Revived (Unexpected Series Book 1)

by S. E. Roberts

  I finally decide to drag my ass out of bed to take a shower. Since I met Claire, most of my showers have consisted of me getting off with thoughts of her in my head. Not today, though. My dick is the last thing I’m concerned about right now. Call me a pussy, but the ache in my chest is much more domineering.

  Tonight’s my night off, but I decide I don’t care and go in anyway. If nothing else, I’ll get piss drunk again. And I don’t have to worry about the authorities coming because it’s my fucking bar.

  I’ve been sitting at the bar for what feels like hours now. I’m four or five drinks in, I think. I’ve started to lose count. I’m in my own world, thinking about a certain brunette who led me on, when I feel an ice-cold hand on my arm.

  “Hey, stud. This seat taken?” the skinny ass blonde asks me. I used to find broads like her attractive until I found my brown-eyed girl. My chest tightens at the thought of her. She was never my girl. She fucking belongs to someone else.

  “No, you can have it.” I look over at her but then quickly go back to watching the game that’s playing above our heads. I’m really not interested in it and I’m not even sure which teams are playing, but at least it’s keeping my mind busy. For now.

  “I’m Cynthia.” The girl giggles and it makes me fucking nuts. She reminds me of a mixture of Monica and Vanessa. Both of whom drove me up a damn wall.

  “Ryker.” I turn in my seat and offer her my hand. I decide I have nothing to lose by flirting with this girl. I say girl because I’m pretty sure she’s hardly legal. I hope Austin fucking carded her before giving her the beer sitting in front of her. I’m too exhausted to care, but I really don’t want to deal with the law because one of my employees gave this underaged girl a drink.

  “Nice to meet you, Ryker. What’s got you so down, handsome?” She tilts her head back, taking a long pull from the drink.

  “Oh, you know. Typical shit,” I chuckle. “Found out the woman I was starting to fall for was married. No big deal.” I toss back the rest of my Corona and then slam the bottle down, letting Austin know to bring me another one. He shoots me daggers from across the counter. He’s helping other customers but he better hurry his ass up or I’m going to fire him. Fuck, I need to go home and sleep.

  “Well, I know just the thing that’ll help take your mind off that.” Her suggestive words do nothing for me, but I decide to entertain her anyway.

  “Oh, yeah? What’s that?” I grin at her, knowing exactly what she’s talking about.

  She leans in to whisper into my ear. “I’ll fuck you all night long. I won’t even give you the chance to think about that bitch while you’re with me.” Still nothing. What the hell is wrong with me? Have I consumed so many of these beers that I can’t even get a fucking hard-on?

  I grab her hand, deciding that I’m going to try like hell to get my mind off Claire. Losing her has got me slipping right back into my old habits. Tonight, I’m going to try not to care.

  33

  Claire

  I wish I could erase the image in my head, of how hurt Ryke looked when I told him I’m married.

  “Trevor, watch Brady,” I holler and then grab Sierra’s keys, hoping she doesn’t have somewhere she has to be because I have to find him.

  Trevor flew in this morning to take Brady back to Chicago for a couple days. He wanted to spend some time with him since he didn’t get to see him for his birthday. His mom is also desperate to see him. It pissed me off, but I agreed. I don’t want to keep Brady from his father. He shouldn’t be punished for our problems.

  It’s been three incredibly long days since I’ve seen him. I texted him several times but, of course, got no response. Even if he refuses to have anything to do with me, I at least need to explain myself to him. Okay, so I should have told him about Trevor before, but I didn’t think he’d actually want something serious with me. He hasn’t had a relationship in several years and he pretty much vowed to never again entertain that idea.

  When I get to his house, the only response I get is Griz barking from the other side of the door.

  How did I possibly think that he wouldn’t get hurt in all this? I should have known better with how differently he treated me from the other women he’s been with. Hell, I didn’t even sleep with him and he still stuck around.

