“I’ll call her.” Abi nodded. She didn’t know what she would say to Margo, but she knew her friend would be incredibly hurt regardless of what she told Gale, and it was definitely the reason why she wasn’t here.
“Thank you.”
“Abi,” said a smooth, cool voice she’d recognize anywhere. Her breath quickened.
Abi looked up to find herself gazing up into Scott’s turquoise eyes.
The simple tingle she had felt when she’d watched him from the balcony was nothing in comparison to the heat that rose within her now. It was because of the way he was looking at her -- smoldering with the heat she felt, probing and boring into her with an intensity that made her swallow hard and try to calm her racing heart.
Considering that she’d been on a six-year mission to purge herself of him, she wasn’t doing so well. It wasn’t helping that being this close to him gave her a good view of how much hotter he’d become since she last saw him. Looking at him from afar gave only a taste; up close, he was all kinds of gorgeous, and six years older looked great on him.
The boyish look he had about him back then had turned into sharper, more striking masculine features, and, while he still exhibited that bad-boy presence with overpowering wildness, he had an air of maturity that was even more attractive.
She opened her mouth to speak, but Gale beat her to it.
“Scott, hey,” Gale replied putting out his hand to shake Scott’s. Gale looked nervous. He always did around Scott, but, with the secret he just disclosed to Abi, she was sure he must have felt like he was walking on eggshells. “When’d you get here?” Even his voice wavered.
“Just now,” Scott replied. He must have meant the time at which he’d come up the steps because he’d been here for at least half an hour. “Abi.” He focused his attention on her again.
“Hi.” She raised her chin and put on her best smile, trying not to see more into the look of interest he was giving her or the way that his eyes caressed her with softness.
Her phone started to ring in her hand. It was an unknown number. She would have hung up on a normal day but welcomed the excuse of a phone call to get away from Scott.
She answered it.
“Abi!” It was Margo.
“Hey there. Why are you calling from an unknown number?”
“Are you near Gale?” Her voice was heavy with the type of panic that immediately made Abi nervous.
“Yes.”
“Don’t’ let him know you’re talking to me,” she said quickly.
Abi glanced at Gale who was looking at her eagerly.
“Why?”
Margo made a whimpering noise and Abi realized she was crying.
“Please, if you’re standing near him, move away.”
Abi moved away and walked over to the corner of the room, leaving a perplexed Gale with Scott.
“I’m away,” Abi told her. “Scott’s here.”
Margo broke down. “Oh Abi, I seriously could do with having either of you here now. There are times in life when you lose your strength and when all a girl needs is her best friend or her big brother to help her pick up the pieces of a stupid mistake.”
Abi held her breath as anxiety filled her stomach. “Sweetie, are you okay?” she asked trying to keep her voice under control. She felt it was more appropriate to allow Margo to tell her what happened and comment after. Scott glanced over at her, but she ignored him.
“Abi, Gale told me he slept with some random girl just after we left college,” she cried.
Abi turned around when she saw Gale looking on desperately. She couldn’t have a private conversation with him looking at her like that, and Scott was an excuse all by himself. There was a reason she wanted no contact.
The last time they saw each other was when she’d gone to see him at the football stadium to break up with him. He’d had one of those man-hungry groupies on his lap. A fiery redhead who looked like all she wanted was sex. Abi would never forget the sight of the two of them.
She had to tell him she was leaving him while the skank had her arms locked around his neck, and all Scott did was respond with a laugh.
That was it. Seven years down the toilet and all the man could do was laugh. He never even came after her, she reflected with bitterness.
She couldn’t have been more embarrassed, but what was worse than any embarrassment or humiliation was the hurt that left her feeling bereft and desolate.
Abi walked back to the balcony, listening to Margo cry. After what Gale had told her, she expected this. She just wished she knew what was going on.
“Margo, Gale just told me. Are you okay?”
“No, I’m not. I’m heartbroken and a mess. Abi, I was on my way to my parents when he told me. I was crushed after we spoke, but I made him think everything was all okay.”
“What are you going to do? The wedding is in two days, and all the guests will be here by tomorrow morning.”
“I know,” she winced.
“Are you… calling it off?” Abi asked with caution. To her, what had happened was a solid reason which anyone would understand, but, at the same time, she thought it would be sad. She didn’t understand why men had to be such jerks sometimes and ruin a good thing.
“I wanted to. And… I ran. Or rather drove. I panicked. Abi, I’ve just made the situation worse.”
“By doing what?” She held her breath.
“I drove to the airport and got a flight to New York.”
Abi couldn’t believe what she was hearing. New York. That was where she lived. Abi had just come from there last night. “Why did you do that?”
“I thought that I’d call you when I got there and I could stay with you till I figure things out.”
“But I’m here. I’ll come back.”
“No, no. It gets worse.”
Oh, sweet Lord. Abi closed her eyes remembering how eccentric and spontaneous her friend could be. “How?”
