Page 1 of Pieces

Prologue

Hudson

Thefirstweekofsummer break buzzes with lazy energy, the days long and hot, stretching out like the endless possibilities ahead. But for me, summer always comes with its own set of challenges. Mainly, my own damn reputation.

The guys joke that my ability to hook up is a talent, like catching a football or nailing a perfect tackle. Both of which I’m excellent at, by the way. What they don’t get is that it’s not always as fun as it sounds. Sure, it’s great at first—validation, attention, a distraction. But the mess it leaves behind? The awkward goodbyes, the ghosted texts, the half-forgotten names that sometimes linger longer than I’d like. It’s not exactly something I’m proud of, though I’ll never admit that out loud.

That’s why Jay’s comment hits harder than usual.

“I bet you can’t wait until September to hook up again,” Jay says with a shake of his head, like he’s already disappointed in me. It’s early for his disappointed face. Here I thought we were enjoying our break by the lakes in our hometown, but no, apparently, he’s got an agenda.

Narrowing my eyes at him, I’m unable to let the flippant comment slide. “What exactly do you bet?”

“Huds, you’d lose before we even agree on terms.”

“You don’t think I can do it?” I challenge, crossing my arms over my chest. There’s no heat in my tone, but something about his certainty rubs me the wrong way.

Jay snorts and leans back in his chair, stretching out his legs, the sun beating down on his tan skin. “Three months? No way. You’d crack before July.”

Indignation simmers low in my chest, stoked by his smug tone. “Name the terms.”

Sitting up a little straighter, he studies me. “You’re serious.”

“Dead serious,” I reply, jaw tightening. This isn’t about hooking up anymore; it’s about proving him wrong, about proving something to myself. He might have baited me, but I’m up for the challenge.

He exhales sharply through his nose, glancing away like he’s weighing his options. Finally, he looks back at me, his expression shifting into something almost…concerned? “Alright,” he says. “If you can go the whole summer without sex—including everything that entails—then I’ll buy you Gracie Abrams tickets for her September tour.”

“Fuck, man,” I groan, dragging a hand down my face. “You know I love her.”

“I know.” He smirks slightly. “I’m striking right where it hurts. Music and sex. You’re lucky you’ve still got football to keep you sane.”

With another groan, I stare out over the lake, watching the water glimmer under the summer sun. My mind flips between my love for Gracie Abrams and the commitment of what he’s asking. Three months without sex? Without hookups? Without anything? The thought alone makes me feel like I’ll fail. Can I do that? I don’t think I’ve ever tried.

But the thing about bets is, they make life simple. Clear stakes, no room for doubt. And if I’m winning, I’m not thinking about the things I can’t control. Like the future. Or how much it’s starting to feel like my own habits are catching up with me. Or how I’m really not into it as much as I was at the start of college.

“Fine,” I say finally, the word heavy in my mouth. “Fuck, I’ll do it.”

Jay’s eyebrows lift in genuine surprise, but he doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t have to. The smugness tugging at the corner of his lips says it all.

Summer just got a whole lot more interesting.

Chapter one

Hudson

“I’vegotagreatidea,” I shout, pushing the door open to The Hangout common room in our dorms. All my friends’ eyes snap to me.

“Huds, this is how all your bad decisions start.” Jay shakes his head at me. My best friend might be tired of my shit, but I know he’ll at least hear me out.

“Is it as great as the time you thought you could eat fifty hot wings in one sitting?” Seb asks with a scoff.

“Do I need to get the first aid kit?” Quinn asks, her green eyes wide with worry.

“Let me guess, it’s great for you but terrible for us?” Miles pipes up and, frankly, I’m not impressed with all their lack of enthusiasm and faith in me.

“Guys!” I groan. “Three years of college together and you still can’t get on my level?”

“Should I pretend to be interested?” Indie asks Seb, not quietly.

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