Agony (Entangled Hearts Duet 1)

“I’m so sorry, Reese. I could have sworn that he was in love with you.”

“He loves me.” I nod. “He’s protective like a big brother. As close as we are, and since we’re not really related, I could see how it would appear that way.” I had hoped that his love for me was more too.

“Well, you know what they say.” She grins. “The best way to get over a man is to get under another one.”

I can’t help but laugh at her. “I’m pretty sure I’m not ready for that. Casual has never been my thing.”

“Of course it’s not. You’ve been in a one-sided relationship for years. Your heart doesn’t know anything else.”

Her words sting, but they’re true. “One step at a time. I know I need to put myself out there. You’re all leaving. All of you are moving on to bigger and better things. I’ll just be me, sitting on the couch on Sundays, hoping to catch a glimpse of my best friends.”

“Your ass is going to visit, and I promise I’ll come visit too. Have you decided if you’re moving back home or staying here?”

“Not yet. I guess it all depends on if I get that job with the county that I applied for.”

“How does your mom and dad feel about that?”

I shrug. “I’m sure they wished I moved closer to home, but this is a really good opportunity, and would afford me the luxury of taking over our apartment. I wouldn’t have to move, which is a plus.”

“Well, regardless, you better tell them that you are best friends with several pro-football players and their wives and that you’re going to be taking lots of long weekends.”

“I don’t think that’s how it works. And wives?” I raise my eyebrows in question.

“Sure, eventually those knuckleheads are going to get married. Levi is getting pretty serious with his girl.”

“I guess you’re right.” The thought of Cooper moving on and getting married has my stomach twisting. My heart is so entangled with his, I don’t know how I’ll ever make it through that. I’m sure with time I’ll be okay. I just need to get past the hurt of his initial rejection of… more.

“What can I get you ladies to drink?” the bartender asks.

“Two vodka cranberries,” Tessa orders for us.

“Reese?” a male voice asks. I feel a warm hand settle on the small of my back. Turning, I see Hunter smiling at me. “Hey. It’s good to see you. Hi, Tessa,” he greets. His eyes dart around. “Where are the guys?” he asks.

“Girls’ night,” Tessa speaks before I can.

“Nice.” He bobs his head and grins. “What are you drinking?”

“Oh, we just ordered.” Again, Tessa answers.

He slides into the seat next to me, and the three of us begin to chat about what comes next. Hunter is an accounting major and has a job here in town at a local firm.

“Where’s home?” Tessa asks, keeping the conversation going.

“Florida. My parents aren’t too happy that I’m not moving back, but this town has grown on me, and the position is a good one. The pay too.” He grins. “What about you?” he asks Tessa.

“I’m going with Nix, wherever that leads us.”

“You?” he asks me.

“I’m not sure yet. I’ve applied and had the first round of interviews for the county as a social worker. It just depends on that.”

“Maybe we can catch up, have dinner sometime.” He throws the offer out there.

“Yeah.” I smile. Hunter is an attractive guy. He’s got light brown hair and big blue eyes. He’s slender, yet you can tell he takes care of his body. He’s at least a couple of inches shorter than Cooper, but still taller than me. He seems like a really sweet guy. “That would be nice,” I add when I realize I’ve just been staring at him.

Daughtry’s “Start to Something Good” filters through the speakers. “Want to dance?” Hunter motions his head toward the dance floor.

I open my mouth to decline, but remember this is what I need to do. I need to branch out, spend time with people other than my core group of friends that are all moving on. I need to let a man other than Cooper have some of my time. “Sure.” I finish the last of my drink and slide off my stool.

“You know what, I’m not feeling so well. I think I’m going to head home,” Tessa says. She looks at Hunter. “Can you please make sure she gets home safe?”

“I’ll come with you,” I tell her, flashing Hunter an apologetic look.

“No,” she says quickly. “I’ll be fine. I’ll order an Uber and see you at home.” She leans in for a hug and whispers, “He might not be your forever, but you need this. Enjoy tonight, Reese.” With that, she’s gone.

My eyes follow her until she disappears. Then flash back to Hunter. “Shall we?” I ask, offering him my hand.