“Well, Jordan and I aren’t you. Get over it, Skye. We’ve had this discussion before and my opinion hasn’t changed. So knock it off.” I glare at her. She constantly tries to get me to break up with Jordan. Besides the lack of butterflies, I feel safe with him.
“Okay, okay. I’m sorry. I won’t bring it up again.”
“Any other news?” I ask trying to change the subject.
She starts fidgeting with her hair. Apparently she’s nervous about something. I meet her gaze and she looks away.
“Skye, spit it out already.”
“Umm... So... Seth came over the other day,” she starts.
“Okay?” Why is she telling me this?
“Faith, he’s deploying again. He leaves in two weeks,” she finally explains.
“Wait. What? I thought he was getting out? At least that’s what he told me when we went out that one night.” Just thinking about that day causes goose bumps to run up and down my body.
“He was. Apparently things with Krystal have gotten worse. So bad that he decided staying in and deploying was easier than dealing with her. He even said he hopes when he gets back she’ll finally agree to sign the divorce papers. I don’t know why he’s still with her, but I have a feeling he’s about to end it with her.”
My mind is racing. Seth and Krystal have become worse. He’s about to deploy again. What if something happens to him? Oh, my God. I’m gonna be sick. Why is the world against me today? I finally manage to calm down and get my breathing under control.
“Hmm... Good for him. He’s been unhappy for a long time.” That’s all I manage to say. I want nothing more than to pick up my phone and call him and beg him to stay, but it won’t change a thing. I’m with Jordan now and even if Seth divorces his wife, there’s no future for us. I can’t risk him breaking my heart. Not after I’ve worked so hard to get to where I’m at today.
“Dammit, Faith, I love you, but you’re the most frustrating human being I have ever known. I tell you that the man of your dreams is about to divorce his wife and all you say is ‘good for him’. Seriously?”
“Do I need to remind you of the time you kept pushing Braden away?” I ask and she immediately lowers her head. “I thought so. Now what is the reason you told me all this? Besides your failed attempt to hook me up even though I have a boyfriend?”
“We’re having a barbecue on Saturday. Braden wanted to throw a party for Seth before he leaves. Please come?”
I think about it for a while. Jordan will be gone this weekend to go surfing with his buddies in Florida. Why he has to go all the way to Florida when we have a beach right here is beyond me, but oh well. I know seeing Seth is a bad idea, yet I can’t help it. I need to see him.
“Fine. I’ll be there. Please, no more talk about me leaving Jordan or I’ll hurt you once you push my beautiful niece out.”
“Promise.” Her face lightens up and I can’t help but chuckle. Skye is my best friend. Even though she frustrates me sometimes, I can never stay mad at her.
The rest of the day flies by and I’m locking up the office. Jordan’s already waiting for me. I’m still a little pissed about what happened this morning, but I decide to let it go. There’s no sense in arguing over it. I know he’s right about the lack of sex and I plan on changing that tonight.
“Hey, babe, I missed you,” he greets me with a kiss on my cheek.
“I missed you too. Where do you want to eat?”
“I thought maybe we can get some burgers and then go see a movie or head to the beach. I haven’t taken you out on a date in a while.”
“You don’t have to, Jordan. How about we get some Chinese takeout, grab some movies and stay in tonight? It’s been a long day and I really don’t want to be around anymore people. I just want to spend some alone time with you.”
“Sounds good, babe.” He smiles and leads me to the car. After we get our food and rent some movies, we head home, and I’m just ready to sit back and relax.
We finish dinner and settle down on the couch. Jordan pulls my legs on his lap and starts massaging my feet. I smile at him - he does spoil me. He’s a genuinely good guy and I’m a lucky girl to have him in my life. I decide then that it’s time to let all thoughts of Seth go and to concentrate on what’s right in front of me – my relationship with Jordan.
I get up off the couch and start stripping out of my clothes. His eyes widen with lust when he realizes what I’m doing. I grin at him and straddle him.
