Chapter 16
CHAPTER 16
Presley
“ M om, Mom!” I yelled into my phone, the urgency in my voice matching the pounding of my heart. I was still sitting in my Jeep, adrenaline coursing through me as I dialed her number, my palms slick against the steering wheel.
“Presley Ann, you have me worried sick! Where are you?” Her voice came through, sharp and frantic.
I hit the button to rev the engine, tucking my phone into the holder. “Hudson’s house,” I said quickly, my stomach twisting at the thought of how much I was leaving out. “We were watching a movie and… fell asleep.”
The truth felt heavier than my silence; I was naked in his bed, and I hadn’t yet told her I’d broken up with Evan or quit cheerleading. I felt a twinge of guilt, but my recent decisions had taken on a life of their own.
“We’re already seated and waiting for Dad’s friends. It would be rude if you came late. We’ll discuss this when we get home.”
The line went dead with a click, and I knew I was in trouble. A knot tightened in my stomach as I pulled out onto the street, the weight of my choices pressing down on me. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to go home; I felt so tired after everything that had happened. My breakup with Evan lingered in the back of my mind like a shadow.
Once I got home, I took a long, hot shower, letting the water wash away the tension. I wrapped myself in a towel, then headed to the kitchen and opened the fridge, heating up some leftover beef stew.
I’m in trouble.
I grabbed my phone, fingers dancing over the screen as I texted Hudson.
Are you grounded?
I don’t know. My parents are still at dinner, but my mom wasn’t happy.
I bit my lip, contemplating my next message.
Does that mean I’ll have to sneak through your window to see you?
I dialed his number, heart racing as it rang. He picked up on the second ring, his voice low and teasing. “Well?”
“I couldn’t tell you. I’m pretty sure my brother blabbed about me breaking up with Evan and quitting cheerleading. They might even know about you,” I admitted, biting back a sigh.
“Is that so bad?” he asked, a hint of mischief in his tone.
“No, but I wanted to be the one to tell them. They love Evan, and my mom was so proud when I made lead, just like she did when she was at Ryland.”
“You can’t live your parents’ life, Pres. She needs to understand that.”
I let out a deep breath, the weight of his words settling in. “I know. Just be prepared, because I might be grounded.”
He chuckled softly, the sound easing my tension a bit. “We’ll figure it out.”
I heard the familiar rumble of the garage door as it creaked open, my heart racing again. “I have to go; they’re home.”
“Good luck. Call me after,” he said, his voice steady.
“I love you, Huddy,” I replied, feeling a warmth spread through me.
“Love you too,” he echoed, and I hung up, taking a deep breath as I braced myself for whatever was waiting on the other side of the door.
My mother narrowed her eyes, her expression a mixture of disbelief and frustration. “So let me get this straight—you broke up with Evan and quit cheerleading all in one day?”
I nodded, tugging nervously at a frayed string on the hem of my sweatshirt. “Yeah.”
“And you’re dating Hudson Evert? Is that it, or do you want to tell me you robbed a convenience store or burned down a church?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
“Evelyn,” my father interjected, his tone calm but firm. “It’s not that bad. Personally, I think Presley is old enough to make her own decisions. If she didn’t want to continue with cheerleading, she has a right to quit.”
I made a mental note to thank my father in private later; he always seemed to be my anchor during these storms.
My mother let out a frustrated breath, running a hand through her hair. “Peter, she had one more month. I don’t understand what the big deal is.”
I frowned, memories flooding my mind. My mother had been everything at Ryland—head cheerleader, homecoming queen two years in a row, spring queen, and dated only the most popular guys.
My father had been the star quarterback, crowned homecoming king and spring king, winning the state championship his senior year. It was disgusting how popular they still were, even twenty-five years later. I could hear teachers reminiscing about them, gushing over what a cute couple they’d made. It made me nauseous.
I steeled myself, meeting my mother’s intense gaze. “The big deal is that I don’t want to do it anymore. I can find better things to do with my time.”
“Like what?” she shot back, arms crossed.
“Like joining some clubs. I’ve wanted to do yearbook.”
“You could still do that and finish cheerleading,” she insisted.
I leaned my head back against the top of the couch, feeling exhausted. “Are we done? I’m not perfect like you. I’m sorry.”
My mother reached out, grabbing my hand gently. “It’s not about being perfect. It never was.”
Tears stung my eyes as I blinked back the emotion. “Then why does it feel like it is?”
“Honey, I just wanted you to enjoy your high school experience,” she said softly, her voice tinged with concern.
I lifted my head, a surge of defiance coursing through me. “I am.”
“And what happened with Evan?” she asked, concern etched on her face.
I glanced at my father, who had been quietly observing. “He was an asshole. He changed since the summer.”
She shifted closer, her tone becoming more serious. “Did he pressure you?”
A wave of panic washed over me. If my father knew what I’d done with Hudson, I could only imagine the heart attack it would give him. “No, that wasn’t the reason. It was just time. He’s interested in everything but treating me the way he should. I’m done.”
“And Hudson?” my father asked, his curiosity piqued.
I couldn’t help the smile that broke across my face. “He’s different, and it’s not puppy love.”
“As long as he treats you right,” my father replied, a hint of approval in his voice.
I nodded, a warmth blooming in my chest. “He does. Am I grounded?”
