Tie My Heartstring's ❦

hazey

Katie

I wake up the next morning when the alarm on my phone starts blaring, a shrill reminder that it's time to face the day. I roll onto my stomach and bury my face in my pillow, wishing I could drift back into the blissful oblivion of sleep. With one arm, I reach for my phone and finally manage to silence the relentless beeping.

Sitting up, I wince as a sharp pain thuds at my temples. It's too early for this, but as the memories from yesterday flicker through my mind, a smile stretches across my face. It was very hard, this morning, to argue with the part of me that was sure last night was a dream. Logic wasn't on my side, or common sense.

My dad had left early for California, and Hudson had offered to drive me to school today. The mere thought sends a flutter of excitement through me, despite the heaviness in my head. One on one time.

I stumble out of bed, shaking off the remnants of sleep, and head to my closet. I sift through my clothes, picking out a flirty blue lace sundress that makes me feel confident and pretty. Today feels special, and I can't help but want to impress Hudson.

My morning routine is like clockwork: I shower, lather myself in my favorite vanilla-scented body lotion, brush my teeth, and apply a natural makeup look that enhances my features without being overdone. I take one last look in the mirror, pleased with how I look. My long brown hair falls perfectly around my shoulders, and my honey-colored eyes seem to shine with newfound determination.

As I spritz myself with my favorite vanilla perfume, I feel a surge of boldness wash over me. With my dad out of the picture for the day, I can be a bit more daring. I decide to take a chance and walk downstairs to the room where Hudson is staying. I knock once, my heart racing at the thought of him seeing me.

When I hear the shower running inside, impatience bubbles up. I check my phone and realize time is slipping away—class starts soon. With a deep breath, I decide to slip inside, knowing I don't want to be late. I can't believe I'm waiting in his room like this, my confidence both thrilling and terrifying.

Minutes tick by, and just as I start to reconsider my impulsiveness, the shower stops. My heart thuds loudly in my chest, and I sit up straighter on the bed, trying to suppress my nerves. The sound of the bathroom door opening sends a jolt through me.

Hudson steps out, the towel slung low on his hips, steam clinging to his skin. I can't help but sneak a glance at his toned thighs before quickly snapping my gaze back to his face. His expression shifts from shock to annoyance, and I feel a chill wash over me. "Morning!" I awkwardly spit out, attempting to sound casual.

Oh my. What was I doing? I didn't know how to flirt, or be sexy. His eyes widen in disbelief, but then darken with irritation. "What the fuck are you doing in here?" he snaps, striding away from me to rummage through the closet. My heart sinks at the coldness of his tone.  It was my house, my guest room. I could be in here if I so pleased.

I sit up from the bed, confused and hurt. "I—I tried to knock, but you wouldn't come out," I explain, feeling stupid for being here at all. "And we were gonna be late. I have class."

His jaw tightens as he emerges from the closet dressed in slacks and a crisp white button-up shirt. He buttons up the last few buttons with deliberate slowness, his annoyance radiating off him in waves. "You cannot just barge into my bedroom like that, Katie. And you certainly can't lay like that on my bed."

My stomach churns at the reprimand. I had wanted to feel close to him, to share a moment of connection, but instead, I'm met with his cold, hardened gaze. It's a stark contrast to the man I saw yesterday, and it frightens me. "Get off," he says, his tone flat and commanding. Why was he so disgusted by the thought of me on his bed?