When I meet him in the living room, I notice he’s dressed in dark wash jeans and a nice gray shirt. Though when I see how tight the sleeves are on his arms, I burst out laughing. I can’t help but glance at his tattoos when I look at him.
“What?” He shoots me a look.
“Don’t bend or move because I’m pretty sure that shirt will rip to shreds.” I smile, grabbing my purse. I stuff my phone inside, then slide on my shoes.
Hunter looks down at his shirt and flexes his arm. “Damn thing shrunk in the wash.”
“I’m sure.” I smirk. “You’ve worn tight shirts for as long as I’ve known you.”
“Well, how do you think I got all those tips?” He shoots me a grin, and it brings me back to the first night we met.
“I think it’s time to go up a size.” I look him up and down.
He grabs his wallet and stuffs it into his back pocket before taking his keys off the table. “There’s the bossy Lennon I’ve been missing,” he taunts, opening the door for me.
“I was never bossy,” I defend.
Hunter locks and shuts the door. “And I’m a virgin.” He deadpans.
“Oh, look. Rude Hunter returns.” I narrow my eyes at him, scolding.
He laughs it off, shaking his head. “Not true and you know it.”
We walk to his truck and get inside. I haven’t been in here since the day of the funeral, and the whiplash of memories hits me full force. A tear slips down my cheek, and I’m not quick enough to wipe it away before Hunter notices.
“Lennon.” His voice is soft and tender. “We don’t have to go.”
I keep my eyes locked on my feet, trying to find the willpower to do this. I know I can’t stay cooped up in the apartment all summer, but this feels like a big step.
“No, let’s go. They’re all expecting us,” I finally say.
“Look at me,” he demands, and I blink up at him. “I don’t give a shit if the president himself was expecting us. If you’re not ready, we’re not going.”
Hunter looks at me like I’m his to protect, his to take care of. I’m not sure if he’s just doing this because Brandon was his best friend, but I need to stop reading into his actions so much. The dynamic of our relationship is different, and I’m appreciative for how much he’s been there for me.
“I’m good.” I smile. “Let’s go.”
We drive in silence to Home Base, a sports bar similar to the Coliseum. It has a restaurant inside with a full bar. As soon as we walk in, my mood lifts. The music’s loud, and people are everywhere. By the size of the crowd, I know it’s definitely a Friday night. The guy at the door knew Hunter just like he said and told him he was waiting for two more. Sophie and Maddie arrive a few minutes later, and as soon as Maddie gets through, she fist pumps the air.
“No drinks,” I warn her, pointing. “You’re in here to hang out.”
“Soph already gave me the lecture.” She pouts. “Are Mason and Liam here yet?”
Hunter checks his phone. “Should be in five minutes.”
We walk to one of the bar top tables and all take a seat except for Hunter. He’s standing next to me with his arm around the back of my chair. “You want me to get you something?”
I turn, and his face is directly in front of mine. Leaning back a little, I nod and tell him to surprise me. He then asks my sisters what they want, and then he’s off to get our order.
“I like this place!” Maddie bounces in her seat. “Lots of fresh meat.”
Sophie and I laugh at the way she’s eyeing every guy who walks by.
“You’re like a cat in heat. Ready to mount the first thing that purrs at you,” I tease.
“Worse, she’s the one purring, calling for a mate,” Sophie adds, and we laugh.
Maddie gives us death stares but doesn’t deny it. “You two suck. I hate you both.”
A moment later, Liam and Mason arrive, and Hunter returns with our drinks.
“Where’s ours, asshole?” Mason asks.
“Get your own shit,” Hunter tells him. “I’m not your bar bitch anymore.”
I laugh at their banter, knowing it’s all harmless fun.
The six of us sit and hang for a while before a song comes on that has Maddie out of her seat, begging for one of us to dance with her.
“Hulk…” She drags his name out to taunt him. She knows damn well Liam ignores her every chance he can. “Come with me?”
He grabs the neck of his beer, then brings it to his mouth, shaking his head at her request. He rarely talks to her, yet she tries to get his attention regardless. It’s this weird game of how many times can she hit on him before he finally gives in to his attraction. Though he pretends to be annoyed by her, I’m pretty certain I see the lust in his eyes.