Chapter 9 Hollis
Hollis
“Okay, spill it, lady. What just happened out there?” Logan asks the second we slip into the thankfully empty women’s bathroom.
“Yeah, seriously. You looked like you were having so much fun,” Candice cuts in. “Something I haven’t seen from you in a really long time.”
“A really, really long time,” Logan agrees.
I roll my eyes. “Oh come on. I’m not that bad,” I argue, moving to stand in front of the sink as I take in my sweaty reflection.
They shoot me looks that immediately let me know they aren’t buying my bullshit.
“Sorry babe, but it’s true. You’ve been taking life a little too seriously lately,” Candice says, at least sounding a tiny bit sympathetic about having to be the bearer of bad news.
“Can you blame me?” I ask, throwing my hands in the air before turning to face them. “I came back to Houston for a job. I have things I need to do. Things I need to prove. I’m not here to mess around with one of my dad’s players.”
“That would make sense if you’d only been acting like this since you’ve been back,” Candice says, her voice softening. “But honestly, it’s been going on for a while now.”
Logan nods. “And when we say awhile, we’re talking like, before you moved to California,” she explains, her expression one of gentle concern. “And while we’ll always love you no matter what, we miss you. The real Hollis. The one we finally got to see a small glimpse of tonight.”
I frown, hating that I know exactly what they’re talking about.
“I wish I could say I knew how to let go, but it’s not that easy,” I whine, my eyes closing as my head tips back in frustration.
“There’s just this weird pressure I feel because of the Clemmins name, and being back home only makes it worse.
It’s like every step I take, I’m either proving myself or failing. There’s no in-between.”
“Aw,” Candice coos, rushing to my side as she places a hand on my shoulder. “I’m pretty sure it’d be impossible for you to ever fail at anything.”
“Seriously,” Logan agrees, leaning against the bathroom counter before lifting herself to take a seat on it.
“You’re the smartest, most talented, and badass person I’ve ever met.
And let me tell you, that has very little to do with your last name or the family you were born into.
Everything you’ve ever done or achieved is because of you, and the hard work you’ve put into it. ”
“Exactly!” Candice agrees, nodding. “And sure, it’s important to work hard, but it’s important to take breaks too.”
“No kidding, Logan chimes in. “If I worked as hard as you do I’m pretty sure I’d be booking myself a one-way ticket to a Menty B!”
I roll my eyes again, but this time a genuine smile tugs at my lips. I’m not sure this conversation will magically fix everything, but it’s at least a comfort to know I have supportive friends who’ll always have my back.
“What I really want to know is why is having some fun with a hot man who is so clearly into you a bad thing?” Logan asks, her brow wrinkling. “I know you always hated feeling like guys were only into you to try and meet your dad, but it’s obvious Fletch could care less about that.”
“If anything, he probably wishes you weren’t a Clemmins,” Candice cuts in, pulling out a stick of lipstick as she glances at the mirror.
“Most guys don’t sign up for complicated.
But he so obviously wants you, drama and all.
So come on, give the boy some credit,” she adds, smoothing the nude color across her lips.
I sigh and play along, digging into my own bag for my lipstick. Might as well freshen up while I’m being lectured.
“Okay, but what if...” I pause for dramatic effect, twisting open the sleek black case to reveal the bold red inside, “he only wants me because I’m the forbidden fruit? What happens if I actually give in? What makes you think he won’t just toss me aside the second the game gets boring?”
“Well, then let's test it out,” Logan says, a wicked smirk tugging at her lips.
I swipe the lipstick across mine, then turn to face her with raised brows. “Test out what exactly?”
Logan’s eyes sparkle with mischief. “Give him a taste. Let’s see if he’s truly in this or if you’re right and he’s only going to get bored.”
“Plus, what do you have to lose?” Candice asks, combing her fingers through her short locks. “You’ve been saying you aren’t interested. So if you’re actually right and he does get bored, wouldn’t that be doing you a favor?”
