Bereft (Seven Year Itch #2)(40)

“No you won’t. You can stay with me.”

I shook my head. “Absolutely not.”

“Why? Are you afraid you can’t resist me?”

I nodded. “Yes, actually that’s exactly what I’m afraid of.”

He chuckled and sat half his ass on my desk. “I’ll keep my hands to myself, Rach. You can have the bedroom. I’m cool with the couch. I usually fall asleep there anyway. Seriously. It’s not a big deal.”

“What about the girls you bring home? Don’t you need the bedroom?” I was fishing for him to admit he was a manwhore. He seemed to find me hilarious.

“The girls I bring home? Didn’t you just say we couldn’t be physical?”

I nodded.

“Yeah, well I’m pretty sure I can hold out for the time it takes for your furniture to be delivered.”

He wouldn’t admit there were other women, and a part of me didn’t even want to know the truth. It might make me feel terrible about my decision to sleep with him. “Fine, but only because it’s close to work and you have furniture and dishes.”

“How about we go shopping, then pick something up to take back? You can change into something comfortable and relax for a change.”

“That sounds nice.”

“It’s settled. Close up your computer and let’s get going.”





Chapter 21


Grayson


Work wasn’t keeping my mind off of Rachel. I kept contemplating calling her and begging her to come home, but I knew she was getting annoyed. I couldn’t continue to push her. She needed time, and I had to give it to her. This wasn’t something I was able to rush. I had to give her ample space if I ever wanted her back in my life. Time would be the only factor when it came to our marriage. I was going to have to pray I didn’t lose her forever, but if I had, I’d need to learn how to survive without her constant love and support.

Around lunchtime my receptionist told me my daughter had dropped by. Without a second’s thought I told her to send the girl straight back to my office. When the door opened I didn’t even look up, since I assumed it was Stephanie.

Kyla leaned against the door. She was wearing some low cut number, which actually made her more flat chested than she was. It didn’t do a thing for her, though it was obvious she thought she looked amazing. “So, it’s been a couple days. I figured you might be missing me.”

I pointed to the door, shocked she’d showed up and got through the necessary departments to locate me. “Turn back around and get out. You aren’t permitted here, and even if you were, I wouldn’t want to see you. Why can’t you get it through your head? There is no us. I love my wife. That will never change. She’s my soul mate. She’s the reason I want to continue living.”

I could tell she was hurt by my words, not that I cared. She’d done this to herself. “I don’t believe that. If you loved her so much then why were you with me? Why were your hands on my body instead of hers?”

She had a valid point; one I’d been asking myself since this had been discovered. “I don’t know. All I can tell you is that it has nothing to do with feelings. I don’t love you, and I will never love you. They are the only facts I have. Frankly, I don’t give a damn if you believe me or not. The next call I make will be to the police to have a protective order put out against you. Get it through your thick head, Kyla. There is no us, and there never was. Furthermore, there never will be. You were a cheap screw. That’s all I will ever see you as.” I motioned for the door. “Find your way out. We’re done here.”

I was tired of her immature games. She needed to get the hell out of my life and stay away.

As soon as I was able to take a break, I headed to the local sheriff’s department to see about the protection order. I was done hoping she’d leave me alone. I needed to make sure it never happened again.

A good hour later I walked outside feeling like I’d accomplished something great. She’d be served with papers, thanks to a quick push from an old buddy of mine who still worked for the force. Back when I’d delivered parcels, he’d been one of my regular customers. He’d always included me in fantasy football leagues, and occasionally we’d have a beer. This time I needed his help for something more serious, and he was happy to oblige, but only after I explained my reasoning. Admitting what I’d done to my marriage was difficult to do. Halfway through I felt like I was going to lose my shit in front of him. I managed to keep it together, even after I explained Rachel had moved out.

Before I pulled away from my parking spot I took out my phone and called Rachel. “Grayson, it’s not a good time.”

Of course it wasn’t. There would never be one. “I’ll make it quick. I’m changing my phone number. I’ll text you from the new one. Kyla will no longer be a problem in our lives. I’ve made sure she isn’t to come within five-hundred feet of us.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it. I have a feeling she’s just getting started. Apparently you’re a hard man to forget.”

“Is that coming from experience?”

In the background I heard someone speaking and then her laughing. “Sorry, Grayson. I’m in the middle of something. I need to call you back later.”