“Just so you know,” Cull says, kipping up the ball to his knee. “If Hud gets his spot back in time, I’m dropping you faster than my dignity on a dance floor.”
Archer busts out laughing. “Deal.”
I watch Cull and Archer plan a future I was supposed to be part of, and something coils tight in my chest. I smile, though, because I want them to have it, and I know I’ll get there.
Someday.
Chapter twenty-eight
Cullen
These last two weeks have been blissfully normal. No crazy notes, no vague texts or phone calls, no defaced photos… It’s been sort of surreal, and I can’t shake the feeling that it’s too quiet.
Since all this mess started, we’ve not gone more than a week without some sort of chaos happening or contact from Hud’s stalker. I know Hud said that it wasn’t Ella, but the silence speaks volumes. I should probably feel bad about that thought, but I’ve decided not to stress it too much.
We can thank Maria for that.
I’ve had four sessions and they’ve not been easy. She’s gotten me to admit to things that terrify me and things that have made me feel guilty. I’ve broken down in her office every single time, but each day after I’ve felt lighter.
Like Hud said, she picks at the wound, and it’s painful in the moment, but eventually it lets some of the poison out.
I’ve officially been diagnosed with PTSD, which explains my anger. That and the fact I haven’t slept properly in months. Put the two together and that was the perfect storm for my mental break.
Now that I’ve worked through some of my trauma, sleep has come a little easier, and the difference is immense.
What’s really been nice is getting to see what Hudson and my relationship is like without all the outside noise, and frankly, it’s been fucking amazing.
Hudson is so much more playful without all the stress and anxiety hanging over him. I know he’s still worried about college and whoever could still be lurking in the shadows, but regardless, he’s finally living the life he had been denying himself. His smile isn’t practiced anymore, now reaching his eyes and staying there.
I thought I’d already hit the depths of love with him. Turns out, it’s endless.
My mom teases me that I have constant hearts in my eyes when I look at Hud, and you know what? Fuck yeah, I do.
I’ll never be ashamed to admit that.
Tonight, Archer is throwing a belated graduation party, and I’m on my way to Hud’s house to pick him up. I’m looking forward to having a night to let loose and just hang with our friends, hopefully drama-free.
Hud is waiting for me on the porch when I pull into his driveway, looking like an absolute meal I want to devour. His baby blue polo is hugging his chest that’s starting to fill out with muscle again, and his distressed dark wash jeans are hanging low on his hips, teasing me with what is underneath.
He jogs over to the car, getting in with a sexy grin on his face, but my focus is on the new haircut he didn’t tell me he was getting.
“You cut your hair?” I ask, my hand coming up to graze the shaved sides of his head.
“Yeah. I needed a change. Do you hate it?” He turns his head so I can see the back.
The textured hair that used to descend down the back of his head is now faded to his scalp. The top is no longer a mess of intentionally placed chaotic spikes, but a shorter fringe pushed over his forehead.
He looks incredible.
“You’re gorgeous.” I pull him to my lips by the back of his neck, kissing him until we are both breathless. “Let’s skip the party. I need to fuck you.”
Hud snorts and shoves me away playfully. “We aren’t flaking on Archer. Besides, my parents are home, and you’re not quiet.”
“That's rude. You’re the moaner.” I put the car in reverse and back out of Hud’s driveway.
“You just furthered my point,” he says, chuckling.
I link my hand with his and bring his knuckles to my lips. “What brought on the need for change?”
