Page 5 of The Prey (The Hillers of Barratt County #6)

All good things must come to an end. Hudson knew that his time at the Hiller Ranch was over—but it had been highly illuminating. He’d studied that woman every chance he could. She knew it, too. It had become a game between them; one he had enjoyed playing.

She had just watched him in return, those beautiful eyes—he didn’t know why he had missed how beautiful her eyes actually were—studying his every move. Hudson had enjoyed those last two days. Disconcerting her.

Until she’d thrown pillows from her couch at his head the last time they were alone, and told him he was a giant asshole, just trying to mess with her head.

And demanded to know what he thought he was up to.

He’d not been able to help himself—he’d challenged her.

Asked her what she thought he was up to instead.

He couldn’t decide what his favorite new hobby was now—watching Gia when she was alone, or watching her when she was with his son.

Ryan had sought her out constantly, climbing all over her—especially when Hala wasn’t around.

His sister seemed to have free access to the Hiller Ranch whenever she wanted—she’d made a point of being there as much as she could.

With Ryan, with Greer, with Hudson—and with Gia.

Gia and Hala were together frequently. It was obvious they were good friends now, as well. He didn’t know how he had missed that.

Apparently he had missed everything where Giavonna Hiller was concerned.

Now, he had Ryan’s things in a bag over his shoulder.

He’d already carried his own bag outside.

His rental truck was ready and waiting in the drive.

Guthrie and Gene had picked it up for him that morning.

He would never be able to repay the Hillers for what they had done for him and Ryan and Hala.

And they made him appreciate the people he had in his life even more.

Now, it was their sister he wanted. And she was watching him, hiding behind the kitchen island. She liked to hide out there. Especially when he was near. Hudson paused, and looked at her. Ryan and Calvin were at preschool now. Hudson would pick his son up on his way home. But first… “Giavonna.”

“Hudson. So sorry to see you go.” She’d been so snippy with him all morning.

Ever since they’d argued about the direction he should take on his next case.

She’d been doing half the grunt work for him on the case over the past week.

He’d almost had the case prepared before the accident had derailed him, but he’d needed her to take a second look.

They’d argued, of course. He’d enjoyed it.

Normally, when they’d spar and argue he’d become frustrated with her and need to walk away.

Only with her—he could disagree with Mike and Remi, the other attorney who worked with them, he could argue with the public defender’s office for hours on end, and be just fine.

But arguing with her— set him off every time.

Now, he suspected it had more to do with him and her specifically. That maybe he’d been using their arguments as a way to hide that she was pushing his buttons in other ways. And she most certainly pushed every button he had.

“Sure you are.” Hudson couldn’t help himself—he stepped closer.

Until he could brush his hand down her arm.

She had worn her brown business suit—she’d had a court appearance today that had run over.

And a little violet silk blouse. Her jacket was missing—and her shoes.

Bare little toes were right there, with bright yellow paint.

So girly, so not the Giavonna he thought he had known. Well, apparently he’d been wrong. In so many ways. “Thank you. For this week.”

He wasn’t stupid—her entire family had pitched in to help him, but…

this woman was the one who had carried the burden most of all.

She’d covered for him at the office, brought him what he’d needed from that office, and every time Ryan had needed someone and Hala hadn’t been there, Gia had.

Hudson wouldn’t be forgetting that any time soon.

“We were happy to help.” The words were polite, but he wasn’t a fool—he knew she wanted him gone. Hudson made her nervous, here in her territory the way he was. Well, he liked that. Having her off-guard. “See you on Monday.”

“You are going to be seeing me a lot more.”

“What are you up to?”

“What makes you think I am up to anything?”

“Because I know you! You are always plotting something.”

His hand tightened on the silky skin of her arm when she started to pull away. He wasn’t ready to let her go. The woman…silk was an understatement. He could touch her forever.

That was one fact he was going to keep to himself. For a while. Until he had a chance to really regroup, and come up with his plan.

“I’m beginning to think we don’t know each other at all, sweetheart. I’m going to fix that.” He released her arm and stepped back. “You can count on that.”

“I think you’ve gone off the deep end, Hanan. Completely.”

“No. I just had my eyes opened recently. Apparently, that happens.” Hell, he just had to do it. He leaned down, faster than she could escape. And kissed her cheek before stepping back quickly. “See you around, Giavonna Annalise. I’m looking forward to it.”

He ignored the not-so-nice word she called him as he strolled outside.

She was going to be a challenge. But Hudson would win. It was just a matter of time.