Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
Presley
E van held my hand all the way to the restaurant, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin. I couldn’t help but smile. This was a different side of him—a complete turnaround from when we first started dating. He’d been distant, almost cold, back then. But now, he was making an effort, and I owed it to him to give us a real chance. As much as my mind drifted to Hudson, I wanted to see where this could go.
The bouquet of roses he’d brought earlier still sat in a vase on my kitchen counter, a bright burst of color in the room. “The roses were beautiful,” I said, glancing at him.
“Not as beautiful as you,” Evan replied smoothly, flashing me a warm smile.
I couldn’t help but blush. Compliments from him still felt strange—sweet, but unfamiliar. He wasn’t this guy a few weeks ago. “Thank you,” I murmured, my cheeks heating.
He squeezed my hand, his grip firm but gentle. “It’s true, you know.”
We reached the parking lot of La Familia, the Italian restaurant I loved, and he reluctantly let go of my hand to park the car. As soon as we stopped, he jumped out and rushed around to open my door, ever the gentleman. I let him help me out of the car, though something about his over-the-top chivalry made me uneasy. It was nice, sure, but this was a side of Evan I wasn’t used to.
Inside, the smell of fresh garlic and herbs wrapped around me like a warm hug. He pulled out my chair before sitting across from me, his eyes scanning the menu. “What are you getting?” he asked.
I already knew my answer. “Eggplant parmigiana,” I said, barely glancing at the menu.
He rolled his eyes, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “You always get that. Try something different.”
I shook my head just as the waiter arrived, placing a basket of warm rosemary ciabatta bread and a dish of garlic-infused olive oil between us. The bread was still warm, the scent tempting enough to make my stomach growl. “Nope. I’m sticking to what I like.”
Evan chuckled but didn’t push it, tearing off a piece of bread and dipping it into the oil. After placing our orders, he leaned forward, his gaze catching mine. “You want to come over and watch a movie after dinner?”
I hesitated, ripping a piece of the soft bread and dunking it in the oil. “Are your parents home?”
“They’ll be back by ten. They went to the club with Randy’s parents.” He shrugged, biting into the bread.
I took a bite of mine, the warm, garlicky flavor bursting in my mouth. “What movie?” I asked after swallowing, trying to sound casual even though my mind was already wandering. I knew how the night would probably end. Evan’s bedroom was massive—luxurious, even. A private bathroom, a kitchenette, and an eighty-inch TV mounted on the wall. It felt more like a mini-apartment than a bedroom.
“Anything you want,” he said, his tone casual, though his eyes sparkled. “I’ve got a ton.”
I knew he did. He always had access to the best of everything—like the sleek Audi he was driving tonight, his second new car, even though he’d only had his license for two years. Typical Evan—whatever he wanted, he got. But I wasn’t interested in the flashy stuff.
“How about an old movie?” I asked, hiding a smirk.
Evan groaned, already knowing where this was headed. He tore another piece of bread, eyes narrowing. “Don’t even say it.”
I grinned mischievously, unable to resist. “Titanic.”
He threw his head back, exasperated. “I said don’t say it!”
I laughed, knowing I had him. “We’re watching it.”
He glared playfully, but I knew he’d give in. He always did, especially for me. He’d pretend to hate it, but by the end of the night, we’d be tangled up on that massive sectional of his, kissing until we fell asleep in each other’s arms. Just like always.
Still, part of me wasn’t thinking about the movie—or the kissing. I wanted to be in his room for another reason entirely. That notebook he kept stashed away in his drawer—it gnawed at me. I wasn’t proud of the fact, but I wanted to know if he’d written anything about me in it. Something deeper, something real.
Maybe tonight, I’d find out.
I kicked off my heels and sprawled out on Evan’s plush sectional, sighing deeply. The long day, topped with a huge meal, had left me exhausted. Across the room, Evan removed his suit jacket, loosening his tie as he glanced my way.
“You want to get comfortable?” His voice was casual, but his eyes lingered on me for a second longer than usual. “I was going to change into some sweats and a t-shirt.”
I raised an eyebrow. “And what would I wear?”
He flashed a grin and headed toward his dresser, rummaging through the drawers. “You left a pair of yoga pants here last summer. I’ll toss in one of my shirts too, unless you’re planning to rock that dress all night.”
I glanced down at the jersey fabric of my dress, which was soft but suddenly felt constricting. “I guess I could change.”
