You and Harper must really be having a great time at girls’ night. Why aren’t you answering any of my calls or returning my texts? I’m worried, please let me know you’re safe when you get a chance. Okay, well I guess I’ll talk to you whenever you decide to call me back. Bye.

I listen to the next one that comes twenty minutes later.

Hey, I know I’ve called a lot, but I’m just worried about you. I wish you would at least text me back so I know you aren’t lying in an alley somewhere. I really hate it when you ignore me like this. Call me when you get this, or the other messages I’ve left.

When have I ever ignored him? Oh yeah, that’s right never. Reluctantly I press play on the next one.

Adalynn, where are you? It’s almost eleven. Are you planning on staying out all night with that girl that you just met? Be safe, please.

Okay, if you’re trying to piss me off it’s worked. Now call me back before I have to go look for your drunken ass. Thanks!

I’m a little taken aback from the last voicemail. I know I could have checked my phone when I was out, but I was having a good time. I didn’t want to be that chick with her hand glued to her phone all night. I hate that chick. Plus, I didn’t know he would be so worried about me. It’s not like I was going out by myself or that I was in a sketchy area. Whenever I do call him, I need to explain that it’s not okay to blow up my phone like this. I pinch the bridge of my nose in frustration while I listen to the rest of the messages.

Addie, I’m sorry for the last voicemail. I’m a little on edge. I don’t like that you’re out there drinking without me to protect you. It makes me nervous. Please, please babe call me back when you get this.

Thank you for not calling me back all night or even responding to any of my text messages, I really appreciate it. I guess I’ll see you on Sunday if you’re not still ignoring me. Hope you and your friend had fun tonight, at least one of us did.

I just stopped by your place, why aren’t you answering the door?

It’s three am and you’re still not back.

Call me.

It’s now five am. I guess I’ll get off the floor and go to back to my place to wait for your call. Hopefully you and your best friend that you just met made it back to her place since you’re obviously not coming back to yours. Call me.

Slapping my hand over my face, I groan. Tossing the phone down, I shut off the water before it overflows. Instead of lowering myself into the tempting bath, I retrieve my phone to text Kohen.

I don’t bother to read the several texts he sent last night. There’s no point, I just listened to it, I don’t need to read it, too. I feel badly enough for how irresponsible I was last night for not texting him and letting him know I was okay. Of course he would worry, he’s that type of guy. The guy that cares deeply and is considerate to others. Opposite of how I was last night.

I type a few different responses without sending them. I have no idea what to say. It’s not like I can tell him I was with Jax. Yeah, I doubt that would go over well. I want to be honest with him, but at the same time I don’t. I know I didn’t do anything to feel guilty about, but after listening to how upset he got, I can’t help but feel remorse for sharing a bed with Jax.

Sighing in defeat, I send him a text as close to the truth as I can manage. There’s no way I can call him, I’m a coward. I remind myself that he doesn’t need to know the rest. I was hanging out with a friend. No big deal.

Me: Hey! I just checked my phone. I didn’t even think about checking it last night when I was out. But I had a lot of fun at girls’ night with Tinkerbell!!! I’m sorry I worried you. I’ll make it up to you. Promise . . . How about after brunch we go out just you and I? My treat . . .

Kohen: Did you spend the night at Harper’s? How does a date at the carnival sound?

I chew on my lip, contemplating telling the truth. I ignore his first question and hope he doesn’t get mad.

Me: Can’t wait. See you then.

I wait a minute to see if he texts me back, but he doesn’t. After setting my phone on a towel near the tub, I finally step inside. Oh sweet baby Jesus, this feels heavenly. I will my body to relax, to shut my mind off of the drama that surrounds me, and relax in the tub.

Saturday has come and gone with little-to-no stress. Kohen made me dinner at his place and is taking me to a carnival today after brunch. I’m way too excited. I haven’t been to a carnival since I was a little girl. I was all for ditching out on brunch, but Kohen insisted. Plus, I want everyone to meet Harper.

I lean against Kohen’s shoulder as we walk to the restaurant. He reaches out to open the door for me. Always such a gentleman, this one. I see a blur of red before someone tackles me into a hug. I fall back against Kohen and he steadies me while Harper hugs me.

“Nice to see you too,” I say once I’m finally able to breathe air into my lungs.

She lets go, extends her hand to Kohen and singsongs in her southern accent, “I’m the best friend, Tinkerbell, but please call me Harper.” I laugh. “You must be the boyfriend that I’ve heard so much about.” I stop laughing.

I catch myself from dropping my jaw on the floor and glare at the traitor in front of me. I can’t believe she said that to him. Great, now he’ll think I’m serious about him. Am I? Nope, definitely not . . . at least yet. I am, however, ready to kill a tiny redhead that I know.

Kohen laughs and pulls me back to his side. “One day I hope to be introduced as her boyfriend, but until she’s ready, I’ll just keep her around for arm candy, Harper.”

I kiss him on the cheek before glaring at my former best friend. She ignores my obvious irritation and links her arm with mine as we stroll to our table. I stop dead in my tracks when I see Jax. Why is he here? Just to torment me? Probably.

Harper peers back at me when she notices that I stopped walking. She follows my gaze to Jax, her mouth pops open. She looks back at me with wide eyes and mouths, “Lover?”

I nod. Sighing, I square my shoulders and grip her arm a lot tighter than necessary. Here goes nothing.

Chapter Sixteen

I can’t hide my shock from seeing him. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I stayed up half the night worrying about him coming today. I knew I would get these stupid butterflies in my stomach. It hurts to see him sitting here so casually.

“So the lover’s here, things just got interesting!” Harper whispers into my ear.

Jax is the first to rise, followed by my brother, and lastly Connor. To my surprise, Harper stops mid-step and Connor seems confused at first, then bemused when he glances from Harper to me. Maybe I should have sent him a picture of her face instead of just her body. Kohen halts with me. Everyone is deadly silent as we watch the two.

Connor looks as if he just won some kind of contest while Harper turns a little green. I’m about to break the tension and ask her what the hell is going on, but she composes herself. She holds her chin high and introduces herself to everyone. I stand with Kohen, baffled.

Harper pauses with her introduction when she gets to Connor. Which of course piques my interest. Do they know each other? What is going on? The questions run wild in my head, but I force myself to remain calm and nonchalant.

She keeps her hands firmly at her sides. What I wouldn’t give to drag her aside and demand answers.

“You must be the playboy that I’ve heard so much about,” she practically sneers at him.

Logan spits his water all over the table, getting a little on Connor, who doesn’t notice. The only thing he’s aware of is Harper. This is not good. Retreat, retreat, I want to shout at everyone. Kohen holds my chair out for me, but I don’t sit. I’m too busy watching the car wreck happening right in front of me.