“So you gonna tell me what’s going on with you and Hunter?”
Chapter Sixteen
Hunter
I watch Lennon and Sophie walk to the bar and think about how good it was to hear her laugh again. She looks gorgeous, as always, and I’m actually shocked she went with the outfit I suggested. I thought for sure she’d tell me it was a bad choice, but the moment I saw her walk into the living room, I had to remind myself not to react.
The fact she’s letting her guard down gives me hope that someday she’ll be able to move on and find happiness again. It’s all I’ve ever wanted for her. It’s all Brandon ever wanted too.
“You know she’ll always be off-limits right?” Liam’s words have me snapping to him in an instant.
“What the fuck are you talking about?” I ask roughly, not appreciating his accusing tone.
“Lennon,” he clarifies as if I’m a fucking idiot. “I don’t know what’s going on between the two of you, but she’ll always be Brandon’s girl. No matter what.”
I swallow hard, not wanting to lose my cool with Liam. Fuck, I wish I had my beer right now.
“Nothing’s going on,” I reassure him. “I’d never cross those boundaries, and for you to think otherwise is pretty fucking shitty, man.”
“Look, I’m only calling it like I see it. You two are getting chummy, and I know how vulnerable she must be right now.”
“We lost someone close to us,” I harshly remind him. “She lives in my apartment that she barely leaves, so yeah, we’ve grown closer over the past month or two. Doesn’t mean I’m going to fuck her.”
Liam shrugs. “Doesn’t mean you don’t want to, though.”
“What’s your deal?” I’m ready to snap.
“Hunter, calm down.” He keeps his eyes locked on mine. “You’re more transparent than you think.”
My jaw clenches. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means Mason and I knew you had feelings for her before. Whether or not you still do, I’m not sure, but now that you two are getting closer, I’m just reminding you not to act on those feelings. You can’t.”
Liam, the relationship wizard. Pfft.
I want to ask him how the hell they knew when I never told a damn soul other than Hayden. Didn’t make it obvious as far as I knew, considering I was an asshole every possible chance I got. Doesn’t matter that he’s right because I’m not going to confirm anything.
“Just like you’re not acting on your feelings for Maddie? What’s up with that?” I turn the tables, not wanting to talk about this anymore.
He scoffs, then laughs. “Don’t change the subject.”
“Then stop talking about it.”
“Okay, then let’s talk about how you haven’t hooked up with a chick in two months.” He gives me a look that dares me to prove him wrong.
“Are we gonna paint each other’s nails too? Or maybe I can braid your hair while you text scandalous crotch shots?” I quip, turning toward the bar, wondering where the girls are when I see a guy standing next to Lennon. He’s too fucking close, and she looks uncomfortable as hell. I wait to see if she or Sophie will tell the guy off or not.
“You still dating that Jenna chick?” he asks.
“We were never dating. And no.”
“Hmm.” He flashes a grin, and I’m ready to smack it off his face.
“Fuck off,” I tell him.
Mason and Maddie finally return just as Sophie and Lennon return with drinks.
“Which one’s mine?” Maddie asks.
“This one. We decided to put a little something in there for you.” Sophie hands her a glass.
“What, really?” Maddie takes it and sips it. Her eyes widen, and she lights up. “This is delicious!”
Lennon snorts, obviously holding back a full-on laugh. She stands next to me as she continues handing out beers.
When she gives me mine, I lean in and whisper, “What’d you girls do?”
“Nothing.” She struggles to contain her smile.
I tilt my head at her and grin. “Liar.”
Shrugging, Lennon takes a sip of her drink. “She thinks we gave her alcohol.”
“And did you?” My brows perk up.
“Not unless grenadine is alcoholic.” Lennon breaks out into a smile. “It was Sophie’s idea.”
I shake my head at her, smiling at how she’s finally letting loose. I know it’s only temporary, but that’s how grieving typically works—with constant ups and downs. But for now, I’m going to soak in these moments.
“Did you forget me?” Mason asks with a pout.
Lennon looks around the table and notices two beers in front of Liam.
“Oh, were one of these for you?” He smirks, taking a swig from both bottles. “My bad.”
“You fucker,” Mason says.
“Liam!” Lennon laughs. “You’re buying the next round now. Hold on, Mason. I’ll grab another one.”
I give Liam a look. He’s being a next level asshole tonight.
“Rough week,” he offers.
I ignore him and take a drink of my beer, glancing over at Lennon. The same guy moves toward her, and I watch as Lennon takes a step away, but the motherfucker gets closer.