Justice For Abby Read Online Free

“…seven, six, five, four, three, two, one! Happy New Year!”
    Jackson kissed Alexa enthusiastically, then turned to Abby, planting one on her cheek. “Happy New Year, Abby.”
    She gave him a peck in return and a huge hug, holding on, always grateful to Jackson and Alexa for bringing her home. If they hadn’t found her… “Happy New Year.”
    She hugged Alexa next. “I love you, Lex.”
    “I love you too.”
    She eased back, staring into her sister’s face, which was almost identical to her own, grinning again, and caught Jerrod looking her way across the room. Her roommate took a sip of water—never alcohol when he was on duty, which was always—and gave her a nod. Abby waved and returned her attention to Alexa. “Here’s to a new year.”
    “It’s going to be good, Ab.” Alexa gave Abby’s arm a gentle squeeze.
    “I think you’re right.” But there were obstacles to face yet.
    “I know I am.” She kissed her cheek. “I’m going to go find Livy.”
    “Of course. Send her my way when you track her down.”
    “Okay.” Alexa and Jackson wandered off hand-in-hand.
    Abby took another sip of champagne and set her glass on a tray.
    “Hey.”
    She turned as someone tapped her shoulder.
    A heavyset man with beer breath grabbed her up in a tight hug, lifting her off her feet. “Happy New Year.”
    Her heart kicked into high gear, and she automatically shoved at his shoulders. “Don’t touch me.”
    The man released her and shrugged, moving on to Austin and Hailey several steps away. “Happy New Year, Mamma,” he said to Hailey as he patted her ever growing baby belly. “When’re you gonna have that kid anyway?”
    Hailey laughed. “In March.”
    “How much have you had to drink tonight, buddy?” Austin asked, winking at Hailey as he slung his arm around her shoulders.
    Abby’s breath rushed in and out, and she trembled, even as she realized the grabby stranger was harmless. Air. She needed air. “Excuse me. Excuse me,” she murmured, fighting her way through the crowds to the open sliding glass doors by the pool. Finally she freed herself from the masses and bee-lined her way to the rail overlooking the cliffs and endless Pacific below, gulping in the cool, biting breeze while the winds tossed her hair around her naked shoulders. The pounding surf soothed with each deep breath in and slow exhalation—a coping strategy she’d mastered. Relaxing her grip on the chilly metal, she rolled her eyes to the stars, seething with frustration. Why did she have to break out in a damn cold sweat every time someone looked at her the wrong way or touched her? Why couldn’t she just shrug the moment off the way Hailey did? A year ago she would have. A year ago she would have hugged the guy back.
    “Abby?”
    She whirled, her guard still up, as Jerrod walked her way. Pasting on a smile, she swallowed the defeat of her latest setback. “Hi.”
    He stopped in front of her, holding out a bottled water. “I thought you might want a drink.”
    She took the bottle. “Thanks.”
    “It’s cold out here.” He rubbed his hands over the arms of his white button-down. “You’ve gotta be freezing.”
    “I think it feels good.” Goosebumps covered her skin, but the chilly air was better than the hot, crowded house.
    “You’re shivering.”
    “I’m fine.” She wasn’t ready to go in and deal with the people and noise yet.
    “I’ll be right back.” He walked off, returning moments later with one of Emma’s pale pink blankets, settling it around her shoulders.
    She pulled the soft, warm fleece tighter against her. “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome.” He skirted around her and leaned his powerful frame against the rail, crossing his muscled arms at his chest as the wind ruffled his short, dirty-blond hair. “Nice night. The stars are bright.”
    She looked up again at the flecks and twinkles high above. “Mmm. Perfect for ringing in the New Year.” She twisted the cap on her bottle. “Happy New