Page 148 of Between Hate and Desire

Keeping my voice low, I ask, “What’re you doing here?”

“I remembered how much you loved Chinese food when we were together and thought I’d bring you lunch.” Jenna’s being overly fake as she hands me the bag. I look at it and am forced to take it from her.

“Can we talk outside, babe?” The way she speaks as if we’re a couple aggravates the fuck out of me. I walk past her through the double sliding doors, and she follows me.

“Jenna. What the fuck?” I stand on the sidewalk and search her face. She’s as calm as can be.

“Thought you’d like to know I found out we’re having a boy. Isn’t that so exciting?” She grins wide as if she’s expecting to get the same reaction.

If I could shake her and tell her to wake the hell up and smell the roses, I would. “We’ve already been over this,” I tell her between gritted teeth.

“You’re scared and in denial,” she says matter-of-factly, and I’m positive she believes her own lies. “I gave you enough time to process this, Hunter. It’s time to deal with it.”

“There’s nothing to deal with. You’re projecting the wayyoufeel. Did you tell Craig like I told you?” I cross my arms over my chest, staring her down.

She steps closer and shakes her head. “No, because this baby is yours. I know it in my gut, and I can’t allow you to deny it anymore. It’s time to take responsibility for your actions and man up, Hunter.”

I glare, anger simmering through my blood like I’ve never felt before. “Youwantit to be the truth, but it doesn’t mean it is. You shouldn’t be here. I’ll take a paternity test when he’s born to prove it to you, but don’t you dare show up unannounced again.” I hand the food back to her, not trusting anything she’d give me at this point. It might be poisoned. “I’ve already eaten, so you should have this.”

“So that’s it? You’re going to reject me again?” she hisses. “I know your little friend is pregnant, too. You’d rather take care of someone else’s baby than your own?” She spews fire, knowing it’ll get me worked up.

I narrow my eyes, shaking my head as I try to calm down.

“Yeah, I know all about her and your fake marriage, Hunter. It’s not even your baby.” Her words are venom, and I need to get out of here before I say or do something I’ll regret.

“Leave, Jenna.Now.”

“It’d be a shame if her pastor dad found out,” she says in a taunting voice that has me seeing red. My fists clench, and my jaw tightens. How the fuck does she know all this?

As if she can read my mind, she continues, “The internet is a great thing these days, Hunter. You might be able to trick two middle-aged people, but you’re not fooling me.”

I’m glad we took this outside even though I’m sure Tracie can hear every word Jenna spews. She’s not exactly quiet.

I turn on my heels, growing more frustrated. “Stay away from me, Jenna.” I enunciate every word.

“Do the right thing, Hunter Manning! This isn’t over!”

I walk into the building, leaving her outside yelling like a crazy person. Tracie gives me a sad look and scans me in but doesn’t say anything. I take the stairs two at a time, pissed Jenna has the audacity to show up at my job like we’re dating. She’s not going to let this go, and I’m not sure what else to do at this point. Get a restraining order on her? If she does it again, I might have to.

The rest of the day, I’m overly annoyed with every person who speaks to me. I’m short and need to go work out to blow off some steam, but instead, I drive home, trying to forget what happened.

When I walk into the apartment, everything’s quiet except for the sound of Lennon’s beautiful voice. I go to her room and stand at the door, listening to her sing in the rocking chair with her eyes closed and her hands over her stomach.

For a moment, I watch and listen to her, and it calms me in a way she wouldn’t understand. The late-evening sun shines through, casting a warm glow throughout the room, and I find myself smiling, soaking in her natural beauty. I glance around, looking at how the room’s been transformed into a makeshift nursery. The crib and changing table I helped build last month fit perfectly in the space.

To get Lennon’s attention, I clear my throat, and her eyes pop open. “How long have you been there?”

“Not long,” I say. “Hungry?”

She nods, standing, and I realize how much her belly has grown. It seems as if she started showing overnight, though it’s been gradual. She glances at me, and she’s glowing. Becoming a mom has come so natural to her, and there’s no doubt she’ll love that baby with every ounce of her body. Hell, she already does and so do I.

“I’ve craved pizza all day long with extra, extra, extra, extra cheese.”

I burst out laughing. “Damn, girl.” Lennon’s cravings this last trimester have been random but usually anything greasy.

She narrows her eyes, and before she can even throw sass my way, I continue, “Whatever you say. I hope they add some sauce and crust with your cheese.” I open the app and order a pizza real quick with four times the cheese like Lennon requested. One thing I’ve learned over the past few months is not to argue with a pregnant woman over food. It’s a losing battle.

As we’re waiting for the delivery, I help Lennon hang and fold more baby clothes. This has become one of our traditions, spending our time getting the apartment ready for the baby girl. The church ladies have sent so much that I’ve told Lennon she can use my room for storage if needed. Though we’ve been putting up clothes all week, there are still boxes full of onesies and dresses. I’m pretty sure Lennon won’t have to buy clothes until the kid is sixteen.

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