Page 64 of Between Hate and Desire

“Lennon, I’m fine. The guy barely touched me.”

I glance over her head and see Liam and Mason. They’re staring in disapproval, but fuck what they think. They have no idea that I’ve beat myself up every single day for having feelings for Brandon’s girlfriend. I tried to fight it, and neither knows the pain this causes me. I know she could never be more than a friend. It’s all we can ever be. The fact that I knew Brandon’s plan to propose eats at me daily, but there’s nothing I can do about it. Telling her would only hurt her, and she’s finally allowing herself to have a good time again.

Looking down at Lennon, I see her lips tremble. “Are you alright?” I grab her shoulders and force her eyes on mine.

“I can’t believe you did that,” she says, studying my face. “Why would you get into a fight because of me?”

The fact she’s asking that question means she has no idea how I feel.

Friends.Just friends.

“Because that asshole called you a whore. He couldn’t deal with your rejection.”

“So that merits hitting him in the face…several times?” I’m not sure if she’s scolding or ready to high-five me.

I release her and brush a hand through my hair. “Lennon, listen.” I pause, trying to get my thoughts straight.

“Thank you,” she says before I can speak. Her words take me by surprise, and I’m not sure I even heard her correctly. “No one’s ever stood up for me before. When he asked if I was single, I…froze. It was like I couldn’t get the words out. I didn’t want to say them.”

“I know, Lennon.” I give her a sincere look. “Wait. You aren’t mad at me?”

“Are you kidding? No. I mean, I don’t usually encourage fights, but hell, that guy wouldn’t get a clue even if I shoved it up his ass.”

Her words have me laughing and pulling her in for another hug, then I kiss the top of her head. Fuck it, I’m going to hell anyway for the dirty thoughts I’ve had about her.

“Still, I should’ve controlled my temper,” I say, separating us. “Sorry for wrecking your night out.”

“You didn’t.” She shakes her head. “Thanks for having my back.”

“Of course. Always, Lennon.”

Her face contorts, and I know I’m probably confusing the shit out of her right now. She has no reason to believe those words, considering how I’ve treated her in the past, but I’m determined to be what she needs—a friend, someone to rely on, and someone she can trust.

We ride to the apartment in silence, and it’s not even midnight by the time we make it home. Lennon walks to her bedroom, and for a moment, I think she’s going to sleep in there tonight, but then she comes out with a change of clothes.

“It’s still early. Wanna watch a few episodes ofFriends? I’m not tired enough to sleep.” The hopeful look in her eyes has me nodding in agreement.

Even though I should go to bed and cool off, I can’t deny Lennon. She doesn’t want to be alone, so I’ll do whatever she needs.

“I’m going to wash off this makeup and change in the bathroom if you want to get out of your clothes.”

“Yeah, I’ll go grab some.” I walk to my bedroom and pull out a pair of gray sweatpants. I strip down to my boxer briefs then slide them on. It’s been a while since I’ve done laundry, and now I can’t find my favorite California State University T-shirt.

“Hey, Lennon?” I tap my knuckles on the bathroom door. “Did I leave my black CSU shirt in there by chance?”

She opens the door in her pajamas and stands in front of me with a toothbrush in her mouth. “Huh?” Her eyes widen the second she stares up at me. Her gaze rakes down my chest, and I arch a brow at the way she’s gawking.

I clear my throat, leaning against the doorframe and crossing my arms.. “Is my CSU shirt in there?”

“Uh…” She blinks, then looks around. “Oh.” She holds up a finger, then turns to the sink and rinses out her mouth before facing me again. “I borrowed it. It’s in my laundry basket.”

I raise my eyebrows, not saying a thing. She woremyshirt? I don’t know why this seems so sexy, but I quickly shake the thoughts away.

“I got warm in my leggings and sweater the other night and was afraid I’d wake you if I came in to get a pair of shorts, so I grabbed the first thing I found. I’m sorry.” Her voice sounds so small when she apologizes, and it causes me to smile and laugh.

“Don’t be. I was just looking for it and couldn’t find it. No biggie. But don’t think we’re swapping clothes now.” I wink, and she teasingly shoves me.

“Funny. Now go put on a shirt.”

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