“What are you doing, babe?” he asks me.
“Mhmm... I don’t know,” I murmur while grinding my hips against him. I can feel his growing erection and I start pulling his shirt over his head. “I think my boyfriend feels neglected and I’m about to make it up to him.” I wink.
He grabs my wrist and pulls back from me. What the fuck?
“You don’t have to do this to do me a favor, Faith. I want you to want it too. If you’re not up to it, I’m perfectly fine with just holding you. I love you, Faith, and I’ll take you any way I can get you.”
“Well, right now I would like you to take me from behind.” I free myself from his grip and continue on with my assault on him. I want him. Sex with Jordan is always amazing. His lips crush against mine and we kiss like we haven’t seen in each other in forever. I fumble with his jeans and finally manage to get them off him. I lick my lips at the sight of the bulge in his boxers, his cock trying to spring free. Pushing me off his lap, he rids himself of his boxers. I take in the sight of his gloriously naked body and get down on my knees. I grab his length, slowly lowering my lips to it and start sucking.
“Fuck, babe. You suck me so good.” He hisses while grabbing a fistful of my hair. He pushes his dick into my mouth and I relax around him, taking as much as I can. I bob my head up and down, sucking, licking and milking him. His breathing becomes strained and I know he’s close. He pulls back and I mourn the loss of him.
“What?” I look up at him.
“As much as I want you to suck me off, I want to be inside of you when I come. It’s been a while,” he says as he pulls me up from the floor and picks me up.
Wrapping my legs around him, he positions himself at my entrance and slowly pushes inside of me. I gasp at the feel of him - he’s so big.
“God, Faith, you’re dripping. So. Fucking. Hot,” he moans with each thrust. He walks to the closest wall and slams me up against it. Pieces of my dream come back to me, but I push them aside. Not now. I fight back the tears that threaten to spill over. What the fuck is wrong with me?
Jordan slams into me relentlessly and soon finds his release. He pumps into me two more times before sliding us slowly to the floor.
“Did you? You were unusually quiet,” he asks, his voice laced with suspicion.
“Of course I did, baby. I always do with you.” I lie. Fuck. This never happens. Jordan always brings me to orgasm.
He kisses me gently before getting up to go to the bathroom and clean up. I gather my clothes and walk to our bedroom.
Walking out of the bathroom, Jordan smiles his lazy smile at me.
“Wanna start the movie over?” he questions me.
“Actually I think I’m gonna run a bath and then try to get some sleep. I’m exhausted. That little fuck session we just had drained the last bit of energy I had.”
“Okay. I’ll go clean up the living room then I’ll be right behind you. I have a lesson scheduled tomorrow morning. Hopefully this one actually shows up.”
Jordan’s job is to teach people how to surf. Lately the business has been slow even though the weather has been perfect. It bothers him that he has to rely on me to get the bills paid, but I don’t mind. I make enough to support both of us.
After a long soak in the tub I get out and dry off. I prepare my clothes for the next day and finally settle in bed. I’m almost asleep when Jordan climbs in behind me. He pulls me to him and I finally drift off in his arms.
With Jordan I am safe. He will protect me.
Chapter 2
Seth
“What the fuck do you want from me, Krystal? I’m doing everything I can to help you, but you have to let me in.” I’m so frustrated with my wife. When she found out I was going to a barbecue that Braden was throwing for my going away, she freaked the hell out. I don’t even know why - most days she barely speaks to me.
“Whatever, Seth. How do you think you deploying is helping me? My husband will be in a fucking warzone while I’m here fending for myself,” she shouts.
“Fuck. Most days you don’t even speak to me. Why do you need me here? You don’t need me here to spend my money. You’ve been doing that pretty well on your own. I really don’t understand why you won’t just sign the divorce papers, Krystal. We both know we’re miserable. Why don’t we do each other a favor and get it over with?” Fuck, why does she have to start crying? Dammit all to hell. I want out of this marriage, but every time I bring it up she gets hysterical.
