Love or Lust - Rachael Brownell Page 0,2

her, to not spend time with her. But me? I’m done with her. This is me making a peace offering. It’s a one-time thing. She can take it or leave it. I don’t really care either way.

Of course she takes it.

And even says thank you, her head hung in shame.

Hell, if she’d apologized, I would have been the one with my mouth hanging open.

With only a few hours before Lennon is going to be here to chill with me, I take the opportunity to spend a little extra time on myself. After curling my hair and reapplying my makeup, I search through my clothes for something comfortable yet cute to wear. Once I’m happy with my selection, I take a long look at myself in the mirror.

Then I change.

Because if it were anyone else coming over tonight, this outfit would be fine. But the fact I know Lennon has feelings for me . . . nope. I can’t do it. It would be like leading him on. Teasing him.

The last thing I want to do is give him the wrong impression.

Cleavage on display? Nope.

Curve-hugging skinny jeans? Can’t do it.

Which made me sad because I looked cute. I’ll remember this combination for another time but not tonight.

Back in yoga pants and an over-sized T-shirt, I’m removing some of my makeup when Lennon knocks. Catching a glimpse of myself as I walk by the mirror, I shake my head.

Now I look like either I just crawled out of bed, or I want to crawl in it.

I really hope he doesn’t get the wrong idea. He can’t possibly think I’m dressed like this because I want more from him. Right?

I’m overthinking this.

Guys don’t put much stock in what a girl wears. At least not any guy I’ve ever known. Wren never said much about my outfits.

Where did that come from? I haven’t thought about him in days. I was enjoying my break from him.

“Hey.” Lennon looks me up and down once, then twice. Maybe I am giving off a vibe with my outfit. “You look nice.”

“Thanks, I think. I was going for comfortable since we’re watching a movie and eating junk food, but nice will do.”

Lennon laughs as he takes a seat on the couch. “You realize your ass looks spectacular in those pants, right? And that the shirt does nothing to hide your tiny waist. I said you look nice, Presley, because I didn’t want to come on too strong. You look amazing. Stunning really. You always do, no matter what you’re wearing.”

Well, fuck.

“So what movie are we watching tonight?” I ask, attempting to ignore everything he just said.

“Well, I know you’re a fan of Ryan Reynolds—”

“That’s an understatement. Gorgeous, smart, and funny. A combination you can’t beat. Not to mention, have you seen the way he dotes on his wife? That’s real love right there.” I let out a sigh as visions of a shirtless Ryan Reynolds flood my mind.

“Doesn’t he rip on her on Twitter all the time? Like crop her out of pictures and stuff?”

“Yes, and it’s hilarious. She does the same to him. They’re freakin’ perfect for each other.”

“Well, I knew you were a fan and figured you’d seen all his movies, but there was one I hadn’t seen, so that’s what we’re watching tonight.” Lennon logs into his Netflix account and pulls up The Hitman’s Bodyguard.

“Ooh, you’re going to love it. It’s funny and action-packed. A ton of great one-liners.” I explain, clapping my hands with excitement.

Lennon makes the popcorn while I grab us candy and soda from today’s haul. We’re settling in on the couch just as there’s a knock at the door. Without waiting for me to answer it, Jace walks in with a pissed-off look on his face, his hands clenched at his sides.

“Um, everything okay?” I ask, watching him closely from my seat on the couch. Lennon’s tracking Jace’s movements, as well, as he paces back and forth from the front door to the kitchen and back.

“I can’t do it. I can’t be alone with her. She’s so infuriating.”

“Teegan?” I whisper to Lennon, and he nods his head in confirmation.

“Five fucking minutes and she’s trying to sit in my lap. She refuses to take no for an answer.” He’s practically screaming now as he continues to pace.

I’m at a loss for words. I can’t bring myself to tell him to go back over to her villa. I don’t want him alone with her if she’s going to throw herself at him. Not that