Page 35 of Crash and Burn

We laughed as he walked to the front door, stopping, and turning back to me. He pulled me in for another hug and when he leaned back to look at me, he grabbed my chin. What’s he doing?

“I meant what I said, Amelia. I’m glad you’re here and I’ll do anything to keep you safe from him.”

Tears came to my eyes. I nodded but didn’t say anything. He let go and I folded my arms across my chest at the loss of his warmth.

“Goodnight, Am.”

I smiled. “Night, Hudson. Let me know you get home safe.”

I locked the door and went to my bed. I wouldn’t sleep until I knew he was home. I thought,what a night,and decided,While I’m waiting, I’ll call Victoria.I picked up my phone and speed dialed her.

“What’s up?”

“There was definitely a shift in the air tonight.”

“Don’t talk in code, Am. What does that mean?”

“I told Hudson everything.”

“Everything?”

“Everything.”

“Wow. How do you feel?”

“Honestly…free. No one really knew about it besides you guys and Sheila, ya know.”

“So, what’s this airy shift?”

“We hugged…a lot. He kissed me on the forehead. He grabbed my chin while his arms were around me and told me I deserved better and that he was glad I was here.”

“Shit.”

“Yuh.”

“So…just friends?”

I laughed.“Just friends, but fuck me, do I want it to be more. I don’t know. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment. He’s a lot older than I am. I honestly don’t think he is ready for anything and honestly, me either. It just all felt good.”

“Hey…sometimes you just gotta live in the moment. What’s a lot older?”

“He just turned thirty-five.”

“Wowww. You know I’m not judging. I’m here for a good age gap if it’s healthy.”

“Yeah. He’s a really great person, V. Anyway, we are going to pick out our Christmas trees tomorrow. One for my place and one for his.”

“Oh Yeah…the usual friend stuff,”she snickered.

“Oh what-ever.”

“Careful, Am.”

“Always. Love you, bye.”

“Love you, bye babe.”

My phone finally vibrated with a text from Hudson.

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