Page 156 of Between Hate and Desire

“He found out years ago and has the test results to prove it, so if you want to keep wasting your time and ours, then go ahead. But in the end, don’t be surprised when he says hetold you so.”

As I love watching her fight my battles for me, I grab her shoulder and pull her toward me.

“You really can’t have kids?” Jenna asks. “Or is that something you tell all the girls you fuck?”

“I’ve been telling you since day one I’m not the father,” I remind her. “I didn’t feel like I needed to put my personal business out there, but now that you’ve been made aware, do what you gotta do once the baby’s born to know for sure. But you should tell Craig since heisthe father.”

“Craig? Your ex-boyfriend?” Jacob’s sharp tone snaps through the air. “Drug dealing, abusive Craig?”

Jenna grimaces and closes her eyes as if she’s trying to blast herself into another timeline. “Let’s go. We’ll reschedule.”

We watch as they walk through the double doors, and when we turn around, everyone’s staring at us.

“Sorry,” I say.

Then I turn to Lennon, worried she’ll be embarrassed, but she surprises me by rewarding me with a smile.

“I think you dodged a bullet with that one,” she teases.

Releasing a relieved sigh, I grab her hand and squeeze. “You have no idea.”

After the shit with Jenna, we had a successful tour, and I could see how relieved Lennon was after her questions were answered. I know she’s nervous about it all, and I want to be here for her in any way I can. If she wants me with her or in the waiting room, I’ll do whatever she asks. I’d never overstep, but I won’t ask her either. She’ll let me know when she’s ready.

Lying in bed, I think about the day and how much I selfishly wish Lennon were carrying my baby. I wish we didn’t have to correct everyone who assumed I’m the father, but as soon as those thoughts hit me, the guilt of taking Brandon’s place eats at me. Like clockwork.

I look up at the ceiling, lying in the bed he used to share with Lennon, and wish I could talk to him. So much has changed since he passed away, but one thing that hasn’t is how much I miss him. Drinking beers, talking shit, bringing up our old college days. The days of picking up girls, frat parties, and football games. The only way I can get through the loss of him is telling myself he’d be happy and proud I’m taking care of Lennon and the baby. And hope he wouldn’t find us getting closer as a betrayal.

It’s that little piece of hope that I cling to.

I toss and turn for an hour before my phone vibrates on my nightstand. When I see Lennon’s name on the screen, I unlock it and read her message.

Lennon

I can’t sleep.

Hunter

What’s wrong?

Lennon

I’m lonely in here. Can’t get comfortable. Would you mind lying with me?

It’s okay if you say no.

I release a sharp breath, not expecting her to ask that. It’s been a long time since she’s asked me to lie with her, and truthfully, I’ve missed it. Though it was necessary to allow some time to pass and keep some distance between us, I can’t deny her. She makes me weak in the fucking knees, and I’d do anything for her.

Hunter

Of course I will.

I’m only in my boxer briefs but don’t bother putting on extra clothes before heading into her room. It’s dark except for the faint glow of the streetlights coming through the curtains. She’s lying on her side and blinks up at me as I close her door, neither of us saying a word. As I walk around the bed to slip under the covers, my heart hammers in my chest, knowing how deep I already am.

But fuck it.

Lennon shouldn’t have to be alone in the first place.

I wrap my body around hers and she melts into mine. With her belly, we can only spoon, so she rests her head on one arm as I wrap the other around her stomach.

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