“Leah,” a masculine voice said and I looked over my shoulder to me a pair of deep brown eyes that snapped me out of my daydreams. His voice wasn’t as deep and manly as Axel’s but it had an airy quality to it. His eyes were warm and, although they didn’t make my heart and pulse beat like Axel’s had, they were still nice to look at.
“Hunter?” I smiled, hopeful. He nodded and put his hand out to shake, a very formal thing to do but I took it gingerly. His warm hand released mine and there was no jolt of electricity like the force of power I felt from Axel’s touch and for once I was relieved, he wouldn’t have the power to hurt me. Unlike with Axel, where I had instantly felt a surge of electricity, the moment I looked into his eyes.
“It’s so nice to finally get to meet you.” Hunter smiled taking a seat beside me. “I’ve been wanting to get to know you for so long,” he continued and I smiled not knowing what to say. I’d only known he existed for less than a week. “Can I get you a drink?” he asked, his hands fidgeting nervously.
“That’d be great.” I nodded. We made small talk that Hunter seemed to be thoroughly enjoying. By the end of the night and a few more rounds of drinks, I was surprised to find I was actually having a good time. Although I felt no sexual chemistry between us, I actually liked Hunter and found he’d be a cool friend to have. He seemed pretty knowledgeable and was really funny. Jenny had been right, he was an all-around nice guy. I let Hunter walk me back to my building.
“Well this is me,” I said, nodding to my building.
He took my hand in his. “I had a great time with you tonight Leah,” he told me, his brown locks bouncing in the breeze.
“Me too,” I agreed, surprised by the fact.
“I’m going to kiss you now,” he warned, I stood frozen and watched as he lowered his face to mine and lightly pressed his lips to mine in a small peck. He smiled brightly at me and I waved as I entered my building. The kiss hadn’t been anything special and it held no feelings but it wasn’t unpleasant in any way. Hunter had clearly thoroughly enjoyed it. Maybe I needed someone like Hunter, instead of like the guys from my past. Someone who was more into me than I was into them. That way they couldn’t ever have the power to hurt me.
I tried not to compare everything about Hunter to Axel and found it hard. As silly as it was, I really missed Axel and I was finding it harder to move on, especially from the night before. That had been stupid on my part. I should have known it wouldn’t work. Axel had worshipped my body all night long and made me feel special, like I was enough, but Ashley’s words were still ringing loud in my ears and I knew it was a hopeless fantasy. Axel didn’t love me; I was just one of his many booty calls.
Another message from Axel chirped from my phone at the exact moment I was thinking about him and I ignored it like I’d done the others. Move on, clean slate. Get to know Hunter, I told myself. Stop comparing him to Axel and give him a chance. Hunter really was cute and it was clear how into me he was, which in itself was pretty adorable. I’ll give him an honest chance and maybe he’ll turn out to be exactly what I need, I thought hopefully.
It had been a week since I’d last seen, much less spoken to, Axel and also week that I’d been seeing Hunter. It was all still very innocent with Hunter, he had only kissed me twice since our date and all the times it had been very fast and platonic, merely a peck here or there. I’d been enjoying hanging out with Hunter and getting my mind off Axel.
“Leah, we have to go out again!” Jenny exclaimed as we sat at a table with Anne and Hunter.
“Yes, it’s been too long!” Anne added, vocal as always.
“We really should!” I agreed. Jenny bounced up and down in her chair excited and released a little squeal of joy.
“Duke’s!” Anne decided giddily. I felt the smile leave my face and both girls looked at me with realization. Only Hunter remained oblivious.
“Am I invited or is it a girls’ night only?” he asked politely.
“Of course you are!” Jenny said fast. I often wondered if she liked him more than she let on. Hunter looked to me still for my approval, which I found very sweet and thoughtful.
“Of course.” I smiled through clenched teeth, trying to be encouraging, although I wanted to scream no.
“Awesome, I love Duke’s.” Hunter nodded. Great, seeing Axel again sounded like a horrible idea but now I was stuck, unless I confessed and told Hunter all about my questionable life choices as of late, which I had no intention of ever doing. I glared at both Anne and Jenny when Hunter wasn’t looking, angry at the situation they had thrown me into.
“How about we go get some grub now?” Anne asked. “I’m starved,” she announced, rubbing her stomach. We all decided food sounded good and it was a plan.
“I’ll drive!” Hunter offered graciously. We hopped into his silver Benz and he drove us into town to a popular pizza joint. It was pretty crowded but there were still a few tables free. The young waitress sat us and we ordered a large all dressed pizza for us to split right away. I thought about Axel and how if it was me and him, the waitress would have ogled him and flirted shamelessly but with
