Antidote

26. Forbidden Kisses

MADISON

MY brain goes haywire. Recently I've experienced a lot of moments that have confused the shit out of me. This moment can only be added to that ever growing list.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" I ask, choking on my own spit.

"Yeah, I don't know why I'm telling you this now. I just got married, but I had to tell you. I loved you. Fuck, maybe I still do. I don't know." He hiccups, falling slightly forward.

"You're wasted. You don't mean any of this." I shake my head. I'm not sure if I'm trying to convince him or myself of that.

He looks up at me again with a pleading expression. "I do mean it."

"Then why did you say all of those hurtful things to me two years ago?" I'm quick to ask.

"Because I don't fucking know. We had sex and then I realized I loved you, but I thought you just wanted to stay friends. So, I started acting like a dick and I really just don't know." His words slur together and he shakes his head.

Did I love Andrew? I know I loved him as a friend, and I was starting to catch feelings for him, especially after we slept together. Loving him as more than a friend? I don't think I was there yet. It doesn't matter now anyway. Kaiden is my soulmate and Andrew just married Callie. This conversation is completely inappropriate.

"I think I should go. Your wedding was beautiful, Andrew, and I wish nothing but the best for you." I tell him as politely as I can and gather my things off the bar.

"No, wait," He attempts to stop me, but stumbles when he gets up from the stool. "Madison."

"No, I'm serious, Andrew. You just got married. You shouldn't be telling me you love me and all of this. It's not right." I shake my head, hoping that Callie isn't around nearby to watch this scene unfold.

He stares at me like he doesn't know what to say. I don't know what else to say either so I turn on my heels and head for the nearest exit that leads out to the parking lot.

The cold November air bites at my skin, the dress I'm wearing does little to cover my skin and keep me warm. I dig in my small pocketbook to find my phone, but before I can find it, the door swings open and out comes Andrew.

"Madison, please, don't go. Can we just talk about this, please?" He pleads, walking towards me.

This is embarrassing. I don't respond and instead continue on the search for my phone, but he doesn't stop until he's right in front of me.

"Please, Maddie." He asks again, calling me by my old nickname. He's so close that I can smell the whiskey on his breath.

"What, Andrew?" I stop, crossing my arms to look at him. "You're drunk."

"I know I am," He hiccups, slightly falling backwards. Out of instinct, I reach forward to catch him before he can hit the ground. He laughs and leans into me. "Thank you."

I help him stand up straight again before I let go. "You should go back inside."

"No," He shakes his head. "Not until I talk to you."

"About what?" I lean back against the cold brick building. I'm glad my hotel is just right across the road. There's no way I could drive. My head is still swimming.

"Just be honest with me, okay? If I wouldn't have been so mean to you, would you have stayed with me?"

My eyes clench shut. "I don't know." I don't like to think about that. I love Kaiden and I can't picture a life without him now. I wouldn't go back and change anything.