Finding Peace (Breaking Free Series Book 2)

by Becca Taylor

  That is my plan as I arrive back at my place, until the knock on my door interrupts me.

  Bentley is carrying a huge box. Definitely hand wrapped. “Did you have a good Christmas?”

  “What is that?” It’s hard not to notice what he’s carrying.

  “Santa left this at my place by accident. It has your name on it.” He puts it on the coffee table. I run over to unwrap it. It’s a surround sound for my television.

  “This is too much. I can’t take this.”

  “I think it will be hard for me to return it. Kris Kringle is probably home by now, in bed after working so hard.”

  I do the only thing I can, reward him with a thank you kiss on the cheek.

  “I’ll never wash this cheek again.”

  Playfully, I push him.

  “I’ll be right back.” I head to my room to grab his gift. I had planned to give it to him tomorrow when we have our morning coffee, but since he’s here...

  For a second, I question what I’ve got him, even though I know he will like it no matter what. That’s just the type of guy he is.

  I hand him the box, and he starts tearing away at the paper. Inside are a pair of Harley sunglasses. Ryder helped me pick them out. He told me these glasses are the best at keeping any debris out of your eyes, and I thought they were perfect for Bentley.

  “These are fantastic. How did you know?”

  “Know what?” I ask him.

  “I was going to pick up a pair of these the other day, but I didn’t make it to the dealer in time! Thanks, Angel. I love them.”

  Bentley opens the box to my new sound system, putting it together in no time. I invite him to stay for my movie and hot chocolate night. It’s been a long time since I’ve had such a great holiday that I can’t wait to see what the New Year will bring.

  Alyssa

  SIX MONTHS HAVE GONE by since making the decision to move out. The longer I live here, the more I love it. Unfortunately, that hasn’t made Mike too happy. After the holidays, I was ready to bring personality to my place. That seemed to anger Mike more, and I gave up on trying to make him see my side of things.

  I finally have everything how I want it, though. Since I live close to the beach, I took the theme and ran with it. Bentley gave me free reign to paint the walls whatever colors I want. I wanted to keep it light and airy, so I chose a light sand color for the walls. That way I can add colorful picture frames somewhere. I’m not quite sure where yet though.

  I find the cutest lamps filled with seashells at the flea market; they are exactly what I want. I can’t wait to show them to Bents.

  When I get out of my car, Bentley is throwing some stuff in the dumpster he rented. His part of the house is not quite finished. Bentley and I have settled into a comfortable routine, including having coffee together in the morning and ending with us having dinner at night. I help him as much as I can with painting or cleaning, while he does all the heavy lifting.

  Speaking of heavy lifting… as I get out of my car he’s bending to pick up God-knows-what to toss in the dumpster. The man has the best ass that I’ve ever seen, add in that he’s shirtless…

  You can hear the collaborative sighs coming from women from a mile away. He’s tanned, muscular, and has just the right amount of tattoos on his arms and back.

  My fantasy, live in the flesh.

  He wipes his hands on his worn jeans before running them through his dirty blond hair, like in one of those shampoo commercials. God, his hair… He keeps it shaved shorter on the sides; longer on top. When it falls in his face, I just want to run my fingers through it. His eyes are as blue as the sky. I have blue eyes, but they’re not as pretty as his. Then there are his lips. They are full, pink and have that sexy cupid’s bow. The more I get to know Bentley, the more my attraction to him grows. I know, I have a boyfriend, but it doesn’t hurt to look, right? A woman is entitled to a good stare every once in a while.

  Bentley jogs to my car. “Hey. What did you find today?”

  I open the back door of the car, pulling out my new purchases. “These. Aren’t they the bomb?”

  He takes them both from me and starts walking up the stairs. “I don’t know if I’d say they are the bomb, but they are definitely you. Who says that anymore, anyway?”

  I unlock the door, giving him a sideways glance. “Well, I love them. And I say that.”

  He puts the lamps on the end table before sitting at the breakfast bar. “So, what’re your plans for the day, Angel?”

