Caught in Us (Caught Series Book 4) by Kacey Shea (free e books to read TXT) 📕

burned the popcorn—a big fail on my part because the kitchen still smells bad. Even the teens notice my lack of presence, which is really saying something since they tend to be self-absorbed most of the time. I’m thankful for the movie playing, because I don’t think I can handle anything requiring my full attention.

My knee bounces as the minutes tick by painfully slowly. My phone is in my hand in case she texts or calls. I check the clock to see only five minutes have passed since the last time I looked. Fuck. What’s taking her so long? Surely she won’t make me wait all night.

God, help me. I’ve turned into an angst-ridden teenager.

If I’m honest, I haven’t stopped thinking of her all week. Not since I found out she was coming to the wedding, and that was before I found out she had my child. Fuck. It’s only been a few days, but she’s changed everything.

My phone buzzes in my hands.

Alicia: I’m here. Should I come in?

“Hey, Ronny.” I tap the shoulder of the teen sitting to my right. “Hold everything down for me? I’ll just be a minute.” I nod to the front entrance.

“Sure thing, man.” He nods, his chest puffing with the responsibility I just gave him.

Thankfully, it’s a chill crowd tonight and everyone’s fairly interested in the movie. I don’t feel bad leaving them alone for a few minutes. Outside, Alicia waits next to a parked vehicle. She walks over to meet me along the curb of the sidewalk. “Hey.”

“Hey,” I rub my arms against the chill of the night air. I should’ve grabbed a hoodie before coming out.

“Sorry, I won’t keep you long.” She won’t meet my stare. “I know you’re busy.”

“It’s fine.” I shrug. “I’m mostly here to make sure there’s no make-out sessions or fights on my watch.”

“Right.” She swallows hard.

As the silence stretches between us, I search for a reason she’d need to see me tonight, but come up empty. “Is everything okay?”

She shakes her head in the negative, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. “I, um. I need to show you something. I should’ve given these to you before.” I notice the small package in her hands. “I should’ve mailed them before I lost my nerve. I’m sorry I didn’t. I want— No, I need you to understand it wasn’t malicious, not telling you about Matthew. It was always about keeping him safe. I deeply regret that now, especially after today.” She holds out the bundle, her chin quivering as she meets my gaze. “I don’t expect forgiveness or absolution. I’m sorry, Chase. What I did was wrong, and I hope you can learn not to hate me.”

I could never hate her. She doesn’t get it. But I’m so angry she kept Matthew away. So confused. The unfairness of it all keeps me from saying anything as I accept her gift. I start to unwrap the binding of what appears to be a stack of letters.

“No.” She reaches out, her fingertips resting on my hand. The touch of her skin shoots a bolt of desire through my body. I pull back, surprised by the visceral reaction. It shouldn’t be this way. She shouldn’t have this kind of control over my body—or my heart—after so many years. Not after what she did.

Lifting my gaze to hers, I find her eyes full of torment, and I wonder if a war rages in her the same it does with me.

“Read them after I’m gone.” She opens her mouth as if to say more, but the creak of an opening door stops her.

“Chase,” Ronny calls. “Mario is raiding the snack room again.”

“I’ll be right in,” I say, then turn back to Alicia. “I should probably . . .” I hike a thumb toward the door.

“Right. I need to get back anyway.” She attempts a smile but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’ll see you at the wedding on Saturday?”

“Yeah,” I say, wishing things were different. Wanting to ask her to stay. But what good would that do? The weight of her betrayal settles between us and I reach for that anger. I reach for pain. I stand there and watch her walk away, my fingers curling around the small package.

“Chase,” Ronny says from the door. “He’s filling his backpack.”

“I said I’m coming.” I try to keep the annoyance from my voice. It’s not directed at him or even Mario for his klepto tendencies. No, it’s all for the woman I can’t seem to get over, and how in a matter of days she’s turned my life upside down. She’ll do it again when she heads back to London.

It’s for the nagging feeling that pushing her away feels wrong.

I twist the package of letters over in my hands, not sure whether she meant for me to read them tonight or after she returns to London. Either way, I can’t do it now. Stepping inside, I drop them on the counter so I won’t be tempted to open them until I’ve locked up for the night. Somehow, I know what’s inside contains the power of a bomb, enough to detonate and shatter what remains of the shield protecting my heart.

24

Alicia

I don’t hear from Chase at all on Friday.

Not that I should. He didn’t promise or give any indication he would reach out before the wedding. Still. I consider texting him. Twice I almost pick up the phone and call him. Each time I’m tempted to reach out, I remind myself he deserves space. I don’t know how he doesn’t hate me after what I’ve done. My actions are inexcusable. Even if I did what I thought was best, it doesn’t make it right.

As much as it shouldn’t matter, I crave his forgiveness. Which is why I’m dying to know if he read my letters. Did they help in any way to find peace with my decision, or did I only make it worse?

I attempt to keep busy but the hours drag. Spending time