Chapter 21
CHAPTER 21
Hudson
I intertwined my legs with Presley’s, her warmth radiating through the soft blanket we’d pulled over us after peeling off our wet clothes. Outside, the rain pattered softly, but in her room, everything felt close and quiet. The movie on her laptop cast a dim glow across the bed as she curled closer, pressing a soft kiss to my chin.
“I can’t believe I know that about Evan’s mom,” I murmured, still a little stunned.
Presley let out a low laugh, nestling deeper into my shoulder. “I should’ve known. Evan’s always acted like his family is so perfect. His dad’s probably doing the same thing—he’s away on business trips more than half the time.”
Her fingers traced absent patterns along my arm, her voice turning thoughtful. “Now that I think about it, they’re hardly ever in the same place. She’s always at some charity event, and he’s golfing every other weekend. All those dinners together... guess they’re just for show.”
I glanced over at her, raising a brow. “What would you have done if we’d been caught?”
Presley huffed, brushing a hand through her hair. “Honestly? I don’t want to think about it. Mrs. Braddock would have made my life hell, but... well, now we know her secret.”
I smirked, catching her eye. “Guess she wouldn’t be so quick to throw us under the bus then, would she?”
She shook her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Nope. Leverage goes both ways.”
I leaned over, checking the time on her bedside clock. “Do you think our clothes are dry?”
Presley wrinkled her nose, glancing at me with a playful pout. “You’re leaving already?”
I looked at her, feigning innocence. “It’s almost two—Neil’s gonna be home soon, right?”
She smiled, a flash of mischief back in her eyes. “He’s got practice. Besides, there’s something I need from you before you go.”
I raised a brow, grinning as I slid my arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “Oh? Does this involve touching?”
She let out a low laugh, her breath warm against my cheek. “You know it does.”
And in that instant, nothing else mattered—her warmth, her laughter, and that spark between us were enough to make the rest of the world disappear.
The next day, Presley’s plans to sneak out were shot. Her mom was home, and the rain had cleared just in time for her to be assigned the chore she dreaded most: cleaning out the garage. Meanwhile, I was in my room, half-heartedly working on an English assignment, when my mom poked her head in. I ended up fessing up and telling her before the school called.
“I have to go out for a bit. Do you need anything?” she asked, keys jangling in her hand.
“Nah,” I replied, but as she turned to go, something nagged at me.
“Mom?” I called, and she stopped, looking back at me. “Why aren’t you…angry at me?”
She sighed, stepping into the room and sitting on the corner of my bed. “Because I know you,” she said softly. “You have a reason for everything you do. You’re not a troublemaker.”
I glanced down at my notebook, my pen idle in my hand. “This guy… he’s a jerk. I can’t let him get the best of Presley. He’s not the only one with friends.”
My mom reached over, squeezing my foot through the blanket. “I just want you to be careful, that’s all. This kid sounds like he could be trouble. I’ve met Mrs. Braddock, and… she doesn’t seem like the friendliest person.”
“If you only knew,” I muttered, half to myself.
She arched an eyebrow. “What was that?”
I shook my head, smirking. “Nothing. Presley said she’s a real piece of work.”
Mom chuckled as she stood up. “Alex won’t be home until late. How about Fromby’s for dinner?”
My grin spread instantly. “Triple burger with extra cheese and chili fries—and one of those double-thick shakes?”
She laughed, ruffling my hair as she headed out. “You must be starving.”
“Oh, and, uh… can I go out tonight?”
She shot me a look, knowing better. “In by curfew.”
After she left, I grabbed my phone and texted Presley.
Can you come out tonight?
A moment later, the reply buzzed in.
Not happening. Mrs. Bowers saw me come home yesterday and told my mom. Now I’m grounded for a week and cleaning the garage.
I couldn’t help laughing at the thought of her buried in boxes and dust.
Need a hand?
You’re banned. And I’m grounded until Monday.
I paused, a hint of worry stirring.
Banned? For good?
I called her immediately, and after a few rings, she picked up, her voice a low whisper. “I’m not supposed to have my phone.”
“What do you mean, banned?” I asked, my heart sinking. “Because I can’t be without you for too long, you know.”
