Chapter 19
Nineteen
Hudson
It’s been three days, and I’m still reeling from Friday night.
When I got home, after learning the sound Cull makes when I kiss a sensitive spot under his ear, I had to sprint to my room and jerk off. I’d been painfully hard from the second his lips met mine, and somehow, we managed to not push for more.
It was almost painful to end our night on the bridge, but my mom had called and killed the moment. She started talking about Hadley and how Cullen had broken up with her, and well, mood ruined.
We haven’t seen each other since. Between family gatherings all weekend for Easter, we’ve only had time to text.
A lot.
Hadley caught me glued to my phone and commented on me blushing. Cullen responded with a few absolutely not-safe-for-work messages that nearly gave me away. I lied, claiming Ella was flirting.
I’ve tried to keep my excitement in check when Hadley’s around. I don’t want her to feel like I’m rubbing it in, even though she thinks it’s Ella on the other end of the phone.
She’s been mostly quiet since Friday, but I’ve heard her crying in her room a couple of times. Each time, the guilt weighed me down further. I’m getting everything I’ve ever wanted with Cull, and it’s killing me that it’s coming at the expense of Hadley’s feelings.
Mom, meanwhile, is soaking up every lie. She’s been giddy all weekend. I told her I was with Ella when she called Friday night so she wouldn’t ask too many questions. Now she keeps gushing about me looking “happier” and that I have “the glow.” Whatever that means.
Apparently, a good makeout session does wonders for my mental health and my skin.
Now that it’s Monday and officially spring break, I’m antsy with anticipation. A whole week with Cull and no parents. Even with a big group going, I’m hoping we’ll steal some time alone. I’ve got years of catching up to do, and I’m eager to learn new things from Cull.
And with him.
Our grandparents were generous enough to let a bunch of teenagers take over their mountain lake house for the week.
They bought it back when Hadley and I were in middle school, and our entire family used to go often.
It's been a few years since our last family vacation, so I'm excited to be going back.
I’m shoving the last of our supplies into the back of my Bronco when Mom and Dad come outside, Hadley trailing behind, whining full-volume.
“He dumped me, Mom. You should call the Andersons and tell them Cullen is no longer invited on this trip.”
I roll my eyes. She’s repeated it all morning, and our parents give her the same answer every time.
“Cullen has every right to go. He’s Hudson’s best friend, not just your ex-boyfriend. I know it hurts, pumpkin, but the house is big enough for you to keep your distance.”
One point to Dad for being the voice of reason.
“You’ll have fun with your girls. And who knows? Maybe you’ll meet someone new while you’re there.”
And one point to Mom for giving her false hope.
At least it works. Hadley relents, gives them each a quick hug, and climbs into the car. I’m already in the driver’s seat, having said my goodbyes earlier while loading up.
Mom and Dad come over to her rolled-down window and lean in.
“We know you kids will get up to some shenanigans,” Dad says, eyeing us both, “but we trust you to be smart about your choices.” He gives us a stern look, then softens into a smile. “Alright. Be safe, have fun, and make some memories.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Hadley leans over to kiss his cheek, and Mom blows me a kiss as we pull out of the driveway.
We arrive at Ella’s house just a few minutes later. She’s already on the front steps, luggage beside her like she’s been waiting for hours. I hardly have time to open my door before she’s swinging open the tailgate and struggling to get her massive rolling suitcase over the bumper.
“Need some help?”
“No, I want to stand here and struggle,” she snaps, eyes rolling.
“You’re the one who flew out here like the house was on fire,” I mutter.
“Sorry. Mornings suck.” She plasters on a big grin.
“I get it. Watch out,” I direct, bumping her hip. I lift the suitcase, fitting it beside Hadley’s. I reach for her overnight bag, but she tosses it in herself. She goes around the side of the bronco and slides in the backseat.
Hadley and Ella are already chatting about lake plans when I climb back into the car, ignoring my presence as I drive us over to Cull’s house. When I pull into his driveway, Hadley nearly blows a gasket.
