Tie My Heartstring's ❦

guest

Katie

When I reach my bedroom, I feel a wave of relief wash over me, grateful to be out of Hudson's sight. He confuses me like no one else in this world has.

First, he spoke kindly to me, then helped me the other night when I spilled soda everywhere. Today, he even asked to try my cereal. I made up some lame excuse to escape to my room, overwhelmed by the emotions swirling inside me. Why was he all of a sudden interested in me? I wasn't a ghost to him anymore.

It's hard to know how to feel when he leaves me so mixed up. I force myself to push those thoughts away. Instead, I plan to snuggle up in bed and drift back to sleep. It's 6:40 a.m. on a Saturday. I'm definitely going back to sleep. I need my beauty rest. My school schedule must be why I woke up so early.

Hours later, I blink awake, grabbing my phone to check the time. Jesus, I slept for four hours. As I scroll through my notifications, a strange flutter stirs in my stomach, my thoughts racing.

A little excitement bubbles inside me after my encounters with Hudson, but I remind myself I have no real reason to feel this way. I'm just his best friend's daughter. I tend to overanalyze every little interaction, automatically assuming any male attention from an older man means he likes me. I have a habit of overthinking, which always ends up stressing me out for no good reason.

But I can't shake the fact that it's been hours since we last spoke in the kitchen, and despite taking a nap, my mind is still stuck on him. I've never felt this giddy and nervous around any other guy, which is concerning. Maybe it's just because he's older and more mature.

If he were actually hitting on me, I still doubt he'd do it. I know I'm beautiful, but he has to know there are countless stunning women his age who would throw themselves at him. I've seen it at every event my father has taken me to. He gets attention from supermodels and glamorous women without even trying.

But I can't ignore the way his gaze flickers down to my chest when we talk or how his eyes seem to linger on my face. It's as if something in his expression makes me feel desired, and that's both thrilling and terrifying.

Deciding to treat myself, I draw a lavender-scented bubble bath. The moment I step in, the heat begins to calm my anxious nerves. I soak for a while, allowing the warmth to melt my worries away.

After feeling relaxed, I get out, throw on some sweats and a T-shirt, and pick up the book on my bed. Relaxing on the weekend has always been my favorite. I love cuddling up in my warm bed with scented candles, indulging in self-care, and sleeping.

I faintly hear Hudson downstairs, working on something while playing music. The thought of returning to the kitchen for a snack makes me feel uneasy. I'm scared of another awkward encounter. But it's my house, so I push the thought aside. If he would just talk to me more, everything would feel so much easier.

I leave my room and head downstairs to the kitchen. I grab some ice cream, and the sweet flavor instantly lifts my mood. But my moment of bliss is shattered when I hear footsteps approaching. Just my luck—Hudson walks into the kitchen. He strides over to the fridge, brushing against me as he passes. His gaze flicks back toward me briefly before he grabs a soda. I feel heat rush to my cheeks, and before I can process it, I clutch my ice cream and bolt back upstairs to hide in my room.

I feel a little relieved remembering my best friend Alice is coming, soon. I need her craziness to help get Hudson off my mind before I drive myself insane. I call her, begging her to come over as soon as possible. She tells me she's bringing shots for a fun girls' night. After our call, I scroll through my phone for a few minutes before the doorbell rings. I jump out of bed, excited. She only lives a few minutes away.