Page 173 of Between Hate and Desire

“Please give us an update.”

“Tomorrow,” Sophie adds. “Not likeduringanything, okay?”

“Ew,” I say with a chuckle. “You two are freaks.”

I finally leave the bar and grab an Uber since I’ve had a few drinks. Though my adrenaline has now taken over more than the alcohol. During the ride to The Woodlands, my nerves are in overdrive, and my heart’s beating hard, making me anxious. I don’t want to interrupt his meeting, but this can’t wait. Not while I have the courage to finally tell him.

I’m in love with Hunter.

As soon as I arrive, I make my way inside and easily find the restaurant. It’s dark and romantic in the seating area, and then there’s a bar that wraps around. Before I left tonight, I noticed he was wearing nice clothes—black slacks and a button-up—and he’d even trimmed his facial hair.

Shit. That sounds like a guy going on a date.

No.Push those thoughts out, Lennon.

Blinking, I look around and start wondering if he’s already left. That means he could only be in two places.

At home.

In this woman’s hotel room.

My chest rises and falls as my breathing becomes erratic, and I know I’m being irrational. Hunter said this was a work thing, not a?—

Scratch that. He’s at the bar. With agorgeouswoman.

She’s in a black slinky dress that fits her like a glove. Dark brown hair, straight and down to her waist. Her legs are crossed and pointed toward Hunter, who’s smiling and talking as she leans into him with her hand wrapped around his bicep. I notice the way his eyes light up at whatever they’re discussing, and there’s no way this is work-related.

Oh my God.

I’m a fucking fool.

My stomach turns, and I walk away before I’m forced to watch them make out or something.

Idiot.

I want to hit myself in the head and knock some sense into my stupid brain for thinking he’d wait for me all this time. Smack myself for ignoring my heart.

Maybe the hangover in the morning will torture me enough to block out this entire night.

As I wait for another Uber, I send a group text to my sisters.

Lennon

I was too late.

Sophie

What? Are you sure?

Maddie

No way! What happened?

Lennon

His “work thing” was a hot date. She’s all over him, and he didn’t look like he was hating it.

Sophie

---