Except Lennon sees right through it and narrows her eyes at me. “But you’ve been out of college for over two years. You didn’t want something serious with Jenna? She seemed like she wanted more.”
Her body tenses as soon as the words come out of her mouth as if she hadn’t meant to say them. Part of me is convinced she’s jealous while the other part knows better.
“Jenna should’ve never happened,” I tell her truthfully. “Her feelings were always stronger than mine, and it wasn’t fair to lead her on, so I cut it off after—” Deciding not to finish that sentence of our last time together, I pause. Lennon’s grip on me softens, and I tighten my hold on her back, bringing her even closer. “Anyway, I’ve just never had feelings for someone who made me want…more, I guess.” Lies. I keep my gaze on her, watching her reaction. Either she believes the bullshit I’m feeding her, or she’s really good at keeping up a front.
“I hope you do someday,” she says softly. “You’re pretty great at it when you want to be,” she says in a teasing voice.
Not sure how to respond to that, I nod, then rest my chin on top of her head as the song fades away. People start clapping around us as the guitarist does an instrumental solo, and when we slightly pull away, I see Lennon tense.
“What is it?” I study her, but she doesn’t respond as see looks around me. “Lennon.”
Her eyes snap back to mine and she plasters on a fake smile. “It’s nothing.”
I know she’s lying, and when I look over and see three women around our age watching us, I glance back at Lennon.
“Gonna tell me what’s going on?” I arch a brow.
She inhales a deep breath as the band starts a new song, my arm still wrapped around her. Lennon chews on her bottom lip, looking down at our feet.
I look over at the girls again, whispering to each other and staring at Lennon. “Do you know them?”
“Yes, unfortunately.” She releases a short breath.
I don’t get a chance to ask her to elaborate before the three of them walk toward us. They look straight out of a Stepford Wives magazine. Stank expressions and all.
“Lennon, hi,” one of them singsongs in the fakest tone I’ve ever heard. “It’s been so long since we’ve seen you. Surprised you’re even here.”
“Hi, Gretchen,” Lennon clips. “Yes, it’s been since graduation.” I can tell she’s less than thrilled, and the dirty looks these chicks are giving her makes my blood boil. Lennon’s the nicest person I know, and this chick is throwing attitude around like fucking glitter.
“And who is this?” Gretchen asks, and the three of them gaze up at me. “Surely he didn’t come with you.”
Oh fuck no.
They’re looking at me like meat on a stick, which pisses me off, considering Lennon and I were just dancing together. It’s more than fucking obvious we’re together.
“I’m Hunter,” I harshly introduce, then grin wide before I continue, “her husband.”
“What?” one gasps, then turns her attention to Lennon for clarification. “You’re married?”
“Yes,” Lennon replies, finally finding her voice, proudly showing off the big ass ring on her finger. She looks up at me with pure lust, and I have to mentally remind myself she’s just pretending.
“Really?” another questions, narrowing her eyes as if she doesn’t buy it. “Your mother never announced it.”
“She must not approve,” Gretchen adds, snickering.
“Actually, she very much approves,” I growl, stepping closer to Lennon, feeling the need to shield her from these mean girl wannabes. The vein in my forehead is about to pop. “We’re newlyweds.”
And without waiting for their reactions, I place my hand around Lennon’s neck and pull her in for an earth-shattering kiss, sliding my tongue between her lips and catching her gasps with my mouth. Since these girls want to be catty bitches, I’m gonna give them the show of their lives.
Hesitantly, I pull back and give Lennon a reassuring wink.
“We’re also expecting,” I announce like a proud dad to be and turn toward them as all three of their jaws hit the ground. I rest a hand on Lennon’s belly and rub it. “It was very nice meeting you.”
I flash them a fuck-you smile, then grab Lennon’s hand and lead her to another part of the dance floor, swinging her around until she’s plastered against my chest again.
“You sure gave them something to gossip about for the next month.” Lennon cackles, glancing past me before tightening her arm around me. “Ugh. I hate them.”
“Didn’t realize girls acted like that after high school. Geez.” I groan; my jaw clenches at the way they treated Lennon. “Wanna tell me the story?”
Lennon sighs, blinking up at me. “They made my life hell without really doing anything.”
“Huh?” We move side to side, my hand firm on her lower back, feeling so right.