Cooper looked stricken. "Hudson would never share pictures of a woman."
I threw a hand in the air. "We both saw what happened."
"I don't know what's going on, but my brother loves you."
I crossed my arms over my chest. "He has an odd way of showing it."
"I'm sure there's a good explanation?—"
"One I have no interest in hearing." I opened the door and stepped inside. Thankfully, Cooper didn't follow me. I gathered Ayla's things and rushed her to the car. I didn't want anyone confronting us on the sidewalk or in the parking lot. I had to protect Ayla. I'd worry about myself later, when I was alone in my room.
I was an idiot for ever trusting Hudson or falling for him.
CHAPTER 25
HUDSON
The hall was pure chaos, and when I caught Angela ducking out, I maneuvered through the crowd to get to her.
"Hudson," Clara called, and I paused, "Angela left."
"Saw that," I bit out.
Clara's brow creased. "How did Bill get that picture?"
I ran a hand through my hair, anxious to talk to her. "I have no idea. But I have to get to Angela.”
I didn't wait for her response. Instead, I picked my way through the crowd to reach the exit. Cold air greeted me.
Ayla was at the bookstore. Angela was probably going there. I headed in that direction. Cooper was walking toward me.
"Did you see Angela?" I asked.
He nodded, his hands in his pockets. "Yeah, just dropped her at the bookstore."
"Is she okay?" I felt like I was barely holding on to my sanity.
He shook his head. "She's really upset. You know how Bill had access to that picture?"
"I had it on my phone, and I sent a few to Wynter so she could edit them. I wanted it to be a present." A declaration of my love.
Cooper whistled. "You were planning a present?"
"I was going to tell her I loved her and show her the picture. That moment was private. He had no business stealing it and sharing it with everyone." I could only imagine how violated Angela felt.
"If you love her, you should probably tell her?—"
"That's why I need to talk to her.” I looked over his head, trying to determine if Angela had walked out with Ayla. I didn't want to miss them.
Cooper held his hands out, palms facing me. "But she said she doesn’t want to hear what you had to say."
My eyes narrowed on him. "Are you trying to keep me from talking to her?"
"I'm saying that maybe tonight's not the best time."
My shoulders lowered. "Am I supposed to let her think that I'm the one who gave that photo to Bill? After I promised her those photos were only for her and me?"
He grimaced. " You might have to give her time."
