Second Chance With My Bad Boy Ex

By Abby Greyson

This is a kisses only, sweet romance.
 

I thought being the maid of honor for my best friend's wedding was crazy enough - until the best man showed up.

Kyle Monroe. My best friend's brother and my ex.
With his room next to mine, there's no avoiding him.

Those eyes, that smile, that dimple….ugh.
Looks like my bestie is meddling again…she always did love me and Kyle together.

So did I, until he ripped my heart out and tore it to shreds.

Now four little words have turned my world upside down.

I still love you.

My heart does gymnastics, while my stomach drops to the floor.
Every fiber of my being wants to believe him, but doubt grips me.

I can't trust him.

I definitely can't trust my heart.

But what if a second chance with my bad boy ex means a love I never dreamed possible?
 

This standalone is a kisses only, sweet and swoony, small town, second chance, best friend's brother, romantic comedy with a wedding theme. Second Chance with my Bad Boy Ex is a happily ever after with no cliffhanger. I hope that you fall in love with Kyle and Andrea just like I did!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Abby Greyson
• Release date: Jul 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227130150

Book preview

Chapter 1

Andrea

I smile with every clack of my keyboard. As a writer, the clicking noises it makes whenever I hit a key just makes me feel responsible and talented. Okay . . . so what next?

I stare at chapter one on the screen, but my brain refuses to boot and match my enthusiasm. My previous book was about a wholesome teacher who fell in love with one of her student’s fathers, and oh, that book did so well. We sold out of our first one hundred copies in the first few days! 

Now, they want the second book to have a similar storyline with lots of sappy romance. I don’t know if I have it in me to write another happily ever after—not after my breakup two years ago. Maybe romance is dead after all, and my career in it has come to a sad, premature end. This thought causes a knot in my stomach. I love, love, love romance, but my last breakup really devastated me, and I’ve been unable to put the pieces of my heart back together. 

I was madly in love with Kyle Monroe; he was everything to me. He is my best friend’s brother, so I’d had a crush on him forever. When he confessed his feelings for me, and we started dating, I was blissfully happy. We dated for two years until he woke up one morning and decided it was over. We had arguments every now and then, but what couple doesn’t? He even gave me the whole it’s not you, it’s me excuse. Since then, I haven’t seen or spoken to him. 

How do I write a good romance story when the thought of love is like a stab to my heart? 

I feel a wet nub on the back of my arm and twist in my seat to see Axel behind me, wagging his tail playfully. Axel is my five-year-old whippet and round-the-clock companion that I love so much. 

Axel, I groan, giving him a brief head rub and turning back to the screen. Don’t distract me. You know it’s serious when I’m in this chair. 

Axel runs his nose across my arm again, and I groan. Summer has officially started, so his dog sitter isn’t able to visit him every day, which means I have to deal with Axel’s attachment issues because he has no concept of personal space.

My phone beeps, and I want to ignore it because I’m sure it’s Sue, my agent, texting to ask how far along I am with my manuscript. But curiosity has always been one of my weaknesses, so I grab the phone from the table and peek through my fingers at the screen.

It’s a message from Sue, and it’s a loaded question with just those two words, What’s up?

Ugh! I groan, letting my head fall to my desk. Axel lets out a soft whine. Sorry, boo. I reach for him and pull his squirming body to me. But, What’s up?

I know Sue sent that because she’s trying not to seem like she’s doing too much micromanaging, but right now, even the smallest text seems like a lot of pressure. 

I shoot off a quick reply. Hey, Sue. I’m stuck at the moment and don’t have much to report. I’ll get back on track soon and give you an update then.

Sue’s response is immediate. Take your time, but we need that manuscript ASAP. Even if it’s the first five chapters, you just need to submit something. This one’s going to be a hit. I can feel it!

Deep in thought, I look from my phone to my laptop and then sigh. I wonder if I will ever capture the magic of writing a successful romance novel again. I shake my head to get back in the game and focus on my laptop. But as soon as I begin writing the first paragraph, his face, his smile, and the way his blue eyes shone when he laughed flash in my mind. Dangit, this is going to be hard.

I glare at the screen, and I know anyone who saw me now wouldn’t understand why. Heck, I don’t understand why myself. It’s been two years, and he still has this much hold of my thoughts. Snap out of it, girl. You’ve got a deadline to meet.

Axel, sensing my mood, nuzzles my hand, offering comfort. His loyalty is unwavering, even when my heart feels shattered into a million pieces. This is why I love him to bits.

I take a deep breath, square my shoulders, and turn back to my screen. It’s time to push past my own heartache and create a world where love still exists, a world where happily ever after’s are possible. 

And just when I’m about to dive back into the sea of imagination and scenario building, my phone rings. I glance at the caller ID, and a smile tugs at the corner of my lips. It’s Tina, my best friend.

Hey there, I greet her, grateful for the distraction, yet I can’t help but sigh, bracing myself for what my vivacious best friend has in store. What’s up?

Hey girl, how are you? How is the book coming along? Are you ready to dazzle everyone with yet another swoony book? I hope your overbearing agent isn’t on your back. How is—

Whoa, slow down; one question at a time. However, to answer, I am fine. Slowly, but I’m getting there, I guess. Actually, I’m not sure about that at the moment. I am having some serious writer’s block. She is. And for your last question, Axel is the best part of my day and doing fine.

Oh, that’s great. After a pause, she continues. Andrea, you won’t believe what’s happening!

Here it comes, another wedding update. Tina is about to marry the love of her life, and her enthusiasm for all things wedding-related is nothing short of infectious.

With a cheeky grin, I say. Spill the tea. 

Her voice, filled with excitement, echoes through the call. It’s just two weeks until the ‘Adam and Tina Show’ goes live!

