Twisted Collide: The new sports romance in the Redville Saints series
Twisted Collide: Chapter 3

With one step into the room, I already know this is the last place I want to be.

Normally, I’m not one for crowds, but today or, rather, tonight isn’t just about the crowd, it’s so much worse.

I hate what all this stands for. Don’t get me wrong, I love playing hockey, but I hate that even years later, my father’s voice is still in my ears.This is not the time or place to think about him.

Who am I trying to kid? It is. I’m only here because of him. I can’t even enjoy this win because my father takes up too much of my headspace.

Also, I know winning the Cup is a monumental moment, but how many times do we need to celebrate? This is the fourth party I’ve been dragged to. Can’t I just enjoy my summer break without having to celebrate something that happened almost two months ago?

A harsh sigh escapes my mouth, and I know I can’t stand here forever.

The sharp sound of a woman’s laughter cuts through the air and pulls me from my thoughts. I look over in the direction of the noise to replace another one of Hudson Wilde’s groupies. Her shrill cackles make the hairs on the back of my neck rise.

I don’t know how he deals with that bullshit, but this is Hudson we’re talking about. My teammate lives for the pussy. His words, not mine.

A shiver courses its way down my spine at the crass thought.

This is going to be a long night.

I tilt my head in the opposite direction and take in the room, trying to determine which way will be less painful.

Hudson will be harmless but annoying.

To my right, I see Mason Goode speaking to our coach. There’s no appeal to that either. I don’t care to hear about everything we did right, followed by what we fucked up. Coach Robert might be like a father to me, but when it comes to hockey, his lectures can be tedious. They never end. We can win the biggest game of a coach’s career, and the man would still have some feedback.

Scanning the space, I look around for Aiden and Cassidy, but they’re nowhere to be found. Not surprising. They always sneak off to be alone. Too bad because hanging with them would’ve been my preferred option.

My gaze locks with Molly, and she takes me in for a second. Her brow furrows with concern, and she steps in my direction. I quickly turn away.

Nope. Not tonight.

She knows me too well and will read right through my false bravado that everything is all right.

Instead of dealing with my sister, I head to the lesser of all evils.

“Hudson it is,” I mumble under my breath.

As I navigate the loud and boisterous crowd, I try my best not to make eye contact with anyone I pass. Conversation and laughter fill the air, and I know if given an opportunity, any one of my teammates will stop me. I’m not in the mood for celebrating, let alone small talk.

I weave my way through the clusters of people until I make it to the bar, where Hudson is cozied up to a flock of girls vying for his attention. I halt my steps, leaning my back against the bar and crossing my arms over my chest. I’m hoping to make it clear I’m not to be approached.

My presence has Hudson pivoting in my direction and jerking his chin up. “What’s up, man? Glad to see you joining the festivities.”

“Nothing,” I grunt out. A better man would pretend to be happy. Too bad I’m not that man. Hudson stretches his arm out and places it around my shoulders. “Come on, bro, smile.”

When I don’t, he rolls his eyes and laughs loudly. It’s not that I don’t love the guy, but I’m not in the mood for his juvenile antics right now.

“Dude, we just won the Cup. Why do you still look fucking pissed?”

“I’m not fucking pissed.” I step out from under his arm, giving me the distance I need right now.

This is my fault. I set myself up for this. He didn’t approach me; I went to him. I shouldn’t be an ass to Hudson. It’s not his fault I’m here.

“Could have fooled me.” He turns to look at the blond girl beside him, the one who clearly replaces him to be the most entertaining human in the world since she cackles at everything he says. “Don’t you think he looks miserable?”

She bobs her head. “He does.”

“Maybe you can help cheer him up.” He grins at her, waggling his eyebrows.

Great, just great.

Now I’ll have to put up with Hudson trying to get me laid. This night keeps getting better and better.

At his words, the blond girl takes a step closer to me, raising her right hand to touch me. I take a step back, avoiding her.

“Not interested. But thanks.”

Hudson barks out a laugh before lifting the glass in his hand to take a swig. Once done, he lowers his hand, then shakes his head. “Can I at least convince you to have a drink with me? You know, for celebration.”

“I’ll pass on that too.”

Someone bumps into me as they’re walking by, and I turn to see who just knocked into me. It’s a pretty redhead, and when she catches me looking, she smiles seductively. If I were Hudson, I’d take her up on that offer, but unfortunately, no desire stirs. Maybe I’m broken. She’s gorgeous, but I’m just not in the mood tonight.

Not for her, and certainly not for this place.

“How long have you been here?” Hudson asks, and I turn back in his direction and shrug.

“Five minutes.”

“And how long are you planning on staying?” His mouth twists into a knowing smirk.

“Not sure.”

He turns to the blonde with a shake of the head. “That means he’s leaving. Guaranteed by my next drink, he’s gone.”

“Don’t kid yourself. I’ll be gone way before that,” I fire back.

As if my comment is a challenge, Hudson raises the glass to his mouth and takes the rest of the contents in one gulp. “Challenge accepted.” He then lifts his hand to get the bartender’s attention. Once he does, he signals that he wants another.

“On that note . . .” I turn on my heel, not even allowing them time to object before I give them my back, migrating toward the exit.

A few friends nod at me as I head out, but I give them my usual blank stare. Sure, they all think I’m an asshole, but it doesn’t matter. I need to get out of here.

I’m a few more steps toward the exit when I practically run into a disheveled Aiden and Cassidy.

No need to guess what they were just doing. The muscles around my heart contract for a beat, but I shake off the feeling. The only way to have something like Aiden and Cassidy is to let someone in. Letting someone in is not in the cards for me.

Cassidy says something to me, but I can’t make out her words. The music is too loud, and the people milling about are even louder.

Instead of responding, I grunt, nod, and keep walking.

I’m sure I’ll hear shit about it later from Aiden, but right now, I can’t replace it in me to care.

I need air. I need to get the fuck out of here.

Finally, I make it to the back entrance. I push the door open, and the warm summer air slaps me in the face as soon as I do.

The Château is located on a small vineyard twenty miles outside of Redville, and it’s the perfect venue for a wedding or, in tonight’s case, a celebratory party.

Not only are there multiple restaurants and bars, but there’s also a hotel on the premises.

I walk around the back of the building until I’m on the main street that leads toward the hotel. It takes me about five more minutes, but then I’m standing in front of the large glass doors of the boutique hotel on the property, hoping this is the sanctuary I’ve been looking for.

This is what I need—somewhere to have a drink where no one will talk to me.

I’ll be able to let go a bit without anyone I know being around to judge me and, worse, wonder what’s wrong.

I open the door and meander down the hallway that leads to the lobby. Once there, I head to the hotel lounge, ready to let go for a few.

Sighing in contentment, I slink into the nearest seat and raise my hand. I’ve never been more ready for a drink.