She let out a soft laugh. “It just means I can’t go out with you until I’m ungrounded. Mrs. Bowers blabbed, my mom’s pissed, and I have to go before she finds out I’m on the phone.”
Before I could say more, she hung up. I sat there, staring at the screen. This can’t be it, I thought. I grabbed my jacket, slid on my boots, and jumped into my truck, heading straight for her place.
When I pulled up, I spotted Presley out on the driveway, sweeping a pile of dusty clutter into a pan. She looked up at the sound of my door slamming, and I couldn’t help but grin as I took her in, her hair pulled into a loose ponytail, a streak of dirt smudged across her cheek, and flecks of paint on her sweatshirt. She looked so...real.
“If only I could see you like this all the time,” I teased.
She scowled, glancing around. “Are you crazy?” she hissed, her eyes darting back to the house. “You shouldn’t be here!”
“Where’s your mom?” I asked, stepping closer.
“She went to run errands, but she could be back any minute. Seriously, you need to go,” she said, waving me off.
Ignoring her protests, I reached over and grabbed the broom from her hand, holding it just out of reach. “Let me help.”
She scowled, trying to snatch it back, but I pulled her into my arms, catching her by surprise as I pressed my lips to hers. She resisted, her hand pushing against my shoulder, but then her body relaxed, melting into the kiss.
“I missed you,” I whispered, my lips brushing hers.
She let out a sigh, her voice softer. “You still have to go, though.”
“Come on,” I pleaded, giving her my best innocent look. “Just let me help.”
After a moment of consideration, she rolled her eyes, her mouth quirking into a reluctant smile. “Fine, but you can only stay for an hour.”
Grinning, I grabbed the broom, and together we started clearing out the clutter.
I finished the last bite of my burger and wiped my mouth, glancing at my phone when it buzzed on the table. Swiping the screen, I saw Presley’s message pop up.
Thank you for helping today. Mom gave me my phone back.
Can you come out?
School tomorrow.
The reply came in so fast, I didn’t even have a chance to set the phone down again. With a sigh, I hit "Call."
“Are you still grounded?” I asked as soon as she picked up.
Presley clucked her tongue, a dry sound of annoyance. “Yes. Mom said I never should’ve hit Evan.”
“Did she ask why?”
“She did,” she said, her voice lowering. “But I wouldn’t tell her the truth. I promised Neil.”
I chuckled. “You’re a good sister.” I paused, the words feeling heavier than I meant them to. “I’ll miss you tomorrow.”
“Tell that to Neil,” she muttered, her tone turning sour. “He still won’t talk to me. You’re the lucky one—another day off, then one day of school, and you’ve got the weekend.”
I rolled onto my back, staring at the ceiling, phone pressed to my ear. “It’s no big deal. This crap they’re teaching—I already know it.” I hesitated. “Neil’s young. He doesn’t get it yet. Let’s hope he keeps his distance from Evan.”
“I still want to mess him up,” she growled, her voice dark with anger.
“Don’t even think about it,” I warned. “Getting caught by Mrs. Braddock wasn’t close enough for you? One more close call, and we’re both done. No more, Presley.”
Silence hummed on the line. I didn’t want to be the voice of reason, but Presley was out for blood, and someone had to hold the line.
“I want that notebook,” she said softly.
I exhaled, sitting up, pressing my fingers into my temple. “And do what with it? You can’t expose him or his pathetic little friends without putting the girls at risk too. It’d ruin them.”
“That’s not true!” she protested, voice suddenly sharp.
“Yeah, it is, and you know it,” I snapped, letting my voice rise. “You think you can take him down alone? Think it through, Presley!”
“You’re such an asshole.” Her voice was flat, and the call ended with a click before I could respond.
I stared at the screen, her contact photo frozen on the call log. WTF? I tried calling back, but each time, it went straight to voicemail. I sent a quick text, my thumb punching the words hard.
You know I’m right.
When the read receipt didn’t pop up, I tossed my phone on the bed, closing my eyes and letting the tension settle like a weight in my chest. I’d call her tomorrow—after she’d cooled off.