Page 33 of Beautiful Collide

His lips are firm yet gentle, a perfect balance that steadies me.

Everything fades away.

I forget the storm. Forget where I am.Forget myself.

The world stops on its axis.

It narrows to this singular moment…

His mouth on mine, the taste of rain lingering on his lips, the way his hand cups the back of my neck like he’s afraid I might disappear.

I lean into him.

I need this.

Need him.

I don’t want to think about the storm, the mistakes, the fears.Not right now.

But then, just as quickly as the moment takes over, a flicker of doubt creeps in.

What happens when this ends? When the storm passes? The thought makes my stomach twist, but I shove it aside.

Not now. Not yet.

For now, I let myself sink deeper into the kiss, clinging to him like he’s the calm in the middle of my storm.

For now, I let myself feel. For now, I let myself forget.

When we finally break apart, we’re both breathing hard.

I stare at him. “That was—”

“Effective?” he answers for me, his lips quirking into a cocky grin.

I push him back. “A mistake.”

My cheeks feel flushed, and I’m happy for the darkness.

He chuckles. Smug bastard.

“Sure, Molly. Keep telling yourself that.”

8

Hudson

Well,fuck.

I don’t know what that was, but I want it again.

Twenty-four hours a day.

But this isn’t the time or place.

“Come on.” I brush damp strands of hair from Molly’s face. “You should sit.”

She nods and pulls back, her movements stiff. “Okay. Where?”

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