“Why do you want to leave me? I love you, Seth. I can’t live without you. If you divorce me I won’t be able to move on. I might as well jump off a bridge. I already lost our baby. I can’t lose you too.”
I just want to throw my hands in the air and give up. Every time we fight she threatens suicide. I don’t even know what to do anymore. “Do you even listen to yourself? I’m so over this. You don’t love me. You never have and you never will. I’m so fucking sick of you and your damn games. My lawyer is drawing up the papers as we speak and you will sign them. You can keep the damn house and I’ll still pay the bills while I’m gone. You have nine months to get your shit together and find a job. When I get back I’m cutting you off. The house is paid off. So it shouldn’t be a problem for you to find something that’ll cover the rest of your bills.” I’m done. I can’t do it anymore. For six years I have held on to this marriage so she wouldn’t harm herself. But I am at my breaking point. There’s nothing left to fight for. Krystal and I drifted apart a long time ago.
Storming over to me, she starts thrashing her fists against my chest.
“Why, Seth? Why are you doing this to us? Why are you throwing our love away?” She’s screaming at me. I grab her fists and look at her.
“Sweetheart, I haven’t loved you for a long time. And we both know you don’t love me either.”
She glares at me and I see the hate in her eyes.
“Fine. Have it your way. But don’t come running back to me when you realize you threw away the best damn thing you’ll ever have.”
I laugh so hard I start snorting. She can’t be for real? She shoots one more glare my way and with that she grabs her purse and walks out the door. Thank God. I can’t even stand to be around her.
Grabbing my keys, I decide to head over to Braden’s early. Skye is eight months pregnant and I’m sure they can use the help. It’s a short drive to their house on the beach. I sit in the car for a few moments admiring the view. I’ll miss this place. I still can’t believe I actually decided to extend my contract to go on this deployment. Since Krystal is driving me crazy, anything is better than being around her. I can’t wait to come back and start fresh. No more drama, no more fights, and mostly no more Krystal. I push all my thoughts aside and finally make my way to the house.
Skye opens the door and I pull her in for a hug. She had been mad at me for a while after she found out what happened with Faith, but when she saw how miserable I was, she finally came around.
“Hey, beautiful. How’s the bun in the oven coming along? Still cooking?” I smirk.
“Aww... look who ate a clown for breakfast. Get your ass in here and help set up? My feet are killing me. Braden’s out back preparing the meat.”
I follow her inside and tell her to sit down. By the looks of it she’s been slaving in the kitchen all morning. There are salads, fresh bread, pigs in a blanket, and all kinds of other finger food.
“Damn, are you trying to feed a football team?”
“Close enough. A bunch of guys from your unit are coming. Plus, you know how much Caige and Braden eat. There’s no such thing as too much food,” she explains.
Walking out back I find Braden.
“Hey, man. Don’t burn the steaks again,” I say as I slap him across the back.
“Fuck off, asshole. Last time I checked you were the one burning food. How are you?” he asks.
“I’m fine. I told Krystal today that I’m filing for divorce.”
“How’d she react?”
“The usual. She can’t live without me and she might as well end her life. Whatever. I don’t even care anymore. I’ve been putting up with this shit for too long. She finally agreed to sign. So when I get back from deployment I’ll finally be a free man.”
“That’s awesome, man, and about damn time. I never thought the day would come. So, what are you gonna do about Faith?”
Of course he’d bring her up. Faith turned my world upside down when I first met her, but I messed it all up by sleeping with her and leaving when she was asleep. She’s dating Jordan now and even though we shared a few more moments at Braden and Skye’s wedding, I know I stand no chance with her anymore. I hurt her and I would never forgive myself.
“I don’t know. She’s with Jordan - I don’t want to mess that up. I just want her to be happy, with or without me.” I sigh. I wish I had it in me to fight for Faith, but I know she deserves better than me. She needs someone who won’t break her heart.