My father smirked, the tension easing. “You would’ve been bored, Neil was.”
Relief washed over me like a warm wave. Now that I didn’t have cheerleading, I had all the time in the world to spend with Hudson. God, he was beautiful, and I couldn’t stop thinking about him. If that sounded pathetic, then so be it.
“I’m glad. I have some homework to do,” I said, standing up and stretching, ready to escape the weight of the conversation.
“Oh God, Hudson. Right there,” I moaned.
Evan could never make me feel this way and I’m glad I dumped his ass. I writhed under Hudson as his tongue delved inside me. He kissed everywhere, paying special attention to my pussy. I was ready to scream in ecstasy as my orgasm climbed, closer and closer.
And then….
I shot up in the darkness of my room. It was just before 3 a.m. and I had the dirtiest dream I ever had about sex. My nipples strained against my light pink cami top and my panties were damp with arousal.
“Christ,” I muttered.
I ran a hand over my nipples and gasped, they were so sensitive. My clit was throbbing like the beat of a drum. I never ever thought about Evan the way I did Hudson. I smirked wickedly, grabbing my phone from the nightstand. I wouldn’t do this for anyone but Hudson. I knew I could trust him.
I wiggled out of my panties and shoved my cami up to my neck, turning on the camera. I propped it up with a pillow between my thighs and when it was in position, I worked my clit with one hand, spreading my legs wide so he could get the full effect.
I softly moaned as I plumped my breasts then pinched my nipples. I had to be quiet or my brother might hear. I arched my back, pushing my pussy into my hand. I looked in the camera.
“Hudson, this is what you do to me,” I said as I slid a finger inside my slick channel, using my thumb to work my clit.
My climax sent me skyward and threw my head back, whispering Hudson’s name. When I was finished, I sent him the video via text. He would have a little treat when he woke up. I settled back in bed, not bothering to put on my panties.
Hours later, my alarm went off and I ignored it, burrowing deeper into the covers. Today would be perfect to stay home. It was pouring and chilly. I turned on my side not aware of my exposure. A knock at the door stirred me and before I could answer, my brother burst into my room.
“Oh, fucking gross,” he yelled.
I yanked the covers over me. He got a good look at my bare ass, and I could feel my face heat.
“Don’t you freaking wait for me to answer?” I screamed. “Get out!”
“We’re going to be late for school,” he whined. “Wake up.”
I picked up a magazine I had on my nightstand and whipped it at him, but it fell short. He pulled the door closed, allowing me to get up. I had thirty minutes to shower and get ready to go. Today would be a ponytail day because I had no time to do my hair.
I was in my car with Neil by my side, cell phone plugged into the hands free as I backed out of the driveway twenty eight minutes later. A text popped up from Hudson.
That was some video. I’m so hot.
I glanced at Neil as he knitted his eyebrows together.
“What video?”
I never prayed so hard for the light up ahead to turn red and just as we got near, it turned yellow. I could’ve made it before it turned red, but I slowed, stopping just before. I ripped my phone out of the connector and shut it off before the light changed to green.
“Well?” Neil questioned.
“It’s personal.”
“Was it dirty? You know you’re not supposed to sext?”
I sighed, turning the wipers onto high as the rain came down harder.
“Mind your business,” I growled.
“I’m telling Mom.”
“Neil, if you want to take the bus for the rest of the year, keep your mouth shut. It wasn’t anything like that anyway.”
From the corner of my eyes, I saw him narrow his.
“Fucking liar. Is that why you weren’t wearing panties this morning? I’m gonna have to bleach my eyeballs and brain to get that image out of my mind.”
I nudged his shoulder with my palm. “Shut up already before I lose it.”
He said nothing for the rest of the trip to school. He loved not having to take the bus to school. Next year he would since I was leaving for college unless he talked my father into dropping him off.
I swung into my spot, number seventeen, more than halfway across the parking lot and me with no umbrella. Neil didn’t say anything to me and slipped out of the car, flipping the hood of his football jacket up. I followed, putting my backpack over my head.
Hudson was leaning against my locker when I arrived, a huge grin on his face. He pulled me into his arms and hugged me, whispering in my ear.
“Why were you up at 3 a.m.?”
I nuzzled his ear. “I had a dream.”
He kept his voice low. “Do you know what that video did to me when I woke up? I never expected it.”
I smirked. “Promise me you won’t show your friends. Did you delete it?”
Hudson pressed his nose into my neck. “Hell – fucking - no. I have it hidden on my phone. I’m gonna use it as stroke material.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Ewww! I can’t believe you said that.”
My eyes were diverted across the hall. Evan was hanging all over Reagan, boldly palming her ass.
“Pres?” Hudson questioned.
“Nothing,” I said dryly.
He followed my gaze. “Forget them.”
I ground my teeth. “It feels like betrayal. My ex and best friend. It was like she was waiting for him to be done with me.”
Hudson cupped my cheeks. “You were the one who ended it.”
“Yeah, I did but it’s still wrong. It’s bullshit. I basically handed her everything. My job, my boyfriend.”
He kissed me softly on the lips. “Pres, no matter how you look at it, you never would’ve lasted.”
I frowned. “Why the fuck would you say something like that?”
“Because it’s true. I was coming back for you, and I didn’t give a shit who you were dating. Is that a good enough explanation for you?”