Page 78 of Between Secrets and Obsession

“You’re an asshole,” she spits.

I nod, get out of the vehicle, then remove her from the back seat. After we’re inside, she’s not booked for another thirty minutes. While we wait, she curses me under her breath. I smirkat how angry she is that she got caught and wonder how many people’s shit list I can get on today. Without a doubt, I’m at the top of hers and somewhere on Victoria’s. I have a permanent spot on Maddie’s and most likely will until my marriage ends. Maybe forever since I hurt her beyond repair.

After signing some paperwork, I go outside and catch a glimpse of Blake walking across the parking lot. I pretend he doesn’t exist, but he shoots me a shit-eating grin, knowing exactly how much he gets under my skin. If he weren’t in uniform, and we were somewhere else, I’d tell him to go eat a dick, but I refrain even if it’s torturous.

When I climb inside the truck, I look around for my spy buddies who are still following as though they have nothing better to do, then turn onto the main road. It’s nearly eleven. Sophie is most likely at rehearsal, Mason’s at work, and Maddie’s avoiding me, so I’ll be safe to go home.

A wreck has the traffic backed up, and it takes me longer than usual. By the time I pull into the driveway, I’m mentally drained from everything that’s happened today.

Not wanting to bring any attention to myself, I quietly climb the stairs once I’m inside. I shut my door and feel my phone vibrate in my pocket.

Hunter

You busy? I want to get a drink in an hour and Mason can’t break away.

A drink sounds good and it’s been a while since I’ve hung out with Hunter, considering he’s busy with the kids and being a husband these days. I’m sure he couldn't care less about me being married and understands the love-at-first-sight bullshit more than anyone I know.

Liam

Getting wasted during your lunch break?

Hunter

No, I’m on a half day. And it’s been a shitty one. Lennon’s with Brandon’s mom and the kids. Mason is busy as hell.

Liam

So it leaves me. Guess that means I’m your last choice?

I love messing with him. It’s payback for all the hard times he’s given me in the past.

Hunter

Yeah. You are. Ha-ha.

Liam

Asshole.

Hunter

So you joining me or making me drink alone?

Liam

You buying?

Hunter

If that’s what it takes.

Liam

I’ll be there.

While I wait for the time to pass, I go onto my fake social media profiles and change the names on each of them in case Chantal speaks to someone and warns them about me. I alsoblock her profile. This way, I stay safe, under the radar, and the only way to be found is by recognition. I made this a habit a few years ago when I stupidly blew my own cover.

Once everything is updated, I get another text from Hunter saying he’s on his way to the sports bar downtown, then head that way.