He tossed a pair of gray yoga pants and a black t-shirt onto the bed. His own hands moved to unbutton his shirt, and as he shrugged it off, I caught sight of something that made me gasp. A dark bruise sprawled across his side like a swirl of purples and blacks, ugly and out of place on his usually perfect skin.
“What the hell happened?” I shot up from the couch and crossed the room, fingertips lightly tracing the edges of the bruise.
Evan winced but didn’t stop me. “Got hit hard in the game last week. It’s no big deal, happens all the time.”
I bent down, pressing a soft kiss to his ribs before straightening, my hand still resting gently on his side. “You need to be more careful.”
He smirked and tugged me closer, his fingers drifting to the zipper of my dress. The familiar tug of tension filled the room. His hands slid to my hips, his voice low and coaxing. “You know I could make you feel better...”
I froze, the air suddenly thick between us. His grip on my thighs tightened as he lifted me effortlessly, and I instinctively wrapped my legs around his waist. Before I knew it, he had me on the bed, his weight pressing down, lips hovering near mine.
“Evan, no,” I whispered, placing a hand on his cheek, trying to push him back gently.
He exhaled harshly and pulled away, frustration etched across his face. “Damn it, Pres, when will it be time?”
I sat up, my heart racing. “Why can’t you understand? I’m just not ready.”
His jaw clenched, and he ran a hand through his hair, pacing at the foot of the bed. “Maybe you’ll never be ready. Maybe you’re just stringing me along.”
I blinked, taken aback. “What are you talking about?”
Evan stopped pacing, arms crossed over his chest, his gaze hard. “Maybe it’s not me you want. Maybe it’s the shit I can give you—my car, my popularity. Whatever.”
My eyes narrowed. “Are you serious right now? You really think that’s why I’m with you?”
He threw his hands up, voice rising. “Look around, Presley! You’re the queen of the school. Everyone adores you. And me? I’m the fucking guy they wish they could be.”
I stood, anger boiling beneath my skin. “I never asked for that. You’re the one turning this into a power trip, not me.”
He snorted. “Yeah, right. You know how many girls would jump at the chance to be with me? You think I’m gonna sit around waiting forever?”
I grabbed my shoes, my coat, anything within reach. “You’re unbelievable. Pressuring me isn’t going to get you what you want.”
He leaned against the dresser, arms still crossed, watching me like I was overreacting. “Maybe we should just take a break then. Figure out what we really want.”
I stopped mid-motion, biting my lip to stop it from trembling. “Is that what you want? A break?”
“Yeah,” he said flatly, his eyes flicking away. “Go get your head straight. Maybe you’ll realize what you want.”
It felt like a punch to the gut, but I forced myself to move. I couldn’t stay here with him. The tension was suffocating, and the conversation was on the edge of exploding into something even worse. I slipped on my coat and headed for the door, my voice barely above a whisper. “Fine. We’re on a break.”
Evan didn’t respond. He just stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.
The wind whipped through the dark streets as I walked, pulling my coat tighter against the cold. I shivered, regretting not bringing a heavier jacket. My heels clacked against the pavement, each step harder than the last as the chill bit at my toes. It was only a few blocks to home, but it felt like miles.
A sharp honk startled me, and I turned to see headlights approaching. The familiar rumble of a truck slowed beside me.
“Presley?” Hudson called out, rolling down the window. His voice was warm, filled with concern. “What the hell are you doing out here? Are you okay?”
I managed a weak laugh. “Yeah, just... walking.”
He frowned. “Get in. It’s freezing.”
For a second, I hesitated, guilt swirling in my chest. I’d been avoiding him all week, trying to ignore the pull I felt whenever we were near each other. But right now, I needed a friend. I slipped into the passenger seat, the warmth of his truck a welcome relief.
“I’m sorry,” I muttered, avoiding his gaze.
Hudson glanced at me as he pulled back onto the road. “For what?”
“For... everything. For avoiding you.”
He shot me a sideways glance. “What did I do?”
I sighed, pressing a hand to my forehead. “Nothing. You’re perfect, actually. It’s me.”
He stopped the truck at the corner, turning to face me fully. “You’re seriously going to hit me with the it’s not you, it’s me line?”
I couldn’t help but smile at his exasperation. “It’s true.”
He shook his head, rolling his eyes. “You know you still have two dares to finish, right?”
I looked away, biting my lip. “I already did one.”
His hands froze on the steering wheel, eyes wide as he turned back to me. “You broke up with Evan?”
I nodded, the weight of the night pressing down on me.
