Free No Going Back by Erika Ashby Page A

stupid to think there was ever a chance that you would.” She looks away. “I need to go. You got the answers you came for. You can go back to your wife now.”
    I grab her hand as she attempts to stand up and release it once she’s seated back down on the cement. “Wait, what happened with the baby Mallory…our baby?” I choke.
    “It’s a long story. I don’t feel like talking about it, especially on the side of the street. I’m really tired and I’m getting cold. It was a fucking stupid idea for me to even come out tonight. I knew I wasn’t ready yet…emotionally.”
    I reach my hand out for hers as I stand up. “Can I take you home? You know, so we can talk…there’s so much I don’t know.” Hoping that my explanation is enough, she hesitantly nods her head as she accepts my helping hand.

Chapter Eleven

    *MALLORY*

    Riding in Seth’s jeep brings back so many good memories. As emotionally stressed as I am right now, I take comfort in those memories, of the times we spent together. I know for me they were perfect. I rest my head back against the seat, letting the sweet memories take over and wash away all the sadness that has been pressed down upon me for so long now. I hate the fact that the one person who can truly pull me through all of this is the reason behind it all. Funny how that works. I didn’t even realize I passed out until Seth is reaching over me to unbuckle my seatbelt.
    “Sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep,” I say as I yawn.
    “No worries babe — I mean Mallory. You’ve had a really rough couple of months. You have every right to be completely worn out. I just wish I could have been around.” He gives me a weak smile. I’m not really sure what more he wants or needs to know about the situation, but I’m not fully up for the conversation that’s about to take place. I feel like shit. I’m a fucking emotional wreck. I already balled my eyes out in front of him; the one damn thing I said I’d never do in front of him. I stumble out of his jeep because of its height off the ground and the fact that I’m in heels. It has nothing to do with the amount of drinks I consumed tonight — that’s what I tell myself anyways. Seth catches me in his strong arms, making sure I don’t fall on my ass. His eyes fixate on mine and say what words aren’t able to right now, and all I want to do is get lost in their depths. I’m instantly comforted with the contact between us, but I know it’s only temporary.
    “There’s really not much more to be said about it all Seth. So, if you feel like you owe me something because I had to go through it all alone, you don’t,” I snap at him before pulling away and walking up my porch and leaving him behind.
    “Is the idea that I want to try to comfort you in any way I can tonight that hard for you to fathom? Do you not think that this whole situation bothers me, and that the one damn person I want to be around now after hearing about it is you?” He slams the passenger door shut as I unlock my front door. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to think or feel right now Mallory. I know I hurt you and you don’t want anything to do with me. I get it, believe me. But dammit, please just let me come in. I’m not ready to leave.” I push the door open, waiting for him to come inside.
    “Okay. But I’m telling you right now, I’m going to be worthless company.” He stops in front of me before walking all the way inside.
    “You could never be worthless company,” he says as he caresses my cheek. I’ve missed his touch, but before I can savor it he quickly yanks his hand back as if my face was fire. “I’m sorry.”
    “Yeah, I’m sure your wife wouldn’t appreciate you touching another woman. Hell, I bet she’d shit a cow if she knew you were here with me.” I can’t help the venom in my voice.
    “Right, about that whole wife thing…we didn’t get married.” He lets out a sigh. “A whole lotta shit hit the fan and she booked it