Chapter 10
CHAPTER 10
Hudson
I couldn’t stop kissing Presley the other night. By the time we finally broke apart, our lips were swollen, bruised from the intensity, but it still wasn’t enough. And now, here she was, sitting in the cafeteria on Monday morning, perched on the windowsill with Evan beside her. They were laughing over donuts and sipping coffee like nothing had happened. Like I didn’t exist.
I glanced in her direction, hoping for a flicker of acknowledgment. Nothing. She didn’t even look my way. The hollow ache in my chest deepened, but I quickly masked it, grabbing the lid to my coffee cup. Just then, Reagan strolled by. Without thinking, I reached out, grabbing her sleeve and pulling her close, the warmth of her body pressed against mine.
She blinked up at me, surprised. “Oh, I thought you were mad at me,” she said, a hint of amusement in her voice.
I shrugged, forcing a casual tone. “Nah. I’m good. I get it.”
Her eyebrow arched as a sly smile played on her lips. “Do you want to be a placeholder?” she teased.
I nodded, smirking. “Could be fun. Nothing serious, though. Right?”
Her grin widened, a glint of mischief in her eyes. “When do we start?”
“Now.” I set my coffee aside, stepping closer and cupping her face in my hands. With deliberate slowness, I leaned in and kissed her, soft but purposeful, tasting the cherry gloss she wore. It was all part of the plan, just a show to stir things up a bit.
Reagan pulled back slightly, her lips brushing mine as she whispered, “That was nice.”
“Yeah, it was,” I agreed, licking the lingering taste of cherry from my lips. “No sex, but we can kiss.”
She laughed softly. “Deal. See you at lunch?”
She reached for my hand, and I gave her a quick glance over my shoulder. Presley was watching us now, scowling from across the room. Good. Mission accomplished.
I walked Reagan to her English class, planting a playful peck on her cheek before heading to my own. As I slipped into my seat in the darkened room, the final bell rang. Mr. Bailey was already dimming the lights for *North by Northwest*. I tried to focus on the screen, but Presley was sitting behind me, her presence impossible to ignore.
It didn’t take long. As the credits rolled, she yanked hard on my collar, pulling me back towards her. Her voice was a harsh whisper. “What the hell was that?”
I didn’t answer, just propped my chin on my hand like she wasn’t even there. She kicked my chair, her frustration growing. I still said nothing. Mr. Bailey settled into his seat in the back, his newspaper rustling as he pretended not to notice.
My phone vibrated in my pocket.
WTF. Are you serious? Reagan?
I smirked as I typed back.
Truth.
It’s not your turn!
She replied, immediately.
Truth.
Her frustration spilled into her next message.
It’s my turn. Are you trying to make me jealous?
I tapped out the same response.
Truth.
Fuck you. I’m not playing your game anymore.
I shoved my phone back into my pocket, anger simmering beneath the surface. She could say whatever she wanted, but it was obvious she didn’t plan on sorting out her mess with Evan. She wanted to keep playing both sides.
But I was done playing.
Reagan grabbed my hand, tugging me along with her, her steps quick and determined.
“Where are we going?” I asked, a bit breathless from the sudden burst of movement.
She glanced over her shoulder, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Off-campus. To Grimaldi’s.”
I hesitated, slowing my pace. “We could get in trouble for that.”
Her grin widened as she squeezed my hand tighter, pulling me closer. “I know a shortcut.”
Before I could argue, she led me through the maze of hallways, darting through the woodshop and out a creaky side door. The sharp smell of wood dust lingered as we emerged into the open air.
The only things standing between us and Grimaldi’s pizza were the teacher’s parking lot, a rusty old fence, and someone's backyard. I followed her across the small lot, and we slipped through a gap in the fence like it was a well-rehearsed escape route.
A dog barked as we cut through the thick, overgrown grass of a stranger’s yard, but no one came to the door to stop us. My pulse quickened as we darted toward freedom, adrenaline mixing with excitement. We reached Grimaldi’s, the scent of garlic and freshly baked bread filling the air as we stepped inside. My stomach growled, a sharp reminder that I hadn’t eaten anything for breakfast.
“I’ve got this one,” I said, pulling out my wallet.
Reagan smiled, but instead of pulling away, she curled her fingers around mine. The warmth of her hand was comforting, an unspoken camaraderie between us. We were in this together. After devouring a pepperoni pizza and downing a couple of Dr. Peppers, we leaned back in our chairs, both satisfied and a little too full.
Half an hour later, we slipped back into school, unnoticed, sneaking through the side door like seasoned pros. Just before we entered the hallway, Reagan pressed a soft kiss to my lips, catching me by surprise.
“Let’s hurry before the first tone rings. I’ve got to pee,” she said, smiling as she pulled away.
“You go ahead,” I said, leaning against the wall. “I need a cigarette.”
Her smile faltered, a frown tugging at her lips. “You should really try to quit.”
I shrugged, not ready to make any promises. “Maybe.”
Reagan sighed but didn’t push it further. “All right. See you later.”
