all in trouble, and I’m really sorry, Abbie. I hope you can forgive me.”
I go up and give him a hug. He still looks so sore, rocking a black eye, broken nose and split lip, and I don’t want to leave here with him feeling like shit, blaming himself for everything that happened.
“Of course I forgive you. You didn’t know Cherry was going to drug and kidnap you,” I say. “I mean, how could you? We didn’t even think anything of it.”
“You’re the best, you know that?” he says. “I’m so glad Temper found someone like you.”
“Thank you,” I say, kissing him on the cheek.
“Okay, let’s not get me further beat up,” he grumbles, winking at me and leaving the room.
I finish up packing, and then drag my suitcase to the living room. “I’m ready when you are!” I call out to Temper. The clubhouse is quiet, and I wonder where the hell everyone is. I know I told them all that I’ll be back soon, but only Dee came to say goodbye. Not even Skylar and Izzy have been here today.
Temper walks into the room and offers me his hand. “I guess we better get going then.” He drags my suitcase with his free hand and leads me outside.
“We’re going to miss you, Abbie!” the MC screams, where they’re all waiting for me out front with a giant sign, balloons and the biggest of smiles.
I rush to the girls and hug them first, then each of the men in turn.
“I thought you guys had forgotten to come and say goodbye to me,” I admit, rubbing my eyes. Some dust seems to have gotten in there.
“Are you kidding me?” Izzy says. “We’re going to miss you so much!”
“Come back soon,” Saint says, kissing the top of my head.
“I will,” I promise.
Temper puts my suitcase in the car, his bag already packed and in there, and off we go. I wave until I lose sight of them. I wouldn’t think it would be so hard to leave people I’ve only known for such a short time, but it is.
“They’re all so wonderful,” I say to Temper, turning the radio on.
“They love you,” he says, pride in his tone.
“This is our first official road trip with just me and you,” I say, reaching over and kissing his rough cheek. “Are you ready for this adventure?”
“Am I ready to face the wrath of your mom and sister is the question,” he murmurs, turning his face to give me a quick kiss.
“You telling me that the big, bad president is scared of my mom?” I tease. “Don’t worry about it, it will be fine. I’m sure she’s not going to be thrilled about the situation, but it doesn’t matter. I love you, and I know I want to be with you, and that’s all that matters to me. Once they see how happy I am, I’m sure they will get on board.”
“I hope so.”
Truth be told, I hope so too.
“It will be fine. How long do you think you’re going to stay for?” I ask. He said that he’s going to stay at the hotel, the one he took me on our first date to, and that I’m welcome to stay there with him.
“Three nights,” he says. “I’ve left Saint in charge, and hopefully nothing else goes wrong while I’m gone.”
“I think we’ve had our share of bad luck this week,” I say. “Hopefully its over for now. Or forever.”
“One can hope. Georgia’s foot will have bought us some time, but who knows what she’s going to plan next?” he says, looking over at me. “We’re going to have to come up with a solution soon enough.”
“I know,” I agree. “We all can’t go on like this forever. And she’s never going to stop, she’s admitted as much. It’s just such a shame for Skylar. I feel so bad for her.”
“I know, we all do.”
The first hour of the trip is spent singing along to the radio. It’s not soon