Free Love Unlocked by Libby Waterford

funny stories about his childhood in Chelsea. They didn’t speak of his art, or her collection of paintings, most of which had been hung. She didn’t mention John, or the task she faced. He didn’t bring up the kisses they’d shared. Or the fact that they were finally alone in the house, and a staircase was all that was between them and a very large, very accommodating bed.
    Hudson seemed so distracted by the meal she’d prepared that anything else, sex, art, or crime, wasn’t even in the air. She didn’t know whether to be proud or exasperated.
    “This tenderloin is incredible!” he said, happily taking seconds. “I didn’t know you were such a cook. John sort of gave me the impression....”
    “That I’m hopeless in the kitchen? He’s a little obsessed with technique,” she said, warmed by his compliment. “I usually don’t follow recipes. I put together ingredients that I think will taste good together.”
    “Is there anything you can’t do?” He sounded perfectly serious.
    Eve laughed. She was a little sad, knowing he’d probably take back every complimentary thing he ever said or felt about her if he knew exactly what kind of person she was.
    “A few things.” She topped off his champagne glass. “I’ll get the dessert.”
    While she was more than competent in the kitchen, she usually left baking to the professionals. She pulled a bakery box out of the refrigerator and set it on the counter to take the chill off. The box was chock full of delicious tidbits she’d picked up earlier in the day on a mad rush around town after Hudson had accepted her invitation.
    Eve had made her mind up about two things. First, she was going to sleep with Hudson Cleary. Second, she wasn’t going to tell him anything he didn’t need to know. The second made the first doomed to a passing fling, but perhaps that was how her life was destined to be. He was too delicious to pass up, and she’d already spent her share of willpower keeping her hands off him this long. She plated a lemon tart and a couple of chocolate éclairs and carried them back to the dining room.
    “Why don’t we take these....” she trailed off, leaving off the word “upstairs” when she saw Hudson was on his cell phone.
    “All right, don’t worry, I’ll be right there.” He ended the call and frowned at her. “I’m sorry, but my brother’s eldest is sick and he took her to the hospital. He wants me to go over and watch his two littlest ones so his wife can join him.”
    “Of course.” His concern was palpable. “Listen, you’ve had too much champagne, and I’ve had barely half a glass. I’ll drive you over there.”
    “I’d appreciate it,” he said.
    “Give me two seconds.” Eve returned to the kitchen to repack the bakery box. She balanced her purse and a sweater on top of it as they stepped outside, and she spared a moment to key in the security code, sealing the house up behind them.
    “Thanks. I’ll come get my car tomorrow,” he said, and climbed into the passenger seat of her sedan.
    The trip down the hill and into town took mere minutes. Hudson directed her to his brother’s trim wood frame house in the residential area by the elementary school. All the lights were on, and she could see movement behind the practical white curtains.
    He started to thank her for the ride, but she was already out of the car. She didn’t intend to impose on his family, but she wanted to make sure everyone was going to be okay.
    A slim, olive-skinned woman with attractively highlighted brown hair opened the door before they could knock. “Hudson, thanks for coming.” Two dark-eyed children jumped up and down behind her as they caught sight of their uncle.
    “This is my sister-in-law, Nancine,” Hudson said. “And these are the little monkeys.” He indicated the children. The kids, a boy and a girl who looked about five and three, giggled and hauled him into the house.
    “Hi, I’m Eve. I drove Hudson over. What can I do to