The Playbook

My eyes widen as I realise who I’m talking to. What happened to the three-day rule? It’s been ten minutes and he’s calling me? Wait a minute, how did he even get my number? Butterflies consume my stomach as I struggle not to sound like an idiot.

“S-sorry, I thought you were my friend,” I stutter. I cringe as I swing into my driveway.

“Obviously,” he chuckles. “You’re driving home?”

“Just pulled up to my house,” I confirm.

“You know it’s a hefty fine for driving without a license.”

“I have a license,” I retort, not sure where he’s going with this.

“Not on you, you don’t. Considering I’m standing outside the restaurant with your purse.” He pauses, “Nice panties, by the way. Does that mean you’re not wearing any?”

Shit. I open the door and flick on the light, dropping my coat on the floor. I empty the contents of my handbag onto the bench, looking for confirmation he’s telling the truth. No purse.

“Where was it?” I ask, ignoring his question.

“It was under the table. I’m thinking it mus

t have rolled out from your jacket. What’s your address?” he asks. “I’ll swing by.”

Here?

“No. The airport,” he chuckles. I’m confused for a second until I realise I must have spoken aloud.

“Right. Well, if it’s no trouble.” I give him my address and then survey the kitchen, mentally summing up how long I have to tidy up.

“See you soon, Abbey.”

The knock on the door comes only a few minutes later, just as I’m shoving the last of the dirty plates into the dishwasher. Thank God for modern conveniences. I quickly wipe my hands and then dash to the door, retying my ponytail on the way. Taking a deep breath, I turn the handle and open the door, my heart pounding at the thought of seeing him again so soon. What the hell is wrong with me? Since when do I swoon over Jake Tanner?

“Long time, Abbey. You’re looking good.”

The blood drains from my face. He doesn’t wait for an invitation; instead, he slides past me and inside. I shudder, the feel of him up against me surfacing all those old memories I fought to bury.

“What are you doing here?” I whisper. I feel sick as he turns to face me. His lips twist into a smirk. The bastard is enjoying how uncomfortable he makes me feel.

“I thought we could catch up. For old times’ sake.” He takes a step toward me, placing his hand on the curve of my thigh. I push him away, glancing back toward the open front door. Jake is going to be here any minute.

“Come on, Abs. You weren’t so tight the last time we were together.” He grins, as if reminiscing. “Far from it, actually.”

I feel sick. I can’t deal with this now. I have to get him to leave. “What do you want, Murray?” I whisper. Tears sting my eyes, but I refuse to let him see how much he’s getting to me.

“You’re going to help me with something, Abbey.”

Me? What could I possibly do to help him, and more to the point, why the hell would I, after what he did to me?

“You’re going to help me, because if you don’t, certain secrets might find their way into the wrong hands,” he continues. “Secrets that ruin friendships. You don’t want that, do you, Abbey?”

No. No I don’t.

My heart pounds. I lean back against the support of the wall behind me, sure I’m on the verge of passing out. Something outside catches my eye. I look up and see headlights as a car slows to a stop outside my house.

Jake. He cannot see Murray here. God, nobody can know he was here.

“I’ll do whatever you want me to; just leave. Please.”

Murray’s eyes gleam as he smiles at me. “Your boyfriend’s here.”