Page 43 of Submission

“Whatever you’re thinking, I promise you that’s not it,” I try assuring her.

She shifts in her spot and I see the uncertainty in her eyes. While a part of me likes that she’s even capable of having jealous feelings for me, I know that they make her sad, not angry.

As I look at her, I’m reminded of what Lars told me about her past just a while ago and my blood heats up in anger. Despite everything she’s been through, she’s still managed to stay sane. Many a person I know would have become twisted inside.

Sadness is not an option. All I want is to make Megan happy.

I cup her face, forcing her to look at me, and then lower my head to press my lips against hers. She lets out a quiet gasp and then leans into my touch.

“Get a room!” Comes a shout from behind us and I break the kiss, frowning over at Naomi who sneers at me.

“I thought she was missing in action?” I whisper into Megan’s ear.

“She showed up out of the blue last night, and I didn’t ask any questions.”

Megan takes my hand and pulls me over to the kitchen. “I invited Hunter to stay for breakfast.”

The quiet young woman looks over at me with a timid glance and gives me a weird smile. She’s probably remembering the way I flipped over her wrist yesterday like a lunatic. Naomi just shoots me a narrow-eyed look, which I return.

Breakfast is simple, consisting of bacon, eggs, and toast with coffee, but whatever veggies and spices Lacy seasoned the eggs with make them some of the best scrambled eggs I’ve ever had.

It seems that in a matter of fewer than twenty-four hours, Lacy has made herself quite comfortable and seems to get along with both Megan and Naomi.

“So, what’s with the bad hair job?” Naomi asks Lacy, and I focus my eyes on them, waiting with bated breath for an answer.

“I – I just wanted a change,” Lacy answers, stuttering through her soft explanation.

She’s clearly lying.

After hundreds of interrogations, I know how to spot the body language of a liar. Her eyes focus down and then dart away to the right. Her smile is forced, and her answer is basic.

Now, why would somebody lie about that?

“Well, if I’m around the next time you want a change. I can color your hair for you. I’m a cosmetologist. We could do something cool, like give you purple highlights.”

“Thank you. I’ll remember to ask.” She turns to Megan. “Is it okay for me to use the shower first?”

“Sure, if you need an extra towel, just let me know.”

Once Lacy retreats into the bathroom, Naomi and Megan start clearing the breakfast dishes.

“Do you work as a cosmetologist in LA?” I suddenly ask Naomi, who appears startled that I’ve addressed her at all.

“Yes, I do.”

“Oh, you’ve been MIA for a while, so I wasn’t sure what the deal was.”

“The deal is that I was visiting my folks. I’m close to my parents. I miss the old fuckers like crazy. I bet you and my dad would have a lot in common.”

“Naomi!” Megan exclaims in horror at the clear-cut jab to our age difference.

“I doubt your father is in his thirties.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize.” She smiles. “You give off an even older vibe.”

I chuckle.

This girl has spunk and a whole hell of a lot of nerve.

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