Page 33 of We're At It Again

As I reached the bottom of the stairs, he stepped forward, closing the distance between us in a single stride. With a charming grin, he pressed a gentle kiss to my cheek.

“Ready to face the paparazzi, Snow?” he asked, his warm breath tickling my skin as he whispered in my ear.

My mother’s voice cut through the moment, interrupting our brief exchange.

“We need pictures before you head out.”

With a resigned smile, we allowed my mother to usher us into position. My parents snapped picture after picture as we posed for the camera.

The impromptu photo shoot ended, and we went outside into the cool night air. The stars twinkled overhead, casting a soft glow over the scene as we walked to his truck. He rushed to the passenger door and opened it, motioning for me to enter as if he were a gentleman.

“Are you ready for the night of your life, Ms. Delgato?” he asked with an arrogant smile.

“You seem pretty confident.”

“I am.” He said. “You know I’m desirable, and every girl at the dance will envy you.”

I snorted before pushing him away from the door.

“No need to pretend to be a gentleman, Hudson. You can’t fool me.”

He moved against the door, stopping me from closing it. He placed his palms on the car roof before leaning down until his head was inside the car, dangerously close to mine. I could smell the peppermint gum.

“Maybe I’ve changed.”

“People don’t change.”

I watched his jaw clench every time he chewed on his gum. His evergreen eyes inspected me from head to toe. The corner of his lip twitched before he pulled away, standing tall.

“This is your last chance to back out.” He said. “We could do something else.”

I shook my head, watching as he tugged on the collar of his shirt. The deep navy fabric brought out the rich tones in his eyes, enhancing his natural charisma. It added an air of sophistication to his rugged charm. He has come far from the awkward preteen I knew.

“Are you checking me out?” he asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

My cheeks flushed, and I hoped he didn’t notice in the dim light.

“I forgot how weird-looking you are.”

He tossed his head back as his stomach shook in laughter. After the silence, he looked at me with a restrained desire to speak. The corner of his lip was raised.

“Deny it all you want, Snow, but you know I got hot.” He said, not letting me retaliate before he slammed the door shut.

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21

HUDSON

AS WE ENTERED THE DANCE, the room came alive with excitement. Colorful streamers twisted around the walls, and glittering fairy lights cast a soft glow over the dance floor. The air was booming with the sound of laughter and music.

But amidst all the splendor, I found my gaze drawn to the girl beside me. I watched her with awe and longing, unable to tear my gaze away. She moved through the room with a grace that defied description, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the decorations.

I couldn’t help but admire how beautiful she looked; her radiance magnified by the soft glow of the lights. Her mahogany hair cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves, framing her face like a halo, as her eyes sparkled with excitement.

I felt a tug at my heartstrings as I watched her, a deep sense of longing stirred within me. I wanted to take her hand, pull her close, and never let go. But I couldn’t. My past mistakes ruined my chances. Instead, I watched her from afar as she walked off to Maya and her date. An indescribable emotion filled my gaze as I saw the happiness radiating from her. I leaned against the pillar, watching her laugh at something Maya said.

The unwelcome presence of her ex interrupted my reverie. He sidled up beside me with a scowl etched on his face. Neither of us spoke as we both watched Luna.

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