Chapter 51
—Kasey—
It neared eleven PM when we left our third destination—a late night cookie dough bar that Simone and I used to frequent. Tomos seconded my recommendation and turned to ask us how it was as soon as we slid into the backseat of his car again.
“Was that not the best cookie dough ever?”
Reed’s hand rubbed up and down my thigh. “I’d happily eat that every night of the week.”
“That place is the holy grail after a night out in town,” I added.
“Sure is, Miss Kasey,” he agreed. “Where to now, guys?”
Reed’s animated face turned to me. “Nightcap?”
“Sure. Why not? Somewhere with cocktails, please, Tomos,” I asked.
He nodded, visibly mulling over the choices. “I’ve got just the place.”
I linked my fingers through Reed’s and smiled as the city lights passed by. For the first time since waking in the hospital and meeting Reed, I was at peace with not knowing our history. With each moment and story he continued to share, my soul discovered another lost and scattered segment of its former self. Piece by piece, Reed restored those missing connections, and despite still having no memory of them, I trusted the steadily growing love deep in my heart.
A double squeeze on my hand pulled me from my thoughts. “We’re here, babe.”
I stifled a yawn as I slid from the car, thanking Tomos as I went.
Hand-in-hand, and after Reed paid a door charge so we didn’t have to wait in line, he led me into the swanky bar, then followed the waitress to a free table among the crowd.
After ordering drinks, Reed excused himself to go to the bathroom, and I used the opportunity alone to check my phone. There were two messages—one from Mom, and one from Simone:
Best Bitch: How is/was the date?
Kasey: We’re still on it. It’s been… not what I expected.
Kasey: In a good way.
Simmy must have been waiting for an update. She “loved” the messages immediately, then typed a reply.
Best Bitch: OOooh girl. I can’t wait to hear the dirty details.
I smirked.
Kasey: No dirty details yet.
Kasey: YET *devil face*
I’d just pressed send on the second message when arms snaked around my waist. I melted for a split second before his cologne hit me. My spine straightened as a new memory rushed back. A negative one triggered from his scent, combined with feelings of belittlement and insecurity.
While I’d constantly wished my memories would return, this was one that I’d rather stayed away.
“Hey, babe. You didn’t return my calls.”
Tyler.
“Get off me,” I hissed, trying to maneuver out of his hold.
“You contacted me a couple of months ago then ghosted me. I think you owe me both an explanation as well as extras for getting my hopes up.” His fingers bit into my wrist, holding me captive.
“Let go of me,” I seethed through clenched teeth.
“Not until you explain yourself.”
“Contacting you was a mistake. I wasn’t myself when I did. I don’t want anything to do with you.”
“Playing hard to get, eh?”
One sharp tug was enough to make me slam against his chest. The struggle to escape was futile with his arm locked around me.
I bucked, growling with frustration and preparing to lash out and cause a scene, when Reed’s low-toned warning made me freeze.
“Take your fucking hands off her.”
Tyler’s laughter vibrated against my chest. “Keep walking, asshole. This is a matter between me and my girl.”
“I’m not—”
“She’s not your girl,” Reed snapped, cutting me off. “Now, take your hands off her before I make you.”
My ex scoffed. “You can’t make me do shit.”
Within an instant, Tyler’s arm whipped away, and the momentum sent me stumbling in the opposite direction. Luckily, I landed in the arms of a quick-thinking woman when I couldn’t catch my footing.
It all happened so fast. Reed freeing me. Him twisting Tyler in such a way that gave him immediate control. With one of Tyler’s arms bent at an awkward angle behind his back, Reed gripped the back of his neck and smashed his head into the high bar table.
Tyler went down like a lead weight, and Reed was on him the moment his body hit the floor.
Aware of the circle of people around us, Reed leaned down and hissed something against my ex’s ear, then got to his feet.
Security burst into the fray as Reed straightened his suit jacket, then explained the situation with me tucked under his arm.
Despite the embarrassment of being asked to leave, I couldn’t get away from Tyler fast enough.