  Lately, he’s taken to calling me that more and more. Every time he does, I like it more. My actual boyfriend never calls me anything other than Alyssa or Al.

  “Mike is coming for me later. He wants to go to dinner.”

  Bentley stiffens at my reply. He’s still not a fan of Mike. The feeling is mutual for Mike, too.

  Bentley starts to say something, but stops himself.

  “What are you doing tonight, another hot date with Paige?”

  Paige.

  I dislike the girl. She’s too sweet, her hands always touching someone, flirting with everyone. Every time she enters a room I’m in, I can’t help but think of the song lyrics: Move bitch, get out the way, get out the way.

  “You jealous, Aly?” He stands to leave.

  “No, Bents. Why would I be? I have a boyfriend, remember?”

  He kisses my forehead before heading out the door. He’s been doing that more, as well, and I like it too much.

  “Yeah, I remember. Well, have fun with your boyfriend tonight. I’m going to see if the boys want to go grab a beer.”

  Only when he closes the front door, do I start talking out loud to myself. “Aly, you are an idiot, a complete idiot. The man has every right to date whoever he wants to. Besides he doesn’t want you. He treats you like nothing more than a friend.”

  That’s what I have to keep reminding myself of: we are just friends.

  We are not, and will never become the fantasy that is forming in my head.

  Bentley

  I HAD TO GET OUT of there. On the outside I may look calm and cool, but I’m not. Inside, I’m completely frustrated. When she said she was going out with the tool that is her boyfriend, I almost lost it.

  I just don’t get it.

  Why is she with him?

  On more than one occasion I’ve had to go check on her when I’ve heard yelling downstairs. By the time I get there, he is gone, leaving Aly to cry in my arms. That is fine by me. Not her crying, but her being in my arms. I just don’t want her in them because of him.

  From the first time I met Aly, I wanted her. I couldn’t help but take in her straight blond hair, big blue eyes, and a smile that didn’t quit. Her bubbly personality is what really drew me in. Her body is the icing on the cake. She can’t stand more than 5’6” in heels, but she fits snugly in my arms. I’ll never forget how she felt in my arms that night we went out country line dancing, when it was okay for me to hold her close. What she wore that night had my eyes and tongue hanging out like a cartoon character. Her shorts put Daisy Duke to shame, showing off her perfectly round ass and slim legs. She had on nothing more than a fancy tank top, but it formed to her flawless tits. The same ones I got a glimpse of once, and I’m dying to see again. More than once I wanted to explore her body that night. All I could do was pull her close to my body for as many songs as she would allow.

  Then there was the kiss.

  The way her lips felt against mine, the way her body fit against mine, a perfect match. She hasn’t said anything about it, and I haven’t mentioned it either. But every time I see her, I want to pull her into my arms and refresh her memory like it’s burned into mine.

  I pull out my phone, sending Hunter a text to see if he wants to get a beer. We can vent like a couple of women about how fucked up our lives are. His love life is not much better than mine. While I pine away for the girl I want, but can’t have, he dates ones that aren’t worth it.

  Once I get the yes response from him, I go upstairs
to shower.

  Just as I’m about to leave, my phone rings with a call from Paige. Aly thinks that I’m dating her. She just assumes it, and I haven’t corrected her. Paige and I went on one date and there was no chemistry: no spark, no jolt. There is nothing but friendship.

  “So did you tell her yet?”

  She asks me every time we talk, more so since Aly’s birthday party.

  “No, Paige. She’s going out with The Tool tonight.”

  “You need to tell her there is nothing between us, Bentley. She’s going to be pissed you’ve been lying to her. Besides, I like Aly, and she hates me because of this.”

  I laugh at her. “She doesn’t hate you, Paige.”

  She huffs at me. “That’s what you think, but when I’m around I get the evil eye behind your back. So tell her. It could change things.”

  Change things? Not likely. She just reminded me she has a boyfriend that she doesn’t seem to want to get rid of.

  “It won’t. I’ll tell her, just not tonight. I gotta go. I’m meeting Hunter.”