I can’t help but smile at her animated tone and decide to tease her. The ‘Adam and Tina Show’? What show? You’re in a TV show, and you didn’t tell me?

Please don’t tell me you forgot that my wedding is just two weeks away. 

 Heck no, I was just teasing. Do I get font row tickets?

Her laughter chimes through the phone. Of course. You are the co-star of the show.

My eyebrows arch. Co-star of the show? What’s the grand plot this time?

Since it’s the season of sun, love, and all things fabulous, Adam and I have decided to fly the bridal party to my hometown, Cave Spring, GA, for the wedding early. We’ll be staying at my family’s guest house. It’s going to be like a pre-wedding mini-vacay!

The guest house? I hope you’ve ordered the red carpet.

Not just the red carpet, but the velvet ropes as well!

I chuckle at her enthusiasm. Perfect.

Your plane ticket is ready, and all the information is in the email I just sent. You know, as the maid of honor, you are supposed to be here before any of the bridesmaids, and since they will be coming, that means you need to be here too.

I lean back in my chair, frowning at the thought of taking an early break from my writing. I can’t help but groan internally. Would you hate me if I said I wanted to pull out of being your maid of honor and just be an ordinary bridesmaid or one of the guests? You know I love you, but I’m swamped with work. I complain, my voice tinged with frustration. Deadlines are looming, and I’m not exactly in a place to take time off.

There is silence on the other end of the line, and then I hear Tina sigh deeply, Yes, I would absolutely hate you. You are my bestie, and this is something we have discussed and agreed on since college. You’re my maid of honor. You can’t back out now.

Her voice grows softer, more understanding. Andi, I know you’re busy, and you’ve been through a lot, especially with your writing. I’ve been there for you through thick and thin, and I need you with me on my big day. I promise you this is going to be a beautiful week. It will help you find inspiration again, and maybe . . . just maybe, you might even discover some romance.

She’s right, but I have other reasons for my reluctance. The biggest reason is that, deep inside, I know that if I go, I’ll see him again. I’m not ready to confront those emotions or those memories.

As if she knows what I’m thinking, she says, If it’s because of Kyle, don’t worry, you won’t see him much. He told Adam that he’d arrive the night before the wedding.

I sigh, the conflict within me growing. What about Axel? My dog sitter left town for the summer. I can’t leave Axel alone for two weeks.

Andrea, I’ve already thought of that. The guest house is pet friendly. Axel can come along.

I hesitate. 

You know I’d move mountains to have you with me, Andrea. The wedding just wouldn’t be the same without you. Please, Andi, I need you to be there with me.

Her words tug at my heartstrings, and I know I can’t let her down. With a resigned smile, I agree. All right, you win. I’ll be there. But I’m taking my laptop with me. I have to find some time to write, even during the pre-wedding festivities.

She squeals with delight, and I can’t help but chuckle. You’re the best, Andi! I promise we’ll make it an unforgettable week, and Axel will have a blast, too. You won’t regret it. I love you. TTYL and see you soon. 

I sigh, shifting in my chair and leaning back, looking at my still-blank chapter one. 

I can’t help but wonder if a change of scenery might be the spark my creativity needs. Perhaps a little break from my solitary writing cave will do me some good, and who knows, maybe love will find its way into my story after all. I have no idea what’s in store for me, but I’m excited.

Chapter 2

Andrea

Traveling with a whippet isn’t for the faint of heart, and I quickly discover that Axel has a knack for turning any journey into an adventure. His wagging tail and excited barks are a source of both amusement and mild chaos. He is an easygoing pup, but coordinating his needs, my luggage, and the journey to Tina’s hometown feels like a herculean task. It’s an exercise in patience and resilience.

To top it off, I am running late. Just as I am about to load my luggage into the car Tina sent, I discover I have the wrong bag.

Frantic and cursing my luck, I rush back into the airport, maneuvering through the bustling crowd with Axel’s leash in one hand and the misplaced bag in the other. I must look like a lost soul as I weave through the sea of travelers, my heart pounding.

Minutes pass, but each second feels like an eternity. I try to soothe my nerves by petting Axel, who is surprisingly calm despite the chaos. Then, just when I am about to lose hope, a baggage handler appears, wheeling my familiar black suitcase back to me.

My heart swells with relief as I reclaim my luggage. I thank the airport staff profusely, knowing that my journey is back on track. With my luggage in tow, I make my way back to the waiting car, ready to embark on the adventure that lies ahead.

By the time we arrive, I am exhausted, physically and mentally, and ready to collapse. The car parks a bit farther from the entrance than I’d anticipated, so I have to make the walk to the guest house with Axel and my luggage in tow. It is one of those moments when I question why I didn’t pack lighter, but there is no turning back now. Luckily, someone has come to help me. Thank god.

I nod my head in gratitude as I insist on carrying one of my bags. It has so much of my essential stuff that I would feel uncomfortable leaving it in someone else’s hands.

However, this bag is heavy, so I walk briskly, almost stumbling a couple of times in my haste. Axel, ever the composed and dignified canine, keeps his pace steady. However, each time I stumble, he pauses, giving me a look that seems to say, Watch your step, mama. I ain’t got the power to lift or drag you. I take a deep breath, reminding myself to slow down.

As I approach the entrance, I spot Tina pacing back and forth, her eyes darting to her wristwatch with increasing concern. I pick up the pace again, and as soon as she sees me, her face lights up with relief. She rushes toward me, throwing her arms around me in a warm, tight embrace.

Andrea! I was starting to get worried. You’re later than I expected.

I return her hug, squeezing her tightly. I’m so sorry. It’s been quite a morning. I give her a brief explanation of what happened at the airport.

Oh no, that’s terrible. Did they find your bag?

I nod. Yeah, but it delayed me quite a bit. I clutch my hands