Abby's Plight (Southern Love #5)

by E. L. Todd

  Chapter Two

  “How about that one?” Abby nodded to the girl a few chairs down. She had long blonde hair and a slim waist.

  Paul shrugged. “She’s okay.”

  “What about her?” She pointed to a brunette on the other side of the bar.

  He nodded. “She’s pretty.”

  “Ask her out.” Abby drank from her beer then returned it to the coaster.

  Paul turned in his stool to face her. “Didn’t you just say I needed to stop sleeping around?”

  “You do,” she said.

  “I’m not following.”

  “Ask her on a date,” she said. “Not to your apartment.”

  He shook his head. “Abby, I’m not ready.”

  “Paul, it’s been six months…you need to get back on the horse.”

  He drank half his beer before he put it down. “I was with Alex for two years. I can’t just move on.”

  “You did cheat on her,” she pointed out.

  He sighed. “I kissed some girl because I was drunk. It wasn’t like I had feelings for her or slept with her.”

  “You still need to move on either way.”

  He gripped his head. “It’s so hard…I just want to be with her again. I thought I was going to be married by now. We’d have a house together in Connecticut. She might even be pregnant.”

  Abby hated hearing this. There was no doubt that Paul loved her sister more than anyone ever would. But his thoughts weren’t healthy. “Paul, she’s not coming back. Playing the “what if” game isn’t going to help things either.”

  “You don’t understand,” he said. “You’ve never loved someone the way I loved her.”

  “And how would you know?” she snapped.

  He glanced at her. “You never mentioned it.”

  “That doesn’t mean anything.” The anger escaped her voice.

  “I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I misspoke.”

  “Fuck yeah, you did.”

  He turned away and stared at the granite countertop. “I thought sleeping around would help. It hasn’t…”

  “Ask someone on a date—a real date.”

  “That’s not fair,” he said immediately. “I’ll be wasting some poor girl’s time.”

  “Well, be honest. Don’t act like you’re ready for marriage and kids.”

  “Then no one is going to take a chance on me.” He ran his fingers through his hair.

  “Paul.” She placed her hand on his shoulder and rubbed him gently. “You’re such a handsome guy. You could get any girl you wanted. Plus, you’re a lawyer, you don’t live at home, and you’re responsible. Shit, I’d go out with you if my sister didn’t exist.”

  “Really?” he asked.

  “Yeah,” she said. “I wouldn’t lie to you. And you’re a good kisser too.” She nudged him in the side.

  His cheeks reddened slightly. “So you think I’ll get over her?”

  “I know you will.”

  “Thanks for being my friend through all this…I know it must be weird since Alex is your sister.”

  “But you’re my friend. You’ll always be my friend.”

  “Thanks. I have a few friends…but not someone I can talk to like this. My brother and I are close, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable admitting my darkest fears to him.”

  “You should,” she said. “He’s a really sweet guy.”

  He looked at her, a smile on his face. “Wow. That changed quick.”

  “What?” she said.

  “Weren’t you just fighting last week?”

  “Oh,” she said. “We were. We’re okay now.”

  “Until tomorrow…”

  “He and I are actually…kinda together.”

  He put down his beer. “What does that mean?”

  “I can’t explain it,” she said with a smile. “We’re dating but we’ll never be serious.”

  “It sounds like you’re fuck buddies…but put in a nicer way.”

  She shrugged. “You could say that.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Why is that?”

  “I like him. He likes me.”

  “But why isn’t it going to go somewhere?”

  She pulled the label off the bottle with her fingertips. When she got it off, she played with it in her hands. “I just don’t want a serious relationship right now. Having someone around just makes it easier, helps me move forward.”

  “Hold on,” he said. “You tell me I shouldn’t sleep around to get over Alex, but you’re doing the same thing?”

  “I’m not trying to get over someone,” she corrected.

  “It sounds like it.”

  “I’m not.”

  “So, you’re just fucking around?” Paul asked. “When he talked about you, he made it sound like he was a little more serious than that.”

  “Well, we aren’t.”

  Paul nodded then rested his elbows on the counter.

  “Are you okay with that?” she asked.

  “Why wouldn’t I be?”

  “Well, he is your brother…”

  “I don’t interfere with his personal life. He does what he wants.”

  “But I want your approval.”

  “Why?” he asked. “You aren’t serious, right? And you never will be? This would be different if you were in a relationship.”

  “Why would it be?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “You’re Alex’s sister. That could make things complicated.”

  “In what way?”

  “I would be Alex’s in-law…”

  “Oh…I didn’t think about that.”

  “Yeah.” He drank his beer again. The bottle clanked against the counter.

  “Well, he and I are never going to be serious anyway. We won’t come to that bridge and have to worry about crossing it.”

  Paul gave her a serious look, studying her face. “And you’re okay with that?”

  “Why wouldn’t I be?”

  “It sounds like you’re going to get your heart broken eventually. It’s a done deal.”

  “No,” she said. “I don’t have a heart so we don’t have to worry about that.”

  “I’m here for you if it does.”

