Chapter 2

Adam didn't know whether to thank his father or strangle him.

When Victor came over to finalize their details for their introduction of the fashion show, Sharon bolted toward the restrooms.

Adam had felt Sharon from the moment she walked in, but made it a point not to acknowledge her.

He told her he wouldn't cause trouble in her marriage and he meant it. If that meant completely avoiding her even when they were in the same room, then he would do it.

Adam wanted Sharon to be happy. While he was sure she'd be happier with him than Rey, she disagreed. So, Adam had made himself scarce the last few months and instead focused on turning his life around.

As a result, he was closer to his family than ever before, content at work, and even enjoying himself with Sally, who wouldn't take his "It's not you, it's me," for an answer.

Sally was fun. She was smart, witty, and gorgeous. Adam was enjoying spending time with her. If things were different, he would probably fall in love with her.

But his life was complicated even though it is the simplest it's ever been, all things considered. Their summer together was drama-free, but all of that changed when Chelsea returned.

While Chelsea appeared better to the rest of the world, Adam knew differently. A con woman at heart, Chelsea was a hell of an actress. Because he wasn't sold on her recovery, Adam refused to allow Connor to live with her. As a result, Chelsea was making Sally's life hell at work and sweet-talking Rey into believing she was fine in the hopes that he would side with her in any future custody battles.

Rey was still breathing down his neck even though Adam had kept his promise to stay away from Sharon. The man was determined to pin something - anything - on Adam and Chelsea was more than happy to egg him on. Meanwhile, Sally, who hated being treated like dirt by Chelsea, was up to something. Adam was afraid she was planning to ruin tonight for Chelsea, so he spent the entire evening talking about how much the debut show would mean to Newman Media. Adam hoped that Sally would put the company above her desire to best Chelsea, but he wasn't sure he'd gotten through.

While Sally was all smiles for the cameras tonight while on his arm, the last few weeks had been tense for them as a couple. Sally wanted to move forward with him physically, but he was holding back. Aside from his reluctance to sleep with an employee, he wasn't convinced that it wouldn't end badly for them if they slept together. Adam wanted to sleep with her, but knew that the moment he did, things would change between them. Despite her tough exterior, Sally had a soft heart. He didn't want to break it if he couldn't give her what she ultimately wanted.

And if he was being honest with himself, he couldn't.

If they slept together, Sally would eventually want love that he didn't have to give.

They'd break up.

He'd be the bastard who broke her heart.

And the entire town would hate him again.

Adam needed to cut her off at the pass for both of their sakes, but he had to get through the night first.

Once he finished his speech introducing Chelsea to the crowd, Adam headed toward the men's room.

Enough time had passed that he was sure Sharon had gone to watch the show.

But he'd been wrong.

So very wrong.