Page 20 of Between Hate and Desire

“So am I,” she taunts, and I have no doubts about that. I order our shots, and moments later, they’re in front of us. We shoot them down and suck on our limes.

“How’re you and what’s his name? Was it Chris?” I ask her once the fiery burn fades.

“Craig,” she replies with an eye roll. “We broke up. He’s a cheating bastard, so I’m better off withoutthatin my life. I graduated and recently got hired at the hospital, so I’m focused on my new job, staying busy with friends, and doing what’s best for me for once.”

“Nursing, right?” My eyes meet hers, and she gives me a sweet smile and a nod.

I’m sure she didn’t think I’d remember, but I’m not a complete douchebag, regardless of what Lennon thinks.

“Wanna dance?” Jenna asks as the mood in the room changes.

“If you want.” Not sure if my drunk ass can handle it right now, but I’ll sure as hell try.

By the look on her face, dancing isn’t all that’s on her mind tonight.

“I’d love that,” she tells me, and I take her by the hand.

We’re two single people in a sea of others trying not to feel so lonely as we move together. Though I’ve never felt anything toward Jenna, she’s the perfect distraction.

I place my hands on her small waist and pull her closer, allowing the alcohol to lead and take control. My inhibitions are down, and after a few more songs, our lips crash together. We’re breathless, and at this moment, I want her as much as she wants me.

“Where the fuck did you go?” Liam asks from behind me, interrupting us. My friends are both wasted, dancing with two pretty girls.

“They’re twins,” Mason whispers with a drunken chuckle as he points toward Liam, and sure enough, the girls they’re with are identical.

Laughing, I shake my head because he thinks he’s being inconspicuous, but he’s practically yelling. Dressing the same played in their favor after all.

The song changes, and Jenna hooks her fingers in the loops of my jeans and pulls me closer. Her chest rises and falls, and the look in her eyes gives her away. I know what she wants.

Standing taller, she pulls my ear down to her mouth and whispers, “Wanna get out of here?”

The alcohol makes the decision easy. “Fuck yes.”

Jenna pulls my bottom lip into her mouth, then speaks confidently. “I’m a freak in the sheets.”

“How could I ever forget that rumor?” I tease as she takes my hand in hers and leads me through the crowd of people. Her boyfriend, Craig, used to sit at the bar and talk about how kinky Jenna is in bed, and soon, the rumors spread among the staff. After dancing with her, I believe every word the man ever said. She knows how to rock her hips and move that ass.

Though time has passed since we worked together, I probably shouldn’t do this. It’s obvious she’s always been attracted to me, but I don’t want to give her the wrong idea because we’re not two strangers who just randomly met up. However, I came here tonight for a reason, and now that reason is Jenna.

As we walk out of the bar, she schedules a ride because neither of us is sober enough to drive. Moments later, we slip into the back of a car, and as we head toward her apartment, I give no fucks about my decision.

CHAPTER FIVE

LENNON

Last year,Brandon went out of his way to make Valentine’s special for me. He proves how much he loves me every day, and I know tonight won’t be any different.

After I get out of the shower, I blow-dry and curl my hair, then slip on a slinky black dress and high heels. I meticulously apply a smoky look to my eyes and contour my face. I smile in the mirror when I finalize the seductive look with a coat of deep red lipstick.

Before I walk into the living room where Brandon patiently waits for me, I go into the bedroom and pull out the strand of pearls he gave me during our first year of dating. I grab my clutch and tuck my phone inside.

As soon as I enter his line of vision, Brandon stalks toward me.

“Fuck, baby,” he says, running his gaze down my body with a smirk. Placing his hands firmly on my ass cheeks, he pulls me in close for a kiss. “You look so damn beautiful.”

Butterflies swarm inside me, and I blush, and the only thing that breaks our gaze is my phone vibrating in my clutch.

“Shit. Hold on,” I tell him and see it’s a FaceTime call from my parents. “I have to take this.”

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