  I try calling him, but it automatically goes to voicemail. I shoot him another text.

  Me: Do you think we could meet somewhere?

  Who the hell am I trying to kid? Why would he listen to me? He just found out that I’m married. Of course, he isn’t going to hear me out.

  Not surprisingly, I get no response, so I head to the bar.

  “Austin, is Ryke here?” I say in a rush, looking around to make sure I didn’t miss him when I walked in.

  “No, he doesn’t come in until seven. What’s wrong, Claire?” He gives me a concerned look.

  “Can you just have him call me when he comes in?” I rush toward the door.

  “Yeah, sure.”

  There’s one last place I can think of that he might be. I pull into the park, but I’m immediately disappointed when I don’t see him here either. I don’t know where else he’d be.

  My phone goes off in my hand and my heart stops in my chest. I’m soon disappointed again when I see that it’s not Ryke.

  Trevor: Where are you? Me and Brady need to head to the airport soon if you want to see him before we leave.

  “Hey, Mama!” Shay greets after one ring.

  I plop myself onto Sierra’s leather couch.

  “Hey, Shay.” She’s one of the only people who can calm me down when I’m upset like this. I miss Ryke like crazy, but also it was hard for me to tell Brady goodbye. I detest being away from him this long.

  “Hey, you doing alright?”

  “Yeah, I just wish I could see you.” I had thought about going to Chicago with Trevor, but I really didn’t want to deal with him more than I had to.

  “Me too, girlie. Are Trevor and Brady on their way now?”

  “Yeah. Are you going to be able to see him while he’s there?”

  “For sure. As long as fucktard lets me see him.” I chuckle at her. “Koda has been asking about him. He wants to take him to the park or something.” Shay’s son adores Brady. And I love Koda like he’s my own. Damn, I miss those two.

  “Just have K ask Trevor. He’d have to be completely heartless to tell that sweet boy no.”

  I imagine Shay throwing her head back as her laugh bellows through the phone. But the next second, it ends and I can tell she’s concerned about me.

  “Have you talked to Ryke?” I hear the reluctance in her voice.

  I sigh. “No. He won’t return my calls or texts. I think I really blew it, Shay.”

  “I really doubt it, babe. I think he was just shocked. Maybe he’ll let you explain.”

  I chuckle. “If he won’t even pick up his damn phone, there’s no way he’ll hear me out. He probably won’t be able to trust me again after this.” I wipe my eyes, trying to rid the few tears that have begun to fall. My fucking husband cheated on me, but that didn’t feel as cruel as Ryke’s silence.

  “Just give him time. If he’s as crazy about you as I think he is, he won’t let this get in his way of being with you.” I know she’s right. I mean, I know I was wrong not to tell him sooner about Trevor. I honestly just didn’t want to talk about him and I didn’t think he could possibly want to be with me more than friends. How foolish am I?

  “Maybe you’re right.”

  “I know I am. But, hey, Koda is yelling at me from the other room to put another Sponge Bob on. These damn spoiled kids today have no idea how shitty it was to have to wait an entire week to watch another episode of a show.”

  “How did we ever survive?” I joke.

  “Right? We were so deprived. Anyway, call me later this week, okay? I want to know how you’re doing.”

  “Okay, I will. Love you, Shay.”

  “Love you too, babe.”

  34
/>   Claire

  “Honey, I’m home!” I startle at the sound of Sierra’s booming voice. Damn, I’ve got a headache and she’s so boisterous. And I sound like a fucking bitch, but I’m in a terrible mood.

  “Hey, Sier.” I rub my eyes as I sit up on the couch. I dozed off after talking to Shay earlier. Now that Brady isn’t here, I’m not sure what to do with myself.

  “Did the douche bag and Brady already leave?” She’s never even met Trevor but probably hates him as much as I do.

  I huff, “Yeah.” I look over at the clock on her TV. “A couple hours ago.”

