CHAPTER 4: SEVEN DAYS.

HARPER'S POV:

Hudson stood as we approached, a charming smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Ladies," he greeted us collectively, his gaze lingering on me for a beat longer than the others. "Glad you could join us. I'm Hudson."

Mila took the lead, introducing herself and the others with her usual confidence, putting everyone immediately at ease.

Oasis winked at Owen, who raised an eyebrow in amusement, and Nivea struck up a casual conversation with Hudson about the beautiful view from the resort.

***

As the evening wore on, drinks flowed freely and laughter filled the air.

I found myself drawn to Hudson, our conversations becoming more intimate, though I was careful not to give away too many details about my life.

There was a magnetic pull between us I couldn't explain. Every conversation pulled me a little closer, and I hated how quickly I was beginning to look for him whenever someone else spoke.

We all eventually made our way to the Italian restaurant inside the resort for dinner.

Hudson sat next to me, his knee pressing against mine under the table.

"So," he grinned. "Are you a heavy drinker?"

I chuckled.

"Truthfully, no. I think I've had enough to drink too for the night so I'm just going to stick to water from this point onward. Lots of water."

Laughing, Hudson glanced toward my friends and Owen, who were already ordering more shots.

"They need that water more than you do," he said.

I sighed and nodded. "I agree."

Hudson looked impressed. His gaze turned back to me.

"You're fascinating, yet, not the partying type."

I took a sip of the water that had been brought to me and shook my head.

"Not really," I said. "I keep myself busy in other ways."

"Like what?"

"I like to read," I answered.

Hudson stared at me, clearly expecting more, but when I didn't go into detail, he chuckled.

"All right," he replied. "Don't want to get too personal I see."

He gently shoved his shoulder against mine, and the simple contact sent heat rushing through me.

His leg pressed more firmly against mine, and when he reached for the Insalata Di Mare, his arm brushed against mine. I was pretty sure it was intentional.

By the time we were done with dinner, that same arm was around me and I was resting my head on his shoulder.

Our group moved on to the resort's bar, and Hudson kept me pressed against his side.

Oasis, Mila, Nivea, and Owen dispersed into the crowd.

I watched as guys started to flock around my friends, and a couple of women drifted toward Owen, drawn in by his easy grin.

When I was satisfied that my friends had found new people to party with, I focused on the man I was with.

Hudson and I stayed a little separate from everyone, wrapped up in each other as we sat at the end of the bar.

"So, tell me something about yourself," Hudson said when he got his beer and I got another water. "Something real. It can be something vague if you want, but just give me some little crumb of who you really are."

I bit my bottom lip, unable to resist his request. It was interesting he wanted to get to know me.

"I read way too much. Mostly psychology and technology. Lately I've been fascinated by how artificial intelligence is changing the way people live."

Shit! That was boring. I should've said something more interesting. I almost hated myself instantly for rambling.

"Most people tell me they like travelling or N*****x." He smiled. "You're talking about artificial intelligence. You're very interesting, Madison," he murmured.

We continued talking as everyone partied around us.

Eventually, Hudson leaned in closer to me.

"Madison," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. "Would you like to take a walk with me along the beach?"

My heart raced at the intimate suggestion, and without hesitation, I nodded.

Standing up, we left the group behind and made our way down to the shore, where the gentle waves lapped at the sand.

Under the moonlight, with only the sound of the ocean as our companion, Hudson took my hand, his touch sending shivers down my spine.

We walked in comfortable silence for a while until he stopped and turned to face me.

"I'm glad I met you on this trip," he said softly, his eyes searching mine. "There's something about you, Madison."

"I'm glad I met you too," I murmured, a hint of Madison's bravery slipping.

We stared at each other for a long moment, and I could tell what he was thinking. It was obvious in his gaze, and I wanted it too, but I needed to set some firm boundaries so there was no danger of this week-long fling turning into anything more.

I had spent four years working toward a career. I wasn't about to throw it away because I met a beautiful man beside a swimming pool. Relationships of any sort were simply not something I could afford to be distracted by. Better to protect my heart from the start and make my plans known.

"I know where this is probably heading." I swallowed. "If we're going to do this... I don't want one night. For the next seven days and six nights, I want the thought of what you've done to my body to fill my mind. Give me an unforgettable week, Hudson, but that's all. Let's avoid making it personal. No strings. At the end of the week, we part ways with nothing but the memories we make together while we're here. What do you say?"

He tilted his head to the side, studying me for several moments. His jaw tightened then he looked away, his focus on the waves.

Crap, had I gone too far? Had I been too blunt? What if he decided I was sounding shady?