Page 122 of Always You

“Hunt.” Jason demands my attention, and our gazes collide. His sharp jaw is locked, a pleading expression in his eyes. “We’re leaving tomorrow.”

“I know.”

“You’re going to regret it.”

Frowning, I give him an incredulous look, because even though he had a front-row seat for my entire history with thisgirl, and I know where he’s coming from, he’s also fucking wrong. “I’ll regret nothing regarding this girl, man.”

With a shrug, he fixes his gaze back in front of him, downing the last of his beer.

“Your funeral.”

47

Nothing could’ve prepared me for tonight. For seeing him in Braeden again.

Sliding into the booth, I watch him intently, assessing his face like I want to make sure it’s engraved in my memory, though we all know I couldn’t forget about him even if I wanted to. God fucking knows I’ve tried.

He narrows his eyes on me as he moves closer, our hips touching as we sit in the middle of the booth, and I take a sip of my drink to avoid staring at his lips. I still have the tolerance of a sixteen-year-old who’s allowed a sip of her mother’s wine, but right now, it’s giving me the confident buzz I need to be able to hold my ground against the man who once had my heart.

It’s strange how sitting here with him, after all this time, feels both awkward and comfortable, the same familiarity we used to have from day one still wrapping around us. Jason gives me a quick glance, and I raise my eyebrows at him in question, hoping he can silently tell me what the deal is, but he shrugs his shoulders with a shake of his head, as if he’s just as confused as I am.

I take a deep breath, deciding to just go with whatever happens, determined to face this blast from the past that life threw in my face. Not that I’m complaining.

“So...” Smooth as ever, his arm slips over the back of the booth behind my head. “You look good, Charls.”

I wish my heart didn’t do a backflip because of the way his nickname for me vibrates over his lips, but goddamnit, it fucking does. “Thanks.”

“How have you been?” His gaze turns serious, as if he’s set to find any lies that might roll off my tongue, not willing to take any bullshit answer I might feed him.

“I’m good.” It’s an honest answer. I really am good.

Do I wish I was still at UNC with Julie? Of course!

Do I sometimes wish life was a little more exciting? Definitely!

But my mom is slowly getting better, hopefully indefinitely this time. My grades are good, so chances are I’ll be graduating next summer, and though my life might not be the most exciting one—I’m satisfied with it.

“Are you?” He studies my face with skepticism.

The corner of my mouth curls in a coy smile as I place my hand on his knee. His gaze glances to my hand, swallowing hard as his gaze locks with mine again, a craving glittering in his eyes.Oops.

“I wouldn’t lie to you. I’m really good, Hunt.”

Finally, the features on his face soften, taking a sip of his drink as his tongue darts out to lick the contents from his lips. He’s still sexy as fuck.

“Are you single?” He’s looking at me like a hungry tiger, and I curse my fucking vagina for purring alive. This is not the time to wake up, girlfriend. Especially not with Hunter Hansen. You can’t dine and dash with him; he’s bound to take everything you own, including body, mind, and soul.I fucking know this.

My lashes lower in a tiny scold. “I said no flirting.”

And of course, this only sparks the asshole to throw me that boyish smirk he’s mastered so fucking well. “This isn’t flirting. This is me showing an interest in an old friend. So, are you?” He inches closer, close enough for me to breathe in his woodsy, citrus scent that instantly sends my mind into overdrive.

“Yes,” I confess. “But you ain’t.”

I give him a knowing look, and he lets out a full belly laugh, his leg rubbing against mine in the movement, sending an annoying jolt of excitement through my stomach.

“Are you keeping tabs on me, babe?”

“Pff,” I huff, taking another sip of my drink. “It’s hardnotto when you’re all over the news.”

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