“What are we doing here? Hudson, you did not tell me he was riding with us. I refuse to be anywhere near that asshole!”
“It was your idea for us all to ride together,” I remind her calmly.
“That was before I got dumped. You should’ve told him he needed to drive himself. Do not let him in this car.”
“Hadley,” I drawl, trying to hold my eye roll, “get over yourself. It’s ten minutes to the diner. Ride with your girls after that. You’ll survive just a few minutes in the same car.”
I don’t give her time to retort, hopping out of the Bronco and bounding up Cullen’s front steps. The door swings open after I ring the bell, revealing a familiar pair of eyes in a softer face. “Morning, Mrs. Eliza.” I lean in for a tight hug, which she returns happily.
“Morning, sweetie. He’ll be down in a minute. Left most of his packing for this morning,” she grouses with a roll of her eyes.
I chuckle. “That sounds like Cull. Does he need help?”
“He might. Go light a fire under his butt. I couldn’t get him to move faster than a snail.”
I flash her a smile and jog up the stairs two at a time. His bedroom door is open, so I stop in the doorway to admire the view.
The view that’s officially mine now.
Cull’s got his back to me, bare and criminally beautiful, muscles flexing as he crams clothes into a black duffel. My heart thunders in my chest.
I clear my throat. He jumps, letting out a startled yip before spinning around.
“Holy crap, I didn’t hear you come up.”
“Didn’t mean to scare you.”
He looks past me toward the hallway and smirks. With two fingers, he motions to me. “Come here.”
I cross the room, and he grabs my hand, tugging me into his ensuite bathroom. Before I can utter a word, he pins me roughly to the wall, knocking an “oof” out of me, then crashes his lips to mine.
It’s hot and hungry, making me weak in the knees.
I kiss him back, grinning into it. I’ve wanted this exact moment every second since I was thirteen, and I can’t believe I get to finally have it.
This still feels like a fever dream.
I grip his hips to steady myself, lightheaded from the way kissing him makes everything else vanish.
He pulls back just enough to smile. “I’ve been dying to do that again.”
“I’ve been dying for you to do it again.”
He chuckles, then leans in again, this time slower, sweeter.
“Boys, I think the girls are getting antsy. You’d better hurry,” Mrs. Eliza calls up from the bottom of the stairs.
“Just gotta grab my toiletries. Be down in a sec,” Cull yells, eyes still locked on mine.
“What?” I ask, a little self-consciously.
“Just can’t believe you’re mine is all.”
I snort a laugh. “You and me both. I half thought I fell into the river, then died and went to Heaven.”
“If Heaven’s a person, we’re both already there.”
Well, fuck. That was romantic as shit. I never knew Cull had this side to him. I’m learning quickly that maybe Hadley didn’t allow him to fully be himself.
That’s something I plan on changing.
“W-we should get a move on. Everyone will be waiting on us,” I stammer out, flustered by his proximity.
Cullen leans in and pecks me one more time. I swipe my tongue across my lips, already craving more of him.
“Don’t worry, there’s more where that came from. First chance I get you alone at that cabin, we’re diving into some… research,” he adds, smirking.
“Research?” I ask like an idiot.
“Mhmm. I want to know what spots on your body will make you gasp and which ones will make you moan. I want to know what you sound like when you come, and I absolutely want to know what you taste like.” He licks my lips, my stomach doing cartwheels.
“We have a lot of firsts to work our way through.” He smirks and walks back to his bag, casually tossing a few more things in, then grabs a T-shirt from the dresser.
I’m still too stunned to move after what he just said, but fuck, I’m excited. I’m ready to be there now.
He comes back to where I’m still standing like a dummy in the bathroom. “Cat got your tongue?” he grins, smug as hell.
“I’d rather you have my tongue.”
“Oh, baby. Don’t you worry. I’ll have your tongue,” he pecks my cheek. “Your lips,” he kisses down my jaw. “Your hands,” nips down my neck. “And your cock.” He pulls away from me with a proud smile and grabs my hand.
Holy fuck—he’s going to kill me.
Cullen’s expression softens for just a second. “You good?” he asks, quieter now.
