About Us: A Second Chance Novel

By Elizabeth Seckman

Hayden Matthews isn’t looking for love—she’s trying to get as far from it as possible. She's already wasted eight years in a failed marriage and is ready for a good life. A peaceful life. One where she can raise her daughter to be strong, independent, and happy. But to make that happen, she must fix her own life first.

Cam Vorelli has loved Hayden since he was in grade school. Always in the friend-zone, he stood on the sidelines, his heart breaking, as she said I do to the wrong man. A man he knew didn’t deserve her, who could never love her as he did. But what could he say? She was marrying into his family. Cam would never break a holy vow much less be disloyal to his kin.

Until he sees the bruises on Hayden. Abuse is a game changer.

Leaving a husband like Tag, who has a hot temper, a badge, and a gun is tricky. When Hayden calls Cam for help, she isn’t trying to lure him into any romantic webs. She needs someone she can trust and knowing her soon-to-be ex fears his former NFL cousin is a bonus.

When Cam comes to her rescue, he isn’t doing it to win her love. He does it because it’s the right thing to do. But if she starts to feel the same for him...couldn’t it be fate?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Seckman
• Release date: Feb 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463723692

Elizabeth Seckman

Elizabeth is the mother of four boys...well, five, if you count their dad. She spends her time daydreaming about and plotting against fiction characters. She calls this writing. Oh, and laundry, she does a mean load of laundry. She is from New Martinsville, West Virginia.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

It only took one phone call and Cam Vorelli was exactly where he always wanted to be, doing exactly what he swore he’d never do. Cam wasn’t one for bad decisions. Or impulsiveness. Normally. Throw Hayden Green into the mix and good sense was benched and emotion took the field.

Cam twisted the knob and it turned, so he swung the door open and stepped inside the house. Hayden let out a scream and threw the laundry basket she carried at him. Cam took a step back. You called? Asked me to come quietly?

Hayden covered her heart with her hand. You’re right. She took a suck of air. I did. Then I forgot I unlocked it.

Sorry for the scare. Tag home?

No. Hayden twisted her hands together. Her face was pale all but the splotches on her cheeks. We got into a fight. The neighbor called the police, and they hauled Tag off to the Blue Fox.

I thought people got hauled off to jail?

When you’re a cop and the responding officer is a drinking buddy, he takes you to your favorite bar, not the pokey.

I suppose that makes sense.

Yeah well, he’ll either find a bimbo to spend the night with or come home drunker and meaner, so I needed to be out of here ten minutes ago.

Cam wasn’t shocked to see Hayden packing up in the middle of the night. The day Hayden married Tag, Cam consoled himself with a bottle of whiskey, a hot date, and his gut’s assurance the marriage would never last. Once the hang-over wore off and the happy couple was off on their honeymoon, reality settled in. Marriage wasn’t an institution the Vorelli’s took lightly. It was a life sentence.

He swore then he’d never come between them. Even if he had loved her first. Married was married and he grudgingly accepted that fact. Hayden was lost to him.

Hayden’s movements pulled him from his thoughts. She lifted her arms above her head to twist her silky brown hair into a sloppy bun, leaving that small sliver of flesh, the curve above her hips exposed. His imagination, where Hayden was concerned, could run at the speed of light. That simple flash of flesh was just the beginning. It would only take a single step to be close enough to slide a hand across that skin. It would be warm and smooth. She’d move into him, closing the gap between them—

You okay, Cam? You look pale? Did I wake you?

No. He cleared his throat. I was out.

Hayden wrinkled her nose. With Shelley?

He shook his head. He’d been on a few dates with Shelley Ward. She was fun and easy to be around. And best of all, she liked to have plenty of space. As a matter of fact, they were supposed to see a movie tonight, but she sent him a text that she wasn’t feeling like dressing and going out. She was spending the night in her jammies and binge-watching Gilmore Girls. Unless he wanted ice cream and estrogen-soaked television, he might want to find a plan B for the night.

He told her he’d skip the TV drama and shoot pool with friends. She sent him a happy face and a thumb’s up. He had considered himself a lucky guy.

