As she cried, I wondered what had led her here. What made her leave Joe while pregnant? Honestly, I was as mad as hell she was hurting and alone. She didn’t seem like the kind of woman who would separate from the father of her child without a good reason. What had the bastard done to her? My mind raced with possibilities.
I reined in my angry thoughts to focus on what she needed right now. I wanted to do something, anything, to make her pain go away. I wouldn’t let her down this time. I prayed she’d give me a chance to help even if only as a friend. I couldn’t expect anything more.
Finally, she stirred and her face turned up to mine. I smiled down at her, trying to assure her that she was welcome in my arms. I loved having her so close, but she was wreaking havoc on me physically. I tried to ignore the softness of her breasts pressed against my chest. The sweet scent of her perfume. Her hands wrapped around my waist.
God, she was killing me, and I couldn’t push all the lustful thoughts out of my mind. It had been well over a year since I’d had a woman in my arms. And she wasn’t just any woman. She was the one I’d missed and hated myself for losing.
I wanted to kiss her tear-stained cheeks. Feel her soft lips against mine. I felt myself getting hard as my thoughts continued down a dangerous path.
Damn, I shouldn’t have been thinking like that. Kelly needed a friend not a man wanting in her pants. Somehow, I had to stop my physical reaction to her. She was pregnant and hurting. Surely, I had enough character somewhere deep inside to stop myself from lusting after her. Although my yearlong celibacy wasn’t helping one bit either.
Thankfully, she pulled away from me, her body no longer making direct contact with mine. Then I realized her hands were gripping my waist tightly. Too damn close to where my body wanted her. Still, I could breathe easier and calm my shit down.
“I’m so sorry, Bradley. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m not usually a crier,” Kelly said. I was relieved she’d calmed down enough to talk. She rubbed her eyes.
“No apologies needed. I’m glad I can be here for you.” I wanted to add, “Like I should’ve been years ago,” but dropped it. That talk would come later.
“I’m sure I look like a hot mess.” She bowed her head, trying to hide from me. “Great impression, right?”
“Like I said, no apologies, no worries.” I lifted her chin up, making eye contact. She needed to see that I was serious about what I said. “And you’ve never looked more beautiful to me.”
“Oh, Bradley, you can’t say things like that and expect me not to start crying again.” Her eyes brimmed with tears. “It’s been years since I’ve heard someone call me beautiful.”
Years? You had to be kidding me... That jerk of a husband. He had no idea what he had in her. I felt the anger resurfacing that I had shoved aside. Joe was a bastard. No other word for him. This woman needed to hear that she was a beauty every single day.
“I don’t know what you’ve been through, but it sounds like you’ve experienced a little hell on earth.”
“You have no idea. But it’s over now. Thank God.” She glanced at her stomach. “Well, it’s not all over really. I can deal with what’s ahead now, though.”
A couple of women walked by us as they headed to the restrooms. Their faces showed concern, probably wondering what was going on between Kelly and me. I smiled and tipped my head their way to give them a little reassurance that everything was okay.
“You’re a brave woman to be facing...” I glanced to her stomach, “everything on your own. I have an idea. Did you drive here?”
“I did,” she replied. “I borrowed my parents’ car. Just like I was sixteen again.” She laughed almost seeming embarrassed.
“Dave brought me tonight. I was planning on having a few drinks, but I was thinking maybe we could go back to my house. I have some steaks I could throw on the grill. How does that sound?”
“I don’t know.” Kelly hesitated and pulled her pouty lower lip between her teeth. Damn if it didn’t turn me on.
“We could sit out on my deck. Enjoy the nice spring evening and catch up.” I was pulling out all the stops and holding my breath that she’d say yes. I’d get down on my knees and beg if I had to.
“Well, I do feel a little spent and maybe not up for a big group thing after all. All these crazy emotions of mine…” She focused intensely on my eyes before continuing. “I do feel better talking with you, though. You always got me, Bradley. I never had to explain myself to you. And God knows I could really use a friend like that now.”
“Same back to you, beautiful.” Without thinking, I let my fingers push a stray strand of her hair away from her cheeks.
It took all I had not to pull her to me again. However, I think her use of the word “friend” made me realize we had to cross that bridge first... becoming friends again after so many years apart, but I had a feeling we were well on our way.
“Thanks, Bradley.” She smiled sweetly at me. I swore my heart skipped a beat. She was killing me and I loved it.
