Crushing Misery

by Kinsey Taylor

  “I’m so sorry. Are you okay?” he says.

  “Fine. Now, who is going to share this breaking news to my parents?” I ask.

  ***

  The next morning I’m feeling better and released shortly after that. It takes some convincing, and my parents aren’t very happy knowing we will be staying with Corbin. Considering Troy had broken into my parents’ house and knows where my siblings all live, I think staying with Corbin is the best option I have.

  I don’t know how things are going to be around Corbin when we are there alone together in his home. We have no doubt become great friends, but I can’t hide the feelings lingering on the surface even if I try hard to mask them. There is something there I’m not ready for. But my body is so in tune with his that I will have to try harder to bury it deep until I can figure out what exactly this is between us.

  The divorce hearing is in two weeks, and I’m happy to get this over with and behind me. I have to contact my lawyer to let him know where he can reach me and where we are staying. Since Troy’s attack on us, he is facing charges that are keeping him in jail this time. There is a restraining order in place, as well as a no contact order for Ashlynn. I’m also going after sole custody. I’m not asking for any support for myself, but Ashlynn they don’t give you a choice in the matter, and I’m hoping he will not contest it.

  Corbin

  I’m not sure how this is going to play out, but knowing Kennedy and Ashlynn will be safe with me, and king douche has no way of getting his hands on them, is a relief. I still fear daily for their safety and always looking over my shoulder waiting for something awful to happen. I run home to clean up a little and make sure the guest room is ready for her release from the hospital. The nurse is going over all the release forms, and I take two steps outside her room when Mr. Finley pulls me aside.

  “Son, what do you think you are doing?”

  “I don’t know what you mean, sir?”

  “Why did you convince my daughter that staying with you would be a better idea than coming home with her family?”

  “Sir, with all due respect, all I’m doing is protecting them.”

  “Do you think I’m that blind? I see the way you two look at one another. I hope you have their best interest at heart, and this is not some scheme,” he says.

  I hold my hand up to stop him.

  “This is nothing like that, sir. I promise you. I haven’t figured out what the pull is that I have towards your daughter and granddaughter, Mr. Finley, but I assure you this is only to guarantee they are safe, and Troy can’t find them. I had my friend look into it already, and Troy isn’t cutting through the red tape this time.”

  “Yes!” he yells out. “I’m done with that fucking dirty lawyer.”

  “I haven’t mentioned this to Kennedy yet, but I will. I don’t want to upset her bringing that asshole up. She’s very fragile right now even if she’s putting on a brave face. Sir, she told me the thought of going back to your place right now makes her very anxious. I’m sorry to tell you this, but it is true, and I honestly can’t blame her. Give her some time, and I know she will be okay; she’s a strong woman.”

  Reaching out, he places his hand on my shoulder.

  “Yes, she is. Please, whatever you do, please keep those two precious girls safe. She’s already been through so much in her lifetime. I’m afraid if anything else happens; it will push her too far, and she won’t be the same.”

  “You have my word, sir. I promise I will do everything in my power to keep them safe, even if I have to risk my life in doing so. I do care about them both.”

  “I know you do. I know you have a bad rap, son, but for what it’s worth, a man’s actions speak louder than his words. You’re a good kid in my book, but don’t screw this up, or I’ll have your ass.”

  “I won’t let you down. I need to go pull around my truck, so I’m ready for Kennedy. The nurse is going over the paperwork with her now.”

  Mr. Finley nods and heads towards her room. I turn and walk to the elevators, push the button, and wait while taking in my surroundings. I’m just about to get on when I notice the two detectives stepping out who questioned Kennedy yesterday. I nod in acknowledgment.

  ***

  An hour later, we pull up in front of my house.

  “We’re here, ladies. Welcome to Del La Corbin’s,” I laugh, and Kennedy shakes her head at me, her sexy smile spreading across her beautiful, but battered face exposing her tiny dimple. Walking around my truck, I open the door, unbuckle Ashlynn, and pull her into my arms. Kennedy opens her door, and I yell out, “Wait I’ll come around and help you. It is kind of a high truck. You could hurt yourself trying to get out alone.”

