Page 39 of Splintered Hearts

Hunter laughs, grabbing his phone and turning it on as Mark goes to the fridge. My eyes lift, watching Hunter look at me weirdly. At first I’m flattered. I mean, I am gorgeous. The look, though, narrows into a glare.

What the hell did I—

Oh, shit.

The call log.

I snap on my puppiest of eyes, and Hunter’s roll in response, his shoulders sinking a little. He looks to Mark before shutting off the phone and putting it on the counter.Thank you, I mouth, before Hunter goes over to Mark, placing his hands on his waist and kissing his shoulder. “I’m going to bed, babe.”

“Why?”

“Because you wrung me out.” Mark smirks into his ice cream. “Night, Noah.”

“Night, Puck Daddy.” Flipping me off, Hunter walks down the hall and I’m relieved he kept my secret—for now at least. I know it’s only a matter of time, though. Hunter does not lie to Mark.

“Hunter hasn’t played hockey in years. Find a new name.”

“No.”

“I’m not that loud.”

“It’s gross how jealous of you I am.”

“You’ll be back to getting your back blown out in no time. Gotta get some of that confidence back.”

What I need is in a ranch-style home about ten minutes away, with tattoos and a tongue piercing I need to feel. “Well, if you hadn’t interrupted me, I wouldn’t have blue balls right now.”

“Noah—”

“He didn’t seem that bad. Like, at all.” I just need one more time with him—just one. I need to snuff this out or I’ll just keep thinking about him.

“If I was getting my dick sucked I’d be real friendly to you too.”

“Not true. I sucked your dick all the time in college, and you were still mean to me.”

“I hate you. So, so fucking much.” Mark stands, clapping me on the back. “Get some sleep. You want to watch a movie tomorrow night or something? I’m done game testing.”

“Sure.”

“Night.” Mark kisses my cheek. Scowling, I scrub it off, and Mark goes back down the hall, laughing. Putting my cup in the sink, I grab my phone and flop onto the couch. Putting Jamie’s number in, I look at it for a second before making more terrible decisions.

Noah: Good night

Noah <3

I lie down, pulling my blanket up around my head, still not tired at all. Jamie is still on my mind. Mark’s couch isn’t terrible but I need to do something, and Jamie’s offer still sounds so good. Could I actually live with him, though?

Do I even want to?

Tomorrow problems.

As my eyes drift shut a sharp buzz catches my attention. Grabbing my phone, I see a number, and smile.

Jamie: Good night

Something warm fills my stomach. It’s strange, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt anything quite like it. It feels a little like free falling. It’s reckless and maybe a bit stupid, but I don’t care. Maybe I should.

Closing my eyes, I start to dream.

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