Because of that Night (Book 2)

Chapter 54: Everyone ~ Hunter

He knew what he was doing the moment she walked into the dining room to watch the group of them play beer pong. And he knew it was wrong, too. But something in him just couldn't seem to stop himself. Even when he went so far as placing his hands on Zooey's arm to guide her with the proper way to throw a ping pong ball, the only person he cared to look at and see the reaction of was hers.

But this was what had to be done. Because there was something else he knew, too. The feelings he had fought so long to ignore about Lila hadn't gone anywhere. They didn't suddenly disappear just because he hopped on a plane and left the country. They didn't drift off with every girl he brought back to his room in Spain. In fact, she was so constantly on his mind that he had gotten many a smack from girls he had accidentally called by her name. But at least in Spain he could ignore it. He could call it a farse, a slip of the tongue, a random memory popping back up that meant nothing at all and arrived without his permission.

But then he saw her again.

He forced a switch to change in him immediately. He knew she wouldn't love him the way he so obviously loved her, so if he couldn't have what he wanted, there was no longer anything to lose. So, he made her jealous. He talked down to her. He'd scoff, and roll his eyes, and act like she was overreacting. He'd become what she had said he was, what his own brother had made her believe him to be.

But that was the problem, too. He wasn't prepared to feel the way he did, surprising Michael that night. But seeing him again in person... he was happy, almost relieved. Giving Michael a hug made him feel like he actually was back home again. All of the hustle and bustle of packing, getting to the airport, struggling through the flights and layovers just to make it back in time for the day his brother graduated to at least not be over yet, all made it worth it. The look Michael gave him upon them coming face to face again, was worth it. He knew how this day felt. He knew how bittersweet it all was.

He was foolish to even fall for her the way that he did. He should have been smarter, pushed it away better, and moved on. And he tried. He tried many times. And he had failed. And Michael was his brother, and the guilt of feeling this way was enough for him to do whatever he could to not love her anymore, even if that meant being cruel.

What he hadn't been as prepared for was her jealousy. And she could deny it all she wanted, but he knew that look on her face. It wasn't just a look of annoyance or anger, it was jealousy. She didn't like him standing so close to Zooey, touching her, flirting with her. He could tell by the way she couldn't break her gaze with him even if she tried. So, he made a game of it. He could be the cocky, player guy. He knew he was perceived that way by plenty of other girls anyways. It wouldn't be all that hard to make Lila believe it too.

But even still, he ached for her. Finding her alone in that kitchen searching for a water bottle after the pong game has ceased left Hunter taken aback, but also ready to put on a show. He was condescending. He was pompous and full of it. She bought it.

"I'm just being myself, right?" Hunter had said matter-of-factly, and he took a step closer to her, smelling the familiar, fruity scent of her perfume. "Because I'd fuck anyone, no matter if they're dating someone or not, right? It doesn't even matter to me if they're dating my own brother." He was right in front of her now, and he dared himself to lean in closer, breathe her in. "That is what you said, isn't it?"

He prayed she would break away from him soon once he said this. This game wasn't fun, it was actually rather painful. Treating her this way felt wrong, but in a strange way, also very right. Spain had been good for Hunter. He had gained more confidence, grown happier, healthier. He hadn't realized how much of a cloud he was in before he had left. The only thing that had kept him above water had been Lila it seemed. And once Lila was gone, all he had was himself, and that had to be enough. But he didn't just want to use his newfound confidence in playful cockiness, he wanted it to come with the true outcome he desired. He wanted for her to recognize that it was a cover up.