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)
The memory of the flight from last week rushes back—Hudson quietly guiding me through a panic attack on the plane, keeping everyone else oblivious while he talked me down.
It was . . . kind. Too kind. And now, this card feels like it’s carrying more weight than I can handle.
“You’re unbelievable,” I say, my voice shaking. “What, you think you’re my savior now? That you get to fix me?”
Hudson frowns. “That’s not what this is.”
“Then what is it, Hudson?” I snap, waving the card in front of him. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks a lot like you butting into my business.”
“It’s not about butting in,” he says, his tone calm but firm. “It’s about helping. You don’t have to do everything alone, Molly.”
“I’ve been fine alone,” I shove the card back through the gap in the boards and watch as it falls onto the ice. “For years.”
“Have you?” he asks, I meet his stare again. His gaze is piercing.
The question feels like a slap, and I take an involuntary step back. “You don’t know anything about me.”
“I know enough,” he says, his voice softening. “I know you’re strong as hell. But strength doesn’t mean ignoring what’s hurting you.”
Heat rises in my chest, my defenses flaring. “Don’t you dare lecture me on strength.”
“I’m not lecturing,” he says, holding his hands up. “I’m just saying it’s okay to ask for help. It doesn’t make you weak.”
“Thanks for the therapy session, Dr. Wilde,” I snap, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Now, how about you mind your own damn business?”
His jaw tightens, but he doesn’t back down. “I can’t do that, Molly. Not when I see you struggling.”
“I’m not struggling,” I yell, the words echoing louder than I intended.
Several players glance over, their curiosity obvious, but Hudson waves them off, keeping his focus on me.
“You’re right,” he says, lowering his voice. “You’re not struggling. You’re surviving. But don’t you think you deserve better than that?”
The question cuts deeper than I’m prepared for, and my hands clench into fists at my sides.
“I didn’t ask for your help,” I say, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and something I don’t want to name.
“I know,” he says quietly. “But that doesn’t mean you don’t need it.”
I turn away, needing to put distance between us before the tears threatening to spill actually do. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I do, Molly,” he says, his voice following me as I walk away. “And whether you believe it or not, I just want to see you happy.”
His words hang in the air, but I don’t stop. I can’t. Because if I do, I might actually have to confront the truth in them.
And that’s something I’m not ready for.
22
Hudson
Dane: Boys. Bar tonight.
Aiden: I’m in.
Mason: I’ll come if Hudson comes.
Hudson: Pass.
Mason: What?
Aiden: Excuse me?
Dane: You okay, Wilde? That sounded like a no.
Mason: A no to the bar? Is he sick?
Aiden: Do we need to send a wellness check?
Mason: Bro, blink twice if you’re being held hostage.
Hudson: I’m not being held hostage. I just don’t feel like going out.
Dane: Who are you, and what have you done with Hudson Wilde?
Aiden: You’re the one who drags us to the bar after every win.
Mason: Exactly. Last week you said, and I quote, “It’s a crime to waste a post-win buzz. And we just won two in a row.”
Hudson: I said that?
Aiden: Yes. Very passionately.
Dane: Hudson, seriously. What’s going on? You hiding something?
Mason: Are you sick? Hurt? In love???
Hudson: I’m fine.
Aiden: Liar.
Mason: Definitely in love. Only a girl could make Hudson say no to a bar.
Hudson: I’m not in love.
Mason: I forgot you don’t fall in love.
Dane: So what’s the excuse?
Hudson: Maybe I just want a quiet night in for once.
Mason: A quiet night in??? Who even are you right now?
Aiden: Is this what retirement looks like?
Dane: Pathetic.
Hudson: Can’t a guy take a break?
Mason: No. Not when that guy is you.
Aiden: We’re coming to drag you out of the house.
Mason: Put on deodorant. We’re on our way. I don’t need you stinking up my car.
Hudson: I’m locking the doors.
Mason: You say that like I don’t know where your spare key is.
Hudson: . . .
Dane: I’ll bring the car around. You’re done fighting this, man.
Aiden: Resistance is futile.
Hudson: Fine. You guys are relentless.
Mason: That’s what teammates are for. Now get ready.
Aiden: Wear something nice. Mason and I are putting you on Tinder if you’re this mopey.
Hudson: I hate all of you.
Dane: See you in 20, Wilde.
Mason: Don’t forget your hairbrush.
23
Hudson
The bar is loud.
It’s also the last place I want to be. Nature of the beast, though. This is who they expect.
It doesn’t matter who I really am or what I want. This is the persona I’ve taken on. The space around me is filled with laughter and clinking glasses.
This was my idea. It’s what’s expected.