Page 82 of Between Regrets and Promises

“Lennon has been sick all week, even worse than the first time she was pregnant. She didn’t have morning sickness then, but certain smells would make her nauseous. Now she’s puking her guts out all day long, so on top of taking care of her, I take the baby at night so she can get some rest.”

Hunter’s a damn saint and loves her more than anything. He has put Lennon’s and then Allie’s needs in front of his own since the day Brandon died, and I’m so proud to call him one of my closest friends.

“So you gonna catch me up? What’s going on with you and Sophie?” Hunter asks after his second beer. “You two getting closer?”

“We’re just friends,” I say as if I’ve rehearsed it. Sucking down my beer, I want to change the subject, but I know Liam’s going to be no damn help.

“Who bought her an entire bedroom set…” Liam adds.

Yep.Asshole.

Hunter raises his brows, smirking. “Have you learned nothing from my experience?”

I roll my eyes. “Not the same thing.”

“Not too far off really,” Hunter states. “You two already hooked up, so?—”

“What the hell? How do you know that?” I ask, glaring at Liam.

“I didn’t, but I do now.” Hunter throws his head back, cackling when he sees my expression.

“Nice one.” Liam fist-bumps him.

“I hate you both.” I finish my drink, then slam it down on the table. “Neither of you are supposed to know that.”

“Well, then you shouldn’t be so damn obvious,” Hunter muses. “Isn’t that what you told me not too long ago? Oh, the irony.”

I roll my eyes. “Fuck off.”

“Okay, seriously,” Hunter says. “Don’t sit around and wait for her, man. You almost lost her once to that asshat. Want to watch her fall in love with another guy? You were almost too late last time, but this is your second chance. Don’t waste it.”

My jaw clenches at the mention of Sophie moving on. That’s the last thing I want, but the baggage I carry is too much.

“It’s not that easy,” I say. “I haven’t been able to settle down with anyone since Emma. She deserves better than a guy who’s weighted down with the guilt of his past.”

“Have you considered telling Sophie? Opening up and exposing those demons you feel are too much for her and lettingherdecide?” Hunter says so damn confidently as I glare at him.

“When did you become the love doctor?” I snicker, grabbing another bottle.

“You two want to be alone? Jesus.” Liam groans. “Gonna trade recipes next?”

“Oh, sorry. Forgot Mr. Jaded and Anti-Love was here.” Hunter nudges his shoulder. “And if you must know, I found a badass beer cheese dip recipe that’s fucking delicious.”

“What the hell is that?” Liam asks.

I snort, shaking my head.

Hunter meets my gaze again and arches a brow. “I think you’d be surprised by Sophie’s reaction if you told her.”

Swallowing, I look down and shrug before leaning back against the couch. “You guys know how fucked up I was after that. I drank myself stupid for days, didn’t work, was failing my classes, and not living or coping. Then my dad being mixed up in it didn’t help matters. Still doesn’t. He loves throwing that shit in my face, especially now. There’s a damn black cloud following me, and I don’t want that for her.”

“You gotta stop blaming yourself,” Hunter says and not for the first time either. “At the end of the day, it washerchoice. If it didn’t happen that night, it would’ve eventually. She was determined and having the last word to blast you was her way of placing blame on anyone and anything besides herself. I know you loved her, but she made that choice, Mason. Not you.”

If only I could believe him, I might be able to put that part of my life behind me for good. Until then, it haunts me, and I’m afraid it will for the rest of my life.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

SOPHIE

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