Page 52 of Hard to Love

“There’s nothing wrong with it, Walker. It’s the style I chose,” I say, smiling sickly sweetly.

That’s the exact moment the bottom dropped out. Chord walks through the door with his date. But that’s not what made the room go silent. Hardy is dressed in a fitted, black, three-piece Armani suit with a dress shirt the color of his eyes. Just like in my dream. The dream was where he kissed me. The dream in which I was marrying him.

Our eyes connect, and a thousand words pass between us before I turn my head. I continue to greet my guests as Walker joins me. His hand at my elbow, he guides me around the room now. I had been walking in the opposite direction of Hardy, but now, I’m walking right to him. I pull my arm away; Walker retakes it. I jerk my arm slightly as Walker tugs me into Hardy’s path.

Whipping my head around, I glare at Walker. His eyes are narrowed and dark. What the fuck is this? I’m not a fucking pawn these two fuckers can play with. I yank, hard, breaking away from Walker. With the motion, I stumble, falling sideways, right into the arms of the man who hurt me. Hardy.

“Are you okay?” His eyes search for, what? Life?

“I’m fine. Thank you,” I say, finding my footing as he supports me. Walker watches the exchange, saying nothing.

“You look amazing. Congratulations.” Taking my hand, he squeezes it. I pack my thighs together from the contact.

“Thank you.” I look around the room, refusing to give him my full attention.

“Yes, thank you. Hardy, right?” Walker stands beside me like he’s staking a claim.

“Yes, it is. Walker, I presume.” Hardy’s outstretched hand receives no welcome. He doesn’t falter, though. Asshole. “Such a prize.” He winks at me when I glance in his direction. Fucker.

“She is the greatest. Too bad you lost her.” Walker’s face begins to redden. When I try to step away, he yanks me back to his side. Hardy’s fist tightens as his brow cocks from anger. My brother's bare witness as they decide to join us.

“Thayer. Gentlemen.” One nods as he takes my side. Chord stands off to my other side, making Walker uncomfortable enough to release my arm.

“One, it’s good to see you.” Hardy holds his hand out again. One shakes it, as does Chord. Yet, Hardy’s eyes never leave Walker.

“You, too, didn’t realize you were coming.” One eyes him suspiciously.

“I invited him,” Chord answers with a glare in Walker’s direction.

“I’m not surprised; you’ve never liked me. But it doesn’t matter; she’s mine,” Walker exclaims as he moves closer to me, once again gripping my elbow.

“Suppose why, Walker?” Chord eggs him on.

“Let’s all just calm down. It’s not the time or place, guys.” One tries to defuse the situation.

“Let go of her; she doesn’t deserve to be manhandled,” Hardy growls as he watches Walker’s grip on me.

“Why are you here? If it’s for her, she’s not going anywhere. She’s mine; you didn’t want her.” Walker’s voice is low and menacing. Breaking Walker’s hold, I step away and toward One.

“First, I don’t belong to anyone. Second, why are you here, Hardy?” I put on a smile so as not to draw any more attention than we have already.

“For you. I came for you.” Hardy’s eyes finally leave Walker’s and bore into mine. My heart skips a beat.

“I’m sorry you’ve come all this way, but I’m engaged. Our wedding is next week,” I say, delivering the words as calmly as possible because right now, I’m nowhere near calm.

“So I hear. Doesn’t matter, though. I love you. I’ll never stop. I should have never left without fighting for you. I’ll not make that mistake again.” Hardy steps toward me just as Walker cuts him off.

“I think it’s time for you to go,” Walker seethes, placing a finger in the middle of Hardy’s chest.

The men are eye to eye, practically growling at one another. Walker is no pussy, but Hardy is perfect in all the right places. Walker works out every day in the local gym, but Hardy gets his build from hard work. Making Hardy built a hell of a lot better. Oh, fuck me.

“Why are you so worried? Thayer can make her own decisions.” Hardy gets in Walker’s face as my dad joins us.

“Boys, let’s not do this now. Thayer, please walk Hardy out. Chord, watch your sister but give her room. Walker, One, and I would like you to join us.” My father, Cal, is such an unassuming badass. Kissing me on the cheek, he motions me forward.

“Thank you, Dad. Hardy.” I walk to the sunroom with Hardy and Chord in tow. Chord stands in the back of the kitchen as we step out and shut the door.

The click of the door shutting barely sounds before Hardy begins his desperate plea, making me spin on my heels as anger and regret washes over each of us. Hurt, confusion, and even love waft through the air as the tension grows between us.