Page 35 of Just Another Chance

“My wife just died and I’m in mourning.”

That’s it! Asshole!His comment has me seeing red and fury boils through my veins. “Really?” I ask sarcastically, doing my absolute best to stay calm. “Is that why you took off? I’m surprised you even know she passed away.”

“Of course, I know. It’s been hard on me, too, but what do you care? You only ever worried about one person and that was yourself.”

“Get out of here,” I grit out, voice low.

“No can’t do, honey pie. I came to get mine and I ain’t leavin’ until you agree.”

I knew it. He saw the “For Sale” sign out front on the lawn and now he wants his piece when the house sells. I’d rather die than give him one bloody cent, but maybe if I give him a little, he’ll leave me alone. “Let me think about it,” I say even though it kills me.

“Okay. And, in the meantime, I’ll be thinkin’ about how much money you can get me from his daddy.”

My mouth drops open. “What?”

“You heard me. You think I can’t put two and two together? That kid is Tanner Beckett’s and that means a golden opportunity for me. Or rather, a gold mine.” He cackles then starts hacking. Probably from smoking too much.

Fury like I’ve never known before seethes through me and I’m shaking so hard that I have to shift Owen and clasp my hand into a fist. “That means nothing for you,” I hiss.

“I beg to disagree.” He shifts and crosses his meaty arms. “See, I owe some guys a bit of money and now you can help me get some cash really quick so I can pay them back.”

“I am not going to cover your gambling addiction.”

“If you won’t put a good word in for me then I guess I’m going straight to Tanner and will ask my future son-in-law for a loan myself.”

Fuck.My head is spinning, and I just want this manipulative man to disappear. I don’t want to give him a penny and certainly don’t want Tanner to either. At the same time, I can’t let him run to Tanner and spill the beans about Owen.

Okay, think.Randy has no idea where to find Tanner and he’s too stupid to figure it out. Besides, even if he did discover where Tanner lives, building security would never let him in. He’s far too shady looking and he doesn’t have Tanner’s phone number. He can’t get it either because it’s not listed.

I feel a little better when I realize there’s no way he can realistically get to Tanner. The only other thing he could possibly do is go down to Beckett Technology but, again, there’s no way security would let him up.

Breathing out a little sigh, I calm myself down and shift Owen on my hip. “First of all, how dare you threaten me. I never understood why Mom married you, but I’m glad she’s finally free of you. You’ve never been anything but a terrible husband and stepfather. So, if you think I am giving you one dime, you’re crazy! If you don’t leave right now, I’m calling the police. This isn’t your house, and it never was.”

“You’re making a big mistake, girlie,” he says, voice low and oozing with menace.

“Get out!” I yell. “I don’t owe you a damn thing!”

Randy slowly steps back, his grimy head bobbing, gaze spewing hate. “So that’s how it’s gonna be. Okay, if you don’t wanna play nice then we’ll play dirty. One way or another, I’m gonna get my money.”

I grab my phone and act like I’m going to call the cops. That scoots Randy right out the front door and I rush over and double lock it behind him. I lean against the door, let out a shaky sigh and hug Owen tighter.

Then I call a locksmith. No more surprise visits from unwelcome visitors like Randy.

14

TANNER

It’s been a couple of weeks since Addie and I have been sleeping together again and everything is going so well. At least I thought so until I began to notice a pattern– we only spend the afternoons making love at my loft. When I mention staying at her place, she comes up with every excuse in the world why we can’t.

It’s not clean. My sister is there. I have to run to the South Grove house. I like your place better.

And then there’s the whole strange afternoon thing. She absolutely will not spend the night with me. Once the clock hits 6pm, she’s out of here like Cinderella racing away before her carriage turns into a pumpkin again.

I don’t understand it and I’m beginning to get suspicious. Why does she refuse to invite me up to her apartment? Why does she leave so early? And why are her excuses sounding more and more hollow as the days pass.

After all we’ve been through, I don’t want secrets between us, and I’m scared she’s hiding something from me. My gut tells me she is, and I hate that.

But what?

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