  I place Ashlynn down on the ground, and she looks up smiling. I return the grin and help Kennedy out, pulling her to my side as we walk up the stairs towards the house. Opening the door, I usher them in, nervous as hell. Ashlynn runs inside, stopping dead in front of my entertainment center and says, “Wow! That a big TV. I seen one of these at the store.”

  “Your room is this way.” I point down the hall. “I got it all set up for you and Ashlynn. I hope you’ll be comfortable here.”

  Kennedy nods and walks over to the couch and sits down.

  “Mind if I sit in here and watch some TV for a while?”

  Ashlynn climbs next to her and asks, “Where’s the remote, Corbee?”

  I laugh as I stand taking in the sight of the two beauties making themselves right at home. I have never let anyone in my space other than a couple close friends.

  “It’s probably in the couch cushion around where you are sitting.”

  I scan the other side of the sofa looking for it. Kennedy moves around a little and pulls it out from behind her. She looks up and notices it’s a huge beast of a remote.

  “Is this some kind of Star Trek contraption? ‘Beam me up, Scottie.’” She pushes a button.

  “Must be broken. Nothing happened.” She laughs with her killer smile but stops short, and her hand goes up to her spilt lip. “Ouch.”

  I laugh and say, “Ha, ha, very funny. Give it here.”

  “I never noticed it was that big when we watched Nightmare on Elm Street.”

  “That’s what she said.” I laugh.

  “Very funny, playboy. You got jokes.”

  Reaching down, I take the remote from her hand, and my fingers brush across her skin. The tingling sensation from our connection radiates through my skin. Her eyes go wide, and I move away busying myself with turning on the TV.

  “What would you ladies like to watch?”

  “Disney Channel or Disney movies if you have them please?” Kennedy responds.

  “Wait just a minute, I’ll be right back.”

  I head to my room to search for a movie that my niece left here when my sister visited last.

  “Found it!”

  I walk out and find Kennedy leaning against the side of the armrest already passed out.

  “Mommy’s sleepy.”

  “Okay, beauty, I have Frozen. That okay?”

  “Yes,” she says as she nods excitedly in response.

  “Shh, let’s not wake your mommy up.”

  “I’m hungry, Corbee. You got snacks?”

  Umm! Shit! I think to myself. I didn’t even think about food.

  “How about we leave Mommy to rest and run down to pick up a few things from the store and stop by McDonald’s on the way home?”

  “Yay!” she yells startling Kennedy awake. Kennedy sits up.

  “Hey, Boss, I’m going to run out and get some food and then hit up McDonald’s on the way back.”

  “Okay, thank you,” she says.

  “Is there anything you’d like me to pick up? I have a pretty strict meal plan, but I can get your sister to throw a few things together for you, too.”

  “I can call her later and get her to drop by some things I like. Thank you.”

  “Kennedy, you need to rest and finish healing. I’ll give her a quick call on m
y way out and get her to bring by some meals for you. I’m going to swing by and pick up my own while I’m out. I didn’t think about food. I’m sorry.”

  Ashlynn walks over and says, “I’m weady.”

  “You can stay here with Mommy, Ashlynn,” Kennedy says.

  “She can come with me if that’s okay with you? You need to get some rest. You look exhausted.”

  “Gee, thanks. In other words, I look like crap. Are you sure?” she asks.

  “Yeah, I’m just going to run and get some snacks, drinks, and shit like that… oh, sorry… umm, I’ll need to start watching my mouth with little ears around now. Does Ashlynn know what kind of snacks you usually get her?” I ask.

  “Yes,” she nods. “She does, and she’ll try to get even more out of you.”

  I shrug my shoulders at her.

  “Okay, you ready to hit up the store, little lady?”

  “Yes! Let’s do dis.”

  I laugh, and she comes running over and grabs my hand. I look down at her tiny hand so small in mine. I smile at her.

