Sophia ran over to Preston’s parents, and he followed. I hung back, sensing this was a family moment. I glanced at Hunter from beneath my lashes, gauging his reaction. He seemed…sad. Or maybe that was just me.
I wondered if this was what it had been like after Mia’s child was born. I wondered if Hunter had flown to New York after all, if he and Mia had bonded over this life-changing event. If their families had been there like Preston’s was.
I bit the inside of my cheek and forced myself not to cry. This was a happy moment. I should be overjoyed for Alexis and Preston—and I was. But it was too much. Being here, with Hunter, while our friends celebrated the birth of their daughter was more than I could bear. Maybe with time, it would get easier. But somehow, I doubted it.
I stepped forward and offered Preston my congratulations, promising to stop by the house as soon as they’d settled in. Hunter gave him a big hug, speaking low enough I couldn’t hear the words he said.
I grabbed my stuff and darted down the hall to the restroom, needing to hide. Needing to escape before anyone could see me cry. But just as I reached the door, a hand wrapped around my wrist.
“Wait.”
I closed my eyes.Hunter.
I didn’t want to feel like this. I didn’t want to feel the pain or the loss or the betrayal. I didn’t want to feel weak, like a man had broken me. So, I focused instead on the feeling that helped me maintain my control, my power—anger.
“Don’t touch me.” I spun on him, full of fury. My eyes burned, but I wouldn’t let him see me cry.
He dropped his hand but met my eyes. “The baby isn’t mine.”
“Congratufuckinglations,” I spat.
“Lauren, please.” He glanced around, stepping closer. “Can we talk?”
“You don’t get it. You lied. There is nothing to discuss.”
“Lauren, are you—” Wolfe froze, glancing between Hunter and me. He zeroed in on me, ignoring the way Hunter looked ready to charge. “You okay?”
I nodded. “I’m good, and I’m ready to go.”
Hunter turned to Wolfe, sizing him up. He didn’t move to introduce himself, and neither did Wolfe. I wondered what Hunter was thinking, but I wasn’t prepared for the words that came out of his mouth next.
“I can’t believe you brought your latest conquest here. Now.” Hunter glared at me. “Though I don’t know why I expected any different.”
Wolfe opened his mouth, stepping forward. “I’m not—”
“Shut up,” Hunter and I said at the same time.
Wolfe backed away, his hands in the air. But he said nothing more.
“You know what?” Hunter ground out, his eyes narrowed. “You’re right. You’ve clearly moved on, and maybe it’s time I do too.”
If there was anything left of my heart, he’d shattered it in that moment. And while I could’ve corrected him, I kept my mouth firmly shut. It was time to move on, even if my heart wasn’t ready.