“Why don’t we stop back by the table, speak to the gang, and then...” Kelly interrupted me before I finished my sentence.
“Head out like a baby?” she said and then started to belly laugh.
“Damn,” was all I could get out as we laughed together. I think it was just what she needed, too.
I followed her to the table as she walked with my hand pressed against the small of her back. She didn’t seem to mind the intimate gesture. She glanced to the side and a big smile spread across her beautiful face. I grinned and winked at her. I hoped my encouragement gave her a little strength.
Matthew was the first one to spot us. He perked up. “Hey, guys,” he said as we stood by the table. Kelly didn’t take a seat so I followed her lead and remained on my feet.
“Hey,” Kelly said back. “Sorry about me leaving the table. It wasn’t my finest moment. I thought I was better prepared for...”
“No need to explain, Kelly,” Matthew interjected. “Tina gave us a quick rundown. I can speak for each one of the guys here and say we’re going to do everything possible to help you.
“Wow, you don’t know how much I appreciate it. I can’t even begin to tell you. For the first time in months, I don’t feel alone in all of this.”
Kelly’s voice faded away at the end, and I worried she was going to cry again. She turned her head my way and smiled after she spoke. She was okay. I think she just needed her old friends around her showing they cared and supported her. No woman should go through this alone and she knew that she wouldn’t be facing it by herself. We were there for her.
“Would you all be upset if we took off?” I looked around the table and watched big smiles appear on everyone’s faces. Yeah, they were probably thinking what I was hoping... Kelly and I back together once again. Just like old times.
“Of course not,” Tina replied. “We can all catch up later this weekend. Remember, I’m having you all over to my house. Pool opening.”
“Oh, I forgot about that.” I winced knowing the divorce finalizing had occupied my mind more than it should have. “I plan on being there.”
“Kelly, I hope you can come, too,” Tina said. “I was going to ask you tonight. Saturday night around seven. Hamburgers on the grill by the pool. It’ll still be too cold to swim.”
“I’d love to come. Thank goodness it’s cold. I’m not planning on wearing a swimsuit anytime soon,” Kelly responded.
“I’m glad you can come and don’t worry,” Tina continued. “You look terrific. Right, guys?”
Tina looked straight at me with a closed-mouth smile. She knew exactly what she was up to. All the guys spoke at the same time and agreed with her.
All the compliments must have been good for Kelly as she beamed. I had a feeling her self-esteem was shot, and I think this group of friends was just what she needed to rebuild it.
“Aw, thanks,” Kelly said sheepishly. “You sure know how to make a girl feel good.”
“It’
s true, Kelly,” Tina chimed in. “I was already a swollen mess at the end of my first trimester. You’re only showing in your tummy.”
“For now, maybe, but I have a feeling things are going to change.”
Kelly glanced at me and nodded, so I spoke up. “Kelly, you ready?” I asked. “I’ve got some steaks with our names on them back at the house.”
“Wow, look at you, Bradley,” Dave nearly shouted. I gave him a not too subtle punch on the arm to get him to shut up. After watching him flinch, I was pretty sure he got the message.
“Sorry, just kidding.” He lowered his gaze as he apologized. Whatever. He teases all the time, but this was a little too much for me, and likely Kelly, too.
“I’m rescuing her from all of you guys for the night.” I turned to Kelly and we both laughed.
“I think we have a lot to talk about.” Kelly looked as if she wanted to say more, and she’d have a chance to later.
“You all enjoy yourselves. How about we do lunch tomorrow, Kelly?” Tina asked.
“Sure,” Kelly replied. “I’d love to.”
“Let’s meet at Cafe Pacific in Highland Park Village about noon.”
“Sounds great. I miss that place. It was one of my favorites.”
Kelly stopped and scanned the table, stopping to make eye contact with each one of the guys sitting there
“Thanks for all your support tonight. I was super nervous about everyone's reaction to seeing me, especially being in this condition.” She looked down at her stomach but kept her smile intact.
“I’m so glad you came, Kelly. You can count on us, too. No way we’ll let you go through this alone.” Dave smiled reassuringly at her.
She placed her hand on Dave’s shoulder and bent down to kiss his cheek, which instantly turned red. Who knew old Dave could blush?
“You’re so sweet,” Kelly said to Dave as she teasingly ruffled his hair. Having her here was good for everyone, not just her.
