Page 47 of Beautiful Collide

“Molly.” My brother’s voice is sharp and commanding.

I turn, finding Dane striding over to me with his usual no-nonsense expression. His brow is furrowed like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders.

“What?” I ask, crossing my arms.

“I need a favor.” He stops in front of me.

My eyebrows rise. “Depends on what it is.”

“You won’t like it.”

“Dear brother, I’ll be fine. This is my job.”

Dane sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Now I’m intrigued.” I lean against the wall. “I’m not fired again, am I?”

He fixes me with a serious look. “I need you to go find Hudson and let him in. Apparently, he got himself locked out.”

Shit.

My stomach twists, but I force myself to stay calm. If Dane found out this was my fault . . . well, let’s just say it wouldn’t end well.

Well, that’s if I lethim fire me.

I wrinkle my nose, hoping to cover the flicker of guilt. “Why me?”

“Let’s be honest.” His voice dips. “He’s probably wandering around outside like an idiot, and someone needs to let him in before Coach notices.”

“That didn’t answer my question.” I narrow my eyes. “Why me?”

“Because I asked you,” he says flatly, giving me that familiar older brother glare that says he won’t take no for an answer. “And because you’re fired if you don’t.”

“You don’t pay me enough.” I push off the wall.

Dane smirks. “Don’t I know it.”

With a long-drawn-out exhale, I turn to walk back to the arena’s exit.

It’s like a maze to get here, through long hallways, but apparently, rescuing Hudson is now my job.

He’s rescued you.

I make my way to the side entrance, glancing outside the large windows. It’s a beautiful day, so different from last year.

Don’t think about last year, girl.

Too late.

My cheeks feel warm. Dammit. Why did he have to be so talented with his . . . ?

Nope.

Not going there.

Do not think about Hudson and how skilled he was. Of his touch.

Think of something else.

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