  She finished her beer then watched the TV in the corner. A Yankee game was on but she couldn’t see the score. But it didn’t matter. She was certain the Yankees were winning. “We should go on a double date.”

  “What?” he said. “With who?”

  “Possibly that blonde over there…”

  “Alex, I’m not ready.”

  She stilled at the sound of her sister’s name. “Abby…”

  He covered his face. “Sorry.”

  “Make sure you don’t do that in bed.”

  “I’m so drunk, I don’t even know how I sound in bed. I’m probably crying most of the time.”

  Those words broke her heart. “I’m so sorry, Paul.”

  “Yeah…”

  “Wanna come over and watch a movie?”

  “Sure,” he said. “But can I ask you something else?”

  “Anything.” She rubbed his arm.

  “I haven’t slept in…I don’t even know how long it’s been. Can I crash at your place tonight?”

  “Of course. I’ll make breakfast in the morning.”

  “Thanks,” he said. “It’s just nice not being alone…”

  Abby threw the cash for both their drinks on the table. “Let’s rent The Godfather.”

  He smiled. “We just watched that a few weeks ago.”

  “Then let’s rent the Godfather 2.”

  “I’m not going to argue with that.”

  They left the bar and grabbed the movie at the store. The change in topic and scenery improved his mood slightly. They grabbed a pizza then headed back to her apartment.

  Paul immediately put the movie in and leaned back on the couch. “Such a classic.”

  “Better than the first one?”

  “There is no better. It’s the same movie—just extended.�
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  “I think the first one is better,” she said.

  “Nope, you’re wrong.”

  “Whatever,” she said.

  Paul rested his arm on the back of the couch while she lay on the opposite side. She was so comfortable, she closed her eyes. When a gunshot went off from the screen, her eyes opened again. Then there was a knock on the door.

  “You want me to get it?” Paul asked.

  “No,” she said with a yawn. “I’m closer to the door.” When she looked through the peephole, she saw Toby on the other side. She opened it. “Hey.”

  “Hey, baby.” He was wearing jeans and tight fitting t-shirt. She could see the lines of his chest. He waited for her to open the door wider and let him in. “Am I going to get an invite anytime soon…?”

  “Oh,” she said. “Sorry. I have company.”

  The light in his eyes vanished. “Your boss is here?” The betrayal carried in his voice.

  “No,” she said immediately. “Paul and I are watching a movie.”

  “Oh.” That seemed to calm him down. “Then let me join you.”

  “It’s kind of a two person thing.”

  He stared at her for a moment before he grabbed her arm and yanked her out of the apartment. He shut the door. “Why can’t we all hang out together?”

  “We can but…”

  “But what?” He grabbed her face and kissed her. She immediately melted at his touch. His tongue danced around hers, and when he pulled away, she was breathless.

  “What were we talking about…?”

  He smiled. “If you think I’m a good kisser, wait until you see me in bed.”

  Her hair stood up on the back of her neck.

  “Just something to think about.”

  “You’re so cocky.”

  He nodded. “That’s a perfect way to describe it.” He winked at her.

  “If you weren’t so fucking hot, I’d kick you out of my building.”

  “You’d never kick me out. And after I’ve been between your legs, you’ll beg me to never leave.”

  “That mouth is on fire today.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. “Come on. Let me join you.”

  “Well, it’s just me and Paul.”

  “Why?”

  “Just because.”

  He eyed her suspiciously. “Are you sleeping with him too?”

  “If your arms weren’t squeezing me, I’d slap you.”

  “I think I might like that, actually.” He grinned at her.

  “You want to find out?”

  “Maybe later.” He pressed his face close to hers. “Now be real with me. I’m always honest with you.”

  “It’s just…Paul is going through a hard time, and he can be himself around me. He doesn’t feel completely comfortable around you.”

  He looked wounded. “Why?”

  “Because he knows you’re disappointed in him for ruining it with my sister.”

  “I still care about him. That doesn’t change anything.”

  “He still feels…weak around you. With me, he can be open.”

  “You know what I think?” he said. “You remind him of Alex, and being around you is a sick way of keeping her presence alive.”

  “You’re wrong, Toby.”

  “Baby, I don’t think I am. Paul is a reasonable guy, but right now he isn’t. Let me know if he ever touches you in an inappropriate way. I’ll set him straight.”

  Abby immediately thought of the kiss they shared. “Paul wouldn’t do that.” She breathed through her lie.

  He caught the look. “Are you not telling me something?”

  “No…”

  He grabbed the back of her neck. “Spill it.”

  Feeling his hand touch her in an aggressive way made her shake. “Stop.”

  Toby knew he crossed the line. He dropped his hands. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  She rubbed the back of her neck.

  “I’d never hurt you,” he said. “I promise.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest and looked away.

  Toby came back to her and wrapped his arms around her. “Now please tell me what you’re keeping from me.”

  “It’s nothing…”

  “Baby, come on. It’s me. You can tell me anything.”

  “You have to promise me something.”

  His hands gripped her. “I don’t like the sound of this…”

  “Promise me you won’t speak of it to him.”

