Secret Indiscretions (Carson Cove Scandals 2)

Melanie

I got home and tried my best to be quiet. Surprisingly, it wasn’t necessary. For the first time that I could remember, Charley was asleep and wasn’t restless because I hadn’t made it home yet. I decided not to disturb her or try to change into my pajamas. If I didn’t wake her up, there was a chance I would wake up my mom. It was rare for them to both be totally out when I got home. I went to the couch, grabbed my blanket, and snuggled underneath it. It would be nice when I had a bed. Charley and I used to share one, but I worried that she would become too dependent on me if I didn’t let her learn how to sleep on her own. I also hoped that I would have someone to share a bed with one day other than my daughter.

I really like Jon. I think I’m past the point of risking my job if our relationship doesn’t work out. I don’t believe he’s the kind of guy that would do that to someone…

Jon was gentle and kind. He was exactly what I needed in my weakest moment and being with him just felt so right. I wanted our relationship to continue and flourish, but I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling when I remembered why I ended up in his arms, to begin with. Jackson was still out there—somewhere. He could come back at any time, and he could try to take Charley away from me. That thought filled me with panic, but I had taken some precautions. There were two bags in Charley’s closet—bare necessities and a few changes of clothes. If Jackson tried to get custody, and it looked like there was a chance he could, then we were going to run. I didn’t have enough money to start over, but I would find a way.

Keeping him away from my daughter takes priority over everything else…

* * *

A few days later

“Can you believe it’s almost over?” Taylor came walking up to me in the hallway at Carson Cove University.

“I know…” I shook my head back and forth. “It almost feels surreal at this point—it went by so fast. If life after colleges goes by like this, we’ll be getting invitations for our high school reunion before w

e know it…”

“I’m definitely skipping that,” Taylor laughed. “Ten years isn’t long enough. I don’t want to ever see the inside of my high school again.”

“I know the feeling,” I sighed. “I won’t be going back for mine either.”

Especially if there’s a chance Jackson could be there…

“Maybe we can just go out for drinks instead.” She nudged me. “We need to do that again anyway. I want you to meet Bryant’s daughter, Victoria. I was hoping you’d get to meet her at the engagement party, but things were so busy—I know they’ll be too crazy at my wedding.”

“We can probably plan something.” I nodded. “If she’s as awesome as you’ve made her sound, then I’d definitely like to hang out with her.”

“She is.” Taylor smiled. “But—I kind of have an ulterior motive…”

“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah…” Taylor looked down. “Don’t kill me…”

“Why?” I blinked in confusion.

“Victoria has a few friends—you know, college is ending, and they’re coming back to Carson Cove.” Taylor tilted her head to the side. “Guy friends—hot guy friends.”

“Uh…” I looked away immediately.

“Wait, are you seeing someone?” She narrowed her eyes. “You didn’t RSVP with a plus one—and you haven’t mentioned dating anyone new.”

“It’s—um…” I looked up at the ceiling and exhaled sharply.

“Tell me!” She gave me another nudge. “Come on, you’ve told me about every terrible date you’ve had since I met you—why are you holding out now?”

“Okay, so…” I sighed. “I do have a date for your wedding, but I didn’t have to do a plus one because they’re already invited.”

“What?” Taylor’s face immediately twisted into a confused stare. “The only people that are coming to the wedding at family and a few friends.”

“It’s Jon.” I couldn’t keep it in any longer—the words just came out before I even realized I was going to say them.

“Jon? As in—Jon Alcott? Your new boss?” Taylor took a step back.

“Yes.” I nodded. “That Jon—but you can’t tell anyone. Please!”

“No, I won’t!” She held up her hands. “Trust me; I know all about secret relationships.”