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When Tripp started walking again, I did as well, and we got into the elevator, thoroughly drenched and barely touching one another. We both knew that once we made contact, we were bound to go up in flames, so we kept our distance, even in the small lift.
The doors opened, and Tripp walked out first, leading the way and making me follow him. It felt like a test because he was usually more of a gentleman. But I was going to pass whatever he put me through. He needed me to show him I would be there.
“The fuck?”
Against his back, I didn’t immediately see what made him yell. All I could see was a balled-up piece of trash on the floor that wouldn’t warrant his reaction. But when I looked around his body, I gasped, realizing that a tiny bit of trash was the least of his worries.
“Before you start hitting me again,” Hunter yelled. “Why don’t you start by telling me what the fuck your problem is.”
Tripp didn’t bother telling Hunter shit, just pushed him into the wall next to his door and wrapped his hand around his neck.
“Tripp! Wait!” I yelled, making eye contact with Hunter for a second. “Go inside first.”
Using his free hand, he unlocked his door, pushed it open, and forced Hunter inside.
“What the fuck?” Hunter yelled as Tripp pushed him hard enough that he nearly fell to the ground.
“I just don’t understand why,” Tripp yelled. “Why did you—?”
“You ruined my life,” Hunter yelled, getting in Tripp’s face. “I’m the one that should be asking why.”
“You ruined your own life!”
They were face to face, their labored breathing making it almost unbearable to talk. It was quiet for a minute while they stared one another down.
Their sizes were similar, and I had no doubt that if fists started flying, the whole apartment would be turned to rubble. It felt like I had to do something, but I didn’t know what. I walked slowly toward them and put a hand on each of their shoulders, counting on neither of them risking hurting me if I was there.
Looking up at Hunter, I started recounting everything that had happened since I met Tripp. The calls, the notes, the anger, the tires, and even the manipulation. It made me want to move Tripp out of the way and punch Hunter myself.
But when he finally looked at me, I saw a glimmer in his eye that made me wonder how I ever loved him. It was the first time in a while I had been so close to him, paying enough attention to see everything I never saw before.
Small details.
“Tripp?” I moaned, touching his bicep and running my fingers down his skin. Then I pushed my body between them and faced Tripp, making him lose focus on Hunter and look down at me instead. His hard stare instantly softened, and my heart squeezed a little more, telling me everything that happened was always supposed to lead to Tripp.
“Coconut?” It was a question spoken so softly that I felt Hunter tense behind me.
“We came up here to calm down. Let’s calm down. He isn’t worth it.”
“He…” Tripp never finished his thought, just turned his head as unspoken words passed between us. His breathing was heavier, and I knew he wanted to hurt Hunter with more than fists or words.
“Calm me down,” I whispered.
Vague and scared, I hoped Tripp could see what I was asking in my eyes. That if ever there was a chance to hit Hunter where it really hurt, it was then and there.
When Tripp’s eyes returned to Hunter, they steeled again, and his nose scrunched in distaste. It was clear that Tripp was still oblivious to what I saw so clearly now. How could I have ever missed it?
When I turned to face Hunter, Tripp wrapped a possessive arm around my waist. Hunter knew I saw him, and I could see the fear in his eyes as I opened my mouth to expose him.
“It's never been about me, has it?”
“Stop Tay,” Hunter snapped.
“Did you ever love me at all?”
“You know I did!”
“But not since you came home, right? Things changed?”
