Page 42 of Splintered Hearts

Noah: Never heard of that color before

Jamie: Blue

Noah: ;)

Noah doesn’t respond for a few minutes, and a throat clears. Oh yeah, company. An Otters hockey game is playing on TV. Hunter came over earlier needing peace, and instead, I got to watch his eyes roll consistently while I interviewed two potential renters. Neither of whom passed.

“I hate you both. Pass that along to Noah.”

“You don’t know who I’m talking to.”

“By the smile on your stupid fucking face, it’s definitely Noah.”

My phone vibrates in my hand as if confirming Hunter’s statement, and when I unlock the phone it nearly slips from my hand.

Noah’s standing in front of a floor-length mirror in a baby-blue jock, his ass facing the mirror. Fuck, I want to dive right in. “Holy fuck.” Cheeks burning, I swallow, saving the picture to the folder I’d made for him. My phone buzzes again.

Noah: Good choice. I love blue

Well, fuck if I don’t love blue too.

Jamie: Blue is the best

“Pathetic.” Hunter shakes his head, his eyes not leaving the game.

“Says the man who ‘moved out,’ yet has been here every day instead of home with the boyfriend he just moved in with.” Sadness hits his face, making me feel like shit. I’m not sure what’s happening, but I feel terrible for him. I don’t like Mark, but Hunter loves him more than anything. Hunter deserves happiness, and for some reason, that skinny prick makes him happy.

“Shut up.”

“Why are you here more than you are home?”

“Because of the guy you’re pretending not to text.” Hunter’s tired eyes meet mine.

“Not sleeping?”

“Should ask you the same.”

No, I’m not, but I’m used to that. “I’m fine.”

Hunter snorts, shaking his head and straightening in his seat. “Adulting is bullshit. I have to get up super early for my job, and with Noah there, Mark and I don’t get to spend much time alone. The only time we do get alone is when it’s time for bed and we—”

“Don’t finish that sentence.”

“Are you the only one allowed to have some fun?” Heat creeps up my neck. “Mark is mad. I don’t get this protective thing he’s got for Noah. It’s not like you’re the worst person he could be with.”

“Aw. Thank you.”

“You wouldn’t use him. You’re not a dick.”

“I am a dick.”

“Pretend to be an asshole to everyone else, fine, but stop that shit with me. We both know how fucking gooey you are.”

“Fuck you, I’m not gooey.”

Rolling his eyes, he ignores me. “It’s not like you two have even hooked up again since. You just talk. Or pretend not to.”

“It’s none of Mark’s business what I do.”

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