Chapter 4

Amanda curled into Hudson’s chest as he wrapped his arms around her. She felt warm and safe. She felt his fingers slide under her chin, lifting her head to look up at him. His light blue eyes filled with love and desire for her. “Thank you,” he said. She smiled. “For what?” “For forgiving me, and giving us a chance. I was a fool and an idiot in high school, treating you the way I did. You didn’t have to forgive me, but you did.” He leaned down and captured her lips with — Beep, beep, beep! “Amanda! Turn off your alarm,” Tabitha groaned. Amanda leaned over and grabbed her phone to stop her alarm. She sat there for a moment, confused by the dream that she'd just had. Her subconscious was playing some sick games with her. She touched her lips, and she could still feel the tingling that the kiss had left. She closed her eyes and tried to erase the images from her mind. It was just a dream. It wasn’t real. She pulled back her covers and got out of bed. She really hoped that she wouldn’t run into Hudson today. She needed to have a simple normal day without Hudson jeopardizing it in any way. She was looking at herself again in the mirror, making sure that her outfit looked just right. “You look fine,” Tabitha told her as she was tying her shoes on her bed. “Come on, we need to go if we want to get some caffeine before class,” she said as she hopped off her bed, grabbed her backpack, and headed for the door. Amanda grabbed her bag and followed her, closing their door behind her. They made their way down to Just a Sip and waited in the long line to put their order in. Tabitha leaned to check out the line. “Looks like Ruby might be short staffed this morning,” Tabitha said. “Ruby?” “Redhead who's usually at the register. She’s the owner.” Amanda nodded. That made sense. She seemed like she definitely knew her way around and was very personable with all the students. When it was finally their turn to put their order in, they could tell that Ruby was a bit overwhelmed. “Morning, ladies. What can I get for y’all?” Ruby said with a sigh. “Morning, Ruby. You doing okay?” Tabitha asked her. She nodded, but they could tell that she was fibbing. “Yep, just a little understaffed this morning. But everything will be fine.” “Are you needing some extra help?” Amanda asked. Ruby looked up at Amanda and smiled. “Are you looking for a job?” “I was going to check in with the Student Union to see if there were any jobs available, but if you’re hiring…” “Have you worked before?” Ruby asked her as she continued making drinks as they talked. “No, but I’m a quick learner,” Amanda offered. Ruby looked at her for a moment before saying, “You’re hired. When can you come in for training?” “How’s this afternoon? My last class ends at three.” “Perfect, I’ll see you then,” Ruby said with a smile as she handed them their orders before moving on to the next customer. Amanda smiled and followed Tabitha out the door and made their way to their first class for the day. Amanda was relieved when there was no sign of Hudson in the class. Her first class was history, and she was happy to have Tabitha there with her. They sat next to each other as they watched other students file into the classroom. Amanda saw one guy walk in and smile at her almost immediately. She looked away as her cheeks began to burn; she wasn’t used to having guys look at her. Tabitha leaned over. “That guy is a cutie. Do you know him?” Amanda shook her head. “I’ve never seen him before.” Amanda tried to hide her shyness, but it always just came naturally, especially around guys. She didn’t know how to act around them because Hudson would always scare them off. She shook her head. No. She wasn’t going to think about Hudson. This was supposed to be a Hudson-free day. But that’s what always happened—just one little thought and he would creep in and then she would just start obsessing. Case in point, right now. “He's looking at you again,” Tabitha whispered. Amanda tried to casually look around the room and then look at him. He smiled again at her, and she quickly turned back and blushed. Before she could turn and look again, the professor walked in, demanding everyone’s attention. Amanda sat through all her classes that day in a good mood. This was what she'd hoped college life would be like—her past in the past, a new her, new friends, new job, new experiences. Amanda walked out of her last class with a smile on her face. She looked down at her phone to check the time. She promised Ruby she would be back over at the café to start her training after three. She was a little nervous about the new job and wanted to make sure she did her best. She was still deep in thought when she ran into a hard surface and landed on the ground. Great. That was embarrassing. She hoped no one was watching. “I’m so sorry,” she heard the deep male voice with an accent say to her, and she stilled. He offered her his hand to help her get back up. His grip was strong as it wrapped around her small hand and pulled her up from the ground. Realizing it was the same hot guy she ran into yesterday, she immediately pulled her hand back as she lowered her head and blushed. Seriously? she thought to herself. She really needed to watch where she was going or else this guy was going to think she was following him. “No, I’m sorry I wasn’t…” “Aw, we bump into each other again,” he said with a smirk, his dark blue eyes burning into her. She looked back up at him, let out a giggle, then covered her mouth with her hand. He smiled at her again. “What’s your name, small girl?” “Amanda,” she said quietly. “Well, Amanda, I’ll be keeping an eye out for you from now on,” he said and then continued walking. She nodded as she turned and watched him walk away. He was taller than most of the guys that were walking with him. His dirty blond hair tied in a small ponytail at the back of his head. She let out a sigh and continued on her way to the café. Hudson narrowed his eyes as he had to watch the interaction of Amanda and the guy from where he was standing. His wolf was furious and wanted to shred the guy for talking to their mate. But Hudson stayed where he was and just stared. He saw the smile on Amanda’s face, and he wished that smile was for him. Soon, he said to himself. Soon, that smile would only be for him.