Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 44474 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 222(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 148(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44474 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 222(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 148(@300wpm)
His eye crinkled at the corners. “Well, okay…number one, there are a few inconsistencies. The author has the guys wearing tighty-whities in one chapter and boxer briefs in the next. I don’t know about you, but it’s one or the other for me.”
“Which is it?” I asked before I could stop myself.
“Boxer briefs. You?”
“Same.”
Hudson nodded. “Also, the animals are fed way too often. Chester had to be knee-deep in hay by the fifth chapter the way they were schleppin’ it into that poor horse’s stall every other scene. And there’s a minor plot hole with their ex-girlfriends. Both seemed like they were gonna wreak havoc, but nothing happened.”
“Oh. Right. It’s been a while since I’ve read that one. However, I remember that it was steamy and—” I bit the inside of my cheek hard enough to draw blood, then blurted in a rush, “I should never have recommended that book. I don’t know why I did it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good in spite of the plot holes and animal feeding frenzy, but I—”
“Whoa. I liked it,” he intercepted. “A lot.”
“Why?”
He wrinkled his nose in confusion. “It was light and breezy. I like the setting, and…I suppose it was the mindless diversion I needed.”
I stared at him, willing a customer to sail through the door and save me from asking a leading, inappropriate, mind-your-own-dang-business question.
“You weren’t averse to the homosexual content?”
Too late.
Hudson quirked another sexy half smile my way. “Definitely not. I’m bi.”
“Bi.” I fiddled with my glasses. “Oh, okay. Uh…great. Well…”
“Damn, I just made this weird, didn’t I?” He glanced away briefly, slipping his hat off as he turned to me again. His longish brown hair fell into place, framing his chiseled cheekbones to perfection.
I was too busy unsticking my tongue from the roof of my mouth to form a coherent sentence, so I went with, “Gosh, no!”
He snickered. “You don’t have to be so polite. I’m…sorry. I don’t make a habit of announcing my sexuality, but I’m not sure there’s another way to explain why I don’t mind reading about two men who enjoy a robust sex life.”
“Ha. I suppose that does explain things,” I agreed awkwardly. “I assumed apologies were in order for foisting romance on you when you clearly stated a preference for mysteries, but I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“I did. Gotta be honest, you’re a good salesperson. The odds of anyone gettin’ me to read a romance are damn low.”
“Why is that?”
Hudson waved dismissively. “Meh, life stuff.”
Oh. I knew that man had secrets. Of course, his private affairs were his own and it was grossly wrong to pry, but—
“What kind of life stuff?” I pressed, slipping the new book into a bag.
“Well…my fiancée dumped me a month before our wedding day.”
I widened my eyes in shock and dismay. “Oh. Oh, my gosh. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. It sucks for sure, but it would have been worse if we’d actually tied the knot.”
I furrowed my brow. “True, but I’m positively indignant on your behalf!”
Hudson chuckled. “I’m fine. It’s almost old news now. The wedding date that didn’t happen was a year ago. I’ve had time to get over it and move on.”
“That’s the spirit. You’ll meet the right girl…or guy when the time is right.” I winced. “Cliché, cliché. Sorry if that sounds trite, but I think it might be true.”
“Thanks, but I’m gonna give myself a break in the hearts and flowers department for a while. I’d rather concentrate on work, do some sightseeing while I’m here, and”—he picked up the book between us on the counter—“catch up on some reading.”
I grinned. “Bravo! You have the right attitude. We have so many amazing notable natural diversions in the area. You could do a day trip to Moro Bay or drive to Big Sur. Our local wineries are exceptional too, and of course…the beach is just a skip and a big jump down the road. How long will you be in town?”
“Two more days,” he replied. “I’m staying at the beach, and it’s beautiful, but I’ve discovered I don’t like sand. It’s terrible ’cause I’ve got this gorgeous room with ocean views, meals included. I should love it.”
“Romantic sunsets and canoodling couples clogging the boardwalks…yes, I can see why that wouldn’t appeal, but—” I cocked my chin as the puzzle pieces clicked into place. “Wait…oh, dear. You’re on your honeymoon.”
Hudson put his hat on his head and sighed. “Bingo.”
I made a yikes face. “Is it awful?”
“Yeah, it’s terrible,” he admitted with a wry laugh. “I don’t know what I was thinking. No, that’s not true. I don’t like throwing away money, and I’d never been to California. I will say…it’s beautiful. I have business here too, so it’s not a weeklong pity party by any stretch.”
I nodded thoughtfully. “Are you a nature lover?”
“Yeah, definitely.”
“Great. I’m going to give you a list of things to do and see in the next forty-eight hours.” I pulled out a pad of paper and pen and scribbled a few suggestions. “Hiking, wine tasting…bird watching. There’s a great restaurant with views of the valley just fifteen minutes down the road. It’s called Solano’s and if you love a good steak, you’ll be a happy clam. They also have clams. In fact, they’re known for their shellfish. I’d say you need a reservation most of the time, but this is low season and a single guy can always find a seat at the bar or—”