As she disappeared down the hall, I slipped outside again, fishing a cigarette from my pocket. The cool breeze hit my face as I lit up, taking a few quick drags, feeling the familiar burn in my lungs. I tossed the cigarette down a storm drain and popped a piece of mint gum in my mouth, trying to mask the scent.
Just as I stepped back into the hallway, I collided with someone—Presley.
We both froze, the hallway buzzing with students rushing past, but it felt like time stopped for us. Her gaze was sharp, unreadable, and for a moment, neither of us spoke.
I swallowed hard, the weight of everything unspoken hanging between us. I could feel the tension radiating off her, and I knew she was waiting for me to say something—anything. But I wasn’t in the mood for her games today.
I met her gaze, my voice low as I said, “Truth.”
Then, without waiting for a reply, I turned on my heel and walked away.
Presley’s Jeep was parked right in the middle of my driveway when I got home, blocking where my truck should be. She never skipped her precious princess practice, so I must’ve really gotten under her skin. I pulled up to the curb, hopped out, and lit a cigarette, leaning against the truck door as I took a long drag.
She stepped out of her Jeep in a pair of shorts and an old Ryland High sweatshirt, her legs flexing with every step as she walked toward me. No pageant-perfect dresses today. Just raw, pissed-off Presley. Without a word, she reached out, plucking the cigarette from my fingers like she owned the damn thing, and took a drag.
“Truth,” she said, smoke curling from her lips.
I narrowed my eyes, focusing on the way her lips curved around the cigarette, her anger palpable.
“How do you feel watching me with Reagan?” she asked, her voice low but sharp.
“The same fucking way you feel when I see you with Evan,” I shot back. “Why her?”
I took the cigarette from her, taking one last pull before dropping it to the ground and crushing it under my boot.
“She’s convenient, and I know it bothers you.”
Presley’s eyes flashed, her fists clenching at her sides. “Fuck you, Hudson Evert. You’re such a bastard,” she hissed, spinning on her heel to storm away.
I wasn’t about to let her walk off that easy. I lunged forward, grabbing her arm and pulling her back to face me. “You’re not getting away that easily. Truth.”
Her eyes locked onto mine, defiant. “Are you jealous?” she asked smugly, chin jutting out in challenge.
I leaned in closer, my grip still firm on her arm. “Are you?”
Her lips twisted into a smug smile. “Answer first. You don’t get to ask a question until you answer mine—and only if I pick truth.”
I let my hand trail down her arm, fingers brushing against her hip as I leaned in, my voice dropping. “I hate seeing you with him.”
“Are you jealous?” she fired back, eyes blazing.
“Suppose I am?” I said, voice gruff as I pulled back slightly, trying to keep my cool even though my pulse was racing.
She bit her lip, hesitating, like she wasn’t sure how much to reveal. “I need to give him a chance.”
I jerked my hand away, the words hitting me harder than they should have. “No, what you need is to put on a fucking show. He’s going to hurt you, and when he does, it’s going to hurt me.”
Presley’s lips pressed into a thin line as she searched my face, frustration flickering in her eyes. “Why do you care so much?” she asked quietly, like she didn’t understand why I was getting so worked up.
I stepped closer, closing the gap between us, until her back was pressed against the Jeep, her body trapped between me and the cold metal. My voice dropped to a low, dangerous whisper. “Because if you weren’t with him, I’d have you. Body and soul. And no matter what happens, he’ll never have what we had—our bond.”
Her breath hitched, her hands pressing against my chest. I could see her mind racing, trying to make sense of everything, trying to push me away—but not really wanting to. She met my gaze, her resolve cracking for just a moment. Then, gently, she pushed me back, and I stepped away, giving her the space she needed.
“Our bond was broken when you left me,” she said, her voice soft but filled with hurt.
“It wasn’t my choice,” I muttered, frustration bubbling up again.
She let out a long breath, her fingers tracing along the back of my hand, her red nails gliding over my skin like she didn’t want to let go just yet. “Are we still playing the game?”
I nodded, feeling the weight of her touch, the pull of everything unresolved between us. “Always.”
“I wish it was different,” she whispered.
“It can be,” I replied, stepping back. “You just have to choose.”
She pulled away from me, walking to her Jeep without looking back. The engine roared to life, but before she backed out, she rolled down the window, glancing at me one last time.
“Dare,” she called out, her voice laced with challenge, before she hit the gas and sped off down the road.
I stood there, watching her taillights disappear, muttering under my breath, “I dare you to sit on my face.”
Damn it. I wanted everything Presley had to offer, and I wanted her to be mine. Completely.
It took me three days to come up with the perfect dare—a clever move designed to help me. Every dare Presley gave me always seemed to benefit me, but this one was different. This one had an edge.
I slipped the folded note into her locker, deciding against handing it to her in film class, and then waited. By the time lunch rolled around, I made a show of things with Reagan, who sat on my lap in the cafeteria until one of the aides told her to get off and sit in a proper chair.
Later, during gym, I overheard Evan and a few of his football buddies picking on Neil. The kid was younger and always trailing us seniors like he belonged, making him a prime target.
