Page 59 of Between Hate and Desire

“Well, how do you think I got all those tips when I was bartending?” He waggles his brows, and it brings me back to the first night we met.

“I think it’s time to go up a size.” I look him up and down.

He grabs his wallet and stuffs it into his back pocket before taking his keys off the table.

“There’s the bossy Lennon I’ve been missing,” he taunts, opening the door for me.

“I was never bossy,” I argue.

“And I’m a virgin,” Hunter deadpans, shutting and locking the door behind us.

“Oh, look. Rude Hunter returns.”

He snorts, shaking his head. “Not true and you know it.”

We walk to his truck and get inside. I haven’t been here since the day of the funeral, and the whiplash of memories hits me full force. A tear slips down my cheek, and I’m not quick enough to wipe it away before Hunter notices.

“Lennon.” His voice is soft and tender. “We don’t have to go.”

I keep my eyes locked on my feet, trying to find the willpower to do this. I know I can’t stay cooped up in the apartment all summer, but this feels like a big step.

“No, let’s go. They’re all expecting us.”

“Look at me,” he demands, and I do. “I don’t give a shit if the queen herself is expecting us. If you’re not ready, we’re not going.”

Hunter stares like I’m his to protect and care for, which confuses me more than I’d like to admit. I’m not sure if he’s doing it because Brandon was his best friend and he feels obligated for another reason. Although I’m appreciative of how much he’s been there for me, I need to remind myself we’re still only roommates, who are grieving the same person.

“I’m good.” I smile reassuringly. “Let’s go.”

We drive in silence to Home Base. It has a restaurant inside with a full bar. As soon as we walk in, my mood lifts. The music’s loud, and people are everywhere. By the size of the crowd, I know it’s definitely a Friday night. The guy at the door knew Hunter just like he said and told him he was waiting for two more. Sophie and Maddie arrive a few minutes later, and as soon as Maddie gets through, she fist pumps the air.

“No alcohol,” I warn, pointing at her. “You’re here to hang out.”

“Soph already gave me the lecture.” She rolls her eyes. “Are Mason and Liam here yet?”

Hunter checks the time on his phone. “Should be in about five minutes.”

We walk to one of the bar top tables and all take a seat except for Hunter. He’s standing next to me with his arm around the back of my chair. “You want me to get you something?”

When I turn, his face is directly in front of mine. Leaning back a little, I tell him to surprise me. He asks my sisters what they want, and then he’s off to place our order.

“I like this place!” Maddie bounces in her seat. “Lots of fresh meat.”

Sophie and I laugh at the way she’s eyeing every guy who walks by.

“You’re like a cat in heat. Ready to mount the first thing that purrs at you,” I quip.

“Worse, she’s the one purring for a mate,” Sophie adds, and we laugh at Maddie’s death stare.

“You two suck. I hate you both.”

Sophie snickers. “No you don’t.”

A moment later, Liam and Mason arrive, and Hunter returns with our drinks.

“Where’s ours, asshole?” Mason asks.

“Get your own shit,” Hunter tells him. “I’m not your bar bitch anymore.”

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