Free Fallacy (Apprehensive Duet Book 1) by Kimberly Bracco

in a box he doesn’t deserve to be in.”
    I hate she can see through me so easily. I have let my father and his wrongdoings affect the way I look at love and relationships. It’s something I’ve been doing for a long time. It’s not an easy habit to break. I’m always looking for the bad in guys.
    “Just keep an open mind and follow your gut, not the shit you have going on in your head,” she adds as if she can sense my inner turmoil. Every part of my body wants Alex. But my brain keeps pulling me back. I’m warring with myself, torn in two. My gut’s telling me he is good. I can trust him. I can let him in. My brain, on the other hand, needs a little more convincing.

Quinn
     
    “WHY WOULD YOU ambush me like that?” I yell at Alex the minute we’re out of Tanner’s house.
    Surprises suck, which is why I don’t like them. Well, not the bad kind anyway. I never gave it a second thought when Alex said he wanted to check a player’s knee before dinner; he takes his job seriously. But I never expected to be blindsided. Never thought he’d be taking me to see Tanner.
    Not even a week ago I was telling Ashley I found myself trusting Alex, putting my feelings out there telling her how I felt he was different. This doesn’t feel much different than the assholes I’m used to.
    I held myself together in there pretty well, just concentrating on Tanner, not wanting to make a scene while having an audience. How dare he do that to me? Most likely, I would’ve come if he had asked. I’ve always wanted to hear Tanner’s side directly from him. The problem is how Alex got me here.
    He doesn’t say anything as he comes around to the open door for me. “I needed you to see him,” he laments, hanging his head. I probably wouldn’t have believed how bad Tanner looks without seeing it firsthand. He looks like shit. I swear he hasn’t slept in over a week. He looked completely lost. But it doesn’t give Alex the right to pull a stunt like this.
    “All you had to do was ask,” I scold him as I climb into my seat. “But instead of asking, you use my trust in you against me.”
    “You’re right. I’m sorry. It was a bad idea. I see that now. But I honestly didn’t think you’d come otherwise,” he apologizes. I can tell he’s sincere. I can tell he didn’t mean to manipulate me here, but fuck.
    I’m so used to seeing guys abuse their lady’s trust in them. It disgusts me. But I’ve never seen one flat out apologize for it. I want to be angry with him, but having him acknowledge his fuck-up and repent for it is making it hard.
    “Please never do something like this to me again. I’d prefer you talk to me. I’m a pretty reasonable person,” I say lowering my voice this time.
    He just nods his head and closes the door. When he gets in on his side, I let out a deep breath. “I’ve wanted Ashley and Tanner to work things out since he manned up and went to apologize to her. Her head is up her ass. Her imagination is running wild, and her perception isn’t very good right now. I would’ve come if you had just asked. I wanted to see his face while he told me his side of the story so I could see exactly how he felt. I believe he loves her. I believe he wants to be a part of his child’s life. But I don’t think he’ll be able to work his way back in without me. I told you Ash holds a grudge.”
    “I didn’t even consider you would come willingly. That was my mistake. I’m sorry for not giving you enough credit,” he admits readily. I’m very surprised with his ease at apologizing, not once but twice. This is a novelty for me.
    Despite the red flags waving in my face, my gut’s still telling me not to run just yet. Anyone other than Alex, I’d be done with them. This is his one pass. It’s the only flag I’m overlooking for him. If he does something shitty to me again, then I’m out. I’m giving Ash’s suggestion a try. I’m going with my gut on this one. I think he made a bad judgment call. I