Page 35 of Between Hate and Desire

“You know, if you keep lying to yourself, you’re just going to end up hurt and alone. If this ‘no one’ doesn’t have the same feelings for you that you do her, then why are you still hung up on her? I’m here, ready to give you anything you need. I like you, Hunter. A lot.”

“I know you do,” I admit, squeezing the back of my neck because the tension is building between my shoulders. “That’s why I wanna be honest with you. I thought I was capable of forcing myself to move on, but I realize now I can’t.” I release a deep breath, partly relieved to get that off my chest and partly terrified.

“Let me help you move on,” she says with a seriousness that has me feeling like a piece of shit. “If that’s the only way I can have you, Hunter, then I’ll take it until you get over her. Okay? I’m fine with it.”

“You deserve more than that, Jenna. More than being a second choice.” The irony of this whole fucked-up situation isn’t lost on me. “And at this point, I’m not sure I’ll ever get over her,” I admit honestly before leaving. I schedule an Uber and wait outside, thinking of all the ways I’m fucked. Jenna doesn’t give up easily, and I wish I could give her what she wants and needs, but I’m tired of pretending.

I think back to my sex bucket list I told Hayden about and wonder if that whole thing is what got me into trouble in the first place. I can’t fuck around to get over my feelings for Lennon, and I was a fool for ever thinking I could.

CHAPTER NINE

LENNON

“Mmm,why do you always smell so good?” Brandon hums as he buries his nose in my hair. His arms wrap around my waist and slide under my shirt as I rinse the dishes in the sink.

I arch my neck, smiling when his palm grabs my breast and squeezes. “Maybe because none of my students threw up today.” One of my students is always sick, so I consider that a win for a Monday.

He chuckles against my skin and presses a soft kiss under my ear. “What do you say we go for a joyride tonight? It’s gonna be a nice evening. Maybe we can ride up the coast, grab some dinner, and watch the sunset?”

“Brandon Jude Locke…” I singsong, drying my hands on a towel. “That sounds awfully romantic.” Suspicion rings in my ears.

He spins me around and cups my cheeks. “Do I need a reason to be romantic for my amazing girlfriend?”

I bring a hand up to his forehead and brush the hair off his face. With a wide smile, I pull his lips to mine. “Of course not. Let me go change real quick, and we can go for a ride.”

He arches a brow with a devilish smirk.

“Not that kinda ride. Down, boy,” I tease, dropping my eyes to his crotch. He wraps an arm around my hips and smacks my ass, then takes a handful in his palm.

“But you make itsohard.” He winks, and I burst out laughing.

“You’re relentless.” I push him back slightly, creating space between us before his sex-filled brain takes over, and we never leave.

“You like it.”

I slip out of his grip, laughing, and walk to our room. I change into a pair of jeans, a sweater, and put on socks and boots. It can get chilly on the back of his motorcycle, especially once the sun sets.

Just as I’m about to tell Brandon I’m ready to go, I get a phone call and see it’s Sophie.

“Hey, what’s up?” I answer.

“Lennon.” Her voice cracks, and I instantly know something’s wrong.

“Soph, what is it? Are you okay?” I panic.

“Yeah, I-I’m just having some roommate issues. Figure you were the best person to talk to about that.”

I snort, nodding in agreement, though she can’t see me. She knows all about my troubles with Hunter.

“What kind of issues? I thought you and Maria got along great.” They’ve been roommates the past few years, and she’s never complained about her.

“We are, we do. It’s…well, she’s asking her boyfriend to move in with her. Withus.” I hear the struggle in her voice.

“Carter?” I ask.

She gets along with him as well as I get along with Hunter.

“Yep. I don’t know what I’m going to do. Or can do rather. The lease is in her name. She took me in, so it’s not like I can say anything. Him moving in here is going to make my life a living hell, and I donothave time for his bullshit. I’m swamped with private lessons and orchestra practice as it is. The last thing I want is to come home and deal with his lazy ass.”

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