Page 70 of Celebrities Don't Date Bookworms

“Home,” Hudson finished for me. His eyes landed on me. “It feels like home.”

“Yeah. It does,” I said softly. Hudson took two steps towards me, practically pinning me against the wall. Heat began to grow withinme, and I couldn’t stop my eyes from wandering to his lips. “Tell me a secret,” I whispered, not blinking once.

“I want to kiss you.”

I stared into his eyes, so dark and beautiful. His hands slid around my waist, pulling me closer, like he wanted to just go for it, but he wouldn’t without my permission.

“Then do it.”

He didn’t need to be told twice. My eyes fluttered shut as he tilted his head towards mine. My heart thudded in anticipation, and before I knew it, he was kissing me. It was just like I imagined it, but somehow ten times better. His lips were soft and gentle, the brush of his hand along my neck was comforting, and the smell of mint had filled my senses. I guess I was right in him having mints in his car. He smelled of mint too, but it was mixed with something else—his cologne or shampoo or something else. I didn't care what caused it. The smell was him.

“Hudson,” I murmured. Then, because I had no idea what else to say, but felt like I had to say something, I added, “Secret?”

“I’m in love with you.”

“You already told me that secret.”

“Bay told Eggo that secret,” Hudson said. “And now Hudson’s telling Megan.”

Was it possible to have a heart attack as a teenager? Because if so… I definitely was.

“Your secret?” Hudson asked.

I didn’t even have to think. “I’m in love with you too.”

“Even if you hate my band?”

I giggled. “I can probably be persuaded to change my mind.”

“One more question…” He whispered.

“Yeah?”

“Just to make it official… will you be my girlfriend?”

I wondered how many other girls in the world had dreamed of Hudson Shaw asking them that very question. I had no idea how I ended up being the one to get him.

“Yes,” I whispered. My heart was pounding so hard in my chest that I thought he might be able to feel it. “Of course, I will.”

I’d seen Hudson smile before, but never like that—never that happily.

“I love you so much, Megan.” Then he kissed me again. He kissed me like he wanted me, like he truly loved me. And for the first time… I really, truly believed him.

seventeen

I spenta large chunk of the next day pretending to do homework, but really just replaying the previous night’s events in my mind over and over again, grinning like an idiot as I remembered the feeling of Hudson’s lips on mine. Every time my phone buzzed, I jumped for it, desperately wishing I’d find a text message from him. We had talked that morning, but I didn’t care—I wanted to talk to him all day. But for the most part, the only messages that came through were on Twitter and the group chat.

Group name:I promise this isn’t a group chat, Dad

Members:Ni-Ni, Bay, Sharky, Tis Moi Luca, Not Zesty, Eggo

Tis Moi, Luca

@Bay where were you last night young man

Bay

What are you talking about?

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