Page 107 of Beautiful Collide

That’s all it takes.

I tilt my head, bending down, and crash my mouth to hers. It’s not soft or sweet—it’s heat and hunger, a collision we’ve been building toward for far too long.

She meets me halfway, her hands gripping the front of my shirt like she needs something to hold on to. The second her lips part, I deepen the kiss, tasting her, swallowing the small sound she makes as her tongue moves with mine.

We kiss like the moment might disappear.

Like we’re afraid to let go.

It’s urgent and messy and all-consuming, a fire neither of us can put out.

My hands find her waist, pulling her closer until nothing is between us, just the heat of her body pressed against mine. Her fingers move to my neck, threading through my hair and bringing me in deeper.

I’m completely lost in her. Lost in the way she kisses me like she’s been waiting for this as long as I have.

Like we’re both making up for wasted time.

I don’t know how long we stay like that, tangled up in each other, but eventually, we slow, the desperate edge easing just slightly. My lips linger against hers, softer now, savoring her.

When we finally break apart, we’re both breathing hard, the silence between us thick and electric. She takes a small step back, her hands sliding away, her gaze darting downward like she’s suddenly unsure of herself.

I stay still, watching her, trying to catch my breath. My heart continues to hammer, and I can feel the ghost of her kiss everywhere—on my lips, on my skin.

She steps back; her gaze darting downward.

“We shouldn’t . . .” Her voice is shaky.

“Bullshit.” I shake my head, resolute. “We should.”

“My brother . . .” Her words are barely above a whisper.

“What about him?” I lean closer, searching her face for answers.

“He can’t know.”

“Molly, you’re a grown woman. He—”

“He can’t know,” she repeats sharply, stepping farther away, her hands wrapping protectively around herself.

I reach out instinctively, but she’s already out of my reach.

“I have to go.” Her voice is distant, her eyes avoiding mine.

I open my mouth to say something, to stop her, but before I can, she’s already moving toward the door.

Then she’s gone.

A mirage fading into the distance, leaving nothing but silence in her wake.

Like she never happened.

37

Molly

There isno way I’ll be able to avoid Hudson today.

We’re back in the practice arena, which means more chances to bump into him.

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