Facade: Facade

by Ashley Suzanne

  “Ky, wait.”

  “You need to think about what being in a relationship involves. I’m no expert in this field, but I know enough to not hurt your feelings or make you feel insignificant.” I turn my back, walk out the door and gun it out of the driveway before he has a chance to stop me.

  Note to self – always follow your gut instincts; they’re usually right.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Jacoby

  It’s been a week and a half since I last saw Kylee. I’ve wanted to call her, text her, go to her house. Shit, at this point, I’d send carrier pigeons if I thought it would help. She said she’d call, but never has. I need to tell her what’s going on with this and apologize, but I think I might have really blown it this time.

  The work days drag on, the house is lonely and food has no taste. I miss her; everything about her. From the way her hair cascades around her face when she’s sleeping to the annoying way she scrapes the plate with her fork when she’s eating; everything.

  Mira’s back from her vacation, and even she won’t give me anything to go on. Believe me, I’ve tried, but it’s worth a second shot. Leaving my office, I walk down the short corridor to Mira’s desk.

  “Hey, do you happen to have the files for the Vegas project?” I ask as a lead-in to a much deeper conversation.

  “Yeah, they’re around here somewhere, hold on.” Mira shoves a pen into the messy pile of hair on top of her head and shifts through a few files in a stack. “Got it.” She hands the file to me without making eye contact.

  “Thanks. Have you talked to Kylee?” I really don’t have the patience today for subtly. I’ve had a liquid lunch the last two days and if I don’t make some headway, it’s going to be a third.

  “I have, yes,” Mira responds, still without looking at me.

  “Is she okay?” I ask in a hushed tone.

  Mira turns in her chair with a scowl on her face, “I don’t know, Jacoby. I’m your employee and this is inappropriate. But if we weren’t in a professional setting right now, I might tell you that not talking to her about the Vancouver deal before making your decision really hurt her feelings. Also, one might say you were quite the jackass for not mentioning your child sooner. I might tell you that a year ago, I didn’t think Kylee would ever give her heart away. It’s also quite possible that I would tell you that you might want to go to her. She’s sad, lonely and confused.” The scowl diminishes, leaving behind a sneaky smirk. “A little bird might have told me that she’s planning on publishing her book this evening, and she’s going to be at my house at six for a little celebration.”

  If I didn’t suspect Skylar may kill people for a living, I would kiss the hell out of Mira. This is exactly the kind of news I wanted to hear.

  “Mira, you’re amazing. What did I ever do without you?” I squeeze her shoulder and she gives me an endearing look.

  “Keep breaking my friend’s heart and you’re going to find out.” Mira turns around and gets back to dealing with paperwork.

  Going back to my office, I grab my jacket and car keys, walking quickly to the front desk where Tiffany’s looking at me like I’ve just stolen her candy bar.

  “Mr. Roberts, it’s only three. Are you leaving for the day?”

  “Tiffany, I understand what time of day it is and I’ll be gone the rest of the day. Also, please turn your access card, parking pass and timecard in to Mira. You’re done here. I sent Mira an email detailing your termination and she’s expecting you in her office within the hour, packed and ready to be escorted out of the building. I’m sure you’re regretting trying to hurt Kylee right about now,” I say, not bothering to give a glance in her direction. She’s screwed up royally and the unemployment line’s calling her name.

  “But, Mr. Roberts,” Tiffany starts to say as the elevator door closes in her face.

  Me – Watch her pack up her stuff. I don’t want her back in my building.

  Mira – U got it. Can I hit her?

  Me – I didn’t hear that.

  Mira – I’m hitting her.

  Me – This thread will self destruct in 2 minutes.

  Mira – ur dumb, but ok ..I won’t tell u if I do

  Release day is going to be a huge milestone for Kylee and I want to make it perfect. There’s a small part of me that is ready to stay home so I don’t wreck her night, but my heart tells me to be with her; I wouldn’t miss this for the world.

  By the time I make it through my front door, I have less than an hour before I need to leave. This is the first shower I’ve taken in over a week that doesn’t feel like I’m drowning in my own sorrows. A ray of light shines through me and all I can imagine is Kylee.