Cam realized Hayden was fully dressed — jeans, shoes, and sweater. Hayden was never the sort to spend a minute longer in jeans than she had to. Normally she’d be dressed in yoga pants, baggy tee, and slippers. She always said her feet didn’t like shoes, blamed her hillbilly roots.

Where do you plan to go? he asked.

Away from here. Hayden grabbed the laundry basket she’d been carrying and settled it on her hip.

Cam stepped closer. You’re serious?

I’m done. I can’t do this anymore. The fighting. The arguing. I can’t take another day of it. I just can’t.

Have you talked to Tag? Does he know?

Do you seriously think I’d be standing here talking to you if he knew? He’ll figure it out when he comes home, and we’re gone.

For Cam, this was a dream come true — which caused him immense guilt. Tag was his best friend and his cousin. It was as if his constant prayers for their relationship to fail was at the heart of the break-up, not Tag’s drinking and philandering.

Hayden, what’s going on?

I’m leaving. Now. It’s the only way… She managed to squeak the words out before the first tear fell.

Cam pulled her in for a hug. She felt so small against him. Her body relaxed, leaning into his like she was exhausted. He inhaled her scent of flowers and bleach. He guessed she’d been cleaning. Hayden always cleaned when she was upset. Tilting her chin until she had to make eye contact with him, he tried to sound calm when he asked, What the hell is going on?

We got into a fight. It’s all we do any more. Fight.

Did he hurt you?

She pulled away from him and headed to her bedroom.

A suitcase lay open and partly filled at the foot of her bed. Tipping the basket over it, she dumped the contents in, pressing them down to make them fit.

Cam followed her, expecting her to answer the question, but she didn’t.

Hand me that doll, would you? She pointed to a rag doll on a rocking chair. Lily would have a fit if I forgot it.

Cam grabbed the doll but didn’t hand it to her. As much as he wanted to encourage her to run—fast and far from Tag—years of training in doing the right thing made him say, I’ll talk to him.

Hayden shook her head. It’s too late. I signed all the papers and left them with my attorney. He’ll file papers for the divorce in the morning. She yanked the doll from his grip and shoved it in her purse. I’m leaving. I wanted you to give me a ride, but if you’re planning to do something stupid like tell Tag I’m leaving, I’ll get a cab.

Where in the hell are you getting a cab around here?

She shrugged. Then I’ll try to get an Uber.

That’s ridiculous. We don’t have Uber either.

Hayden’s voice was shrill. Then I’ll walk. Look, if you don’t want to be involved, I understand. I know you guys are family. It was stupid of me to call you. I was desperate. No one in my family will help me and all of my girlfriends talk too damn much. I’m leaving tonight. With or without your help.

Cam hated himself, just a little, for the rush of hope her words gave him. Tag didn’t deserve her. Hayden was perfect. Smart, sweet, uncomplicated. Cam fell for her in junior high and was head over heels by high school. He just never had the brass to tell her. Never had the gumption to ask her out.

But Tag did. Tag was never shy. He was always the charismatic one—able to charm the pants off a nun, according to Cam’s dad and Tag’s biggest fan. Quiet Hayden Green was easy prey for Tag Matthews.

I know it’s awkward, but I’m sure he’d rather I drive you than a stranger.

Hayden laughed. Evidently, you must have had a few beers this evening too. Hell will rain down on you from Tag and your entire family for helping me and you know it.

You seem pretty committed to leaving. I think it’s best I make sure you get where you’re going safely.

Hayden bit her lip and her eyes cut to the wall that her room shared with Lily’s. I am committed. I can’t do this a day longer.

Cam felt like he needed a minute to absorb the situation: Hayden, his Hayden, was getting divorced? As in single? Available? He closed his eyes a second and cautioned his brain to slow down. The reality was Hayden and Tag fought constantly. In the nine years that he’d been a victim of their drama, fighting and reconciling was their thing. If memory served him right, it was during one of those make-up vacations she conceived Lily. He took a deep breath. Then it’s settled. I’ll drive you.

You’re one of the good ones, Cam. I swear, if Tag was just half as trustworthy and dependable as you, I might not be making a late-night exodus. She rubbed her hands together as she looked around the room. I can’t forget anything. I don’t want to have to come back. She looked through a few drawers, grabbing a sock filled with cash and another with a flip cell phone. My escape plan. I started it last year. Leaving a cop isn’t easy, that’s for sure. Use your credit cards or your cell phone and you’re caught before you hit the state line. I learned that the hard way.