“I changed my mind and left New York. I thought of how much I love Gale and I thought about the mistake he made and the fact that he told me.” Abi heard her pull in a labored breath. “It was ten years ago, and it was one mistake. I was so crushed by it, and I was determined to call off the wedding but I love him too much, and I just want to be with him.”
Abi sighed with frustration. It was good that her friend could take such a stance and look at the bigger picture, but the whole ordeal was so bizarre. “Okay, so when are you getting here?”
“I can’t.” Margo cried in a choked voice.
“Why, did you change your mind again?”
“No. All the flights were hours apart and I wasn’t thinking straight. I thought it would be quicker to get a flight to Utah then take the bus to Arizona and make my way over to San Francisco. But I fell asleep on the bus and, when I woke up, my bag was gone. I was holding it in my lap the whole time. Someone took it while I slept.”
“Shit.” Abi brought her hand up to her mouth, completely startled by what she was hearing. “Did you report it?”
“I did, but that’s the least of my worries. Everything was in my bag. All my ID, my money, purse, phone, everything. Abi, I’m stuck in Phoenix and I can’t get to you.” Margo broke down again.
Shit, this was complete crap. What a thing to happen. Abi couldn’t imagine flying backward and forward like that and then taking the bus only to lose her bag with everything.
“I could send you some money. There must be a money transfer place there.” Abi was trying to remember what the bus station in Phoenix looked like.
“I won’t be able to get it without ID.”
“Oh, yes, of course.” Abi closed her eyes, trying to think hard. “I’ll come and get you.” That seemed like the only viable thing to do.
“Would you do that?”
“Of course I will. I just have to work out my travel.” Her mind was already working on her route. She would get a flight to Phoenix and a cab to the bus station, pick Margo up, and they could be back by nightfall, or eve
n earlier, depending on how quick she could get a flight.
“Oh, God, Abi, you’re such a good friend.”
“You know you can count on me.” They could always count on one another, no matter what. And Abi knew that, if the situation had been reversed, Margo would do the same for her.
“I know. Abi, please don’t say anything to Gale. I don’t want him to feel worse. I know he feels guilty enough as it is. I don’t want him to think that I don’t love him enough to forgive him. Or, that I left him.”
That was love. It really was. Again, Abi understood. It was a special thing when you found someone you could love like that.
“I won’t tell him,” Abi promised. “He’s worried, though, Margo. I have to say something.”
“Tell him I lost my phone and I’m a bit delayed, but I’ll be there as quick as I can.” That was a plausible excuse since Margo was an ER nurse and always needed to rush off to the hospital, work late shifts, and do whatever they needed her to do. She’d barely taken time off for the wedding, too, by only taking the bare minimum needed for the wedding itself and two weeks for their honeymoon. “If you see my parents, tell them the same, too. They’d freak out if they knew what happened to me.”
“Okay, let me check my flight details. I’ll call back in a minute.”
“Thanks so much.”
Abi hung up and went straight to the travel app on her phone. She typed in the quickest route to get to Phoenix but it came up with nothing for the whole day.
“Dammit!” she cursed, stamping her foot down.
“Going somewhere?” It was Scott, again.
She turned to see him resting against the door frame. Abi wondered how long he’d been there.
“Can I help you with something?”
The corners of his sensual mouth lifted into a slow, easy smile. His eyes never leaving hers.
“You can, but I don’t know if you’ll want to.” He had the audacity to give her that lascivious, purely sexual look he used to. And the smile to go with it.
“I’m busy right now, and, no, I don’t think I can help you with anything.”
He laughed, a deep hearty masculine laugh that filled her. “Are you sure?” There was that look again.
“Yes, I’m quite sure.”
“How long’s it been, Abi?”
“Since what?” She narrowed her eyes at him.
“Since us. Six years?”
“I’m sorry, I can barely remember.” She lied, raising her eyebrows.
“It’s good to see you.” The cockiness in his smile echoed in his voice. He strode towards her and stopped paces away.
“And you.” She only said that out of politeness, but, truthfully, she supposed it was good to see him.
“You look good.” He looked her up and down slowly, taking his time to admire her legs, her waist, and her breasts. An unexpected flicker of heat rushed over her, and she was annoyed at the unwelcomed blush that crept into her cheeks.
“I won’t tell you that you look good, too so that your head can get bigger.” She met his eyes boldly and straightened up to gather her composure. Scott had the ability to know when he’d made an effect on someone, and she didn’t want him thinking he could do that with her.
He answered her with a deep, hearty laugh that filled the space between them. “Still fiery, Babydoll.”
She wished he wouldn’t call her that. She’d been smitten with endearment when things were good with them. It was a happy time she wanted to forget because of how things ended.
“You were talking to Margo -- where is she?” he added.
“Delayed.” She didn’t know what else she should say.
He looked at her for a few seconds and straightened up. “Where are you flying to? Is Margo in trouble?”
“Scott, everything is under control. Margo is delayed, and she will be with us tomorrow.” She answered turning away from him, deciding to ignore him again.
Abi walked through to the other corridor, in order to avoid Gale, and dialed the number for the airport. She thought she’d book direct. An operator came on within seconds of her holding.
