I scrub a hand down my face and shoot to my feet, practically tripping over myself to move before Hudson catches me staring at his ass.
It’s amazing what happens when you open your mind to those repressed feelings. My brain went from unsure to fully on board with wanting Hudson in the span of a few days. That ache I’ve grown used to over the last two days flares in my chest. Of course, the moment I accepted I’m bi, my heart had to go all-in on my straight best friend.
And it’s not just a harmless crush. I feel this tether to Hudson, like something invisible pulling me toward him, no matter where he is.
If soulmates exist, I’d swear he’s mine.
But you can’t be soulmates with someone who can’t love you back.Right?
“Earth to Cull.”
I’m jolted back to reality by two fingers snapping in front of my face. I smack them away, Hudson laughing while jogging down the steps toward his SUV. He turns to walk backward, pointing at me with that shit-eating grin of his. “Remember, gird your loins. My sister will be on the prowl.”
My stomach drops. “Thanks for the reminder,” I grouse.
“You love me for it.”
With that, he gets into his Bronco, then backs out of my driveway. Citizen Soldier is blasting through his rolled-down windows as he tosses me a wave and disappears down the street. I drop back down and release a slow breath, hoping to compose myself.
My phone buzzes, instantly dashing any hopes of clearing my mind.
Preparing myself for whatever Hadley has to say, I pull my phone out and swipe it open.
A cold ripple of dread twists my guts.
It’s not from Hads.
UNKNOWN:One day, he will look at me the way he looks at you. He will be mine.
Nine
Hudson
Dinner was fun, but otherwise uneventful. Dad grilled steaks and corn on the cob, while my mom made a big salad and buttery croissants that everyone tore into like they hadn’t eaten in days.
Now the adults are out by the fire pit, drinks in hand, while Ella and I are relaxing in the entertainment room watching the latest Marvel movie.
Well,I’mtrying to watch. Ella is talking nonstop about the party and spring break coming.
Hadley skipped out after dinner, her phone glued to her hand. I saw Cull’s name on the screen, so I can assume she will be up in her room all night smoothing things over with him.
Unfortunately.
The clock on the wall catches my eye, and I realize it’s time for my meds. I usually wait about thirty minutes after eating to help cut down the side effects.
“Hey, I’ll be right back. I need to run to my room and grab something.”
Ella stops her one-sided conversation, her mouth open mid-sentence. I love the girl, but the chatter is starting to give me a headache.
“Oh, okay!” She beams, not a care in the world.
I nod and get up from the couch. I make a quick pit stop in the downstairs bathroom to take a leak, then head up to my room, only to find Ella sitting on my bed.
How did she get up here so fast?
“Did you follow me?”
She smirks. “Not really. I just wanted some privacy.”
