Page 123 of Twisted Collide

“My whole life, I never had a father. And then, one day, my mom shipped me off. She was done. The thing is, it’s always been us. She’s worked her ass off. Single mom. Low-paying job.” I lift my hand to my head. “She’s done everything for me, and I just wasn’t doing what I needed to do, so she got fed up.” And rightfully so.I see that now.I was a mess. “The same day she told me I was leaving, she told me about my father.”

“I can’t imagine that Robert would know about you and not want to be in your life.”

“That’s the thing. I stormed out and then left the next day. I drove to meet him. I was supposed to meet him at the party, but I chickened out. And you know the rest—”

He nods. “And then you came to work for him.”

“Yep. I refused to talk to him. I don’t know why. I still refuse. But that day in the office, I found the paternity test. The date on it. I don’t think he knew about me either.”

“There’s only one way to find out.”

“I know. But I’m not ready.”

“I understand that. I can’t begin to understand what you’re going through, but I do know what it’s like to have no parents.”

“All you have is Molly.”

“Yeah.”

“You must think I’m an asshole for not wanting to talk to him.”

“I don’t, Hellfire. I’d never judge for that. Relationships are unique. It’s not my place to judge.”

We stare at each other for a minute, and then I lean forward, placing a kiss on his lips.

“Thank you.”

52

JOSIE

I smoothmy skirt before I step into the room. It's probably not the smartest wardrobe choice, seeing as I’m near the ice, but I wanted to look cute today.

Drive him crazy.

“Hey, Josie.” I turn to see Molly. I really like her. Whenever she’s around me, she’s super nice and always seems to be smiling. Well, that is, if Hudson isn’t around.

She really seems not to like him for some reason.

“Molly.” I smile back. “What’s going on?”

Even though I know she’s nice, I always feel a little awkward when she’s around.

A part of me wonders if she can see through my act and knows I want her brother desperately.

Either way, if she does, she doesn’t act on it, and I continue to play the part of indifference when he’s around.

“What are you doing today?” she asks, and I lift my brow.

Besides trying to “bump” into your brother and seduce him, I have no clue.

“So much. I don’t even know where to start.” I laugh. “I have to come up with a content schedule for the week. Then I’m making graphics and scheduling the posts.”

“I was thinking we should grab lunch, my treat. But you seem busy.” She grimaces.

I hesitate for a second, wondering if I can juggle my day. Everyone gets a lunch break. Just because I don’t always take one doesn’t mean I don’t get one. It could be fun. Plus, I really like Molly.

“Sure, sounds great.” I flatten my skirt with my hand.

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