I nod, heart still sprinting.
“Good,” he says, kissing the corner of my mouth. “We’ve got all week.”
He starts to tug me to the door, but I stop him, yanking my hand free. “How am I supposed to walk past your mom with this tent in my shorts?” I motion down to where my dick is straining against the mesh fabric.
Heat flashes in Cullen’s eyes, but he chuckles. “I promise to make it worth your while.” He winks, then heads out of his room.
Confident Cull is sexy. But seriously, my dick needs to learn there’s a time and place to salute.
I take a breath and adjust myself, tucking it under the waistband of my boxer briefs. Not the most comfortable, but it’ll have to do until it decides to deflate.
I jog downstairs just in time to catch Cullen pulling out of a hug with his mom.
“Dad wanted me to tell you to have fun, and he loves you. He had to be down in Raleigh for a conference today, so he left around five this morning.”
“Are you going to be okay here alone?”
“Pfft. Three days with no one asking me where their laundry is or what's for dinner? I think I’ll manage,” she smiles, then winks at Cull.
He chuckles and gives her one more hug. “Love you. I’ll text when we get there.”
She gives me a hug next. “Don’t let Hadley ruin the week,” she whispers in my ear.
“I won’t.” Everyone knows how Hadley can be. Keeping her and Cullen apart will be the only way to survive this trip.
We walk out to my SUV and see that Hadley has moved to the backseat with Ella. They’re animatedly chatting, but the second Hadley spots Cullen through the window, the chatter dies. She throws him a death glare, her lips rolling inward.
After getting Cullen’s duffel loaded, we climb into the car. As I buckle up, Ella leans forward and presses a hand to my forehead.
“What are you doing?”
“You look flushed. Are you getting sick?”
“No.” I jerk my head away. Cullen’s wearing that smug grin, and I want to throw him Hadley’s death glare. It’s his fault I’m overheated and flustered. Not that I’m really that mad about it.
“Well, if you’re not sick—”
“The A/C went out last night,” Cull cuts in. “It’s pretty warm in there. Mom’s waiting on the repair guy.”
Ella nods and sits back, accepting the excuse.
“Hey, Hads—” Cull starts, but Hadley holds up a hand.
“Don’t speak to me. Don’t look at me. Don’t breathe near me. Got it, asshole?” she snaps, crossing her arms and turning to stare out the window.
Cullen sighs and sinks back in his seat.
The rest of the ten-minute drive is filled only with the sound of the radio, no one brave enough to speak and risk starting a full-blown yelling match.
We pull into the diner where Cullen and I had breakfast on Tuesday and spot the whole gang already gathered.
There are about fifteen of us total. The house technically only sleeps twelve, but the extra tagalongs volunteered to bring air mattresses.
Doesn’t bother me as long as everyone respects my grandparents' place.
And more importantly, that Cullen and I share a room. Alone.
We grab a quick breakfast, then gather back in the parking lot. Everyone’s buzzing with energy, excited to get to the lake and shake off school. I hand out the address and remind them to watch for the hidden driveway, tucked behind a thick wall of shrubs.
“Alright, y’all ready to roll out?”
A chorus of “yes” rises from the group, and everyone heads to their cars.
“I’m riding with Maggie. I refuse to sit in the same space as him for the next three hours,” Hadley announces, nodding toward Cullen.
“Fine by me. I don’t need the attitude in my car.”
Hadley rolls her eyes, then turns her attention to Ella. “Ride with us. There’s room,” she adds, grabbing Ella’s arm before she can object.
Ella tosses me a pleading look over her shoulder, but I pretend not to see it. Dick move? Absolutely. But the idea of three uninterrupted hours alone with Cull is too good to pass up.
Once we’re loaded, I start the engine, Cullen settling into the passenger seat beside me. “This drive just got better,” he says with a grin.
I glance at his hand resting on his thigh and lace my fingers through his. “Now the drive just got better.”
With the windows down, the warm spring breeze blowing, and good music blaring, we hit the interstate.
This is already turning into the best spring break ever.