by Megan Noelle
“I love him, Karly. I love him so damn much but I can’t be with him. This is his home and my hell.” Karly backed away so I could see her face.
“Corey is your home, Danielle. He will always be by your side but you have to let him.” I nodded, but knew that wasn’t going to change my opinion.
“I need to use the restroom.” With a kiss on her cheek, I scurried away.
In the bathroom I soaked a towel in cold water; pressing it against my bare neck and chest to calm me down. The moment I felt fresh tears prick my eyes, I decided it was time to return to the bar. Sanders tried to sway me against taking another shot but there was no chance in that happening. Massive amounts of tequila was the only thing I needed now and I had ever intention to indulge. Before I could get the next shot to my lips, a hand locked around my wrist and yanked me backwards. The shot spilled into the spot I had been standing seconds before.
My head whipped around to see the back of Corey’s head as he hauled me out of the banquet hall. The instant we weren’t in the middle of a crowd of people, I was scooped into the warmth and strength that my body craved.
“What are you doing!!” My voice screamed out, as my body mercilessly flailed around. Whatever was happening, the last thing I could handle right now was to be alone with Corey.
“I’m done watching you try and kill yourself with tequila tonight.”
“So stop watching!”
Corey stopped walking and stared down into my face. “Don’t you get it yet, Danielle, you are all I see. Whenever you’re near I can think straight because you have taken control of me. I don’t think of all the bad and I never need to worry about tomorrow. As long as you are a part of my future, I can handle whatever comes along.”
I swallowed back my tears and the overbearing need to spill my heart.
“You’ve changed my world, Danielle Hamilton, and I’m not letting you go.”
His legs began to move again as he walked up the Inn steps and down the hall to the same room we had our quickie in months before. He pulled a key from his pants pocket and unlocked the door. We walked through and the second we were over the threshold, our lips were smashed together. The sound of him kicking the door closed registered in my brain but slowly slipped away, as I felt the delicious warmth move with me.
My feet hit the ground and straightaway our hands fumbled with clothing. Corey’s jacket, then shirt were the first to hit the room floor; followed swiftly by my dress then his pants. My hands were everywhere against his hard chest, in his soft hair; while my lips explored everything I could reach. When Corey pushed me away, I whimpered at the loss of contact but in his heavy panting, I saw the combustible passion in his eyes and knew we were nowhere near finished.
Before I could stop it, my hands latched onto either side of his face, while I looked directly into those illustrious blue eyes. “I love you, Corey.” His eyes bulged out and a sharp intake of breath slid past his swollen, luscious lips.
Corey processed my words before breaking the silence. “Say it again.” He whispered, as if breaking the silence would destroy the words hanging between us.
“I love you, so much. You’re right, I’m jealous as hell and I hate seeing you near another girl; especially when I’m the one who wants you. What kills me is I’m the one who can’t have you.”
Corey’s hands cupped the sides of my face as he leaned in. “You already have me, Danielle. No one else has ever meant anything to me and you baby…you mean everything.”
The time for talking was over—our lips collided again and we slowly moved over to the bed. We ravaged one another exploring every inch that we both missed during our time apart. My body arched against every touch while my lips took advantage of the closeness of our bodies. Corey teased my needy core and when I thought I could take no more, he slid deep inside me. There really was nothing as right as the feel of him a part of me, with the world around us as nothing but a faint background. Corey took his time making this the most memorable and meaningful experience we’ve shared. When we could no longer hold off, we spiraled over the moon together until our bodies were spent and breathless. For the first time in weeks, I didn’t cry myself to sleep as I moved as close to Corey as I could possibly get. Letting his arms keep me safe from the dangers of the thoughts swirling around in my scarred mind.
Forever the End
The urge to vomit made me shoot out of bed. I made it to the toilet with half a second to spare; my body expelled the gallons of tequila I consumed that night. When my stomach was done purging itself, I leaned against the bathtub and let the memories from last night swirl through my mind. The jealous rage that turned me into a crazy person, fighting with Corey, and finally, making love with him. Most importantly—I told Corey I loved him. Even though I was drunk, I knew I meant every single word that I said but what I didn’t say was it didn’t change anything. I would still be returning to the city and I did not intend to come back.
When I was sure I wasn’t going to throw up again, I splashed water on my face and rinsed out my mouth the best I could. The room was still dark and the red digital numbers on the clock display read 4:03 in the morning. Corey was still sleeping peacefully and I wanted nothing more than to crawl back into bed with him. But I knew I couldn’t do that anymore. My decision was final and now I needed to get away before I lost any sort of self-control.
While pulling my dress back into place I saw the pad of paper provided by the Inn, sitting on the round table in the corner. This was going to be the last contact I would give myself with Corey, so I had to make it good.
Corey—
I know this doesn’t make sense and I wouldn’t blame you if you hated me after all was said and done, but I need you to know, that I’m sorry. When I got in my car and made the long drive here, I dreaded every minute of it. This place was never one I intended to stay in. In the beginning I wanted nothing more than a distraction during my time here. Meeting you flipped my world upside down and now the thought of letting you go is the only thing I’m dreading. I really do love you, Corey. I’ve loved you since the moment you showed up at my house and drove me to see my mother. You’re the most incredible, selfless, amazing person I have ever met. I am really going to miss you, but this is for the best. I’ll never be what you need me to be and I will never deserve what you have to offer. I won’t be coming back to work at the Inn, and don’t know if I’ll ever be able to return to this place after I leave. But I’ll never forget you Corey. Never.
