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)
“You wouldn’t understand,” I murmur, my voice barely audible.
“Try me.” He steps closer, the teasing gone from his tone. Now, it’s gentle but unrelenting.
“It’s not that simple.” I shake my head, wishing I could shake away the truth.
“It can be.”
“I’m not sure I can,” I choke out, my voice cracking under the weight of it all.
“Hex.” The way he says my name—steady, unflinching—hits me straight in the chest.
Like a quiet challenge.
Like he’s daring me to keep lying to him.
I look up, and for one stupid moment, I let myself feel it. The pull between us. The way the air thickens when we’re too close. The way his eyes—blue and unwavering—make me feel seen and exposed all at once.
But then reality slams into me like a tidal wave.
Dane would never understand.
And Hudson? I don’t trust myself to let him in.
Not when the stakes feel this high.
“I can’t,” I whisper, stepping back. The space between us grows, but it doesn’t feel like enough. “I can’t do this.”
Hudson doesn’t move for a long second. He just watches me, his expression unreadable, and then he nods once.
“For now,” he says quietly, his voice carrying a weight I don’t want to unpack.
Then he turns and walks away, leaving me there.
Leaving me with the unshakable feeling that this isn’t over.
Because it isn’t.
Not even close.
38
Molly
Cassidy: Brunch at the diner. Be there or be ten pounds lighter but ultimately unhappy without cinnamon rolls.
Josie: I’m in.
Molly: Can’t. Busy.
Cassidy: Busy doing what? Avoiding us or avoiding Hudson?
Molly: 😒 Avoiding you two, obviously.
Josie: Lies. We’re delightful.
Cassidy: I’m offended. Personally. Deeply.
Josie: Truly. This feels like a breakup.
Molly: You two are so dramatic. I’m actually working.
Cassidy: Oh, right. Working . . .
Josie: Working hard not to think about Hudson Wilde.
Molly: *Throws phone out window.*
Josie: Denial isn’t just a river in Egypt.
Molly: You promised to stop bothering me about Hudson.
Cassidy: Correction: We promised not to bother you about Hudson AT LUNCH.
Josie: Technically, this is a group chat. So. Loophole.
Molly: I hate both of you.
Cassidy: You don’t. You hate that we’re right.
Josie: And that we know things. Important things.
Molly: What things?
Cassidy: Like how you and Hudson disappeared together the day after he binge drank with Mason.
Molly: OMG. Drop it.
Josie: And that you haven’t been able to look him in the eye since. 👀
Cassidy: Curious. Very curious.
Molly: *Adds Josie and Cassidy to my block list.*
Cassidy: We’re unblockable. Like cockroaches.
Josie: Or glitter. You’ll never get rid of us.
Molly: Fine. I’ll go to lunch if you swear on your lives not to mention him.
Cassidy: Deal.
Josie: Sworn. No Hudson talk.
Molly: If either of you so much as hint about him, I’m leaving.
Cassidy: We’ll be angels.
Josie: I’ll polish my halo and everything.
Molly: I’m serious.
Cassidy: Molly. When have we ever broken a promise?
Molly: . . .
Josie: . . .
Molly: Why do I feel like I’m walking into a trap?
Cassidy: Because you are. Cinnamon rolls at noon, babe. Don’t be late.
Josie: We’ll save you a seat. But not a cinnamon roll. There are limits to my kindness.
Molly: I’m going to regret this.
Cassidy: Probably. But we’re worth it. 💅
39
Molly
The small diner I like to go to with the girls is warm and cozy.
It feels straight out of a Hallmark movie, with mismatched chairs that look like they’ve been collected from garage sales over the years, checkered tablecloths, and a waitstaff that calls us “hon.”
The walls are lined with old photos—black-and-white snapshots of the town’s history mixed with colorful prints of flowers and hand-lettered signs with cheesy sayings.
Come hungry, leave happy.
Coffee: A hug in a mug.
I sit across from Josie and Cassidy, picking at my fries while the two of them debate milkshake flavors.
“You have to try the chocolate peanut butter,” Cassidy insists, her dark hair pulled into a sleek ponytail. “It’s life-changing.”
Josie wrinkles her pert nose. “I’m a purist. Strawberry or nothing.” She looks over at me, waiting for my input on the matter, her blond curls bouncing as she tilts her head. “Molly? Thoughts?”
I push my fries into a small pile. “On what?”
Cassidy smirks, leaning forward and placing her elbows on the table. “On whether or not you’re capable of focusing when Hudson Wilde isn’t in the room.”
I blink, heat rising into my cheeks.
Shit. I’m totally blushing.
Play it cool, Molly.
I arch a single brow. “Excuse me?”
Josie laughs, propping her chin on her hand. “She’s got a point, you know. You’ve been weirdly quiet today. Suspiciously quiet.”
I grab my soda for something to do. “I’m just tired.”
Damn, girl, you just answered that way too quickly.
Act casual.
“Mm-hmm.” Cassidy’s knowing smile grows as she leans back in her chair. “Tired because you’ve been spending all your energy trying not to strangle Hudson every time he opens his mouth?”
Hearing his name makes me scowl.
I’m already wound so tight. I can’t escape this when I’m alone with my own thoughts. I don’t need this with them, too.
This is supposed to be a Hudson-free lunch, and they just . . .