Page 24 of Beautiful Collide

6

Molly

I’m halfwayout the door, my coffee thermos in hand, when I spot Hudson Wilde stalking across the parking lot toward me.

Whatever he wants, I’m sure I won’t like it.

“Hell no,” I mutter, quickening my pace.

I don’t have time for whatever brand of asshole he wants to introduce me to today.

“Molly,” he calls out, his voice tinged with a hint of desperation.

I ignore him and keep walking. I parked across the lot in my assigned space, a solid distance from the arena. I don’t know why I’m always the rule follower. No one’s here. I could’ve parked right in front and wouldn’t have to deal with the madman beelining for me.

Hudson cuts me off, his bag slung over one shoulder and his expression equal parts sheepish and determined. “I need a ride.”

I blink, certain I’ve misheard him. “You what?”

“A ride,” he repeats, shifting his weight awkwardly. “To the game.”

My mouth is wide open.

I can’t believe what this asshole just had the nerve to ask me.

Finally, I shake myself out of the stupor. “You’re joking, right?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?”

He doesn’t. Not at all. But I can’t entertain such a ridiculous request. I refuse to.

“Absolutely not.”

“Molly.”

I cross my arms over my chest, glaring at Hudson. “Oh,nowI’m Molly.”

I’ve never met someone quite like Hudson Wilde.

He’s warped into the biggest jerk I know. Yes, I did him dirty. I should’ve backed him up last year. Pulled Coach aside and explain what happened in private. But then, Dane had to follow up on the incident and blow everything out of proportion.

And I just . . . couldn’t.

I couldn’t let Dane find out.

One thing would lead to another, and he’d unravel every secret I’ve tried so hard to keep for ten years.

Hudson bats his lashes as if that’ll change anything. “Pretty please?”

“Hudson”—I cross my arms—“I don’t even like being in the same room with you. What makes you think I’d spend five hours in a car with you?”

He runs a hand through his hair, clearly trying to keep his frustration in check. “Look, I don’t exactly have options here. My car’s dead, and I missed the plane. I’ll pay for gas or whatever. Just help me out.”

I take a long sip of my coffee, pretending to mull it over. “Hmm. Let me think . . . No.”

“Molly—”

“Nope.” I turn on my heel and head toward my car.

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