Page 181 of The Broken Note

It’s obvious we slept together—even if I don’t remember it.

Moaning softly, I shake my head. “Why, Cadence?”

I wouldn’t have slept with Hunter just because I was drunk but…

I would have taken my clothes off eagerly if I pretended that Hunter was Dutch.

My head sinks low and I squeeze my robe tightly.

Hunter knocks on the door. “Can you open up for me?”

“W-why?”

“I need to talk to you.”

Nervously, I pull the door. Hunter’s in the frame, looking tall, purposeful and much older than me. Normally, I don’t notice the age gap, but there’s something about his clenching jaw and the way he watches me that makes me feel small and young.

“H-Hunter, I don’t exactly remember last night.” I scrub my scalp with my fingernails. “But I don’t… I mean, whatever happened between us, I’m not interested—”

“The only thing you did to me yesterday was vomit all over my shirt.”

My eyes widen.

“Then you got into bed and started stripping.” His throat bobs. “So I left.”

“You… you mean we didn’t—”

“No, Cadey.”

“Thank God.” I wilt against the sink.

Hunter smirks. “I’m slightly offended.”

“I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just… not in a place to get into another,” I squint my eyes, “situation right now.”

Hunter observes me so long and hard that I start to squirm.

“After last night, I’ve decided to tell you what I think, even if it hurts.” Hunter steps into the bathroom with me. His broad shoulders take up so much of the space. “Because I’d rather be in pain than see you suffer another day.”

My body locks in place. I stare into his eyes.

“You love him, Cadence.”

“No.” I shake my head, fighting it hard.

“You can’t hide it. Leaving him devastated you and the more you pretend you’re fine, the less believable it is.”

“Iamfine.”

“You’re not eating. You’re not sleeping. And your music—”

“What about my music?” I snap.

“Every note sounds like you’re calling his name. If you need someone that much, then you shouldn’t be running away.” He lifts his chin. “You should fight for what you love.”

“It’s not that simple,” I croak.

“Since when has love ever been simple?” Hunter’s lips curve into a sad, pained smile. “You either choose it or you don’t. There’s no in between.”

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