Page 93 of Between Hate and Desire

“I put your name on the lease,” I repeat, emphasizing each word. “So it’s not justmyapartment. It’s yours too.”

She gives me a quizzical look, glancing up from her glass. “When did you do that?”

I place an omelet on each of the plates, grab two forks, then bring them to the table where I set one in front of her and take the other. “About a month ago.”

Lennon stares at me. “Were you ever going to tell me?”

I shrug, not seeing why she’s so rattled about this. “I guess it hasn’t come up till now.”

Digging into my food, I take a huge bite so I have an excuse not to speak. Lennon’s eyes burn into my skin, and after a minute, I can’t take it any longer and stand to get myself a glass of juice. By the time I sit back down, I’m happy to see Lennon’s eaten half of her omelet.

“Hunter.” Her scolding tone has me bringing my eyes to hers. “You added my name to the lease?”

I set down my fork and give her my undivided attention. “Yes. Why wouldn’t I?”

She looks around and blinks. “Well, I don’t know. It seems kinda significant.”

“I said it before, and I’ll say it again in case you’re experiencing pregnancy brain,” I begin, which makes her chuckle. “You aren’t going anywhere, and neither am I. This place is just as much mine as it is yours. You and the baby and me…as weird as that is, I don’t give a shit. This works.”

Lennon frowns, which is the opposite of what I was expecting. “That’s a big commitment from someone who can’t commit to the same pizza place.”

“That’s different,” I tell her. “Not to mention, I like a variety of pizza.”

“And what happens when you’re ready for a change?”

“Then I order Chinese food instead.”

“Hunter!” She bursts out laughing. “You know what I mean.”

“Don’t you trust me?” I ask her.

She nods, sucking in her lips.

“If we’re pulling off a fake marriage, then don’t you think my wife should be on the rental lease?”

“Who the hell is going to check that?”

“I don’t know, you tell me,” I mock.

“Pfft. It’s my apartment, remember? So I addedyouto my lease when we gotmarried.” She snickers. “Except you didn’t think of this plan until a week ago.”

“Lennon,” I warn. “Drop it.”

Thankfully, she does, and we go back to eating in silence. Once I’m done, I rinse my plate and load the dishwasher. Then I make a cup of coffee, and Lennon glares at it.

“You can’t hate me for drinking caffeine,” I quip.

“No, but I can still scowl about it.”

“You can have one cup, Lennon,” I remind her, smiling as I take another sip. “If you want.”

“Of course I want to, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. The last thing I need is a hyperactive toddler running circles around me.” She places a hand on her little bump.

“I don’t think it works that way, but suit yourself.” I wink. “Let me know when you’re ready to finish those notecards.”

She takes her last bite, then slides her plate next to mine. “Thanks for breakfast. I’m gonna shower, then I’ll be ready to playwifey.” She rolls her eyes, frowning.

“You sure know how to make your husband feel good,” I mock as she saunters off.

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