Page 44 of Splintered Hearts

It was a fun night, and that was it. That was all. There’s nothing more or less to it. “Mark would have a fucking fit.”

I understand Mark doesn’t like me but isn’t this a bit much? “He acts like I’m Satan.”

“Dunno why. You’re always so pleasant and fun to be around.”

Blinking at him flatly, I sigh. “Fair.”

“Mark will get over it.” Hunter sighs. “Or he won’t, and Noah will just live with us for all eternity. Maybe Mark will be into a third.” My scowl deepens. “Oh, hello, jealous. Not my type, but he is cute.”

Cute? No, beautiful. His eyes sometimes visit me when I’m lucky enough to have dreams instead of nightmares. “The offer stands. I don’t know if he’ll accept it, though.” Hunter nods and then shifts his attention to the coffee table, his brow furrowing. Fuck I should have put my shit away!

“Holy shit, are you drawing again?” Leaning over the table, he snatches it before I can. Fucking athlete reflexes! Pleased with himself, Hunter opens it, his eyes widening. Bri bought me a new sketchbook last year, but it remained untouched until Noah’sgreen eyes wouldn’t leave my mind.

“Give it back!”

“No.” Hunter moves away from me, and if I weren’t in as much pain as I am, maybe I’d have more energy to snatch it back. “Holy shit.”

“Shut up.” Turning the page, he shows it to me as if I don’t know what’s on there.

“You like him. Holy shit.”

“I don’t! He’s good at sucking dick.”

“Oh, I can see that.” Letting the book fall open in his grip, he laughs, showing me the drawing of Noah on his knees, that cute little thong peeking out of his jeans. I yank the book back, glancing quickly at the picture I drew of Noah on his knees, my cock next to those luscious lips.

That was the first one I drew, but now there are a handful. I couldn’t stop. Suddenly, Noah has become my muse. Sometimes he sends me selfies and I like to draw them. In one photo I’ve done, I gave Noah little fox ears.

Mischievous little fox.

“If this weren’t Mark’s best friend, I would support it one hundred percent.”

“And you don’t because he is?” Not that there is anything.

“I’ll support you no matter what. You know that. This is just a tricky situation.” It’s quiet for a moment, but the air is edged with something, and I wait for Hunter to say whatever it is that’s on his mind. “Stop looking for roommates.”

“What?”

“Don’t interview anyone else.”

“I need someone here for winter.”

Hunter shakes his head. “If Noah doesn’t move out within the month...” Hunter leans forward, putting his head in his hands before scrubbing his face. “If Noah doesn’t move out within the month, I’ll move back.” Hope fills my chest, but it’s replacedby something that feels a little like disappointment—for Hunter and myself.

I didn’t realize how badly I wanted Noah here. “Really?”

Sinking back into the chair, Hunter looks ready to cry, but I don’t comment. I just reassure him. “You know I have your back, no matter what.”

“I know. I hate this. I can’t keep living like this. If Mark wants Noah around, that’s okay, but I can’t stay there too. I feel like a third wheel in my own home.”

“Are you . . . breaking up with—”

“No. It’s not a relationship ultimatum, but I can’t keep feeling like a guest in my own home. I sound like a child.”

Through all our fighting, I’ve never once wished they’d break up. Mark makes him happy. “I’m sorry.”

Letting out a loud, shaky breath, he stands. “I’m going to head home. Want me to talk to Noah?”

“No. I will, later—” His brows rise. “Ah, I mean—”

---