  It takes everything in me to not palm my cock at the thought of Kylee, but I need to stay strong. It might sound stupid, but the only way I want to come is with her wrapped around my dick in one way or another. Needless to say, I’ve had a raging case of blue balls over the last ten days. Between thinking of her, dreaming of her or seeing a picture of her in my phone, I’m constantly fucking hard.

  Since I’m not sure if we’ll be leaving after dinner at Mira and Skylar’s, I opt for a pair of dark washed jeans and a pale blue collared shirt; more than enough to be casual and not too much where I look like a pompous ass.

  This is going to go one of two ways; she’s going to freak out and ask to never see me again or she’s going to be so happy that she jumps into my arms. I, for one, am hoping for the latter of the two choices.

  I make my way up to the eighth floor, knock on the door and wait impatiently for someone to answer. I’m thinking it’s going to be Sky or Mira on the other side, so I’m sure you can guess my surprise when the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen is staring back at me.

  “What are you doing here?” Kylee whispers. She walks into the hallway and closes the door behind her.

  “Mira invited me. It’s your big night, I wouldn’t miss it,” I say with all sincerity.

  “She shouldn’t have.” Kylee looks back at the closed door and shoots daggers through the thick wood at her traitorous friend.

  “Listen, Ky, we don’t have to talk about anything tonight, but I want you to know I’m not going to Vancouver. Bill is going to take care of it. I just wanted to be here for one of the most important nights of your life. This is a big deal, and no matter what, I’m going to be here for you. That’s what love is; being there for that person even when it’s killing you to not actually be with them.”

  I think I see her body sway, like she’s about to pass out. I put my arm out to catch her and she leans into me, putting her hand on my forearm.

  “Don’t say shit like that. You always do this.”

  “What did I do?” I’m blowing this and blowing it hard.

  “Make me realize exactly why I fell in love with you. How it would be too hard to forget about you and move on with my life. Why I’m so scared to be with you.” Kylee lightly drags her fingers across my arm, sending a jolt of hope straight to my heart.

  “I’m really not trying to do anything. I don’t want you to forget me and move on. Why are you scared, Kylee? I know I said we didn’t have to talk, but I can’t let you say something like that and not elaborate. What scares you?” I plead.

  Kylee pulls me into an embrace, wrapping her arms around my neck. God, she smells so fucking good. I’m trying really hard to mask the erection that’s jutting into her stomach, but she keeps pulling me closer.

  “I’m terrified for the same reasons you are. I love you and want to be with you, it’s not just the Vancouver thing, it’s your daughter,” she says and my heart plummets. I would give up anything for Shelby. It’s going to hurt like fucking hell, but I can’t ever choose anyone over my child; it won’t ever happen. “I don’t want to break up and her be hurt. It’s not just us, it’s all of us. I would never forgive myself if I hurt that little girl’s heart. I think that’s why I overreacted about you leaving town. This has been plaguing my mind for days. I would stay because I wouldn’t
want to be that girlfriend, but then I would be just like my mother. It’s a double edged sword.”

  I take a step back and she lets her arms fall to her sides. Taking her face in my hands, I look into her eyes, the lush green irises lacking their usual luster, and kiss her forehead.

  “Kylee, my last girlfriend broke up with me because of my daughter. You’re scared to be with me because of my daughter. That’s a huge difference. People get together and break up. Shelby has done amazing with mine and Dawn’s separation. I love you and you love me. This,” I motion between us, “is worth a shot.”

  Tears start to fall from Kylee’s eyes, and I can’t lie and say mine aren’t a little misty, and she looks to the ground. “What if something goes wrong with us? What if I won’t break up with you because I don’t want to hurt Shelby? What if I’m not going to be strong enough?”

  “Listen, if you wake up one morning and decide you don’t want to be with me anymore, you leave me. It’s as simple as that. I’ll even make you the same promise. Someone very wise told me, your spouse will disappoint you, your kids will eventually leave you and your parents will eventually die; the only thing you can do in life is to do what makes you happy,” I place my palm over her heart, “let me make you happy.”

