Page 116 of Between Hate and Desire

“It’s perfect.”

“You know…” She pauses, biting her lower lip. “You’re better at this relationship stuff than you let on.”

I raise my brows, shocked at her honesty. “Is that so?”

“Yeah, you’re a natural.”

Kill me.Kill me now.

She tilts her head and furrows her brows. “How come you’ve never had a serious relationship?” she asks hesitantly. “I mean, it seems to come pretty naturally to you. Most guys who run away from commitment tend to have a fear of failing.”

I let her question sink in, unsure of how to respond. There’s no way to answer it without confessing my feelings, so I say what I’ve always told everyone else who’s asked.

“Didn’t have a lot of time in college for something serious. With football and work, it wouldn’t have been fair to balance a relationship between that.” I shrug as if that’s a plausible reason.

Except Lennon sees right through it and narrows her eyes. “But you’ve been out of college for over two years. You didn’t want something serious with Jenna? She seemed like she wanted more.”

As soon as the words come out of her mouth, her body tenses as if she hadn’t meant to say them. Part of me is convinced she’s jealous while the other part knows better.

“Jenna should’ve never happened,” I tell her truthfully. “Her feelings were always stronger than mine, and it wasn’t fair to lead her on, so I cut it off after—” Deciding not to finish that sentence with ourlast time together, I pause. Lennon’s grip on me softens, and I tighten my hold on her back, bringing her even closer. “Anyway, I’ve never had feelings for someone who made me want…more, I guess.”Lies. I keep my gaze on her, watching her reaction. Either she believes the bullshit I’m feeding her, or she’s good at keeping up a front.

“I hope you do someday,” she says softly. “You’re pretty great at it when you want to be.”

Not sure how to respond to that, I nod, then rest my chin on top of her head as the song fades away. People start clapping around us as the guitarist does a solo, and when we slightly pull away, I see Lennon tense.

“What is it?” I study her, but she doesn’t respond as she looks around me. “Lennon.”

Her eyes snap back to mine, and she plasters on a fake smile. “It’s nothing.”

I know she’s lying, and when I look over and see three women around our age watching us, I glance back at Lennon.

“Gonna tell me what’s going on?” I arch a brow.

She inhales a deep breath as the band starts a new song, my arm still wrapped around her. Lennon chews on her bottom lip, looking down at our feet.

I look at the girls again, whispering to each other and staring at Lennon. “Do you know them?”

“Yes, unfortunately.” She releases a short breath.

I don’t get a chance to ask her to elaborate before the three of them walk toward us. They look straight out of a Stepford Wives magazine. Stank expressions and all.

“Lennon, hi,” one of them singsongs in the fakest tone I’ve ever heard. “It’s been so long since we’ve seen you. Surprised you’re even here.”

“Hi, Gretchen,” Lennon clips. “Yes, it’s been since graduation.”

I can tell she’s less than thrilled, and the dirty looks they’re giving her make my blood boil. Lennon’s the sweetest person I know, and this girl is throwing attitude around like fucking glitter.

“And who isthis?” Gretchen asks in a sultry voice. “Surely, he didn’t come with you.”

Oh fuck no.

They look at me like meat on a stick, which pisses me off, considering Lennon and I were dancing together. It’s more than fucking obvious we’re together.

“I’m Hunter,” I harshly introduce, then grin wide before continuing, “her husband.”

“What?” One gasps, then turns her attention to Lennon for clarification. “You’re married?”

“Yep!” Lennon finally finds her voice and proudly shows off the big-ass ring on her finger. Her eyes are filled with pure lust, and I have to mentally remind myself she’s just pretending.

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