Page 93 of While We Waited

But he doesn’t love me.

He’s going to break my heart.

Chapter 30

Sack – when Hudson gets tackled by an epiphany

Hudson

Ipark in front of Weston’s apartment building and press the button to call Nova.

“Miss me already?”

I do. The second I left the chalet, I missed her. I rub a hand over my chest where an ache has started. Nova is an addiction and I will happily remain addicted for the rest of my life. No rehab for me in my future.

“Just checking you’re okay.”

She sighs. “I know I can be a bit over the top with my worries about my health, but you left the house fifteen minutes ago. I’m fine.”

“You’re not over the top.”

“I am, but I appreciate your lie.”

“I didn’t lie,” I grumble.

“Okay, Mr. Cranksville. You didn’t lie.”

“You don’t believe me.”

“I believe you believe what you’re saying.”

I give up. Not for good. But for now. Pushing Nova about her fear of the people she loves dying won’t help a thing. She started seeing a therapist and she’s giving us a chance. I can’t ask any more of her.

“I’ll be home in an hour.”

She giggles.

“What’s funny?”

“You. Thinking you’ll be home in an hour.”

Weston asked me to help him move some furniture in his apartment. Apparently, he bought a new bedroom set. We’ll be done in fifteen minutes and I’ll be back on the road.

“I don’t understand.”

“You’ve been away from Smuggler’s Hideaway too long.”

I frown. I wasn’t away long enough. I was in the prime of my career when it got cut short by an asshole defensive lineman with an illegal tackle.

“Have fun!” Nova sings before ending the call.

I shove my phone in my pocket and get out of the truck. I climb the stairs to Weston’s apartment. His door flies open before I reach it. He grins and throws his arms wide open. “Welcome!”

I grunt. I don’t want to be here. I want to be with Nova.

He chuckles as he slaps me on the shoulder and ushers me inside his apartment. I frown when I notice Lucas and Flynn are also here.

“What’s going on?”

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