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I use her name intentionally so Abby knows who she is. So she at least knows it’s not some random woman showing up at my house that could imply she’s a past or current hookup.
Adriana stands, reaches into her large purse, and pulls out a manila envelope. “I’ve got the contract papers for you. Perhaps we can have some coffee and go over them.”
Her head turns toward the kitchen, and she even takes a step that way before coming to an abrupt halt when she sees Abby standing there.
She snaps the tongs, and I can’t tell if it’s reflexively or a threat, but I have to fucking bite back a laugh.
“Who is that?” Adriana asks, her tone scathing and wholly inappropriate, given she’s intruded into my home.
My inclination is to take her by the arm and gently, but firmly, escort her right out the door.
Instead, Abby strides forward, utensil in hand. I tense, ready to step between the women if Abby decides to “tong” Adriana, but instead she holds out a hand. “I’m Abigail Blackburn. You’re obviously Adriana.”
Turning to me, Adriana snaps angrily, ignoring Abby’s offer of a handshake. “She knows who I am? Did you tell her about us?”
“Of course I know who you are,” Abby replies, and Adriana’s head whips back her way.
I sigh, knowing full well that I’m not going to get a word in at this point. I actually take a step back and cross my arms over my chest. Bubba sits beside me and watches.
Abby smiles sweetly. “You’re the woman who cheated on Kellen, causing him to break up with you and leave you in California. Lucky for me.”
“It was one drunken indiscretion,” Adriana snarls between clenched teeth. “And he wouldn’t even give me a chance to discuss it. Wouldn’t let me apologize. Just left me behind without a backward glance.”
Abby shrugs. “Like I said… lucky me.”
I duck my head and bite the inside of my cheek to hold off the smile.
Pointing toward the kitchen with her tongs, Abby says, “Would you like some breakfast?”
“Wait a minute.” It’s time for me to stop being so quiet. “You said we didn’t have enough bacon, Abby… remember?”
“Oh, she can have your share,” Abby says, giving me a sugary batting of eyelashes. “I’d just love to sit down with Adriana and update her on your life. I mean, I wouldn’t divulge too much… like how we just about broke your bed not half an hour ago. Imagine how embarrassing that would have been if she’d shown up uninvited then.”
Damn, that’s vicious.
And is it bad I love it?
“Nice,” Adriana snaps, turning her back on Abby to look at me. “You sure know how to pick ’em. Probably from some dive bar. Can we sit somewhere private to discuss this?”
One of the reasons I’m falling for Abby is her confidence. She doesn’t let the insult touch her. Instead, she shrugs again and heads back into the kitchen.
And Bubba’s loyalty is crystal clear when he follows Abby and lies down at her feet, watching me and Adriana.
I stare at my dog and my woman a good long while.
“Kellen,” Adriana says harshly, “can we talk?”
“No.” My gaze comes to hers, and I take her by the elbow as I’d originally considered. “You were not invited here, and we have nothing to talk about.”
I open the door and step onto the porch with her. Only then do I release my hold on her arm and pluck the envelope from her hand. “I’ll read this and get back to you.”
“But—”
“I’m sorry you traveled all this way, Adriana.” I take a moment to look through the open doorway. Abby’s ignoring us. I pull the door shut before turning back. “You didn’t come to talk about the papers. You came for another effort at reconciliation, and I need you to stop. It is never going to happen.”
“Because you can’t find it in your heart to forgive me.” Adriana pouts, and it’s not pretty.
“Because I’ve moved on, and I’m the lucky son of a bitch who has found someone I’m falling in love with. I’m moving forward with my life, and if you’re smart, you’ll do the same.”
“Did you ever love me?” Her eyes sizzle with anger.
I don’t want to hurt her, but I’m going to be truthful. “I’m not sure. Having what I have now, I’m just not sure.”
“You’re an asshole, Kellen McCord,” she hisses and snatches the envelope from me. “You can kiss this agreement goodbye. Sue me.”
She whirls on her heel and stomps to what I assume is a rental car parked in my driveway. I watch until she’s gone and then return inside.
When I shut the door, Abby gives me a sympathetic look. “Was it horrible?”
I shake my head. “Not for me.”
Abby smiles. “How many eggs do you want?”
And just like that, Adriana is forgotten. Abby isn’t nosy and demanding to know what was said. She doesn’t care if I defended her or held her up in esteem over my ex. She only wants to make sure I was okay, and she moved on.