  “We will be back. Want anything from McDonalds?”

  “No, thank you,” Kennedy says.

  “Okay. Now get some rest, doctor’s orders.”

  She shakes her head and scoots farther down on my couch snuggling into it. Letting go of Ashlynn’s hand, I quickly walk over and grab a blanket from the back of the sofa and place it over her. My eyes have never been so pleased with the view in front of me.

  “Thank you,” she says looking up at me.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Kennedy

  The nightmares are getting more intense. I wake up covered in sweat as Corbin tries shaking me awake. I’m still inside my hell when I open my eyes, and I give him a good right hook to the face.

  Later in the morning, I get up and go into the kitchen to pour myself a cup of coffee. I walk over and sit down curling up on the couch and start to sip my coffee. In walks Corbin wearing his sparring headpiece, and I watch him with humorous eyes and say, “Ha! Ha! Very funny asshole.”

  I launch a pillow at his head and laugh. Catching the pillow, he takes off the headpiece, and he laughs heading straight for the kitchen.

  The next few days go by in a blur. I have to reschedule and miss even more work because of the dizzy spells that are occurring frequently. The doctor had mentioned something about vertigo and put in a prescription for Valium. How is Valium going to help cure the dizziness? If it rids me of this whirling, I’m all for it.

  Corbin goes out and swings by the pharmacy to pick up my prescription for me. He is a godsend for Ashlynn and me. He is amazing with her which shocks me, but I have heard him mention a couple times he has a sister and a niece, so I figure he has experience with kids.

  “Ashlynn, what do you have in your mouth?”

  She opens her hand, and it is full of Skittles.

  “Where did you get these, princess?” I question.

  She points to the cupboard. I go over and open one towards the bottom, and there is an entire container full of Skittles. I laugh and shake my head.

  “Did Corbin show you these?”

  She nods yes because her mouth is stuffed full like a chipmunk.

  “Ashlynn, just because Corbin showed you where the Skittles are, doesn’t mean you can just go in there and get them whenever you’d like. This is candy, and you can have some from time to time, but you have to ask me first, okay?”

  She nods.

  I let her eat the rest in her hand because after all, I have just uprooted her to an unfamiliar place, and I know he is trying to make her feel at home. I will have to explain to him that she has to ask, and he can’t just give into her whenever he likes. It’s a sweet gesture, though, and now I know what kind of candy he likes. Apparently, Corbin has an addiction to Skittles, and now I understand the fruit smell mixed with Irish Spring soap.

  ***

  Waking up from my nap, I walk into the living room and watch as my daughter and the sexy fighter dance around together. My heart skids to a stop and tears prick my eyes at the sight before me. We have only known this man for a few months now, and he has done more with Ashlynn than her father ever has. He notices my expression and the tears threatening to fall. I try to make a mad dash to the bathroom, but he catches me by the arm just as I reach the door.

  “What’s wrong, Boss? Did I do something wrong?”

  “No! You’ve done more with her than her dad ever has. I’m just scared, is all. I don’t know if letting her get close to you is a good idea. I don’t know what we are doing or what this is.” I motion between us and look up into his burning amber eyes.

  “Corbin what is this? What’s happening between us? It’s too soon for anything to happen between us, isn’t it? I have to leave before I screw things up.”

  “What are you talking about, Boss? I’m not him, babe, and I know I have a shitty track record where woman are concerned, but fuck… This is different. You’re different, and I don’t have a clue what this is either, but I know I feel it, our connection. I’m not going to bail on you or Ashlynn and hurt you like he did. Ashlynn and I were letting loose and having some fun.”

  Ashlynn runs to me with concern written across her face.

  “What wrong, mommy? You otay?” she asks me.

  “Nothing, baby, Mommy’s just having a sad moment, is all.”

  “Mommy, you should come dance with me and Corbee,” she says.