“Leave him alone!” My fists tightened instinctively as I spoke up.
Evan’s chest puffed out. “This doesn’t concern you, Evert. Mind your own business.”
I didn’t even flinch, even with two of the biggest linemen backing him up. “This is my business. Leave the kid alone.”
Neil’s voice wavered from behind me. “It’s all right.”
“No, it’s not,” I shot back through gritted teeth. I hated bullies.
Evan stepped closer, his smirk widening as he shoved a hand to my chest, forcing me back a step. I squared up, lifting myself to my full six-three. I knew it would be rough if it came down to all three of them, but I’d get my hits in, no question.
Before either of us could move, our teacher and JV coach muscled his way between us. “Evert, get out of here before I send you to the Dean’s office.”
My jaw clenched. “Of course, you’d take his side.”
The coach thrust his arm toward the door, his finger pointing emphatically. “You just bought yourself a day’s detention. See you this afternoon.”
I smirked. “I won’t be there.”
“Then you’re suspended.”
“Good,” I scoffed. “Could use a break from this shithole.”
The coach stood by, his watchful gaze fixed on me as I grabbed my jeans and sweater, pulling them on without a hint of hurry. I wasn’t worried about Evan or his lackeys. Ever since I’d started this fake thing with Reagan, people were catching on that Evan Braddock was a grade-A jerk. Still couldn’t figure out why Presley was so hung up on him.
I slipped out of the gym without looking back, making my way to the woodshop where students were busy with birdhouses. I nodded at a few guys, then ducked through the heavy steel door Reagan had shown me. Security was stationed near the main parking lot, but I managed to avoid them, slipping into my truck and pulling away.
Evan was nothing but a bully, and Neil needed to watch his back around him. Why Presley couldn’t see it was beyond me. I shook my head as I drove, feeling my pulse still on edge.
When I got home, my mother’s voice called out from the kitchen, where she was focused on a spreadsheet.
“Hudson, that you?”
“Yeah.” I kicked off my boots, anticipating her next question.
She stepped into the foyer, crossing her arms. “Why are you home?”
“Some bullshit.”
Her frown deepened. “What happened?”
I ran her through the details, watching her face darken as I spoke.
“The coach sided with the bully?”
“Yeah. I’m probably suspended. You’ll get a call from the dean, but I’m not sitting through detention when I didn’t do anything wrong.”
She sighed, smoothing the hair off my forehead. “It’s early in the year, Hudson. Try to pace yourself.”
“Sorry, Mom,” I muttered, a pang of guilt tugging at me. She’d had my back through more than a few of my stunts.
“I’ll wait for the school to call,” she said softly. “We’ll figure it out.”
I nodded and made my way downstairs, stripping off my leather jacket. Our basement was basically a giant hangout spot—a bedroom, bathroom, a media room with a full bar and kitchen, and a pool table. It was my own space, as long as I kept up with my chores.
After changing into sweats, I was just settling in when my phone buzzed with a message from Reagan.
Where the hell are you?
Reagan’s text flashed on my screen, impatient as ever.
Home. I had a run-in with your crush
Evan?
I exhaled, irritation creeping into my fingers as I typed my reply.
Seriously, Reagan, I don’t know why you and Presley are so into this guy.
Her response came instantly.
It’s not for you to question. We have an agreement.
I shook my head. The whole thing was complete garbage, and every second of it grated on me. There was no way I was going to keep up this charade, especially with her fawning over Evan.
Our agreement is over.
I shot back, my fingers pressing harder into each key.
Find someone else to make your best friend jealous.
Without waiting for her to respond, I switched my phone to silent, tossed it on my bed, and threw on a jacket. I needed to get out. A light drizzle started as I pulled out of the driveway, rain splattering across the windshield. I flicked on the wipers and rolled down the window just enough to light up a cigarette, letting the familiar burn calm me.
Asterdale had changed since we left. I hadn’t really stopped to notice until now—new shops, different faces, and somehow, it all felt colder than it used to. I pulled up to Fromby’s and went inside for a burger and cheese fries, taking my time as I watched the rain blur the outside world into a hazy gray.
I could still picture Presley sitting across from me in my truck a few weeks back, laughing over fries. Now, she was tangled up in Evan’s arms, and I felt a sharp stab of jealousy I hated to admit.
On my way back to the truck, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I fished it out, seeing "Mom" on the screen just as it was about to roll over to voicemail.
“Hey, Mom,” I answered, pushing my wet hair out of my eyes.
She sighed on the other end. “You left school without signing out, Hudson. They called and let me know you’ve got a two-day suspension.”
I gritted my teeth, knowing I deserved it but hating the situation all the same. “I’m sorry.”
“Just come home. We need to talk,” she said, and then the line went dead.
I stayed in the parking lot a little longer, wondering what "talk" really meant. She was usually laid-back about my mistakes, but she also had her hopes set on college for me, and to get there, my grades had to stay solid.
I took a slow drag on my cigarette as I pulled back onto the road, watching the town shift around me in the rain-soaked blur, wondering just how much trouble I’d managed to get myself into this time.