Temptation & Trouble (Surrender to Them 2)

I filled Abby in on what I felt would be safe to share. I probably could have been more open with her, but I wasn’t ready for that. I wasn’t sure I ever would be able to share everything. Our cover story was good enough, and I told her the same thing I told my mother, although I went into a little more detail. I wasn’t a virgin anymore. It felt good to admit that. She had suggested on more than one occasion that I try to get over my heartbreak with a random guy, and I had considered it a few times. I was lucky that alcohol didn’t give me the courage to finally do it, because losing my cherry to Harlan and Gabe had been well worth the wait. They were certainly better than most of the guys that hit on me at the bar after a few drinks.

“So, enough about me. How are things with John?” I sipped my water and looked over at Abby.

“They’re great. “We’ve set a date—we’re getting married next summer.” She smiled wide and looked down at her engagement ring. “We’re already living together, so we might as well wait until we can have a perfect beach wedding.”

“That sounds amazing. I’m so happy for you.” My eyes lit up when I saw the excitement on her face.

“Yep, it sounds like both of us are in a very good place right now—oh god.” The smile instantly faded from Abby’s face when she lifted her head.

“What?” I tilted my head to the side. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. We should go.” She pushed her chair back and started to stand.

“Go? You haven’t even finished your drink.” I looked up as she clutched her purse.

“Seriously, Kacey. Let’s go.” She grabbed my arm and I saw fear in her eyes.

I couldn’t help but look for the source of her horrified expression. My head turned in the direction she was staring and then I realized why she wanted to go. It was Chad—the bastard that broke my heart into a million pieces. He was leaning against the bar, laughing with a few of his friends, and he hadn’t spotted us. In an instant, I was the same shattered girl he destroyed. My stomach twisted into a knot and I felt my legs shake. I always wondered what I would do if I saw him again. I might have nursed my broken heart back to health thanks to Harlan and Gabe, but the pieces tried to rip themselves apart in my chest. I took a deep breath and silenced the thoughts in my head. Chad was my past, and he had no power over me.

I have to be stronger than this. I’m done letting him control my life and screw with my emotions.

“Maybe I should have that drink after all.” I turned back towards the table. “I’m not going to let him ruin our night. Fuck him.”

“Are you sure? We could just leave. There are plenty of other places we can get a drink.” Abby slowly walked back to her chair and sat down cautiously.

“No, I want to drink here.” I motioned to the waitress and ordered a Manhattan.

“Straight for the hard stuff?” Abby blinked a couple of times.

“I guess I’m done taking a break.” I leaned back in my chair, casually glancing over my shoulder at Chad again.

That son of a bitch.

I was playing with fire, but I didn’t care. I just needed one drink to calm my nerves. There was no way I was going to let Chad have an effect on me. I was going to be better than that. I was going to be a normal person at a bar, having a drink with my friend—granted, I had to use a fake ID to get in the door. Chad’s voice cut through the room like a knife. I could hear him over the

roar. His laugh filled my ears and echoed—just like it used to when I loved hearing it. The waitress brought my drink and I stared at it for a moment. Abby had a look of concern that seemed to be permanently etched on her face. I lifted the glass, stared at it for a moment, and then I sat it down in front of me.

No, I’m better than this.

“Forget it, let’s go.” I pushed my chair back and stood.

“Good.” Abby let out a sigh of relief.

“Abby? Wait—Kacey?” It was Chad’s voice and he was right behind me.

Fuck.

“We were just leaving.” Kacey walked around the table and took my arm.

“Yeah.” I turned around and took a deep breath as I looked at him. “I didn’t realize they let scumbag trash into this place.”

“Don’t be like that.” Chad smirked and shook his head. “It’s been two years, come on. We should talk. If you wait a few minutes, you can meet my wife.”

“Your—what?” My voice cracked and my lip quivered.

“I just got married.” He held up his left hand and I saw a golden band around his finger. “Don’t worry, I told her all about you. She knows I was a little wild in high school.”

A little wild?