I shake my head. “You can’t be serious. This idea is crazy, you know that right?”
“Maybe, but what if we’re actually onto something here?” Logan asks as Candice nods in agreement.
“Come on Holls, what’s the worst that could happen?” Logan pushes.
I’m unfortunately far too aware of all the things that could happen if I give in to Fletcher and what he’s been tempting me with.
But I refuse to say any of it out loud. I’ve spent so long convincing everyone—myself included—that I’m not interested.
The second I admit the truth, the mask slips, and everyone will officially see just how full of shit I’ve been.
“Fine,” I huff, throwing my hands in the air. “You guys win.”
“Wait, seriously?” Logan asks, her mouth dropping open as she hops off the counter.
“Well, like you ladies said, what’s the worst that could happen?” I ask, sounding much braver than I actually feel.
They exchange excited glances, their smiles practically fueling me forward.
Before they can say another word, or before I can freak myself out, I march myself out of the bathroom and back toward the loud, crowded bar.
What the hell am I doing and who took over my body?
This isn’t me. I’m not the kind of woman who gives into her desires. Especially not while barreling through a crowd toward a man I know I shouldn’t be kissing. I’m normally the queen of logic and self control, but tonight that side of me has clearly taken a backseat.
Maybe it’s my stubbornness kicking in, because once I say I’m doing something I fully commit. Usually, though, it’s not something this unhinged or so unlike my usual self.
The closer I get I realize I’m not the only one confused by my odd behaviour. Jaxon and Hudson spot me first, watching with raised brows.
Jaxon nudges Hudson, mutters something to their small group, before nodding in my direction.
Fletcher’s head whips around, looking unsure whether he should brace for impact or for the best news of his life.
“Hey—” he starts, his eyes full of regret and it’s obvious he’s about to apologize. With how quickly I ran, I’m sure he thinks he owes me an apology, but that’s the last thing I want.
I cut him off. “Can I borrow you for a minute?”
His brows furrow as he glances between his teammates.
“He’s all yours,” Hudson beams, placing a hand on Fletcher's shoulders before pushing the man toward me.
Despite the warmth building in my center, the nerves are full-on kicking in but I refuse to back out. Instead, I flip on my heel and take off. A quick glance over my shoulder confirms he’s trailing after me.
I weave my way through the crowd and toward the hallway where the bathroom I’d just been hiding in is located. For a second, I consider ducking back in, perhaps regaining some of my sanity in the process, but instead I square my shoulders and keep going until I reach the end of the hallway.
I push my way past the heavy doors marked by a glowing red exit sign, as they shut behind us with a loud thud.
Warm, muggy spring air meets my skin, and there’s definitely no ignoring the lingering bite of fresh cigarette smoke.
Sure, the ground is littered with empty beer bottles and there’s a giant dumpster only a few feet away making this a less-than-ideal location for a romantic rendezvous, but for what I’m planning it totally works.
It’s quiet, and most importantly it’s private, and that’s all I need.
“Hollis—” Fletcher starts, but I lift my hand and cut him off for a second time.
I don’t give him a chance to continue as I step closer.
“Don’t say anything, just let me get this out,” I blurt, the words tumbling out before I can stop them.
“I know you’ve convinced yourself that you want me, and that this,” I wave a hand between us, “would be fun and exciting. But I’m here to set the record straight.
I’m not who you think I am. I’m boring, I’m uptight, and I’m definitely not the kind of girl who usually pulls guys into alleys. ”
I stop, taking a brief pause and release a much-needed, very shaky breath.
“Still, I’m starting to think the only way for me to convince you of that, is to prove it to you.
I think it's time to show you that whatever fantasy you’ve built up in your head is just that—a fantasy.
So let’s say we get this out of your system, yeah? ”
For a beat, he only stares, his mouth slightly parted as he tries to process what the hell I'm saying, and I don’t blame him. After weeks of him chasing me and getting nothing in return, to now fully offering myself up, I’m sure this makes no sense at all.