“Dude, you know she isn’t happy with him. That’s just her way of coping with what happened between the two of you. I saw you guys at the wedding. And the way you guys look at each other, I see myself and Skye again. Fight for her. But don’t do it until you’re officially divorced.”
I consider Braden’s words. Is it possible that Faith would give us a shot? Well I guess I’ll have to find out.
An hour later the guests start trickling in. I recognize a bunch of guys from my unit. They’re going to deploy with me and this is our last chance to cut loose before we fly out.
“Hey, Jacobs, good to see you,” one of the guys greets me. I nod my head in acknowledgement. I walk inside to help Skye. I grab a beer when the front door opens. I look up and my heartbeat speeds up - it’s Faith.
“Hey, bitch, I’m here. Are you ready to get your party on?” she says when she spots Skye. She hasn’t seen me yet. She looks beautiful in her yellow sundress. Her long blonde hair is hanging in loose curls and the dress accentuates her tan skin. My heart skips a beat and I know I’m in trouble. There is no way I’ll ever be able to walk away from her. I need to make her mine. Finally, her gaze lands on me and our eyes lock. Her smile fades and is replaced by hurt. I hate that I put that look there. It’s my fault she feels the way she does. I should’ve never put her in this situation, but when I’m around her I lose all reasoning. When she’s near me the world stops and nothing else matters.
I know I shouldn’t, but I walk over to her.
“Hey, Faith, you look stunning.”
“Thanks, Seth. How have you been?”
“I’m better now that you’re here,” I answer truthfully. All thoughts of the fight with Krystal are gone and I stare at the most beautiful girl in front of me. When I spotted her at the bar I knew I found the girl I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Was I wrong for thinking that when I was still legally married? Maybe. But something about Faith drew me in and I became addicted.
“Seth, please. Don’t. Not tonight.”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. It’s just... Never mind. Enjoy your evening.”
I walk outside and sit down at the table. All guests have arrived and Braden is serving up the food.
The next few hours are spent laughing, drinking, and dancing. I kept stealing glances at Faith. Now, she’s deep in conversation with Skye and I just stare at her.
“Dude, didn’t your mom teach you that staring at people is rude?” Braden slaps me on my back.
“Kiss my ass.”
“Why don’t you go over and ask her to dance. Jordan’s not here
and there’s nothing wrong with a little dancing.”
“I don’t know...”
“Stop being such a pussy. You can still be friends with her, you know?”
“Fine.” I get up and walk over to where Skye and Faith are sitting. When Skye notices me walking up, she smiles at me. Faith turns around to see what her best friend is smiling at.
“Will you dance with me?” I ask her nervously. She bites her lip and I have to fight my hard on. Oh what I would give to bite that lip. “Stop, Seth. This is not what tonight is about.” I think to myself.
“Sure,” she finally agrees reluctantly.
I lead her to the makeshift dancefloor just in time for Luke Bryan’s “In Love with the Girl” to come on. Perfect.
I pull her close to me and we slow dance to the song.
“Faith, I’m so sorry for what I did to you. I should’ve never left you that night.”
“It’s okay, Seth. You already apologized at the wedding, remember?”
“I know. But I still haven’t forgiven myself. I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you.”
“Don’t you think that’s a hard promise to make when you’re married?”
“Sweetheart, I’m getting divorced. My lawyer drew up the papers today. Krystal will be served in a couple of days and then I’ll be a free man. I’ve already looked at places for when I get back from deployment. I’m not asking you to wait for me, but when I get back I would like to have a chance to take you out and show you that I’m not the asshole you think I am. I’ve never been unfaithful in my life. Until I met you. I haven’t been in love with Krystal for a long time. I know I shouldn’t have given in, but you drive me crazy. I think about that night every damn day. You’re all I think about day and night. I hope when I get back you can give me a chance.”
“Seth, I’m with Jordan now. I’m safe with him. I can’t risk you breaking my heart again.”
Uncovering Peace Page 2