Page 131 of Between Hate and Desire

HUNTER

Wakingup with Lennon in my arms was heaven, and I hated having to get up and leave. My only motivation was knowing I’d see her after work because even though our fake relationship is over, I still enjoy spending time with her in the evenings.

Nothing monumental happened at the office while I was gone, and after reviewing the current progress, I left the jobsite pleased. We’ll be finished in two to three months, and we’re on target to meet our planned budget as long as nothing terrible happens. Before lunch, just as I’m sitting at my desk to turn on my computer, my phone vibrates. I unlock it and see a text from Jenna. Considering I rushed her out of the apartment on Sunday, then rejected her call, I’m surprised it took her this long.

Jenna

Can we talk?

The dread sets in, but I know this conversation can’t be avoided—not this time and not with what she’s claiming. Her showing up at the apartment again can’t happen, and we have unfinished business to resolve. I think about what to say to her and know it’s a conversation we should have face-to-face. Sure, I’m an asshole at times, but this is a serious accusation. I ask her to lunch, and we decide to meet in thirty minutes a few blocks away at a small burger place.

Her being pregnant weighs heavily on my mind as I contemplate what I’m going to say. I check the time, grab my keys, then drive over. When I arrive, she’s already sitting at a booth by the window in the corner. Jenna waves, and I force out a grin and take a seat in front of her. It’s awkward as hell, and I’m grateful the waiter quickly walks up and takes our drink and food order. Moments later, he’s setting down our waters.

“How was your trip?” She casually takes a sip of her drink.

“Great. Weather was nice.” I’m not sure how to start the conversation, so I let her talk while I find my words.

“Listen. I know this entire situation is awkward for you. It is for me too, but we need to discuss the options of what’s going to happen next,” she states.

“Were you with other people when we were hanging out?” I come right out and ask. Raising my eyebrows, I watch her carefully and notice she’s more tense than I am.

She opens her mouth, then closes it before exhaling. Jenna’s always been a bad liar, and her hesitation gives her away.

“You were,” I say.

“We never agreed to be exclusive, Hunter,” she finally tells me.

I shake my head. “I didn’t expect you to be. But you can’t be sure I’m the father of your baby if you were with someone else. A few days ago, you were determined that I was, but how can you be, considering?”

“Based on my expected due date, I figured out when I would’ve ovulated, and you’re the only person I was with during that time,” she tells me confidently.

“Jenna…” Lowering my voice, I look her straight in her eyes, hoping she’ll see I’m not playing her games. I’m not sure how to word my next sentence because I don’t want it to come out harsh. She’s trying to trap me, and it pisses me off beyond belief.

“I know you’re the father, Hunter. You have to be.”

I can tell she’s getting upset, and it’s the last thing I need right now.

“I’m certain I’m not. We used protection every single time. I’m encouraging you to tell whoever else you were with that he could possibly be a father because it’s not fair for him not to know.” There’s more to the story on why I’m so confident I’m not, but it’s honestly none of her business. Only Hayden knows.

Our food arrives, pulling us both away from the discussion. Though it’s the middle of the lunch rush and the restaurant is full, I know this conversation has to happen right here, right now.

Tears begin rolling down her cheeks. I’m not sure if she’s crying because I refuse to accept this or because deep down she knows someone else could be the father.

“This is all gonna work out,” I say, trying to comfort her.

She shakes her head. “No, it’s not going to be okay. One drunken night, in a moment of weakness, I hooked up with Craig.”

Jenna covers her face in embarrassment, and I feel for her since that’s her ex who cheated on her before we got together. I understand why she’d be so upset with him being the father. It all makes perfect sense now.

“He deserves to know, Jenna,” I tell her, then pick up my burger and take a bite. She eats too, and we stay silent while we eat.

“You could still be the father, Hunter. I haven’t been on birth control since I broke up with Craig months before, and while I know you and I used protection, it’s not foolproof. You can’t know for sure.”

I grow more frustrated with her, but I try to push it away. Her ex was a piece of shit, and knowing I’m not the dad means he’s back in her life again. It’s not a healthy situation for her or the baby.

“Idoknow for sure,” I tell her confidently.

“So what do you want me to do? Forget about us? Forget we ever happened? Take your word for it because you don’twantto be the father of my baby?” She snarls, her voice rising and drawing attention to us.

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