Page 182 of Beautiful Collide

I blink, trying to process this. “You mean like a BDSM cereal brand?”

“Nope.”

“Are you messing with me?”

“Why would I mess with you about cereal?” Travis jokes before his voice becomes more serious. “Look, I know it sounds out of left field, but hear me out. This isn’t just any cereal. It’s family-oriented. Wholesome. They’re looking for someone with a relatable image who can appeal to parents and kids.”

Now it’s my turn to burst out laughing.

This is absurd. “Travis, have you met me? Wholesome? I’m the guy who got caught in a nightclub fight last year. I’ve been on the cover of tabloids more times than I can count. I’m not exactly ‘family-friendly.’”

“You were that guy.” His tone has me sitting up straighter. “But now? Things are changing. People are talking about you in a whole new light after today’s press conference. Married to a teammate’s sister? That’s gold, Hudson. I couldn’t have planned this better if I tried.”

“I’m not following.”

“You’re not just the bad boy anymore—you’re a family man.”

“Family man,” I repeat, the words tasting foreign on my tongue.

“That’s right,” Travis says. “And that’s why they want you. This cereal company sees an opportunity to reshape your image, to take you from reckless bachelor to someone parents can trust.”

This is absurd.

He can’t be serious.

My thoughts are spiraling with how ridiculous this is.

How is it even possible that he’s not pulling my chain right now? There is no way a cereal company would want me.

The last time he called me for an endorsement deal, it was for a condom company. How can my “marriage” change my perceived persona so quickly?

Is it really that easy? That simple.

I don’t respond right away because I can’t.

I’m actually at a loss for words.

Family man.

It shouldn’t be the furthest thing from reality since I did grow up in a close-knit home with strong family values, but I’ve been stuck with a reputation I didn’t deserve for so long, a part of me believes I deserve to still be there.

I don’t even know what that means for me yet. Sure, I’m married to Molly, but we’re trying to get the marriage annulled.

“This is insane,” I say finally.

“It’s not,” Travis counters. “It’s smart. Look, Hudson, you’ve always been marketable, but you’ve been stuck in a niche—sex, booze, and bad decisions. Now you’ve got a chance to break out of that. Think of this as a reset button for your career. Sponsors love a redemption arc.”

He makes a good point. They do love that . . . but for me? I’m not sure.

I glance out the window, the skyline of downtown Redville sprawling out beneath the setting sun.

“What’s the offer?” I’m wondering if it’s even worth contemplating.

“Seven figures,” Travis says smoothly. “And that’s just the starting point.”

My head snaps back like I’ve been hit. “Seven figures? For cereal?”

“For cereal,” he repeats. “They’re serious, Hudson. They want you for commercials, social media campaigns, and maybe even some charity events with kids. You’d be their flagship ambassador.”

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