Begin Again (Again #1)(64)

He gave me a half-grin. “No worries. Do you want to talk about it?”

I shook my head again.

“Okay,” Spencer said. “Then I’ll talk. Since you moved in with him, Kaden’s changed. I’ve never seen him so relaxed, and I’ve known him a long time.”

“That has nothing to do with me,” I murmured.

“Oh yes it does, and you know it, too,” he countered. “It was just a question of time with you two.”

“I-”

“No,” he interrupted. His gaze was penetrating. “Listen, Allie. Kaden went through a lot of shit and needs more time before he can let someone get close to him. You’ve come pretty far already. I’m not going to sit by this time and watch him destroy the only thing that makes him happy.”

He held out his hand. Confused, I stared at him.

“Either you’re coming with me now or I’m telling everyone I know that you cried at the sight of a pizza.” I knew Spencer meant it. Not just about the pizza story, but also when he said he wouldn’t let Kaden get out of this one.

And to be honest, I also wanted things between me and Kaden to be okay. Only I didn’t have the foggiest idea how to fix things.

I pushed the water aside and put my hand in Spencer’s; he led me to the dance floor with a meaningful gaze. In the middle of the space he stood still, threw his arm around my waist and pulled me close.

“What the hell?” I pushed my hands against his chest, trying to get away.

“Trust me,” was all he said. He started moving in time with the music. From here the others could see us, for sure.

“Are you serious? You want to make him jealous?” I asked, laughing. Spencer’s touch was not demanding but friendly, and I relaxed, letting my hands rest on his waist.

“Ten,” he murmured and pulled me a bit closer.

I didn’t dare look around. “Spencer, this is a joke.”

“Nine,” he continued unmoved and led me into a spin.

Kaden would never react to such a silly alpha-male display. After all, he hadn’t even batted an eye that time Scott and I had danced together.

“Eight.”

Although nothing had happened yet between Kaden and me at that point.

“Seven.”

I was giving up hope. Kaden didn’t want me and would never want me. I’d heard what he said to his mother, and he always told her the truth “Six.” Spencer smoothed my hair out of my face before he pulled me close again. Man, he was good. He should try this with Dawn—he’d have her eating out of his hand.

“Fi-”

Kaden appeared out of nowhere.

“What the fuck, man?” he growled, grabbing Spencer by the shirt with both hands.

Instead of showing the tiniest bit of concern, Spencer smiled. “Just because you treat her like garbage, Kaden, doesn’t mean the rest of us have to.”

Kaden punched Spencer in the face. He staggered to the floor.

“Kaden!” I cried and held him around the waist from behind.

He was trembling with anger as he shook out his hand and cursed. People nearby looked uneasy. I saw two bouncers approaching from a distance.

“Go,” hissed Spencer, struggling to his feet. His right eye was already starting to swell. He touched it and winced. “Get out of here.”

“Spence,” murmured Kaden, but Spencer lifted a hand to stop him from speaking.

“It’s all good, man. I shouldn’t have taken it so far.” He tried to smile but all he could manage was a pained grimace. Then he repeated for the last time: “Now go.”

Kaden seemed to be awakening from his shock. He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the emergency exit. I hoped the doormen wouldn’t follow us.

A cold wind whipped my face as I followed Kaden past the heavy metal door. He strode across the parking lot and ran his hand through his hair.

“Dammit!”

His voice echoed.

“Kaden,” I began, but he whirled around and raised his hand.

“No,” he growled.

“Kaden, please.”

“Leave me alone, Allie. Just let it go.” He turned around and practically ran the last few yards to his Jeep. Ignoring me, he got in and started the engine.

And before I knew it, he had taken off, squealing his tires behind him.





Chapter 25


For a second I considered going back to the bar, but I was too angry. So I walked home. For the first time since I’d overheard Kaden and Rachel in Portland, I wasn’t sad. There was no room for any other emotion besides anger. Especially when I saw the Jeep parked outside our building.

That asshole had left me standing in the parking lot and driven straight home. Not to mention stunt he’d pulled at the club.

I raced up the stairs. When I reached the door, my hand was shaking so much that it took me four tries to get the key into the lock and open the door.

Loud music thumped from Kaden’s room.

I chucked my shoes into the hallway, trashing Kaden’s perfect order.

My hands clenched, I stomped toward his room. Without a moment’s hesitation, I shoved open the door with full force. Not even bothering to look at Kaden, I headed for the stereo and started pressing buttons. Nothing happened. With a frustrated cry, I bent down and pulled the plug from the socket. Silence.