  “You doing okay?” She eyes me doubtfully.

  “Honestly?” There’s no reason to lie to her. Besides my brother and Avery, she’s all I have here.

  “Honestly.” She waits patiently as I gather my thoughts.

  I thought I was done crying, but here I go again. I’m pretty sure Seattle hasn’t seen the amount of moisture that has come from my eyes over the last week.

  She lays Auggie on the floor with some of his toys.

  “Come here.” She sits next to me on the couch and reaches her arm out to me for a side hug. “It’s going to be okay, I promise.”

  I sniff and I’m pretty sure I just got snot on her new shirt.

  “I miss him so much. I didn’t realize how much he meant to me until it was too late. Why did I have to go and fuck everything up?”

  “Girl, stop being so hard on yourself. He’s being a dick by not hearing you out. I know it would change things for him.”

  I nod. “I hope you’re right, but I don’t think he’s going to be doing that any time soon.”

  “Don’t lose hope. He’ll come around.” She squeezes me. “But let’s forget about asshole men for the night, okay?”

  I stare at her in disbelief. She never talks about Miles like this, so now I have to ask.

  “Uh, what happened?”

  She groans. “Nothing really. I just miss Miles like hell and sometimes it causes us to argue when we finally get to talk to each other. It’s like I’m so fucking good at ruining the short amount of time I get. He got mad at me this afternoon and hung up without a goodbye. Claire, what if something happened to him over there and that’s how our last conversation ended?” Now she’s the one weeping. We both desperately need alcohol. I’m cursing my therapist right now for telling me I shouldn’t drink.

  “Damn, I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do?” I feel like the biggest bitch for complaining about my nonexistent relationship while her husband is currently in the line of fire and she doesn’t know when she’ll see him next.

  “I just need chocolate and a good non-chick flick. Let’s watch a comedy.” She wipes her nose on the back of her hand. It’s totally disgusting, but she gets a pass tonight.

  “I just got some rocky road. Want a bowl?” She nods and grabs the blanket off the back of the couch.

  I head to the kitchen and hear my phone go off with a text message alert. I keep getting my hopes up that it’s Ryke, but I’m always sorely mistaken.

  Trevor: We made it home. Brady is sleeping.

  Wow. At least he had the decency to let me know they made it safely to Chicago. I honestly thought I’d have to call to make sure.

  I quickly text him back and then grab two bowls from the cabinet and overflow each with the chocolatey goodness.

  “I come bearing gifts.” I hand her ice cream over and then throw myself onto the couch next to her. I grab the blanket she’s already covered with and snuggle close to her. It’s hard to believe that we’ve only known each other for such a short time. It feels like I’ve known her a lifetime. I guess that’s what happens when you practically live in a prison cell together for two months.

  “What’d you decide on?” I mumble over a bite. Damn, this stuff is heavenly.

  “Dumb and Dumber” She presses play with the remote and puts her feet up on her cluttered coffee table. This place is much cleaner now that Brady and I are here. But Sierra still lives here, so it’s still messy.

  “Seriously, Sier?” I roll my eyes. “This movie is dumb as shit.”

  “Claire. It’s called Dumb and Dumber. Of course, it’s dumb.” She does a valley girl sigh and rolls her eyes at me in return.

  I shove at her playfully and then settle in for the most ridiculous movie ever made. At least, it takes my mind of Ryke for a bit.

  After my night with Sierra, I decide to visit Ryke’s bar again. If he wants to be a stubborn ass, that’s fine, but I’m not giving up yet.

  I climb out of the car and slowly make my way through the gravel parking lot, careful not to trip on a rock in my heeled sandals. Tonight, I’m wearing jean shorts with a red tank top. The collar sparkles in the light. My hair is down, even though it’s hot as hell out.

  I pull the wood door open and instantly feel a headache coming because the music is at an ungodly level. Why the hell they keep it this loud is beyond me. I can hardly hear myself think.

