And I’ve never felt like that before.
I scroll to her name, thumb hovering over the call button.
Not yet.
But soon.
Because if I don’t fight for this? I’ll regret it every damn day.
Maybe I go down.
But there’s not a shot in hell I’m going down without a fight.
And if there’s one thing Hunter Holloway can do well?
It’s go after what he wants, with a vengeance.
25
FAITH
I’m brushing on mascara when April’s voice crackles through the speaker.
“So let me get this straight—you’re ghosting him now?”
“I’m notghostinghim,” I mutter, tugging a brush through my hair a little too hard. “I’m just...not engaging him.”
April snorts. “That’s literally the definition of ghosting.”
“I just need space.”
“You’re getting ready for your shift at the place where heowns the ice machine.That’s not space, babe. I don’t knowwhatthat is. Masochism, maybe. If you really hate him, why don’t you just go back to working at your family’s place?”
I groan. “Why are you like this?”
“Because I’m your best friend. And because if the sex was half as good as you described—and I’m still blushing, by the way—you’re not mad he lied. You’re mad you liked himwhilehe was lying.”
I stare at my reflection. My cheeks are flushed, my hair actually looks good for once, and I’ve just spent ten minutes deciding whether to wear the low-cut black tank or theslightlylower-cut black tank.
“You’re not wrong,” I admit.
April, never one to waste momentum, pounces. “So why not lay it out for him? You can’t trust him, fine. So don’t. But if the chemistry’s as stupid-hot as it sounds, why not just hook up? Set rules. No feelings. No future. Just...mutual orgasms.”
My lips curve before I can stop them. “You’re insane.”
“I’m pragmatic. He’s a liar, not your soulmate. Use him like he used that mask. You need a rebound to get over that douche anyway.”
I roll my eyes, but the idea sticks. Lodges itself behind my ribs like somethingdangerous.
A no-strings deal.
No emotions. No trust required.
Just skin and tension and release.
Could I do that?
Turn off the part of me that wants more?
