Page 103 of Never You

He always told me they were best friends, but at that moment, it became clear that was bullshit. Charlotte’s love for Hunter gave me a glimpse of something I want one day. To find someone who still loves you after you hurt them. Because they simply can’t stop.

“She’s a good one, though. I’ve always known that,” I offer.

“Yeah, man,” he agrees, contentment in his voice. “I have more luck than I deserve. She asked me to ask you for dinner next time you were on the East Coast.”

My brows quirk up at his invitation.

“I’m in North Carolina.”

“Right now?” Hunter sounds surprised, which seems logical since I normally avoid the East Coast as much as I can.

“Yeah, man, I’m in Jacksonville. Bodi too. Rae lives here.”

The line stays quiet before I hear Hunter’s amused voice ring in my ear. “Wait, you’re at her house? With her folks?AndBodi?”

“Yeah, it’s a long story.”

A whistle cuts through my head. “Must be serious, then.”

“Shut up.” I laugh.

“You’re not even denying it?” he blurts, incredulous. “Oh, yeah, you are coming to dinner now. I want all the deets on this Rae girl.”

I chuckle. “Alright, when?”

“Tonight. Charlotte is making fried chicken.”

Rae will love fried chicken on her birthday.

“Sounds perfect.”

“I’ll text you the address. And bring the girl. And Bodi!”

Before I can reply, he hangs up the phone, and Bodi appears at the gate leading back to the backyard.

“Who was that?” he asks, putting his black and white flannel shirt back on. His hair sits messy on his head, and his lips look shiny, like they are covered in… lip gloss?

“What happened to you?” I frown.

“Nothing.” He’s good at the whole innocent look. Most of the time, you can’t detect his lies because he keeps a straight face until the very end. But this time, he didn’t hide the proof.

I bring my thumb to the corner of my mouth. “You sure? Because you got some lip gloss right about here.”

“Shit,” he murmurs, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

“Let me guess. Rae’s cousin? The one with the brown hair? Kayla, right?”

He clears his throat, then raises his chin with that same innocent look on his face. “She jumped me,” he offers.

“Nice try, McKay.” I grab his shoulder and squeeze, but he quickly slaps my arm away.

“Whatever. Was that Kay with a new offer?” he questions, smoothly changing the subject.

“No, it was Hunter. He wants me to come to dinner tonight.”

“Oh, sounds like fun.”

“And bring Rae,” I add.

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