Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 139259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 696(@200wpm)___ 557(@250wpm)___ 464(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 139259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 696(@200wpm)___ 557(@250wpm)___ 464(@300wpm)
I run a hand through my hair.
I can’t do it.
I can’t come clean.
But maybe she’s right. Perhaps I need to.
“You really think I should?” I ask.
“I do.” She stands up and crosses the room to stand in front of me. “Because I know you, Hudson. And I know that you’re tired of hiding. Tell him. I promise it will be okay.”
“Fine, I’ll do it.”
The following morning, I’m standing outside Coach’s office.
My heart pounds in my chest.
Maybe I’m having a heart attack.
Now I’m being ridiculous.
Stop dicking around and go in there.
It’s time.
And if I get let go, at least Molly will be there for me.
I take a deep breath.
Knock on the damn door.
“Come in.”
With slow moves, I push the door open. It feels heavy today, but I know it’s just nerves.
Once it’s open, I step inside and make my way to his desk. He’s already sitting there with a stack of papers in front of him. He looks up, and when he does, I swear I start to sweat.
Fuck. Man the fuck up, Hudson.
He raises an eyebrow. “Wilde.” He leans back in his chair. “What brings you here?”
Even though he hasn’t told me to sit, I do. “Coach, I need to talk to you about something.”
His brow furrows. “This sounds serious.”
I let out a breath. “It is.” Shit, how do I say this? “I’m hurt,” I admit and then I tell him everything.
About the farm.
About the money.
About the accident.
When I get to that part, Coach’s jaw tightens.
“And you’ve been practicing with this injury?” he asks, his voice low. Fuck. He’s pissed.
This is it. Time to kiss my career on the Saints goodbye. It’s been a good run.
I nod. “Yeah.”
He rubs a hand over his face. “Hudson, this is reckless, even for you. You could have made it worse.”
“I know.” I nod. “I screwed up. But I didn’t know what to do. The farm’s barely holding on. I needed to help them, and the only way I can is with hockey.”
Coach is silent for a moment, his gaze heavy. Finally, he lets out a long sigh. “All right, I have an idea.”
I sit up straighter, my heart pounding. He hasn’t kicked me off the team yet. That’s got to be a good sign.
“You’re sitting out the first three games,” he says firmly. “You’re going to focus on getting that wrist healed.”
Holy fuck.
This is the best outcome I could have prayed for.
“Thank you, Coach.”
“I’m not done.” His eyes narrow. Fuck, I celebrated too soon. “You’re also going to let me make a few calls. I have connections. I think I can help you find more endorsement deals. Maybe one that can help the farm.”
My eyes widen. I can’t speak. “You’d do that?”
“You’re one of my best players, Wilde,” he says. “But more importantly, you’re a good kid. You made a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet.” A small smile tugs at his lips.
When I walk out of Coach’s office, I’m already feeling better.
I find Molly where I left her, waiting by the car.
“And?” She taps her foot on the pavement impatiently.
God, I love this woman.
I smile, the first one in days. “Good. He’s making me sit out the first three games, but he’s also helping me find another endorsement deal. One that could also help the farm.”
“Oh my God.” She gasps. “This is amazing. I’m so happy for you.”
“Yeah, it is. And it’s all thanks to you.”
She shakes her head, stepping closer and wrapping her arms around my neck. “You did this, Hudson. You should be proud of yourself. God, I love you so much.”
I kiss her head. “Molly Sinclair-Wilde. Hex. You’re my favorite bad luck charm.” I wink.
She laughs softly, her arms wrapping around me. “Always.”
94
Hudson
Mason: Morning, Princess Hudson. How’s the royal wrist today?
Aiden: Should we get you a throne? Or maybe one of those bubble wrap suits?
Hudson: 🙄 You’re all hilarious.
Dane: Don’t forget fragile. He’s fragile AF.
Mason: He’s like a glass ornament. One wrong move and CRACK.
Aiden: A glass ornament. With sparkles.
Hudson: I hate all of you.
Mason: Nah, you love us.
Dane: Not as much as we love seeing you get wrapped in the bubble wrap of shame by Coach.
Aiden: Bet you’re sidelined for two weeks just because someone looked at you wrong.
Hudson: I’M FINE.
Mason: “I’m fine” is what people say when they’re absolutely not fine.
Dane: You’re not fine, Hudson. And don’t give me that BS. You should’ve told us.
Hudson: Told you what?
Dane: About the injury. About the farm. About whatever stupid thing you were doing that landed you in this mess.
Aiden: You think we wouldn’t have your back? You think we wouldn’t help?
Mason: We’re teammates, dude. That makes us family.
Dane: And family doesn’t let you pull dumb stunts alone.
Hudson: . . .
Mason: What? Nothing to say now?
Hudson: I didn’t want anyone to worry about me.
Dane: That’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever said.