I figure you’re an expert at leaving by now.

I mean it this time. I came back the first time because of my vows. The second for Lily. This time, there is no coming back.

Cam ran a hand through his dark hair. He couldn’t escape the guilt he felt for feeling so damned hopeful. She seemed committed. Tag was losing her. At least for now. Maybe once things calm down, you two—

I’m calm. Aren’t you listening to me? This has been a long time coming. I didn’t hatch this plan tonight. Maneuvering past opened drawers and clothes littering the normally spotless floor, she started on the closet. Tag’s clothes were tossed behind her as she weeded out her own. I’m not leaving because I’m irate. I’m leaving because I’m tired. Tonight, over dinner? He fed me the biggest bunch of bull. She did her best imitation of her husband, "I need to go help Mac move… he needs to do it at night because he works afternoons… and we won’t have to deal with the heat and traffic. Traffic?! Traffic in Hazelton, West Virginia? There isn’t even a friggin’ red light." Pressing the clothes, hangers and all into the case, she tried to zip it, but it wouldn’t budge. Undaunted, Hayden sat on top of the suitcase and pulled the zipper closed.

So, that’s why you’re leaving? Because he’s helping a friend move?

Helping a friend move my butt. I swear to all that’s holy; I’m not even shocked by the affairs anymore. It simply dumbfounds me that he still lies about them. So, I told him, why don’t we just give it up? Our marriage is nothing but a sham. We could get a nice, friendly divorce and he’d be free to do whatever and whoever he wanted.

How’d that go? Cam frowned. He didn’t imagine Tag would ever take that well.

He flipped out. Asked me if that was what I wanted—to do whoever I wanted. Then he threw his beer bottle at me with Lily sitting on my lap. I’ve put up with his drinking, his laziness, his spending, and his cheating. I will not put up with him throwing crap at me, or my daughter.

Did it hit you?

No, he’s as horrible at aiming as he is at everything else. But whether or not he hit me or Lily doesn’t matter. His intent was to hit me. She sat on the edge of the bed, looking small and fragile. I really make him mad, Cam. There are two ways this will go—either I learn to shut my mouth, or I’m going to get my ass beat. His temper gets worse and worse and my mouth runs more and more.

You shouldn’t have to shut up. What you say doesn’t justify him being a dick.

Hayden nodded and stood. This will not be the lesson I teach my daughter. So, give me a ride, or don’t. Either way, I’m leaving tonight. She gave the suitcase a tug. The mammoth, soft-sided thing was stuffed to bulging and barely budged.

Fully loaded, it probably weighed a few hundred pounds. Cam stepped forward, his hand brushed hers away as he lifted the suitcase off the bed. Hayden offered him a smile that made his cheeks warm. The hell with Tag. He should snap his neck for making Hayden look so miserable.

I’ll take this to the car. You get Lily.

A smile spread across her face and she wrapped her arms around his waist pressing her cheek to his chest. He resisted the urge to smell her hair; kiss the top of her head. Damn, this was dangerous. In the year he’d been back, he’d tried to love her as a friend and convince himself that was enough. Now, his heart was careening to catch up with the thoughts hope sent racing through his head.

Rational thought finally caught up with him and he pulled away. Hayden blushed and mumbled a few words about being ready in a second before heading to her daughter’s room. Hayden paused at Lily’s door. Cam stood behind her, looking at the child over her mother’s head. The little girl nestled deeper in her bed, as if sensing their restless presence in her room. Hayden took a deep breath and scooped the child up, blankets and all. Lily let out a sigh and snuggled under her mother’s chin. Hayden kissed the blonde head and gripped her tighter. She was a tiny girl, even for a four-year-old.

Fearing her resolve would weaken, Cam whispered, You ready?

I’m ready as I’ll ever be. Holding her bundle tight to her shoulder, she followed Cam to his car. After he put the suitcase in the trunk, she handed him the sleeping child and headed to the garage, returning with the car seat. She strapped it into the back seat. Cam settled Lily in gently, clicking the latches without making the little girl stir.