  That’s all it takes. Kylee slightly jumps, wrapping her legs around my hips, and kisses me with so much passion I can barely stand it. Pushing her into the door, I return the love, knowing that we can make it through anything as long as we communicate. I wrap my fingers in the most beautiful red hair I’ve ever seen and deepen this kiss, giving her a part of my soul.

  “What the hell is going on out …” Mira says, opening the door and sending me staggering with Kylee still coiled around me. “Oh. Do you guys need some more time?” Mira smirks and raises her eyebrows at Kylee.

  “We’re coming in,” Kylee says, taking my hand and leading me into the apartment.

  “Hey, man. What’s going on?” Skylar asks from the living room.

  “Nothing really. Excited for Kylee.”

  Mira has a full feast laying on the counter in celebration of Kylee’s big night. I kick my shoes off at the door, hang my jacket on the hook and meet Kylee in the dining room.

  “Mi, grab Jacoby a beer, please,” Kylee says, staring nervously at her laptop that’s set up on the table.

  “Why do you look like you’re about to puke?” Mira asks Kylee as she hands me my beer and leans over Ky’s shoulder. “Just hit the fucking button already.” Mira goes for the finger pad and Kylee slaps her hand away.

  “What button do you need to push?” Did Staples really come out with an easy button? Where do I get one?

  “She needs to hit this little fucker that says ‘Publish’ so her book will be sent to the distributor. She’s been staring at it forever. I’m going to push the fucker if she doesn’t do it already,” Mira tries to snake around Kylee’s body but is stopped by an arm flying through the air.

  “Okay. Okay. I’ll push it. It didn’t feel right a few minutes ago. Now, it just seems … right.” Kylee looks at me and I smile back. I pluck her off the chair, sit on the cushion with her on my lap and kiss her shoulder.

  “Push the button, Red. You got this,” I encourage, silently freaking out for her. What if her book flops? What if she gets depressed and gives up on the only real dream she’s ever had? This is a lot of fucking pressure.

  Kylee’s finger hovers over the mouse pad. I grab her wrist, making sure the two connect as she drags the cursor to that pesky little button that’s sure to give me a heart attack. I then move her to the left click button and press it. Kylee pulls her hands back, puts them over her mouth and gasps. Mira’s not far behind with her cell phone out, taking pictures of Kylee and me sitting at the table, the page that says ‘Publishing’ and of course, one of herself leaning over Kylee who’s still in a state of shock.

  “You did it,” I whisper in her ear.

  “I did it.” She leans in and kisses me on the cheek. “I couldn’t do it without you. I didn’t know what it was, but now, I know it was because you weren’t here. Thank you.”

  “You never have to thank me for loving you.”

  Leave it to Mira to interrupt such an amazing moment with her throat clearing sounds. “Ahem, so, does this mean you now have a plus one to our engagement party? Well, not really an engagement party, more of a get together to tell all of our friends, family and such.”

  “Wait, you haven’t told everyone yet?” Kylee questions, obviously taken aback.

  “Nope. We told you and that’s it. I’m sure you told Jacoby, but we wanted to tell everyone together. And…we’re not so sure how everyone is gonna take it. It’s not the first time I’ve been engaged, ya know.” For a second, Mira looks really sad, but then she looks back at Skylar and the sadness is gone, replaced with overwhelming joy that I can actually feel. I hug Kylee closer, knowing exactly how Mira feels right now, staring at the man she’s hopelessly in love with.

  “Yeah, I guess I do, don’t I?” Kylee says, grinning at me with the same look that Mira has.

  “I would be honored to be your plus one, but I’m kind of shocked I didn’t get my own invite.” Mira rolls her eyes and gives me her ‘my best friend trumps you, buddy’ look.

  “Can we eat yet?” Skylar chimes in from the background.

  “Yes, babe. Come on, let’s get some food to calm cranky pants down.” Mira rolls her eyes and walks into the kitchen.

  “I heard that, Sweets,” he growls.

  “Oh, shush. You love me.” If this is how these two fight, sign me up.

