Maybe mercury is in the microwave or whatever astrologists claim, and that’s why everything is going sideways lately.
“Cullen, want me to go tell her you’re ready to go?” Ella’s voice snaps me out of it.
“I’ll grab her on my way through the house. Thanks,” I ground out. There is a soft snore in my ear, and I realize Hud has passed out.
As much as I don’t want Ella’s help, there is no way I can get Hudson to my truck with him like this. “Ella, will you—”
She steps up before I can finish asking, and loops her arm around Hud’s waist. We carefully maneuver through the French doors and back into the chaotic mass of people.
We walk right up to Hadley, who locks eyes with me, zero fucks to give that I’m standing right there. She turns in Bryan’s hold, and without losing eye contact with me, leans up and kisses him on the jaw.
He gives her a panty-melting smile before steering her in my direction, then walking away.
Hadley approaches me, her face impassive. I’m grinding my teeth to dust.It’s always a game with her.
“Let's go,” I snap when she makes it to my side.
“Culley, I’m sorry you saw that,” she starts, but I cut in.
“I don’t give a shit, Hadley. Your brother is my concern right now. He’s beyond fucked up.”
She rolls her eyes and crosses her arms. “He’ll be fine. He just drank too much.”
I shoot her a glare, but she has her focus on Hudson, who is looking worse for wear. He’s pale, and his breathing seems a little shallow.
Shit.
I start moving us towards the front door. “What has he had tonight?” I ask, trying to keep the alarm out of my voice. We shuffle our way out of the house towards my truck, the deep bass of the party fading behind us.
“He had some tequila and a few drags of weed. It’s only a cross buzz. You’re overreacting.” Ella grunts with the effort of helping me carry Hud.
“Stop being so dramatic, Culley. He obviously had a good time. Something you should learn to do,” Hadley snarks, coming to a stop next to my truck.
Am I in the Twilight Zone? Why am I the only one who seems to give a shit about Hud?
I try to open the back door, but he starts to slip from my hold. “A little help would be nice, Hads,” I grit out.
She rolls her eyes, yanks open the back door, and dramatically flourishes her hand like a game show host. With Ella’s help, we get Hud situated in the back seat on his side in case he gets sick. Hadley opens the passenger door but pauses. She sniffs the air, then whirls on me so fast, you'd think she was The Flash. She shoves a sharp finger in my chest, then slaps me with her other hand.
“Who in thefuckhave you had in your truck? Is this where you disappeared to? Are you screwing someone behind my back?”
She fires off questions like bullets, each one rising in volume until she is screaming into the quiet night. I’m so stunned that I just stand there, mouth hanging open.
Where in the hell did she get the idea I was cheating on her?
The wind shifts, carrying something sweet and unfamiliar from the truck. Hadley’s still staring, waiting for an explanation I don’t have.
“I think I’m going to go back to the party. Later, guys.” Ella sneaks off, leaving me alone with a furious Hadley.
She shoves me hard. “Whoisshe?”
“There is noshe,” I bark, my patience paper-thin.
“Then why does it smell like some girl fogged up the cab with her perfume?”
“I have no idea why the truck smells that way, but you have no right to point fingers.”
She crosses her arms, blue eyes a blaze of fire. “You left me alone, and I wanted to dance. Bryan was available.”
