20 Questions

Chapter 19

When we arrive back at the lodge, Hunter's friends have resumed their nightly sports war in front of the TV at the bar. I'm nervous about seeing Bryson after our confrontation this morning. The guys turn around and see us walking up, catcalling like a group of horny fraternity brothers.

"Damn, Hunt, you are one lucky, lucky man," I hear one of them say. I offer a shy smile and wave to all the guys. As we reach the bar, Bryson treads over to me and I immediately tense up. I squeeze Hunter's hand and he gives me a reassuring smile.

How can he be so calm right now?

"Hey, Jenna, can I talk to you in private?" Bryson asks cautiously. Reluctantly, I nod before he takes my hand and leads me to the couches in front of the fireplace. I can feel Hunter's eyes on me the entire time and I am thankful that he is not far away in case things go south. Bryson face carries a remorse that almost makes me feel sorry for him...almost being the key word. I'm a grudge holder, I always have been. I'll bend over backgrounds, give you the world, be your best friend...until you screw me over or until I feel like I am not appreciated and then I...am...done. Bryson is teetering dangerously on the done line.

"Jenna, I just want to apologize for this morning." I open my mouth to object, but he interrupts me. "No, let me say this. You deserve to hear it. I was completely out of line and I let my jealousy get the best of me. Hunter and I have been like brothers almost our entire life and I was being selfish. You aren't fucking everything up, I am. I think you are really cool and if you make Hunter happy, then that makes me happy. It will never happen again and I hope you can forgive me."

I consider his apology and, on the surface, it appears heartfelt and authentic. He watches me, waiting for any indication that I accept. I let him sweat for a minute before I reach across and place my hand on his. "Bryson, I would never want to interfere with your all's time together. That's not who I am. You are important to him and I admire your friendship. Good friends are hard to come by. People are lucky if they find even one good friend their whole life and you all have been fortunate enough to have five. That's incredible. I don't know where this is going with Hunter, but I really like him and I would love nothing more than to get to know you guys, too. When I love, I love fiercely and do it with everything in me. I'm protective and I take care of my own. I'm not looking for a week-long fling or something superficial. I'm at a place in my life where I'm looking for Mr. Right, not Mr. Right Now. I'm not saying that I'm looking for a fairy tale ending at the conclusion of the week, I'm saying that I take my relationships very seriously and I'm very invested in your friend. Please give me a chance and I will prove to you that this isn't just a game to me."

He squeezes my hand and smiles at me. "I would really like that, Jenna. Hunter is a great guy and I am happy for the two of you. I appreciate your candidness and your forgiveness. I have to say, Hunter is really lucky. You are beautiful and smart and fearless."

His compliments knock me off kilter. My initial impression of him amounted to a meathead with chauvinistic tendencies, but he surprised me with his genuine confession and kind words.

"Thank you, Bryson. That means the world to me. You're not so bad yourself." That seems to do the trick because he perks up, straightening his back and pulling me up to stand in front of him.

"Now let's go back over to the bar so I can teach you some sports trivia that will blow your mind," he tells me as he flicks his fingers around his head, imitating a mental explosion. I laugh at him before he shocks the hell out of me and pulls me into a snug embrace. His warm body is all muscles and testosterone, his hand strong but gentle as it caresses my back. I don't know how I feel about this display of affection, but when he releases me and we turn towards the bar, Hunter's face is in a deep scowl and he...looks...pissed. I'm quickly reminded of how angry he was when he thought there was something going on between Bryson and me and I'm worried that the embrace may have stirred up those emotions once more.