Love you always… Dani 25
* * * *
Snow fluttered down from the gloomy gray clouds, matching my mood to a Tee. From the second I got in my car and drove home this morning—I was a complete disaster. My stomach churned from the tequila, my head pounded from the hangover and my heart—well my heart was nothing but a shattered wreck. I spent the day curled up in sweats on the couch the TV droned on in the background. My phone was on the coffee table near my head but it hadn’t received a single call or text today. So, when a knock pounded against my front door, I nearly jumped out of my skin. I wasn’t expecting anyone, nor did I want any company.
My first thought was to ignore it and let the person leave but the knocking was persistent, so I caved. When I pulled open the door Ollie stood in front of me, with a look of extreme concentration focused on something in his mind. I didn’t get a chance to ask him to leave before he pushed his way into my living room. With a sigh, I shut the door and joined him, with hopes that this wouldn’t take long. It was seriously cutting into my wallowing.
“Dee, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about this—about us—and I think we should take the next step.”
“What?” I didn’t think it was possible to be surprised so many times in a 24-hour period.
“We have the history, the chemistry and I know this could really be something amazing. When we slept together all those years ago, it was incredible for me because I had wanted you for so long. Everything got screwed up after that night because of Jayme, and i
t wasn’t until you walked back into my life that I realized you were the one I wanted.” Words escaped me, while his penetrated through the dark cloud hanging over my head. My mind was still reeling from the events the night before with Corey—how was I supposed to take this on as well?
“Ollie…” That was all I got out before his arms wrapped tight around my waist and pulled my lips to his.
While his moved, mine remained stiff; unsure of what to do or how to feel. The kiss couldn’t compare to one shared with Corey, but then again I’ve decided to leave Corey behind. When my mind began to respond favorably to the feel of his lips on mine, I gave in and kissed back. Maybe I couldn’t be with the one I wanted, but maybe a distraction wouldn’t be such a bad idea. This all started with me wanting a distraction to forget Ollie, maybe all I needed was a distraction to forget about Corey.
Just as I let myself really get into the moment with my eyes sealed shut—my phone rang. My mind jumped around to who could be on the other end but only one name echoed in my heart—Corey. Could he be watching me from outside? Was it possible that subconsciously he knew the exact moment to pick up the phone and dial? My heart ached with the feeling that I was betraying him in some way but as I was getting ready to pull away, Ollie’s mouth found my weak spot on my neck, just below my ear.
Common sense and the need to let go danced around in a wicked way inside of me. Ollie’s heavy breathing blew into my ear.
“Let it go.” I knew he was talking about the phone call, but he didn’t realize just how close to home those words hit right now.
Just let it go.
Acknowledgments
Julie Schneider— Oh Julie, what can I say about you? For starters this story would be nothing more than yet another idea churning around in my head—if not for you. Your support and love that you have shown me from day one has meant more to me than I can say. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for everything you have done. The endless discussions we’ve had about Corey and Dani have absolutely made them come to life. It is because of you that this is here! I appreciate all you’ve done and continue to do for me. Love you!
Kimberly Brower (Book Reader Chronicles)— Your willingness to help an unknown author like myself was so inspiring from day one. It didn’t take long before you became a friend to me and I am so grateful for asking for your help. Your opinions and suggestions cease to amaze me and I love that you aren’t afraid to tell me when something I wrote needs to be changed! I can only hope this is just the beginning of a very long partnership because you really do encourage the best in me every time I write. Thank you!
Danielle Jamie—
Although I have not known you since the start of writing Fool, you have still been such an amazing help! There are so many things that I have been about to lose my mind over—and you’ve been there for me! Helping me breathe and reassuring me that I do not need to pull my hair out over certain things! I’m so happy our chats have progressed from author-to-author to friendship! I can’t wait to read more from you and even more… write with you! Thank you for absolutely everything!
Angelina Fauskee— Who would have guessed that my oldest friend is also my biggest fan! I always knew that our book-nerd souls were going to keep us close! I love you so much and it means so much that you read this book (and the others I’m writing) in the very early—messy stages. Also thank you for putting up with my million or so questions after every new section you read! You are the absolute best my darling!
Georgia Cates— I started as nothing more than a fangirl gushing over the beautiful words and story you created. Your guidance and support have helped me in more ways than you can imagine. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out—especially when it came to making my cover the beautiful image it is now!
Other Amazing People Who Have Helped Along the Way—
Jamie Hillard and Sharon—Thank you for editing and giving me that boost of confidence during that very crucial home stretch before publishing!! Love you both! Carol Conklin—Thank you for stepping in at the last minute to help out! You are truly a phenomenal woman! Cara and Kari (A Book Whore’s Obsession)—You ladies are absolutely amazing—you need to know that! Thank you for all the fantastic quote pictures you made and for sharing information about Fool. It means so much! Tracy McKay—My wonderful overseas friend! Your love for this book is what gave you an advanced reader copy! But I have loved our chats more than you know and the encouragement you gave means so very much! Thank you!! Ryan Marks—During the crucial moments of getting to know someone—you had to get to know me as stressedand attached to my story. Your patience is amazing. Not to mention your ability to assist me with the lines, scenes and moments that were giving me complete hell! Thank you so much for everything!
Stacy Zimpher and Nick Schultz—The power couple I can always rely on for fantastic opinions when they’re needed! Thank you! Author D.N. Simmons—Thank you for the beautiful words of encouragement! Ryan Jones—Thank you for being my best friend and supporting me from the start!