Page 47 of Her Possessive Daddies

The words hang in the air like smoke. Three weeks ago, they might have meant something. Now they just make me think of silver-streaked hair and confident smiles.

"You're drunk," I say softly. "And I'm not the same person I was three weeks ago."

"I know. I saw your pictures. The bar thing..." He trails off. "You look happy."

"I am happy."

"I'm sorry. For how things ended. For being such an ass."

I close my eyes, remembering all the times I'd wanted to hear those words. Now they just feel... empty. "Thank you for saying that. But I need to go."

"Wait," Chandler's voice catches. "I found some of your stuff at my place. That psychology textbook you were always reading and your gray hoodie."

My stomach tightens. That textbook cost a fortune, and the hoodie... well, it's my favorite. "Oh."

"Maybe we could meet up? I'd like to return them." He clears his throat. "And apologize to you. Face to face."

I shift my weight, keys jingling in my hand. "I don't know, Chandler..."

"Come on, Abs. Just lunch. I promise I'll be sober." He attempts a laugh that falls flat. "The diner on Fifth? Tomorrow at noon?"

The guilt twists in my gut like a knife. What would Corey think about me meeting my ex? What would Seth think?

"I really don't think?—"

"What, is there someone else?" Chandler's voice takes on that edge I know too well, the one that always made me cave just to keep the peace.

"No!" The word shoots out too fast, too defensive. My heart slams against my ribs. "I mean... it's not... I just..."

"Then what's the problem?"

I close my eyes, counting to three. The old me would have made excuses, would have tried to spare his feelings. But I'm not that girl anymore.

Except apparently I am, because I hear myself say, "Fine. Tomorrow at noon. But just lunch, Chandler. That's it."

"That's all I'm asking for." The relief in his voice makes me want to throw my phone across the parking lot. "Thank you, Abbie."

I end the call and lean my forehead against my car window, the cool glass doing nothing to calm the storm in my head. What the hell did I just agree to?

My phone pings insistently as I slide into my car. Corey's name lights up the screen, making my chest tight.

Free for lunch tomorrow? Found this great little bistro downtown.

The phone feels heavy in my hands. My fingers shake as I type:

Sorry, having lunch with an old friend.

Three dots appear immediately.

Anyone I know?

No one important.Bile rises in my mouth as I type the words. I hit send before I can overthink it.

Have fun. Call me after?

Of course.

I toss my phone onto the passenger seat, but it feels like it's burning a hole through the leather. What am I doing? Meeting up with Chandler when I have... whatever this is... with Corey? And Seth? God, Seth. The way he stared at me tonight, like he wanted to consume me whole. And I had half a mind to let him.

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