“Hollis—” he attempts to speak, but before I lose the nerve, I grab a fistful of his shirt, rise onto my toes, and press my lips to his.
The kiss is clumsy, probably from the surprise of it all, but the awkwardness and the nerves melt away almost instantly as his hands find my waist.
Despite how good his lips feel against mine, I force myself back, even as my hand tightens its grip on his shirt, unsure how to fully let go.
His eyes are wide with shock, but it quickly fades into something hotter and much darker. There’s a hunger there, something that should scare me into running all over again. But instead, the ache I feel for him only intensifies.
Before I can second-guess it, his hand slides up my body, his palm warm against my neck, and once again he’s leaning down as his lips press into mine. The kiss is all consuming, almost like he’s claiming every inch that I’ve worked so tirelessly to take away.
All the awkwardness from before is gone, and this time our kiss is deep, certain, and more than a little dizzying. His mouth parts against mine, and something inside me snaps loose, letting my over-thinking brain know it’s no longer the one in charge.
Somewhere far back in the recesses of my mind I know this is a horrible idea, but all logic has officially left then building as my lips move against his. All that’s left is heat and the minty-sweet taste of his lips.
I’m no longer thinking; all I can do is react as my hand glides into his thick brown hair, my fingers curling and gripping like they’ve been waiting all their lives for this moment. His body presses closer, and suddenly my knees forget how to function.
Luckily, he’s got me, even as his kisses turn far more urgent. I match his intensity, giving him everything I have left as my fingers tighten their grip in his hair.
Somewhere in the blur of want and need something shifts between us. It’s small, but also unmistakable. Something that feels a little too close to falling, which is beyond terrifying, especially when falling for Mason Fletcher was the one thing I’d told myself I’d never do.
A group of giggling women barge through the heavy metal doors, as Fletch and I break apart.
I untangle myself from his embrace, despite his obvious attempt to tighten his grip and pull me back toward him.
“Oh, sorry,” one of the drunken women giggles, even if she looks anything but. “We didn’t interrupt anything did we?”
Why yes. Yes, you did, and given our disheveled hair, crooked clothing, and heavy breathing I’m sure they know exactly what they stumbled onto.
“Don’t worry,” another of them says, waving us off as they wobble back toward the door. “We’ll let you get back to it.”
“No it’s fine,” I call after them. I’d feel much safer if they stayed. Not because I don’t trust Fletch, but because I no longer trust myself.
They don’t seem to hear my plea, or maybe they just don’t care, already heading back inside as their laughter somehow grows even louder.
I can tell Fletcher is gearing up to say something, and I’m sure it’s some devastatingly smooth line that will have me swooning all over again. Thankfully, my panic wins out as I speak first.
“So, it’s out of your system now, right?” I ask, trying to sound casual as I tug my top back into place and rake my fingers through my now hopelessly tangled waves.
“Not a fucking chance.” A low chuckle rumbles from his chest as he steps closer. “You really think one kiss was enough to get you out of my system? If anything, I’m addicted now. You’ve only gone and made it worse.”
“Well, too bad,” I say, my voice shaky as I step back, forcing some much needed space between us. “Because that was a one-and-done type of thing.”
“You might be saying that now, but we both know that’s not what you really want.”
“And what makes you think you know what I want?”
“The way your body reacted to mine just a few seconds ago makes me think I know exactly what you want,” he shrugs, his grin somehow growing even cockier.
“Ugh,” I huff, stomping my foot on the cracked pavement like a stubborn child throwing a tantrum. “You’re just so... annoying,” I manage, doing my best not to wrinkle my nose at my incredibly immature reaction.
It’s obvious I’m losing this battle; whatever comeback he’s got will, without a doubt, be way better than mine. Not giving him the chance, I spin on my heel and rush back through the doors.
But, no matter how fast I run, I can’t escape his words. Or that damn kiss.
He’s right. I want more, and yet, I’m smart enough to know it can’t happen ever again.
Which leaves me wondering... how in the hell am I going to survive the rest of this season?