  Before I can hang up, she yells at me. “Tell her, or I will. You have until tomorrow.” She hangs up before I can even respond.

  I meet Hunter at a local bar on the beach. We do the whole ‘whose life sucks more’ routine and today I think he’s winning. He seriously needs to ditch his woman for good this time. She is toxic. It’s not often he talks about her, but the more I hear, the more I don’t get why he doesn’t walk away. But, I understand at the same time because being alone just sucks.

  “Hi, boys! What a coincidence running into you!”

  I turn to see Paige and a bunch of her friends.

  “I told you I was meeting Hunter. Why didn’t you say you were coming here?” I kiss her cheek hello and she introduces her friends. We spend the night tossing back a beer or two and talking with Paige and her friends. Hunter leaves a little before me and I stay to make sure everyone gets home safe.

  Paige reaches in her purse for her keys. I take them out of her hands. There is no way I am going to let her drive. I’ve only had two drinks, and I live right around the corner.

  “You can crash at my place and I’ll take you to get your car in the morning.”

  “I’m fine, Bentley,” she says, sounding annoyed.

  “I’m not letting you drive, Paige.”

  We pull into the driveway, and I can’t help but notice Mike’s car isn’t here. I help Paige up the stairs, and see Aly look out the door at us. I don’t see the tool near her, so I give her a weak smile, which she returns. I take Paige to the guest bedroom and grab her a t-shirt to wear. I give her some privacy to change, and head to the kitchen to get a water for her. She is nearly passed out by the time I come back.

  As I put the blanket on top of her she mumbles, “Thanks, Bentley. You’re really a great guy. Why can’t I feel something? Maybe we should try? Wanna make out?”

  I laugh at her. “Paige, you’re drunk. Get some sleep. We’ll talk about it in the morning.”

  The next morning when I drive Paige back to her car, she questions me. “Did I proposition you last night?”

  “Why? You still offering?”

  She hits my arm. “Hell, no. I guess I was pretty drunk. I really need to find a man. It’s been too long.”

  Tell me about it. My current dry spell has lasted since the day I got myself a roommate. Before Aly, I had no problems finding a willing woman. In fact, at work, we have girls slipping us numbers left and right. Butter My Bread has been very good to my boys and me. Four good looking guys who can cook apparently drive women crazy. When they find out we have a band, panties tend to fall off a little easier. In some cases, they’re thrown at us.

  “Just checking. You feeling alright?” I pull up next to her car.

  “I’m fine. I need a hot bath and a day on the beach. Thanks again for taking care of me.” She kisses me sweetly on the lips. Still nothing. We laugh and say goodbye.

  When I get home, Aly is sitting on the porch. Even with her tear streaked face, she’s stunning. Before sitting down, I go inside, pouring two mugs of coffee. I hand her one. “So, what happened this time?”

  She cradles the cup in both hands, bringing it close to her lips. “I saw you leave with Paige this morning. I guess you had a good night.”

  “It’s not what you think, Aly. She was at the bar. Hunter and I ran into her. I couldn’t let her drink and drive.”

  Giving me a half smile, she puts her cup down, slides under my arm, and leans against my side. I breathe in her scent because it’s addicting. Her hair smells like cherries and she uses this intoxicating vanilla lotion and spray. I kiss the top of her head because I just have to.

  “That was nice of you. I ended it with Mike.”

  And damn if my heart didn’t stop.

  “Talk to me, Angel. What happened?”

  As if she wasn’t torturing me enough, she wraps her arms around my waist to get closer. This woman has no clue what she does to me. I think of everything from my mom to zombies to keep my dick from getting any ideas.

  “He thinks there’s something going on between you and me. I keep telling him we are just friends, more like brother and sister, but he won’t listen.”

  And there it is. Deflate—not only my ego, but my dick at the same time.

  “Do you want it to be over, Aly?”

  She looks up at me with her big blue eyes and shrugs. What the hell does that mean? Breathing deep, I try to calm myself. Because all I want to do is shake her and say ‘Pick me. I’m right here and I’ll treat you so much better than him.’