“Why?” His voice was softer now, as if he already knew the answer.
I sighed. “It’s... personal.”
Hudson’s expression darkened. “Let me guess. He gave you crap about having sex, didn’t he?”
I winced. “How did you know?”
He gripped the wheel tighter. “Because I know him. I heard him bragging in the locker room—saying he’d get in your pants before homecoming.”
My stomach twisted. “Seriously?”
“Yeah.” Hudson’s jaw tensed. “I almost decked him right then and there.”
I glanced out the window, suddenly feeling exposed. “Well, jokes on him. I’m not a virgin.”
He looked over at me, eyebrows raised. “You’re not?”
I shook my head. “I never told anyone. I let him think what he wanted.”
His eyes softened. “Who was it?”
I shrugged, not wanting to go into details. “It doesn’t matter. It’s not about that.”
Hudson was quiet for a moment before he pulled into my driveway. The house was dark; my parents were still out, and my little brother was at a friend’s.
“Want to come in?” I asked, the words slipping out before I could stop them.
Hudson hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah. I’ll stay for a bit.”
Hudson waited in the hall while I changed, just like always—patient, no complaints. Now, we were stretched out on my queen-sized bed, watching Titanic . Well, he was. I couldn’t focus. Evan always made a big deal about hating this movie, but Hudson? He just lay there, arms tucked under his head, legs crossed, like it didn’t bother him at all.
I turned on my side, eyes tracing his profile instead of the screen. “It’s my turn,” I said, voice soft but charged.
His lips curled into a lazy grin as he shifted to face me, mirroring my position. “So it is,” he teased, his gaze locking with mine. “I choose truth.”
I didn’t hesitate. “Do you want me?”
His smile faltered, the playfulness slipping away. I watched the muscle in his jaw flex, his once bright blue eyes darkening, thick with unspoken words.
“I’d be lying if I said no,” he murmured, his voice low and gravelly. “I never forgot you.”
A sharp sting hit my chest, emotions swirling. “Then why didn’t you write me?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
Hudson sighed, a sound heavy with regret. “I don’t know. I could’ve tracked you down, sure. Found you on social media, dug up your number somehow…”
“Then why didn’t you?” I repeated, the ache in my chest spreading. I wasn’t prepared for how much his absence still hurt, how deeply it lingered.
“I felt stupid,” he admitted, his fingers brushing the edge of my blanket absentmindedly. “I knew you’d get it if I explained, but then… life happened. I found friends at my new school. I got comfortable.”
I swallowed against the lump rising in my throat. “And girls,” I said, the words bitter on my tongue.
His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “Yeah,” he admitted, eyes flicking away for a moment. “But no one like you. No one I felt that close to.” He looked back at me, eyes searching mine. “Did you ever think about me?”
My hand moved of its own accord, my finger tracing the curve of his bottom lip. “Yeah,” I whispered, “a lot.”
Before I could process, Hudson’s tongue flicked out, grazing the tip of my finger. Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, he sucked it into his mouth. A wave of heat rushed through me, straight to my core. My breath hitched as I closed my eyes, heart pounding against my ribs.
The moment shattered when his mouth left my finger and claimed my lips instead. His hand cradled my head as his tongue brushed mine, the kiss slow, deliberate, full of unspoken history. It was like drowning, but I didn’t care—I let him pull me under.
My hands fisted the fabric of his t-shirt, holding him close, needing him closer. Every buried feeling I’d shoved deep inside since we were kids crashed to the surface. This wasn’t a crush—it was raw, real, and undeniable.
But then, Evan’s face flashed through my mind. I broke the kiss, panting, trying to steady myself.
“I’m sorry,” Hudson muttered, his forehead resting against mine. Regret flickered in his eyes.
“Don’t be,” I breathed, meeting his gaze. “I’ve wanted you to kiss me since the moment I saw you again.”
His lips curved slightly, but his eyes stayed serious. “You know it’s my turn,” he said softly.
I nodded, my pulse racing. “Truth,” I whispered.
“Would you go out with me… when you’ve sorted things out? When you have your head together?”
I hesitated, then nodded again. “Yeah. But I need time. I still don’t know where things stand with Evan.”
His gaze softened, but a flicker of determination lingered. “I can’t resist.”
He kissed me again, more tenderly this time, and I melted into him. His scent, the rough stubble grazing my skin, the way his muscles tensed beneath my hands—it was all too much and not enough. And in that moment, I let myself get lost in him, forgetting everything else. Just for now.