Page 50 of Her Possessive Daddies

"See?" Donovan grins. "Sometimes the direct approach works best."

My stomach churns as I stare at Abbie's message. What the hell was I thinking, agreeing to this?

"Stop obsessing." Donovan stands, collecting our empty plates. "You look like you're planning your own funeral."

"A double date? With you and Mindy?" I rub my temples. "She's going to take one look at us and bolt."

"What - afraid we'll cramp your style?" He loads the dishwasher with practiced ease. "Or worried I'll tell her about that time in Cabo when you-"

"Don't you dare."

"Relax." He claps my shoulder. "Mindy's great at putting people at ease. And Morton's is neutral territory - public enough she won't feel trapped, private enough for actual conversation."

The coffee's gone cold in my cup. "What if she asks about Seth?"

"Then be honest. You're all adults." He checks his watch. "Speaking of which, I've got to head out. Client meeting in thirty."

"Wait-" Panic rises in the back of my throat. "What do I even wear?"

"Jesus Christ, Mary." Donovan rolls his eyes. "Wear whatever you want - just don't look like you're trying too hard. See you tomorrow."

"Thanks, asshat."

He's gone before I can spiral into more questions, leaving me alone with my thoughts and a kitchen that smells like bacon. Tomorrow feels both too close and impossibly far away. What am I doing? This isn't some college fling or business dinner. This is Abbie - young, beautiful Abbie who deserves better than some middle-aged man's midlife crisis.

She texts again.

Should I dress up?

My fingers hover over the keys. Keep it casual, don't overthink.Morton's is pretty casual. Wear whatever makes you comfortable.

Looking forward to it,she replies, and those three words shouldn't make my heart race like this.

I'm so screwed.

24

ABBIE

"You look amazing." Chandler flashes that million-dollar smile that used to make my knees weak. "Whatever you’ve been doing lately suits you."

I slide into the booth across from him at our old favorite diner. The vinyl seat squeaks beneath me. "Thanks. You look... rested."

"Been getting my shit together. Dad cut me off."

"Yeah, you mentioned that on the phone." The skepticism drips from my voice before I can catch it.

"I know, shocking right?" He runs a hand through his perfectly styled hair. "Got a job interview tomorrow. Nothing fancy, just entry level stuff at some company."

The waitress drops off our usual orders - his burger, my chicken sandwich. Some things never change.

"Good for you." I pick at my fries, remembering all the times he mocked my night classes and part-time jobs.

"Listen, Abs." He reaches across the table for my hand. I pull back before he makes contact, putting my hands in my lap. "I was thinking maybe we rushed things. The breakup, I mean. We were good together. Really good."

The bell above the diner door chimes. My phone rings in my purse - probably Corey checking in. Or Seth. My cheeks warm at the thought.

"Were we though?" I meet his eyes. "Or were we just comfortable?"

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