  “More than words.” Mira runs into the living room and pounces on an unsuspecting Skylar. And … fight’s over.

  More than words is right. Kylee Anderson is it for me.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Kylee

  “I’m an author,” I whisper, lying on Jacoby’s chest after a few rounds of “I’ve missed you and don’t ever leave me again,” sex. It’s been a magical day.

  “You most certainly are.” Jacoby hugs me tighter to his body, placing a lingering kiss on the top of my head.

  Taking my fingers and running them through the fine hair on his torso, down to the trail that leads to the happiest place on earth, I start to drift off to sleep. When I’m in that place, right between conscious and unconscious, Jacoby pulls me out with just four words.

  “Move in with me.” It’s not a question—more of a statement—and I’m gasping for air. He can’t be serious. We just got back together.

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  “Not even a little. That was the other thing I wanted to talk to you about, after I told you about Shelby, of course. We’ve been doing this dance for too long. I only want you, you only want me—this is the logical progression. And the thought of having you whenever I want you just does something to me.” Leave it to Jacoby to try to lighten the mood.

  Why wouldn’t I want to live with him? When we’re together, we’re never apart; we basically live together anyway. Fuck if it doesn’t scare the shit out of me. Obviously, he’s not going to give up this great big house for my small apartment. What happens when we don’t work out? I’ll be homeless and heartbroken.

  “Is this something I have to decide right now?” I’m so relieved that I’m lying on his chest and he can’t see how big my eyes are or the fact that I’m struggling to catch my breath.

  “No, of course not, but I do want you to give it some thought. Maybe we can do a trial run or something.”

  “A trial run sounds good. I can do that.” My heart slows and I force myself to relax.

  Sleep doesn’t come quickly, but when it does, Jacoby consumes my dreams.

  “Welcome home,” Jacoby says, moving the last of my boxes into his house.

  We both go into the kitchen where his housekeeper has prepared a meal fit for a king; filet mignon, roasted red potatoes and steamed vegetables. She also didn’t forget to bring the most expensive bottle of champagne out, cork popped and ch
illing in a bucket of ice. If I didn’t know any better, I would think I was at a five star restaurant where the meal will cost more than a car payment.

  “This is wonderful. Thank you.” I place a kiss on Jacoby’s jaw line and a groan rises from the deepest part of him.

  “If you keep doing that to me, we won’t be eating dinner. Well, I’ll be eating, but it won’t be steak.” A rush of desire takes over my body, making me lean into him while taunting more threats out of him.

  When Jacoby wraps an arm around my waist, his hand lingering a little too far to the south, grazing the top of my ass, I whimper. Pushing into him, seeking more of his touch, I brush his erection. Jacoby’s embrace tightens.

  Jacoby lifts me effortlessly, sitting me down on the cool wood of the table. His mouth comes down on mine hard, bruising my lips, and the slight taste of copper resides on my tongue from where his tooth came into contact with my lip. I should probably slow down, knowing that he’s drawn blood, but it only fuels the passion exploding around us.

  Frantically, I’m ripping at his white button-up dress shirt. Getting frustrated with opening one at a time, I grip the top and tear apart the seam, sending buttons flying in every direction. I faintly hear the little plastic pieces clinging off the china that’s set out for our celebration dinner.

  “Christ, Kylee. You’re going to be the death of me,” Jacoby says, bringing his tongue to my neck, licking the thin column from my throat to the lobe of my ear.

  “No better way to go,” I melt at his words, trying to reciprocate this intense feeling I have, but am quickly denied when I’m pushed back to lie on the table.

  In one fluid motion, Jacoby rips my yoga pants and thong from my body. Without hesitation, he plunges two fingers into my core and sucks my clit between his teeth, flicking the bundle of nerves with his tongue.

  “This. Is. Amazing,” I pant, my fingers instinctively finding their way to his hair, latching on and holding him in place.

  I shamelessly grind my pussy into his face, seeking the pleasure that’s not too far away. When I feel my legs begin to quake, I know I’m close. Pushing his head against me even harder, my motions becoming more concentrated and I fall apart at the seams.