  “I don’t know what I want. I’m confused. It’s hard to leave someone you’ve been with for so long and have so much invested in. But, I think we need a break.”

  We’ve done this time and time again. She comes home saying she left him, I comfort her, and the next day she tells me they made up. Which is torture. After hearing her out for what I hope is the last time, I am finally able to tell her how I feel, but not what you think. She’s still not ready for that yet.

  “Aly, I know it’s not my place to say this, but I need to tell you. Mike is a Tool.”

  She laughs. “I know.”

  “No, I mean he’s a complete asshole. You deserve better than him. The way I’ve seen him treat you, I would never treat a woman like that. How many times have I come down here to find you in tears because he’s yelling at you about some stupid shit? He’s lucky to be breathing. If I ever caught him, he’d have a few less teeth.”

  She removes her arms from me, and I groan from the loss of contact. She turns away from me. “I know, Bents. But there is so much more than a relationship to deal with. We’ve been together for so long, I’m afraid that without him, I’ll lose part of my identity.”

  I have no idea what she’s talking about.

  “He does not make you who you are, so you can knock that out of your head now. You do that on your own.” I run my hands through my hair to calm myself down. I don’t want her to think I’m angry with her. “You’re smart, fun, cook like a pro—not to mention beautiful. And you’re not just beautiful, either. You’re sexy as hell. Aly, any guy would be lucky to have you.”

  With my last words, her head snaps back towards me. “What did you say?”

  I begin to repeat myself. “You’re smart, fun…”

  She cuts me off before I finish. “Not that, Bentley. After that.”

  And I think I may have revealed too much.

  “You’re beautiful and sexy.”

  All of a sudden, she does what I wanted her to do since I first met her. She grabs behind my head, pulling my mouth to hers. I’m not talking about just a little peck on the lips either. I’m talking about the kind of kiss that has me hard as a rock in seconds. This is already so much better than the last one.

  I wrap my arms around her waist to pull her closer. At first, she just uses her lips. Damn, if they aren’t the softest lips I’ve ever felt. I tease her bottom lip with my tongue, and she releases
a breath. I slide in, instantly rolling her tongue with mine. It’s the sexiest kiss I’ve ever had. Our lips and tongues are seeking more, our heads tilted to get the perfect angle to deepen the kiss. Even though it isn’t technically our first kiss, the way it feels, it may as well be.

  Apparently, Aly doesn’t feel the same. She pulls back from me abruptly, covering her mouth with her hand.

  “I’m so sorry, Bentley. I didn’t mean to do that. That was a mistake. It won’t happen again.” She gets up and runs inside, locking me out. I sit in the swing, with my head in my hands, wondering how in a matter of seconds my life went from amazing to complete shit. Again.

  Alyssa

  OH MY GOD, WHAT did I just do?

  I just kissed my landlord, my friend. I just kissed Bentley. And it wasn’t a little kiss. But, good God, that kiss was so hot. I’ve never kissed or been kissed like that. It was a ‘fireworks, singing praise, I need to change my panties’ type of kiss. I touch my lips because I can still feel the after effects of it. They are puffy and swollen—it feels wonderful.

  So what do I do?

  I run away, completely embarrassed at my sudden sluttiness.

  I head straight for my bed.

  My hands cover my eyes as I flop on my back and call Kat. My best friend will tell me what to do. I need her to reassure me everything will be okay. That Bentley won’t kick me out after I all but attacked him on my deck.

  “What’s up, my bff?”

  “I fucked up, Kat. Big time.”

  In the background, I hear her feet walking, then a door slamming. I can only guess she was heading to her room to get away from Caleb’s listening ears.

  “What’s going on, Aly? Are you okay?”

  I’m so far from being okay.

  Just tell her. Tell her you were a wanton hussy.

  “I messed up and kissed Bentley.”

  “It’s about damn time.”

  “Kat, this is not funny. He is my neighbor, no, my landlord. He doesn’t think of me in that way.”