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Furrowing my brows, I can’t even imagine where this is leading. “And?”
“He asked how many capitals there are,” she deadpans.
“Ha!” I snort-laugh, about to pee myself.
“I told him sixty-nine, and then he started listing off random ones, and when I told him he failed, he started calling me all kinds of names. Then I said I liked being called those things in the bedroom, but too bad he’d never get to do that since he probably couldn’t find my clit even with a map.”
“What are they teaching you at dance school? Geez.”
“I was born in the social media era, Lennon. I’m not a dummy.”
Sophie snickers, and I pray for the guy who ends up with Maddie. She’ll make them fight hard and test them at every corner. Part of me is proud that she won’t give herself up to just anyone, but I’m also protective of her. I want her to stay as innocent as possible.
A minute later, Hunter walks in wearing his professional work clothes, and I swear everything inside me comes alive. Ever since he told me how he feels—how he’s always felt—a month ago, it’s been hard not to react around him. I’ve actively had to stop myself from imagining him next to me in bed, touching me, cuddling like we did in Utah. I won’t even admit how many times I’ve had to resort to my vibrator when fantasies of him take over.
The day after Hunter confessed his feelings, things were awkward between us. I didn’t know how to act around him without creating tension. Knowing how he felt—how he’s always felt—made me feel guilty as hell because I can’t return those feelings right now. Mine and the baby’s well-being have to come first right now. Above anything, I don’t want to hurt him. I wasn’t sure we could move on from this even though I wanted to more than anything. We need each other, but I wasn’t sure how to go forward after that confession—our confessions.
Hunter, being the resilient and amazing man he is, sat me down and told me there was no reason for things to be weird. We promised each other our friendship could go back to how it was before Utah happened. In an effort to do just that, I’ve tucked them away for when I’m brave enough to relive them.
But as soon as those thoughts hit me, guilt floods in, and I feel sad all over again.
“Hunter,” I say almost breathlessly. “You came.”
“Of course.” He stands in front of us and shoves his hands into his pockets as Sophie and Maddie openly eye him. “Sorry I’m a few minutes late. I had to go by the apartment quick.”
“No worries. They should be calling me anytime now,” I tell him. “But since you’re here…” I stop myself, knowing it’s a bad idea to bring it up.
Hunter doesn’t let it go, though.
“What?” He pulls on his black slacks before kneeling in front of me. “What do you need, Lennon?”
The way he focuses all of his attention on me has me sucking in a deep breath. Hunter’s gaze is so intense, I have to remember to breath and act normal. He reaches a hand out and rests it on my knee.
“Um, well…I was just thinking since you’re here we might wanna take a picture,” I finally tell him. “To update the Instagram,” I add. “My parents will be expecting to see a new baby bump picture.”
“Oh.” His expression deepens. “Sure, we can do that. You wanna do it right now?”
“Yes!” Maddie answers for me, clapping in excitement. “I’ll take it.” She holds out her hand, and I drop my phone in her palm.
“Probably just a couple and then maybe another one once we’re in the ultrasound room,” I tell her. Ever since I told them about Hunter confessing his feelings for me, they’ve found any opportunity to bring us closer together. Not that it matters. After walking away from him, I notice the way he looks at me.
Half heartbroken. Half understanding.
I hate thinking about how this tortures him, but he’ll never admit it aloud to me. I try to keep space between us, but since we need to keep up the act for my parents’ sake and update the Instagram account, I don’t argue the idea.
Hunter stands, and I follow him. Almost without a second thought, Hunter reaches for my hand and grabs it. We stand in front of one of the hospital windows with a fake plant in front of it.
As he wraps his arm around my waist, I move closer and fit perfectly into his side, molding together. I barely reach his shoulder because he’s so much bigger and taller than I am.
Maddie snaps a couple of pictures with a huge smile on her face. “So cute!” She takes another handful. “Okay, now…Hunter should put his hand on your belly.”