  I scan the bar nervously, not knowing if Ryke is even here or not. I don’t see him but still decide to take the empty stool at the end of the bar.

  “Hey, Claire,” Austin greets as he brings me a water. They don’t know why, but everyone here knows I don’t drink.

  “Hey, Austin.” I sip at the water, buying myself a few seconds to gather the nerves to ask about Ryke.

  “He’s not here tonight.” Well, damn. I got worked up for nothing.

  “Oh.” I’m obvious about my disappointment. I miss him like crazy and just wish he’d talk to me.

  “He’s not doing good.”

  “What do you mean?” I slowly look up from my drink.

  Before he can answer, a blonde bimbo sits next to me. There are four other empty stools so this irritates the hell out of me. I don’t need everyone hearing my business.

  I scoot closer to the end of the bar because I’m uncomfortable sitting next to this stranger.

  “Ryke hasn’t been himself in the last couple weeks.”

  “Austin, I’m married, but it’s not what he thinks.”

  “I know, and I think he does too. But he’s scared of getting hurt again.”

  I nod. I know he’s been put through the ringer before, so I can’t really say I blame him.

  “He was a good lay,” I hear from the seat next to me and my head darts toward the annoying girl.

  “Excuse me?” I’m assuming she was talking to me, but I have to make sure.

  “Ryker. He was fabulous in bed.” She smirks. “Honey, he’s over you. It’s time to move on.”

  My heart once again cracks in my chest. I didn’t know it was possible to be more crushed than I was before.

  He already moved on.

  The girl gets up and walks toward a large group. They are loud as hell, clearly drunk off their asses.

  I take one last drink and then stand to leave.

  “Thanks, Austin.” I wave behind me.

  “Claire, don’t believe her,” he begs. I don’t know if he honestly believes Ryke didn’t sleep with the bitch or if he’s just trying to make me feel better. It doesn’t matter anyway. Either way, he doesn’t want anything to do with me anymore.

  “It’s okay. I’m fine.” I give him a half smile as I push the door open to leave. I need to get out of here as fast as I can. Before I was desperate to see him. Now, I can’t stomach the thought.

  I get back to Sierra’s and quietly check on Brady. He’s been sleeping since I left for the bar. He looks so peaceful. To be a child again, without any cares in the world.

  I don’t know why, but I decide to do something I hadn’t thought to do yet. I grab my phone out of my purse, open my Facebook app, and hesitantly type in Ryke’s name. I immediately recognize him from his picture and click on his profile. The picture is of him and an older woman. I’m guessing his stepmother. He has his profile set to private, so I’m only able to see a few things that are recent. Like me, he doesn’t post anything but pictures. I see who I assume are his family and also a f
ew girls, but those are from before I knew him. That makes me feel a little bit better. He’s free to do whatever he wants, but the thought of him with someone else makes me queasy.

  Not wanting to torment myself any further, I click out of the app and carry my phone across the room to the dresser. If it’s out of reach, I won’t be tempted to look anymore. I crawl back in bed and that’s when the tears start. Brady will be up in five or six hours, but it doesn’t look like I’ll be getting any sleep tonight. It’s time to move on. I’m just not sure how to do that yet.

  35

  Ryker

  After I ignored her calls and texts for an entire week, Claire gave up. A part of me wishes she was still trying to reach out to me, as shitty as that sounds. I miss her like crazy, but I still can’t get over her confession. Was she ever planning on telling me she was married? She had told me that things didn’t end well with Brady’s father, but I had no idea that they were still together. I wouldn’t have been spending time with her if I did.

  Of course, Claire and I never slept together, thank God. But I have always made sure that I didn’t get involved with a married woman. After the shit Monica did to me and the hurt I saw on my dad’s face after my mother left us, I pledged never to do that, ever.

  “Dude, are you ever going to grow a fucking pair and go see her?” Austin asks as he restocks the bar. The asshole has some nerve.