Page 150 of Between Hate and Desire

There have been several times I’ve wanted to kiss her or bring up how I feel again, but it’s easier, for now, to pretend I never said anything. I’ve allowed her to take the lead on us because that night, things changed, though she’d deny it if I called her out. I’m pretty sure I’ve been friend-zoned, and that’s okay because I’m not giving up hope. If that’s all I can ever be, I’ll be forced to accept it, though I don’t think she even realizes how she sends me mixed signals all the time.

After we’ve finished eating, I put the remaining pizza in the fridge. Lennon’s phone rings, and when she answers it, I know it’s one of her sisters by how excited she sounds. The further along Lennon gets, the closer they grow, and I love how supportive they both are. Lennon looks at me, and I whisper that I’m going to take a shower, and she gives me a thumbs-up.

My shoulders are tight, and I stand under the hot water, hoping it relieves some of the stress. After seeing Jenna today, I’ve been on edge. She’s determined to make my life hell until I can prove I’m not the father of her baby. It’ll be hung over my head until the day he’s born, and I know, just by her threats alone, it’s not the last I’ll see of her.

Once I’ve scrubbed the day from my body, I step out, wrap a towel around my waist, then walk to my bedroom. As soon as I enter, I turn and see Lennon behind me. Somehow, I hang onto my towel, though she startled the fuck out of me.

“Shit,” I whisper, not expecting her to be there.

“Sophie wants me to go grocery shopping with her tomorrow. Anything you want me to add to the list?” Lennon’s gaze lowers down my body, lingers on my bare chest and then slides lower. I’ve been doing most of the grocery shopping, but Sophie likes to have Lennon join her. It’s a way for them to bond, and then she doesn’t have to go alone.

I chuckle as she continues to stare while she bites her lip. It’s moments like this when I know she feels exactly the same as I do but refuses to admit it. And I won’t force the issue.

“I’m gawking, aren’t I? Sorry.” A blush hits her cheeks, and she covers her face with her hands.

“I’m gonna get dressed now…” I taunt, and she quickly turns around and walks out of my room. Sometimes, she’s so fucking adorable, and the thought of her being embarrassed has me grinning. If she wanted me, I’d give her every fucking inch. All she’d have to do is ask. Guilt be damned.

I slip on some clothes and go into the living room and grab the plastic outlet protectors I purchased to put throughout the apartment. Sitting on the couch with her feet propped up, Lennon starts giggling.

“What’re you doing?” she asks as I go along the walls and plug each open socket.

I look over my shoulder and grin. “Baby proofing the apartment since she’ll be here before we know it.”

Lennon continues to laugh. “For the first six months, all she’s going to do is eat, poop, and sleep.”

“And people always talk about how their kids grow up too fast. So she’ll essentially be driving in a few months.” I stand and glance over to catch her rolling her head on her shoulders. “Your back hurt again?” Lately, she hasn’t been able to get comfortable.

“It’s the worst. If I sit too long or stand too long, it makes my back so sore,” she admits.

I sit next to her on the couch. “I’m gonna schedule you one of those prenatal massages. I’ve heard they help a lot.”

She leans her head back on the couch. “At this point, I need more than my back rubbed.” Lennon closes her eyes tight. “Ignore me. Seriously. I don’t know what my deal is today.”

It’s calledsexual frustration, but I don’t dare say that. It’s not the first time she’s hinted about sex, and I’m sure she’d feel better if she found some sort of relief. I think about the toy she has in her room and find myself growing hard at the thought of her using it. Imagining her mouth falling open as she releases soft moans has me wanting to take another shower.

Fuck me.

I quickly adjust myself because I’m hard as a rock. Standing, I force the thoughts of her naked body out of my head, and I hope she doesn’t notice my erection.

“I think I’m going to go to bed,” I tell her, yawning.

She nods and agrees she’s tired too. Lennon goes into her room, and I walk into mine. Crawling under the sheets, I grab my cock and stroke myself as I think about her. I’d give her everything she could ever need. I’d take it slow, kissing and sucking her supple nipples, being as careful as I can, making sure she’s completely satisfied. I’d make love to her all night, taking my time until she begs me to fuck her. It doesn’t take long before the orgasm rocks through me, taking full control, and I let out a muffled grunt that I hope she doesn’t hear. Considering the walls are paper thin, I’m sure she did. After I clean up, I lie back in bed and wonder if she’s thinking of me when she touches herself. The thought alone has me growing hard all over again.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

LENNON

Hunter’s gruntsand groans from his room cause heat to build between my legs. Hell, those are the hottest sounds I’ve ever heard. I close my eyes and picture him touching himself, then rub my thighs together to relieve the ache building inside.

Reaching for my vibrator, I imagine him on his bed, slipping into his shorts and stroking his hard cock. I angle the top of the toy over my clit, and as soon as it comes alive, I desperately search for my release. I think of Hunter in his room doing the same, throwing his head back when he comes, and wonder if he thinks of me while he pleasures himself.

The guilt creeps in again, like it always does when my thoughts about Hunter turn inappropriate. After our time in Utah and these past six months, I don’t know that I have any energy left to fuel the remorse.

As I push those thoughts away, I focus on my body and think of Hunter next to me—watching me, touching me, fucking me. With my belly, I can’t get the angle right, but I say fuck it and try anyway. The handle on the wand isn’t long enough, so I grab a pillow, stuff it under my ass, and angle my hips to push my pussy higher.

I will MacGyver my way to an orgasm if I have to.

With my legs parted, I bend my knees and close my eyes. Focusing on reaching my climax, it builds and grows more intense as I arch into the vibrator. I increase the speed, and soon, I’m screaming into my pillow, not worrying or thinking about the fact Hunter is on the other side of the wall.

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