“Hi, there, I’d like to book a flight to Phoenix from San Francisco. I can’t seem to book online. Can I book through you?” Abi asked.
“I’m so sorry, ma’am. All flights are grounded across the state. There’s been a bomb scare and the police are investigating. We’re advising people to find other means of travel or wait until one we have the all clear.”
That was crazy and scary. “A bomb scare! You’re kidding.”
“No, I’m so sorry. All airports across California are practically closed. You’re welcome to call back and check later if you’d like, but your best bet is either finding other means of travel or booking a flight on another day.”
Shit. That meant flying was out.
“Okay. Thank you.” Abi hung up and rested against the corridor wall, wondering what to do.
Her phone rang again. It was the same unrecognized number as before.
“Margo.” Abi wasn’t sure what to tell her because it was looking like either she couldn’t go and get her or she’d have to drive there somehow.
“Abi, I’m sorry to call back so soon and pester but I just wanted to see what’s happening. There are some really creepy guys here.”
“There are no flights to Phoenix. There’s a bomb scare.”
“Oh my God. Oh, Abi, I don’t know what to do.” She started to cry again.
“Don’t worry! I’ll figure something out. It may take longer than we planned, but I promise I’ll come and get you.” She could only imagine how Margo must be feeling.
“Abi, thank you so much.” Margo gushed. “I’m sorry to put this burden on you. I wish I’d just gone to the hotel as planned with my parents. I could have had my meltdown there.”
“Don’t worry. Just try and keep safe. Do you have enough change to call me?”
“Maybe for another three calls.”
“Okay, try to get cozy somewhere near the phone. I’ll call you as often as I can. Just don’t worry.”
“Thanks, Abi.”
Abi placed the phone back inside her pocket when she hung up. She made a move to go back the way she’d come but, once again, found herself staring up into Scott’s eyes. Curiosity lit them up.
She almost collided with him, but he caught her, steadying her with his grip on her shoulders.
“So it looks like my sister is stuck in Phoenix. The question is why?” he smiled down at her.
She shuffled out of his grasp and gazed at him, thinking about what to say. He’d clearly been listening.
“I’m going to get her.” She tried to move past him but he stopped her by placing his hand on her waist and pulling her back towards him.
“Not so fast. How are you going to get her? Are you driving?”
“Scott, I’m sure I can find some way of getting to her. I’ll rent a car.” She stepped out of his grasp once more.
“Or you could come with me.” His smile widened.
“Why’d I do that when I could rent a car -- or, heck, get a bus?” She narrowed her eyes at him.
“Margo is my sister, I know she’s stranded at the bus station in Phoenix and there’s no flights because of a bomb threat. Of course I’ll be going to get my sister, and I’ll get there much quicker than you. So, Abi, if you want to come with me, the offer is there.” He turned his smile up a notch and gave her that cheeky look again.
She bit the inside of her lip wanting to curse him but held back realizing he was right.
By the time she organized a rental car, he’d be well on his way, and she’d just be in tow, going to Phoenix for nothing.
She watched him as he turned and walked away, and Abi tried to contemplate all this. She supposed she could have let him go and get Margo, but Margo hadn’t called him. She’d called Abi. Not only that, but now she was worried for her friend and wanted to be sure that she was okay. The journey from here to Phoenix was an exceptionally l
ong one by car. Could she survive that many hours with Scott? Especially if she was trying to avoid him.
“You coming?” he called back looking over his shoulder.
She groaned inwardly, hating this idea, but, right now, it seemed like the best way to get to Margo. It would be a long, and most likely terrible, journey, but she supposed she could bite the bullet and travel with her ex for her best friend.
Releasing a sigh of frustration, she followed him.
Chapter 2
Scott looked over at Abi and smiled.
Nothing was funny about this situation, but he had to laugh at the opportunity that fate had dished his way.
Fate, karma, life, coincidence.
Whatever it was, he was grateful for it.
He’d been thinking about her for a while, now -- even before he’d found out about the wedding.
From time to time, she had crossed his mind purely because he’d had his longest relationship with her. Scott knew he took absolute advantage of her and that he’d been a complete asshole to allow her to leave the way she did.
He knew that now (or rather a few years back when reality began to sink in). His grandfather always told him that one day the fast, reckless way of life would catch up with him and that he’d burn out from it.
The old man couldn’t have been more right. Fortunately, nothing bad had happened as such. It was simple, really, and began with the news of his friend and teammate -- Gale Montgomery, the infamous Gladiators quarterback -- getting married. This was a guy who Scott saw with one woman after another and preached that he’d never settle down. But, yet, he’d found one woman who could change his mind and change his ways.
Who was even worse was Josh Mancini, whose wedding to his former assistant took place at the end of last summer. That guy used to be the poster boy for womanizing, and, yet, like Gale, he’d found one woman who could change him -- and Josh had one hell of a change to make.
Scott couldn’t have been more shocked and surprised at the two of them. It was all good stuff, and he was happy for them both, but the whole occurrence was something that flagged itself to him. It made him question his own life.
One Wild Night Page 2
