyes for several more heartbeats, making her think he was giving her a chance to change her mind. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he leaned in, and as his mouth connected with hers, fireworks exploded inside her.

His lips parted hers, and their tongues danced together before she was lifted off her feet. Their mouths never parted as he walked down the small hallway to his bedroom. He didn’t set her down until it was on his surprisingly large bed.

She’d wanted his touch all evening, but she was glad it hadn’t happened until now. This moment was so much better because of the anticipation. Her body was on fire, and she didn’t have an ounce of anxiety about what they were going to do again.

She reached beneath his shirt, tracing the hot skin of his back, causing him to moan against her mouth. He broke away from her and a whimper escaped as she leaned toward him, not wanting any space between them.

But he reached for her shirt and pulled it over her head before expertly undoing her bra and tossing it aside. She fell backward on the bed as he lay down with her, his eyes sparking as he gazed down. His hand trailed up her stomach and she moaned. He cupped her full breast and squeezed, his palm brushing across her nipple.

“Perfect. You are absolutely perfect,” he sighed before