Page 87 of Consume Me

They burst into laughter, and Celine and Abi give me a knowing look.

“We spent a marvelous night at the shooting range. I swear Hunter knows what happened last night, though. He’s grumpy as fuck,” Celine says.

“He’s always grumpy,” Bailey says.

“Maybe because he’s the only one not getting any,” Abi says.

“That’s gross,” I say, but grin like a fool. I’m so relieved he wasn’t in the house. Just the thought that my brother could have heard me last night mortifies me.

“Look how she’s beaming. Fucking does you good,” Celine chuckles, and I throw a pillow at her face, but then my mood plummets. We’re not in a relationship.

“Hey, what happened just now?”

I am done with this pity party so, I’m just gonna see how it goes. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. And though we’re not in a relationship, I won’t lose hope, especially not after how things have evolved between us.

“I’m going to see my father tonight and return tomorrow. I need…”

“A bit of space,” Celine says.

“Have you seen Blake?”

“No,” all three say.

I look at my phone, but I don’t have any texts from him. I deflate, but what did I expect?

When the girls leave, I change and drive to my father’s house at the Family compound. The moment I step inside, he takes me in a bear hug. He holds on until I’m the one to end it—something he has been doing since my mom died.

“I’m glad you’re visiting me, but why do I feel like there’s more?”

“It’s…”

“A boy?”

I offer a small nod.

“Who is the asshole who upset my amazing daughter?”

I giggle and loop my arm around his. “So what is the surprise about?”

Suddenly, he becomes all fidgety. “It can wait,” he says.

“Are you nervous?”

“We’ll wait for your brother. He needs to be present for this conversation.”

We spend the day together, reminiscing and walking around the compound. He looks at peace, and I am happy for him.

When my brother arrives, my father and I have just finished cooking dinner. Hunter looks at me, then at my father.

“You’re both hiding something. Spit it out. I have to go back.”

“Why so soon?”

Wanting the attention off me, I blurt. “Because he’s in denial, Dad.”

“Mia,” Hunter warns.

“I think he likes a girl, and instead of admitting it, he acts like a jerk.”

---