  Taking my hand, she tugs me hard, and I follow her into the living room. Corbin is right on our heels. He turns up the music, and I stand there as I watch his sexy as hell body start moving to the beat. I have to admit, the boy’s got moves, and he’s not a small guy. Ashlynn is swinging her arms every which way, really getting into it. Ashlynn yells out, “Come on, Momma, dance.”

  I let go for probably the first time in a long while and live in the moment. It’s so fun letting go. I look over at Corbin, and he’s watching me with the sexiest smile on his face. What? I mouth to him. He shakes his head at me. Coming over he spins me around, and I get dizzy and almost fall forward just as his firm grip picks me up into his arms.

  “You okay, Boss?”

  “I’m dizzy again. I need to go sit down.”

  Walking over he whispers in my ear, “You are so sexy when you let go. The way you were moving your body was so fucking hot.”

  Kissing my ear, he places me down on the sofa and walks over and picks up Ashlynn swinging her up in the air. Thank goodness, he has the highest ceilings I’ve ever seen. She squeals in response and yells, “Again, again, Corbee!”

  I watch the two of them interact and laugh. My daughter sure loves this man, and I’m starting to have stronger feelings for him myself. I need to start keeping a better handle on it. It’s too soon, even as horny as I am.

  ***

  I’m meeting Corbin at the center as he instructed me to do. I walk inside heading straight for the back where his locker room is located. I’m nervous, so nervous I’ve had two anxiety attacks since he told me why I was to meet him here. He’s going to teach me self-defense so I can protect myself in the future. I knock on his door, and he opens it right away.

  “Hi, come in. Do you need to change?”

  “No, thank you. I changed before I came. I don’t normally walk around wearing yoga pants, a sports bra, and a tank now do I?”

  “No, sorry. I’m a little nervous. Are you all right? You look a little scared.”

  “Of course I’m scared, Corbin. I’ve been worried all day about this. I’m going to be out there in front of others on display. What if I can’t do this? W-What in the world do you have to be nervous about?”

  “Kennedy, you’ll be fine. I’ll be there with you every step of the way. You need this. It will help build up your confidence. I’m nervous because I’ve never let anyone into my space before. This is completely new territory for me.”

  He tries making it into a game, and I’m loosening up. All eyes are trained on us. What starts out as fun,
quickly turns serious.

  “I want you to close your eyes, listen to my voice, and know that no matter what, you are stronger than you used to be. Believe it, feel it, and breathe it in.”

  Touching my stomach gently, he pushes against my core; my insides clench in response to his touch.

  “He can’t hurt you anymore, Kennedy. You will be faster and quicker this time, and he will be no match for you. I want you to stand strong doing everything in your power to get yourself out of any situation you might find yourself in.”

  Pulling me into his chest, he whispers, “This is going to take more than just one time of me teaching you. It’s going to take several lessons, but by the end you’ll be confident enough to stand up to him and to anyone trying to hurt you. I’m going to grab you, and I want you to try everything in your power to get away from me. I will test your strength before I show you some moves.”

  I nod in response.

  “Open your eyes.”

  Grabbing me, he spins me around just as Troy has done in the past. I bring my knee up towards his groin, and he slaps it away just as fast. I try to punch him, and he moves around never letting me get very close.

  “That all you got? What about what he did to Ashlynn?”

  I watch as he moves closer. I step closer and let my anger take over. I think this time before I strike. I look to my right striking him left and get a hit on him. He smiles with pride.

  “I knew you had it in you, Boss,” he winks.

  “Alright, let me show you how to punch correctly. You need to learn the basics before we can move on.”

  ***

  After being around Corbin for six weeks nonstop, I’m so unbelievably horny. Watching him at the center is one thing, but seeing him in his element in his own surroundings is another. At night, he walks around in sweatpants and nothing else. What I once imagined under his gym clothes, I now get to see on full display every day. He has no idea what he does to me. He’s in the living room playing video games with a couple of buddies while I lie in his bed watching TV. He has given up his bed for me and has taken the guest room since Ashlynn is at my parents’ for a sleepover, and he has company.