Page 88 of Reticent

He shrugs. “The way he was with you at the engagement party made me think otherwise.”

“Ummm, I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Come on, Yas. He was all over you.”

I shake my head. “No, he wasn’t. He was helping me with Liam.”

“Yeah, but he kept touching you. It was like he wanted everyone to know that you were his.”

“I don’t know about that.” Hunter and I are close, and behind closed doors, we’re very, very familiar. But it's not like we’re making out in public or holding hands like two people in a relationship would. Is he a little jealous? Sure. I’ve seen how he looks at guys who he thinks are looking at me. I’m the same way when girls look at him—which is pretty much every time we’re out together.

“Have you thought about it?”

“Thought about what?”

“About you and me?”

“Dru … I’m not looking for anything more than friendship.”

“Is this a timing thing?”

I hate this. I care for Dru and hurting him is the last thing I want to do. But I have to be honest. “No, it’s not. You’re a great guy, but …”

“I’m not him.” He looks sullen, his narrowed eyes shining with hurt. “You chose him over me that night at Vivid. And now you’re choosing him again.”

I shake my head emphatically. “This isn’t about him.”

He laughs to himself. “He’s never going to marry you.”

Anger curls the edges of my patience.

“Yasmine?” The barista calls my name, snapping my glare from Dru to the counter. I stand because this conversation is going bad real quick. “What makes you think that’s what I want?”

Dru looks up at me, pursing his lips. “I thought you were different.”

I grind my teeth, willing myself not to cause a scene. “What the hell does that mean?”

He shakes his head as if he pities me. “I thought you were smarter than this.”

“Wow.” A bitter chuckle falls from my lips. “Okay.” I turn to leave his table. I need to leave. Now.

“I won’t be here when he’s done with you,” he says, loud enough so that others can hear.

I’m mortified, but mostly, I’m pissed. I turn back, my nostrils flaring. “Can I get that in writing?”

He gives me a scathing look, one that I feel to my core. I swallow as my anger turns to disappointment. I’m already mourning the loss of our friendship, but if I’ve learned anything over the past year, it’s to protect my peace. Some people are only in your life for a season, and I’m done with Dru Cooper.

“Bye, Dru,” I say, before I turn and walk away for the last time.

Chapter Thirty-Six

My boobs are sore by the time I pull up to Skylar’s, but I’m done fuming over Dru, so that’s something. I vented to Aria on the way to Skylar’s, so I’m good now. I grab my bag and Skylar’s pumpkin spice latte and climb out of the SUV. As I make my way up to the door, I text Aria the selfie I took of my new haircut. She responds right away.

Aria

Now that’s fire!

Me