Romance: The Second Chance - Contemporary Romance (Romance, Contemporary Romance, Suspense Romance Book 1) by Abraham Falls Read Free Book Online

probably just being polite, or patronizing, even—or he was crazy, a psychopath, or—
                  “No need to explain. Rudy here loves strangers. Though I have to admit, I've never seen him so fond of someone he just met before.” Eli went over to Rudy, and placed his hand on the dog's head. “Might sound strange, but he can usually sense those in need of a little companionship. Not saying that's you, but he was abused when he was little, so he knows how important it is to be there for people who might get overlooked.” He started rubbing the top of the dog’s head. “That's how me and him met. He knew I needed someone, and I figured he did too. We've been inseparable ever since.”
                  Abby had always had a sweet spot for animals, especially dogs, but the fact that he sensed weakness in her filled her with terror, as though she’d been exposed. She put her hand over her hip.
                  “So what brings you out here?” A stupid question, but she needed to change the subject.
                  “Just getting some fresh air for Rudy. I like taking him here, though I'll admit I like it a whole lot more when it isn't so crowded.”
                  Abby nodded. She could relate. She liked being alone too, but she’d learned a long time ago that there was safety in numbers. She smiled weakly, at a loss for what to say next.
                  “How about you?” He continued. “Is seeing your gorgeous face going to start becoming a trend around here?”
                  Oh no, another compliment. It stung in the weirdest possible way, like touching a raw nerve.
                  She forced a faint laugh. “Maybe.” This time a real smile snuck beneath her lips, quietly, before she could stop it.
                  Rudy, still pacing and wriggling with pent-up energy, began to bark.
                  “Hush Rudy,” Eli barked back.
                  Abby shook her head. “No it's okay, you take him. I was just about to head out anyway.” A lie.
                  “You sure?” Eli asked, unmistakably disappointed.
                  “Yeah, I need to head back to my grandmother. She's expecting me soon.”
                  Another lie, and one that visibly disappointed Eli. She couldn't falter now, though.
                  Abby stood up, dusting, off her sweater. Molly was nowhere in sight—probably off proclaiming her vows to the surfer she’d met an hour ago. They could meet up later, though; Abby needed to leave. She began walking towards to the road, and was halfway there when Eli called out to her.
                  “When will I see you again?”
                  “Tomorrow,” Abby said, and then nearly slapped her hand over her mouth. She had not meant to say that.
                  “Perfect!” A huge grin came over his face. “I'll see you tomorrow, then.”
                  Abby didn't trust herself to say anything more. She just smiled, and walked off. Rudy was still barking as she left. The sound of it reminded her of her little beagle, and that proved to be the final straw to a very taxing day. The floodgates opened. With all that had happened in the last few days, with all the memories that had surfaced again, she just couldn't help it anymore, burst into tears. She cried the whole way back to Melody's, and slipped into the shower before Melody could see her. The last thing she needed was for her grandma to see her like this.
                  Tomorrow she thought. Laying her head against the porcelain wall, trying desperately to make sense of everything. It was no use. Eventually, she stopped trying, and did what she always did in times like this: shut off. Shut off completely, so that she couldn't feel anything. Especially the hurt.