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Hunter’s body grows tense, and his smile fades. “He was probably drunk. Everyone moves better with a drink or two. Or ten.” He shakes his head. “You’d be wise to stay away from Cade Huff.”
Shocked from his sudden attitude, I scowl. “Umm…says the dude who is best friends with him.”
As I reach for my tote bag, he grabs my wrist. “I don’t have a pussy between my legs, Little Bird. He might be my friend, but he’s a fucking mess. He also has a new chick in his bed every night of the week. Sometimes multiple.” His angry eyes burn into mine. “Stay away from Huff, Sutton. Do you understand?”
“Fuck you,” I hiss.
Looking down at my wrist, I pull myself from his hold and march toward the door. When I get outside, he’s hot on my heels.
“Sutton,” his deep voice growls behind me. “Stop being a bitch.” He swings his gaze around. “Also, where the fuck is your car?”
“I walked here,” I snarl before turning quickly and jabbing my finger into his chest. “And here’s an idea for you. Why don’t you stop being a little bitch,asshole?We’re dance partners, and that’s it. It’s not any of your business what I do or who I do it with. Let’s not forget that at the end of the day, we’re still enemies. I hate you, and you hate me. So, save me the fake concern and don’t try to pretend to care what I do with my life.”
Stepping closer, so close that his chest almost touches my nose, he glares down at me. “Listen here, Little Bird. You don’t have a fucking clue about the real world. You’re naive. You’ve spent your life locked in that cage, and now, you think you’re free? Guess what. Monsters lurk. Everywhere. So, smarten the fuck up.”
His eyes float to my lips briefly, and I curse my stupid heart for sinking in my chest.
“Get away from me,” I hiss. “You’re mad that I think Cade is hot? What, scared he might like me more than you?” I can’t stop myself, puffing my chest up. “He probably would. I could make him like me more than you.”
“Shut. Up,” he growls. “I’m not fucking around right now.”
We continue our staredown. His chest heaves, though I have no freaking clue where this red-hot anger is coming from. We’ve never even had a friendship. Why the hell would Hunter care if I hung out with Cade or not?
“Hunter?”
A sweet, soft voice startles both of us. And I know he recognizes it instantly because he steps back, leaving my body cold once his anger isn’t radiating against me.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Paige. She’s always been beautiful. And even though I can tell it kills her, she flashes me one of her signature smiles.
“Sutton.”
“Hey, Paige,” I say, holding up a hand.
Paige’s eyes move from me to Hunter and back again. Her friends next to her look me up and down, not even trying to hide the distaste in their expressions.
“What are you guys doing?” Paige asks, now looking only at Hunter. “I called you last night. Where were you?”
“Sorry, I passed out early.” He shrugs, clearly lying because when I got home from work…he was on my porch. “Did you need something?”
When Paige glances nervously at me, I hold my hand up. “I’ll let y’all talk. Hunter, I’ll talk to you later or something.”
“I’m giving you a ride home,” he tells me—not asking.
“I’ll meet you at the truck then.” Inhaling, I nod. “Nice to see you, Paige.” I wave.
“You too,” she says half-heartedly.
I walk away, feeling their stares on my back as I head to his truck. This is all bizarre. Every single part of it. Being partners with Hunter. His almost-jealous behavior before he’s an ass the next moment. It’s all weird.
But the weirdest, most unsettling thing is that right now, as I wait next to his truck…I wonder what he’s talking about with Paige. And if he’s running right back to her. And the thought makes my stomach knot.
Hunter
“So, it’s finally happened, huh?” Paige’s eyes darken, and by the way she’s holding her mouth, I know she’s mad. “All this time, you said you weren’t attracted to her, and now, you’re with Sutton?”
“I’m not dating her, P.” I shake my head. “Coach is making some of the guys do this dance thing for a fundraiser. I got paired up with her.” When I see how hurt she looks, I sigh. “Trust me, I’m pissed about it. She’s a bitch.”
I do think she’s a bitch. But I also know I added that in because I hate seeing Paige upset. I don’t hate being partnered up with Sutton nearly as much as I’m trying to make it look to everyone. Myself included.