  He took a deep breath. “I can’t make that promise, not unless I know what he did. I’m sorry.”

  “Then I can’t tell you…”

  He sighed. “Just tell me.”

  “No, I know how you are.”

  “Did he hurt you?”

  She rolled her eyes. “It’s Paul. Come on. He would never do that. It’s not even that bad.”

  He took a deep breath. “Fine. I promise.”

  “I’m trusting you…”

  “I’m a man of my word. If you don’t have that, you don’t have anything.”

  “Coming from a lawyer…”

  “A prosecutor,” he snapped.

  “They can still be crooks.”

  “Just tell me,” he said impatiently.

  “A few months ago, he kissed me. It was innocent. He apologized afterwards.”

  Toby took a deep breath then released it. His fists clenched by his sides then relaxed. “Has he tried anything since?”

  “No,” she said firmly. “When people are depressed, they do stupid things. Cut him some slack.”

  “This only proves my theory. He spends time with you because you remind him of her.”

  “You know what? You’re probably right.” She sighed. “But I know he also spends time with me because I’m the friend he needs right now. Please let it go and don’t let it bother you.”

  “He kissed my girl. How can it not bother me?”

  She glared at him. “If you call me that again, we’re done.”

  He shook his head. “Whatever.”

  “I should get back inside…”

  “Please let me join you. I want to see you.”

  “I don’t want to make him uncomfortable.”

  Paul opened the door and looked at them. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just wanted to check on Abby.”

  “I can check on her just fine,” Toby snapped.

  Abby glared at him.

  “But thanks,” he said through his clenched teeth.

  Paul looked at Abby. “Do you want me to leave?”

  “No,” she said immediately. “Toby was just leaving.”

  Paul looked at his brother. “You can stay if you want. We’re watching The Godfather 2.”

  “Awesome,” he said as he walked inside.

  Abby rolled her eyes then followed them.

  Paul returned to the couch and Toby sat beside him.

  “How are things going?” Toby asked.

  “Fine,” Paul said. He opened a beer and drank out of it.

  Toby continued to look at his brother. “I’m here if you need me, even if you just want me to listen.”

  “I know.” Paul didn’t look at his brother.

  Toby leaned back and watched the TV.

  When Abby took a seat, she sat on the opposite end of the couch. Toby eyed her then turned his attention back to the TV. Abby played with her phone while the boys watched the movie. Every once in a while, she felt Toby’s gaze on her face. When she looked up, he didn’t turn away. The heat in his gaze told her exactly what he was thinking, that he wished Paul wasn’t there so he could prove just how good he was in the bedroom. When the look became too much, she lowered her gaze.

  When the movie was over, Paul clapped. “I could watch that movie a hundred times.”

  “I think you already have,” Toby said. He finished his beer then returned it to the table. He looked at his watch. “It’s getting late…”

  “Yeah.” Paul didn’t move.
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br />   Abby felt awkward. Neither men wanted to leave, but one of them had to go. “Toby, I’ll walk you out.”

  “What?” he snapped.

  “Come on.” She walked outside then shut he door. If he wanted to argue with her, he’d have to follow her. He came outside a second later like she predicted. Toby shut the door and glared at her.

  “Why am I being kicked out?”

  “Paul is sleeping here.”

  His eyes widened. “Is that a fucking joke?”

  “No,” she snapped. “Why are you jealous of your brother? If I wanted to sleep with him, I would have done it already. And I would never let someone stay in my apartment unless I was completely comfortable with them.”

  “I don’t want him staying here. If he is, then I’m staying too.”

  She glared at him. “Toby, I’m done with you.” She walked back to the door.

  He grabbed her. “Excuse me?”

  “I don’t want a relationship and that’s exactly what you’re giving me. I was already with someone that bossed me around and controlled everything I did. I couldn’t even wear what I wanted because he was so possessive of me. And I refuse to have another man in my life that behaves in the same way. I promised myself I would never do that. So if you have a problem with that, fine. Get the fuck out of my life.” She didn’t back down and stuck to her guns.

  His eyes softened. “I’m sorry.”

  That wasn’t the reaction she was expecting. “Thank you.”

  He sighed. “May I ask why he’s staying here?”

  “He can’t sleep.”

  “I didn’t realize it was so bad…”

  “Because he hides it from you.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

  He eyed her closed off body. “I said I was sorry. Please don’t leave me.”

  “Don’t give me a reason to.”

  He grabbed her face and kissed her forehead. “I would never want to make you feel the way you did in your previous relationship. I’ll work on it.”

  ‘Thank you.”

  He rubbed his nose against hers. “Can I take you to dinner tomorrow?”

  “I need to pack.”

  “For what?”

  “I’m leaving for England.”

  “Oh.” He bit his lip and kept his mouth closed. She knew a rage was taking place inside him. “Can I see you before you leave? Just a dinner. Please.”

  “Okay.”

  “Thank you.” He grabbed her hand and kissed it. “Make sure you look hot like last time.”

  “I don’t look hot now?”