Page 89 of Between Hate and Desire

“Oh, um…” A blush rises to my cheeks. “It’s nothing. Never mind.”

“C’mon,” he urges. “You know I won’t say no.”

That has my lips tilting up a bit. “It’s too much right now. Forget it.”

Hunter sets down his beer, grabs my shoulders, then makes me face him. He gazes into my eyes and gives me a pointed look that tells me he’s not going to drop it. “Ask me.”

My breathing picks up, and nervous butterflies form in my stomach as I look at the man who’s going to be my fake husband for who the hell knows how long.

Sucking in a deep breath, I release it slowly, then nod. “Okay, but youcansay no if you want.”

Hunter drops his arms and crosses them over his chest. “Sure.”

His tone lets me know that won’t be the case.

“I don’t know how to ask this, so I’m just going to come out with it,” I tell him, though I’m trying to convince myself to do it.

“Please do,” he encourages.

“We’re gonna need to kiss,” I finally blurt and swallow hard as I wait for his reaction. He stands firmly, not moving or speaking. “If we want to convince my parents we’re newlyweds, ones who are pregnant, they’re going to expect us to be…touchy-feely. In love. So instead of it being weird around my parents, maybe we should…practice first.” My voice cracks at the end, and I feel like I’m an inexperienced teenager all over again.

“Okay, I was not expecting that,” Hunter finally replies, brushing a hand through his hair, then over his chin with a couple of days’ worth of stubble. I’ve learned it’s a nervous tell, which makes me feel better knowing I won’t be the only one who feels awkward.

“I understand if you say no. It’s a lot to ask. I shouldn’t have mentioned it. It’s odd, right? Sorry, forget it. I don’t know what I was?—”

“Lennon,” Hunter interrupts my rambling. “I didn’t say no. I just wasn’t anticipating it, but you’re right. We’ll need to act like we’ve done it a time or two.” He cracks the smallest of smiles, which eases my mind a bit. “Probably a good thing, so then we don’t act like two virgins on prom night.”

I laugh, the tension fading. “Well, considering they demanded I wait until my wedding night to lose my virginity, it’s not uncommon for couples in my church to get pregnant right away. Most get married only after dating for a short time and announce they’re having a baby a month later. Couples like that, who wait until their wedding night, are noticeably all over each other because they refrained so much beforehand.”

“So pouncing on you in front of your parents is a must,” he teases, taking a step back when I attempt to smack his chest.

“They’re pretty modest, so while they won’t mind touching and kissing, we need to be respectful in their home.” I shrug, thankful for that specific rule.

“Sounds good.” He stands in front of me with an unreadable expression. As he studies me, I know he’s probably waiting for me to make the first move, but shit. I can’t.

“I’m nervous,” I admit with a half-smile.

“Don’t be. I don’t bite.” He winks. “Well, unless you like that sorta thing.”

“Oh my God, Hunter!” I blush hard. “You aren’t helping!”

“Okay, sorry,” he says with a chuckle. “Don’t be scared. We’ll start slow.”

My chest rises and falls. Heavy breaths release from my nostrils as I try to gain some control. I don’t know why I’m so anxious, but kissing Hunter like this feels so…calculated. Weird. Forbidden.

“Okay,” I finally say, not moving.

After a few silent moments, he cracks a smile. “Are you gonna kiss me?”

I cover my face, hunching over in embarrassment. “Ugh. I can’t stop the nerves.”

“Lennon.” His deep voice pulls me from my thoughts. “Just relax, okay?” He takes my hands and places them on his waist, bringing us closer together. “Breathe.”

I release a deep, steady breath as his palms cup my face.

“Do you trust me?” When his eyes bore into mine, I feel as though I’m looking into the depths of his soul. I know without a doubt this man would do anything for me.

“Of course I do,” I whisper, tightening my grip on his hips.

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