If You Hate Me

by Helena Hunting

“Take a picture. It’ll last longer!” he calls over his pee stream. “Why? There’s nothing worth remembering anyway,” I reply.

“Tread carefully, or you’ll wind up in over your head.”

“I promise you, you’re playing with fire, and I will fucking incinerate you.” I smile. “That sounds like a challenge.” His expression grows sinister. “Oh, little girl, you have no idea what you’re signing on for.”

“Game on, big boy.”

And this kiss, this one fucking kiss is everything I didn’t want it to be. It’s not like any other. We’re years of history colliding. Her mouth on mine is a balm, and desperation has me tipping her head so I can deepen the kiss. I shouldn’t be doing this, but I can’t stop. All I want is more.

Emotions claw at my throat. Tears blur my vision. Jesus. I like him. I fucking like him,

“I get it. I get why you said no,” he tells me softly. “I just wanted you next to me. I hated last night. I didn’t want you to have to listen. I won’t be with anyone else while I’m gone. I haven’t and I won’t. I don’t want anyone else. There’s only you, okay? You’re the only one.” His eyes are wild. Haunted almost. He takes my hand and presses it against his cheek. “Just don’t go. Please, Bea? Don’t leave yet. I’m not done with you. I need more of you.”

Tristan 😭😭

He breaks the kiss and rubs his nose against mine. “I slept like shit. All I wanted was you.” His lips brush over mine. “You’re all I ever want.”

“One year you had a mountain of freaking candy.” I stare at him. “You remember that?” He lifts one shoulder. “It was a lot of candy.” My bottom lip trembles. Yeah. My feels are extra big tonight.

“Hey, hey.” He kisses my cheek. “This was supposed to make you feel better, not make you cry again.”

I take a step toward them, but Roman grabs my arm. “It’s just sex, huh?”

Hemi looks between us. “Maybe be a good influence for your best friend tonight. I’ll make sure Rix gets into the condo.”

Not Hemi cockblocking Tristan 😂

“I like the nachos here,” Ashish says.

“We can go on more dates.” “Yeah?” His eyes light up, and my heart clenches. “Yeah.”

I’ll gladly take care of Bea for the rest of my life. She’s worth every effort. Loving her isn’t a chore, it’s an honor.

Tristan you big softie 🥹😭

But she’s still talking to him—she’s only half paying attention to what he’s saying, though. I follow her gaze to the elevators, where Hollis is. The doors open, but before he steps over the threshold he glances back. I swear, for a second, a hint of longing crosses his face.