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 glance out the window, the skyline of downtown Redville sprawling out beneath the setting sun.
“What’s the offer?” I’m wondering if it’s even worth contemplating.
“Seven figures,” Travis says smoothly. “And that’s just the starting point.”
My head snaps back like I’ve been hit. “Seven figures? For cereal?”
“For cereal,” he repeats. “They’re serious, Hudson. They want you for commercials, social media campaigns, and maybe even some charity events with kids. You’d be their flagship ambassador.”
“Damn.” I let out a low whistle. “Seven figures.”
That’s a shit ton of money. That’s the kind of money that will help . . . my family. If they let me.
“You still there?” Travis asks.
“Yeah.” I swallow. “Just . . . processing.”
“Look, I know this is a big shift,” he says. “But you’d be stupid not to at least consider it. This is the kind of opportunity most players never get, Hudson. You’d be broadening your appeal and setting yourself up for long-term success, even after hockey.”
All of this is nuts.
It’s so far from the image I fell into, but maybe that’s exactly what I need. I’ve lied for so long about who I am. Perhaps it’s time I take down the walls and show the world the real me.
The one who loves his family and wants one of his own.
“I’ll think about it,” I say finally.
“That’s all I’m asking,” Travis says. “I’ll send over the details. Take a look, talk it over with Molly—”
I cut him off. “She doesn’t know about this yet. Hell, she doesn’t even know about the press conference fallout. She’s going to kill me when she finds out.”
Travis laughs. “Good luck with that. But seriously, this is a good thing, Hudson. Don’t overthink it. Call me when you’re ready to move forward.”
“Yeah, thanks, Travis.”
I hang up and stare at my phone, the weight of the conversation settling over me.
Did that really just happen?
Did a cereal company just offer me a seven-figure endorsement deal?
I pinch the skin on my wrist. Nope, I’m not dreaming.
All of this is real, and the craziest part is that it all started with a drunken Vegas mistake.
A part of me wonders if that “mistake” is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
I leave the lounge and head to the parking lot, my thoughts still moving a mile a minute.
Molly told me before the press conference that she would meet me at my place. We haven’t spoken since, and does she know?
Will she be pissed?
Of course, she will be.
I should regret this, but I don’t. I don’t regret the leak, and I don’t regret the marriage, but what does that mean for the future?
Wholesome. Redemption. The words keep looping in my head, and for the first time, it doesn’t feel like a joke.
I pull out my phone and open my messages.
Hudson: Hey. We need to talk.
I stare at the message before hitting send.
This marriage might’ve started as an accident, but it doesn’t feel like one anymore.
Maybe it’s exactly what I need.
66
Molly
I wish I could just take a sick day.
But no, instead of taking a nap like I want to, I’m working despite my throbbing headache.
Okay, maybe I’m not working, but I am checking emails.
I’m halfway through answering one when I hear a noise. I can’t make out what it is, though, from where I’m sitting on the couch. It kind of reminds me of the chaos before a game, just not as loud. And less swearing.
Another series of shouts happens.
This is ridiculous already.
Either my neighbors are throwing an impromptu block party or it’s the end of the world. Honestly, with how my life is going currently, either is a strong possibility.
I stand up from the couch and head for the window.
Once the blinds are pulled back, my eyes go wide.
Holy shit.
There are a few people there.
What the hell is going on?
Gas leak. There’s got to be a gas leak, right?
Shit. Why didn’t an alarm go off, and why am I still standing here?
I need to evacuate. But no . . . instead, I’m standing here because I most likely have a faulty monitor and will die.
Yeah, that sounds about right.
I am a hex, after all.
My eyes narrow. What is that? Are they holding something? Are those cameras?
Okay, so maybe the building isn’t being evacuated.
Oh, I know, they must be filming a movie. In Redville. Yeah, I think not. The biggest celebrity we have here is Hudson Wilde, which says a lot. Typically, reporters don’t follow hockey players around.
Wait, shit, are those reporters? No. That’s ridiculous.
Please say they aren’t.
Why would reporters be outside my building?
My stomach twists. What if it’s me?
No. Totally not. That’s ridiculous.
No one knows about Hudson and you.
It has to be something else.
My nose scrunches as I think.
I know some athletes live in the building, but no one who would garner this much attention.
Hmm.
Yeah, I doubt that’s it. It’s not like some star quarterback secretly moved in and decided to hold a press conference on the sidewalk.