Task finished, he looked to Hayden. I guess that’s it?

Hayden nodded, her arms crossed over her chest. Yeah. She touched his arm lightly. Cam…

She lowered her gaze, but said nothing.

I’m sorry to involve you. I know this puts you in an awkward situation. I won’t ever tell anyone you helped me.

Don’t worry about it. Tag will either get over it, or he won’t.

CHAPTER 2

Cam wished to hell she didn’t smell so good. It was a subtle scent, but it filled his car and made his gut clench. He’d considered her smell one of the best things in life—until the day she married Tag. He’d paid twenty dollars for a dance with the bride at the reception. When he’d held her, her body was warm; her scent strong from the heat in the crowded room. She’d smiled at him like she owned the world, happily unaware the week before their wedding, her new husband screwed his favorite bartender. In Tag’s defense, he’d tried to be discreet, but when he pressed the heftier-than-average gal up against the plastic cover of the bar’s ice machine, it cracked in half. When her bare ass hit the ice, she let out a squeal that got everyone’s attention.

No one at his bachelor party told on Tag. And Brandy Beltrand, the bartender, didn’t come clean, no matter how much Cam encouraged her to confess. He and Brandy were pathetic silent witnesses to a union that broke their hearts. Neither of them wanted to be the one to stick their neck out and try to stop it.

Once they said their I do’s, he accepted that he shouldn’t and probably couldn’t break them up. The only thing he could do to protect himself was to leave town and move to a zip code far enough away to ensure he’d never have to worry about bumping into the happy couple. He never could understand—of all the women in the world, why did Tag choose Hayden? He didn’t even appreciate her. She was beautiful, smart, gentle… she had a light touch in all things as refreshing as a gentle breeze on a hot day.

And she made him think stupid shit like that.

He rubbed the stiffness out of his neck and reminded himself just because Hayden said she was divorcing him, that hardly meant it was over between them. He didn’t know how Hayden expected this to go, but Cam knew his cousin. Even if he didn’t love his wife, losing her was still losing. Tag would not give up easily, especially if he found out Cam was now involved. He and Tag had been buddies since they were in diapers, almost like brothers. And like any sibling relationship, there was competition, jealousy, and pride. Cam doubted Tag would ever peacefully accept Hayden moving on and dating another guy, and he’d sure as hell never let it be him.

Cam had already sloppily played his hand where Hayden was concerned. It happened after Tag and Hayden’s wedding. As he left their reception, he’d pulled Tag aside and told him, You realize, Cuz, you ever hurt a hair on her head, I will deal with you.

Tag was a full head shorter than Cam, but what he lacked in stature, he made up in bravado. Tag had given Cam a playful punch to his shoulder and an ornery grin. I can guarantee you she won’t be walking straight tomorrow because her legs will be weak. But I’ll try to take it easy on her, for you.

The visual was instant and Cam wanted to drive his fist through Tag’s face.

Tag took a step closer and whispered, I married her buddy, not you. That may take some time to get used to, but you will.

That conversation marked Cam’s rock-bottom. Cam left town the next day, never planning to return. And he didn’t. At least not until his dad wrapped his car around a tree and couldn’t keep up with his construction business.

That was over a year ago. His father was back to work, so why was he still here?

He cracked the stiffness out of his neck. It was hard to be honest, even with himself. He told himself it was because he was offered a good job on the local college football team. But that was a lie. With his background, he could have gotten a job at most any college or university. The truth was, he didn’t want to leave Hayden again. He told himself he was good with being friends.

He could be near her and still move on with his life. Shelley proved that, right? They’d only gone out a few times, but he was happy. Okay, so maybe not happy, but he was content. Shelley was fun. More fun than any other woman he’d dated. If only she could give him that same rush as the woman next to him, his life would be so much simpler.

He cleared his throat, glancing in the rear-view mirror to make sure Lily was asleep. The little girl was curled up against the corner of her car seat, mouth cracked slightly, her breaths slow and steady. You’ve left before. You sure this time?

Hayden crossed her legs in the seat, turning toward him slightly with her back against the passenger door. Definitely. I have to get out, Cam. I don’t hate him, but I don’t love him either.

