Bereft (Seven Year Itch #2)(21)

“I’ve been called worse. I think it offended you more than me. You’re a beautiful woman. Any man would be honored to be considered your lover. It’s all good.”

“You’re being too nice. Maybe you could tone it down a bit. I’m starting to think you’re full of shit.”

“I tell it like it is. If you were mine, I wouldn’t let you slip away. Beautiful girls are a dime a dozen, but you have brains and a heart. You’re not after a pot of gold. You’re real to a fault. I enjoy your company. It’s different than I’m used to. I think we’re going to get along just fine.”

“Sure, now that you’ve seen me half-naked.”

“Rachel, even if I saw you completely naked, my opinion wouldn’t change. Hell, I probably shouldn’t say this, and if you want to slap me it’s cool, but if you’re ever needing someone to help you get over him, or even a revenge f*ck, I could be that guy. No strings. I’m not looking to get settled down right now. I don’t have time for a relationship. I’m telling you because I want you to know you’re worth it. Your husband made a huge mistake, I’m sure of it after seeing that crazy cat.”

I almost laughed through my constant tears. “Thanks for the offer. I’m not interested in revenge. It would hurt me worse.”

“Like I said before, I’m just putting it out there. Sex doesn’t have to mean something. It feels good. It’s for pleasure. You’re going to slap me now, aren’t you?”

I shook my head. “No. I’m not. I’m flattered. But it’s still a no.”

“Yeah, I figured. Why don’t you go upstairs and get some sleep. I’ll be fine on the couch. When you get up I’ll be gone. I’ve got an early morning appointment I can’t miss.”

“Are you sure you want to stay?”

“I’m cool. There’s pillows and a blanket. That’s all I need. Can I use your shower in the morning before I go? I’ve got a change of clothes in my car I keep.”

“Sure. The towels are under the sink in the bathroom on this level.” I stood and turned to walk upstairs. “Chad, thank you. It’s been an awkward night. Even with your offers, I still feel safer because you’re here.”

“Don’t mention it. My grandfather would kick my ass if I let shit happen to you on my watch. Try to get some rest. If you need anything just ask,” he snickered. “That includes physical favors.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry. Some parts of me can’t hold back. Your new haircut is sexy as shit. Goodnight, Rachel.”

“Goodnight, Chad.”





Chapter 10


Grayson


My drive home from the college was unbearable. My daughter hated me; that much I knew. She was adamant on me leaving, and I wasn’t sure how long it would take her to forgive me for what I’d done.

It wasn’t just my betrayal. She was screwed over by her very best friend. We’d shared a secret from her. It was the ultimate disloyalty.

Infidelity had led me down this path. Now I didn’t know what to do to remedy the situation. Once again, I tried calling my wife. No answer.

I even attempted to contact my daughter. It went straight to voicemail. Both of my girls couldn’t stand the sight of me.

When my phone rang I felt excited. I figured one of them was calling to say they wanted to talk. I didn’t care what direction I needed to turn the car in. I’d run to them if I had to.

The number was unlisted, but I answered anyway. Rachel could have gotten her number changed, but decided to give it to me anyway. “Hello?”

“Hey, baby it’s me. I took care of our little problem. You don’t have to worry about Rachel getting in our way any more. I know she’s the reason you don’t want to see me.”

“What are you talking about? What did you do? If you harmed her at all you’ll be sorry.”

“Calm down. I didn’t touch a hair on her body. I paid her a visit, and told her to leave us alone. We’re too connected to end things. We can be happy. She’ll be out of the picture and you me and Steph can be a family. It will be like old times.”

What the hell was happening?

“Kyla, listen to me. There is no us. What did you say to Rachel?”

“I told her to leave us alone. She knows we f*cked all over your house. She knows there’s not an inch of that house you didn’t have me in. Face it, Grayson, I’m all you have left. Rachel doesn’t want you. She told me I could have you. Now there’s no reason for us to be apart.”

“You’re insane. Do you hear yourself? Even if Rachel hates me, I still won’t love you. I never have and I never will.”

The line was quiet. “You’ll change your mind. You’ll miss me. I know you will. Give it a couple days. You’ll be begging to see me.”

“No. I won’t. Stop calling me, Kyla. I’m having my number changed. This is ridiculous.”

I was infuriated. She’d gone and screwed my life up worse. I didn’t even think it was possible.

It was late, but I had to get to Rachel. She needed to know I hadn’t put Kyla up to the visit. She had to know she was a liar. Yes, we’d had sex in a lot of places, but there were things which needed to stay buried. Details would only hurt her more. I couldn’t deal with the agony of imaging what Rachel was going through.