Page 48 of Always You

“Are we, though?” I ask with uncertainty, not knowing if I want to go down this road, but feeling the need to. “Friends?”

Gold specks swirl through his brown eyes, a glimmer of confusion hitting my heart until he spreads his cheeks in a confident smile. He tightens his grip on my waist, his hands locked on the small of my back. His heat warms me from the cold crisp air, enough to settle the fury.

“Yes, you’re my best friend. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have hijacked your date.” His hand brushes through my hair, and I swallow, keeping my scowl in place.

“You shouldn’t have.”

“He was a tool, though, wasn’t he?”

“Hunter!” I slap his chest with a reprimanding look as I roll my eyes, trying to muffle the chuckle that wants to escape.

“I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?” He presses his forehead against mine, and I close my eyes at his touch. My mind says no. My heart screams yes.

“You’re not out of the doghouse yet. But yeah, I forgive you,asshole.”

“But I’m your asshole.” He smirks when Dylan and Kylie’s laughter reaches our ears. We both twist our attention at the entrance and watch them walk toward Dylan’s car, arms locked and clearly having fun. I let out an amused laugh, not even pissed about it.

“I guess they’re going for ice cream,” I say.

“I guess so. Come on, let’s go to our spot.”

He wraps his arm around my neck, tucking me against his side, guiding us toward his truck. I push out a breath of surrender when I realize he’s suggesting exactly what I really want to do right now, showing me that he knows me better than anyone.

I’m still pissed.

I really am.

But there is this nagging feeling in the back of my head telling me that even though this night was a complete and utter disaster, there is only one person I truly want to spend my time with.

16

Ever since that day, this place has been an anchor point for me.

A place of hope and safety, reminding me that life can change within the blink of an eye without you realizing.

Good or bad.

I turn my truck onto the trail that leads to the creek, parking it right at the open spot next to the tree I found her sitting at a few months ago. I turn off the ignition before resting my hands on my knees, looking at the blonde who seems to occupy the biggest chunk of my life lately.

Her light strands illuminate under the moon, highlighting her cheekbones to perfection. I gave her my jacket and the leather pools around her torso, making her look cute as fuck. Gratefully, I pull my lips between my teeth, happy she’s in my truck instead of Dylan’s. Happy she’s wearing my jacket instead of his.

She is right. I am jealous.

I can’t stand to see her with anybody else, even though I know she will never be mine. It was a dick move to suggest going bowling when I picked up Kylie, but the green monster apparently tucked inside my body, lurking under the surface, was really quick to jump up and look for any excuse to go find her. Scared as fuck I would find her with his lips on hers.My turf,my ego shouted.

“You’re quiet,” I state.

She slowly turns her head to mine, a slight scowl still on her face, then turns back to the creek in front of her. The sway of her hair lifts a whiff of her rosy shampoo to my nose, and I breathe it in until it settles a warmth in my stomach.

“I’m still mad at you,” she whispers.

The words leave her lips, and a sting pierces through my heart.

“You’re an asshole, Hunt,”she said.

“I’m sorry, Charls. I don’t know what came over me. You deserve the best, and I don’t think Dylan is the best for you,” I confess, giving her a regretful face, even though it’s a partial lie.

I don’t regret shit.

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