You say that because you’re mad. When you two—

No. I’m done. I feel nothing. I don’t love him anymore. And I’m not saying that out of anger, because I’m not even mad at him. It’s like I finally realized we weren’t meant for each other. We’re not even compatible. She cleared her throat. As a matter of fact. Short pause. Last weekend, I heard about Tag and Brandy the week before our wedding and my only thought was—why didn’t he just marry her in the first place? She’s always been in his life. If he ever truly loved anyone, it’s her. Don’t you think?

Cam swallowed and shrugged. Tag always bragged that Brandy knew tricks few women would even consider, and that was why he could never give her up. Cam knew Brandy never made the cut with Tag because she was chunky. Tag was too arrogant to date anyone who was less than perfect. But Hayden was right. Ever since they were in junior high, Brandy was always in Tag’s life one way or another. If only she’d gone to Weight Watchers, she could have saved everyone a lot of heartache. Cam rubbed the back of his neck, ashamed of himself for even thinking of Brandy’s weight. Brandy was one of the nicest women.

Oh, my God, you’re not surprised. You know, don’t you?

Cam shrugged.

Cameron James Vorelli! How long have you known?

He gripped the steering wheel. The car was suddenly a little stuffy. I—

Don’t you dare lie to me. I’ve always counted you as one of the good ones. Don’t you ruin that for me.

He sighed. You don’t need me to verify what you already know.

Is it true… the week before our wedding?

Cam frowned.

Don’t you dare do this. You tell me. As my friend, you tell me what happened, right now.

Fine. He screwed her. You happy?

Hayden shrugged. More of a smug feeling than a happy one. Is it true it was at the bachelor party?

Why do you want to know this? His nickname is Tag, for God’s sake. He didn’t get the name by being a Boy Scout.

I thought— Hayden shook her head. He told me he got the name when he little, before he even went to school.

He got it because he patted his pediatrician on the ass and my dad thought it was hilarious. Little Clifford was going to be a player one day, so Tag was born.

Why didn’t you ever warn me?

You wouldn’t have listened.

Of course, I would have. You’re my friend.

He’s my cousin.

So, that’s why you protect him?

Protect him?

Yeah. You cover for him when he screws up. That’s why you won’t tell me what happened.

Fine. He nailed her against the ice machine and the lid broke. When her ass hit the ice, she let out this hellacious noise—we all thought someone was torturing a cat or getting murdered, so we ran to check…and well, there they were.

Hayden bit her lip before breaking out in giggles. He’s such a romantic. She laughed until she had to dab tears from her eyes. Dear God, he’s such an idiot. Seriously, why didn’t you tell me this six years ago? You were my friend. You could have saved me years of bullshit.

Come on, you had to know he was a cheat. You guys dated for years. How the hell did you not catch on?

Because you always lied for him, you son of a bitch. How many times did I ask you, was Tag really with you, like he said — and every time, what the hell did you say?

Like I said—he was family and my best friend.

I was your friend, too.

How could he explain man code to her? Or that he thought about telling her every single day, but then forced himself to slow down and consider his motives. Was he eager to tell her because he wanted the best for her, or was he paving the way for himself?

I only believed him because I trusted you.

Guys don’t just rat out other guys.

Oh, my God. I can’t believe I’m having you help me. If I have you drop me off, you’ll tell him where I am. Stop at the next exit. I’ll call a cab. You men and your brotherhood crap.

You’re not taking a cab.

You can’t tell me what to do.

You can’t make me stop the car.

I can and I will, unless you promise me you won’t tell. You’ll be loyal to me now, not him.

He swallowed hard. I won’t tell him.

Promise me. Hayden’s words were hard and a little louder than she probably intended.

Cam was about to assure her he’d do whatever it took to protect her. She meant more to him than any other human on this earth. His confession was stopped short when Lily started to cry. Please, no fights. Please, Mommy.

The little girl stuffed her fingers in her ears. Irritation ran up Cam’s spine. He and Hayden were hardly fighting. How many fights had the little girl seen to be this reactionary?

It’s okay, Lils, Cam said. Your mom was mad at me for good reason, but I’m sorry.

You’re sorry? No more fights? Lily pulled her fingers out of her ears, but her hands hovered as if ready to plug them again.

No more fights. His voice was calm.

No more fights, baby. Mommy swears. Hayden gave Cam a look of guilt and embarrassment. She sighed and rubbed her eyes.

The little girl bounced her legs. I need to potty.

We’ll stop. There’s a McDonalds up ahead, Cam said.

Once he parked, Hayden reached for the door handle. Cam reached for her, grabbing her arm. I swear, you can trust me. I’m on your side.

Are you sure? Are you really ready to help the enemy?

You’re not the enemy.

I will be very soon. As soon as those papers are delivered, everyone will hate me. Shoot, even my own family is going to hate me.

I’ll never hate you. I know you, Hayden, I know you’re not walking away on a whim.

Tears filled her eyes. He wasn’t trying to make her cry. Then she smiled. Thank you, Cam. I needed to hear that.

He cradled her cheek in his hand. The desire to tell her he loved her burned through his soul, but he was rescued by Lily, who started shaking her legs. I gotta pee-eee. Hayden was out of the car, unbuckled the child, and hurried her to the bathroom. Cam followed and waited.

CHAPTER 3

Trying her best to blink away the tears, Hayden listened to her daughter’s voice echo from the bathroom stall without hearing her words. She told herself to keep it together, but it was hard. The guilt alone felt like a knife in her gut. Cam was a good guy and she was putting him in the worst position. She lied when she said she couldn’t call anyone else. Mark would have picked her up, or any one of her girlfriends. But the horrible truth was, she feared Tag.

She couldn’t tell Cam the whole truth. Of all the people in the world, he was the last person she wanted to know what she’d put up with; what she’d exposed her daughter to. A tear rolled down her cheek. She swiped it away and turned to the sink. The fluorescent lights were harsh. Her skin looked pasty and her eyes shadowed. The woman staring back at her looked and felt so much older than her twenty-six years. Turning on the faucet, she splashed the tepid water on her face, then patted it dry with a brown paper towel.

The door squeaked open behind her. Lily’s blonde head appeared in the mirror. Hayden turned to her daughter. The little girl’s pants were pulled up crooked, but she looked so confident and proud that she was big enough to do her business without her mom’s help. The ponytail that held her silky hair was coming out. Hayden had wanted to cut it a bit shorter, but Lily insisted on having long hair—like Mommy’s. Hayden would much rather her baby have a different hero.

You crying, Mommy?

No. Soap in my eye.

Oh. Lemme see.

Hayden squatted. Lily’s tiny little hand lifted her eyelid as she did her examination. No bubbles.

Hayden swallowed and tried not to shed more tears. It must be all out.

Good, Lily said placing a little kiss on the corner of Hayden’s eye. There. All better.

Hayden lifted Lily up so she could wash her hands. As Lily washed, Hayden couldn’t help but think it would her luck that she’d get herpes in her eye for allowing Lil to examine her eye pre-wash.

Finished, Lily shut off the water. Hayden set her back on the floor then handed her some towels.

Let’s go see what Cam is doing.

Lily took her mother’s hand and led her into the restaurant. Cam was standing near the door talking football with a guy in a flannel shirt. Cam looked like a giant— at 6 foot 3 inches, Cam towered above most normal humans. And fresh from the pros, he was still ripped with muscles. Every woman in the place gave him a once-over, some going so far as offering him bold stares and leers. Women could be so shameless. Hayden felt a stab of jealousy, which was absurd.

Cam was her friend. Nothing more. There was a time when she thought there might be something more between them, but then she gave herself a reality check. Cam Vorelli, the most handsome, athletic, and beloved guy to pass through the halls of Hazelton High would never be interested in her. One day, he was destined to marry a model, or someone really special.

But not Shelley. She wasn’t good enough for Cam. She was a phony, shallow bimbo. Oh no, Cam deserved way better than that witch.

Lily addressed Cam first. You wanna get a kitty?

A what? Cam asked.

A kitty, Lily repeated.

Hayden bent over and adjusted the child’s pants. Cam isn’t getting a kitty. She looked up at Cam. Lily is going to get a kitten.

A kitten? Cam whistled. Aren’t you a lucky kid.

"You can get one too.