After another round of good-byes, we finally headed to the door. My hand stayed placed on the small of her back the entire walk to the entrance. It was hard to believe how this day had turned around for me. I woke up with divorce papers on my mind, and now I felt the body heat against my palm of the only woman I’d ever truly loved. I couldn’t imagine a better ending to this day, and it wasn’t even over yet.
Chapter 6: Kelly’s Turn
Nearly eight weeks had passed since I saw Bradley at my first Love Handles gathering. That night was nerve-racking, crazy, and wonderful all mixed into one. In my mind, I still could see his face as he walked through the doors of the pub. He took my breath away then and still did.
We’d left the pub early and went back to his house, a lovely home in Highland Park, not far from where he’d grown up. I knew he’d done well for himself; Tina had told me a few bits and pieces over the years, nothing specific, though. I’d never asked questions, either. I didn’t want to hear about him being happy with someone else. But I had no idea what he’d been doing to achieve the kind of wealth that a home like his would cost. It was phenomenal. Over the top beautiful. And big, Texas-sized big.
However, in all of its beauty the house seemed lonely to me. A big mansion with only him wandering around in it. The thought of this made me sad. All this achievement on his part, but no one to share it with. Perhaps that was why he wanted to bring me back to his house. He’d been alone for too long.
Bradley grilled up some delicious steaks and never let my drink get even half-empty. He was so attentive and caring. The sweet young boy I’d known had become a beautiful grown man. Thankfully, the sweet in him had never left or changed, though. He was the same Bradley that I remembered and adored from high school. The one I knew before he slept with someone else.
After dinner, we sat on his patio by the pool, gazing off at the horizon’s last fading rays of light. He gradually started to open up to me about his life as the last of the sun disappeared and twilight wrapped around us. Perhaps it shielded us from seeing each other’s faces, protecting us as we spoke of our hurts and disappointments. Our dark days stayed there in the dark.
His failed marriage was the first topic he had brought up. How it was doomed from the start. He’d met his now ex-wife in college. Her father owned a large defense contracting company in Dallas and needed a male heir to take over his company when he retired. His father-in-law felt his daughter wouldn’t have been taken seriously in the male dominated defense industry. He’d thought Bradley had been a perfect fit, a natural-born leader, and sharp as a tack.
For Bradley it was a twofer, a wife and a company. For a young man getting out of school without a job secured, he caved and grabbed the carrot dangling in front of him. He thought he loved her, and they seemed like a happy couple the first year, then he faced the stress that came with running a large company. He shared being overwhelmed with Natalie, but she accused him of being weak. He realized early on their marriage was more like a partnership and ended as a failed business agreement.
His share of the business had been substantial, as he’d helped take the company public. Once that had happened, his personal portfolio had become worth millions. But his personal life had added up to nothing. And before long he and his wife were sleeping on opposites ends of the house. This part of his story was difficult to hear. I knew all too well what it was like living inside a passionless marriage, since the touches I received from Joe never made it to my heart. The act of sex in our marriage was just that for me. An act.
He and I had been through some shitty years. We’d both married the wrong person, and it had taken years for us to realize or admit to our mistake. I told him how Joe had been waiting for me when I arrived back at Baylor after leaving UT so many years ago. Mentioning that fateful day was difficult, I could feel the tension between us increase, but it had to be said. There was no moving forward without speaking about our past.
I softly spoke of the day I’d left him standing in his fraternity room. I told Bradley I’d called Joe in tears as I tried to drive back to Waco. Joe almost talked me into pulling over and waiting for him to come get me, but somehow I’d gathered myself together and made the two-hour trip.
Once he’d seen my car pull into the parking lot of my dorm, he had come for me and engulfed me in his arms.
Looking back at that young, vulnerable girl, I knew the truth about Joe’s comfort. It was a cold and calculating love meant to get him what he wanted to possess... me.
I’d never quite figured out why Joe decided that I was the girl for him. The one. The only. Maybe I was the unattainable prize or conquest, but once he’d put on his charms, I was really no match for him. I was sad and broken. He’d been too eager to fix me, so I’d let him. It became a pattern for us. Joe, deciding what was best. Joe dictating what I would do.
I remembered Bradley trying to apologize to me. He begged me, actually. I told him that we were both young and needed to look beyond that day. I shouldn’t have run off, but I had. We each had regrets and if we were going to continue to be friends, I felt the past should be buried along with our past marriages. We needed to start our friendship or whatever we had anew.
Initially, I worried that our reconnecting was on overdrive, progressing far too fast. But after a couple weeks of trying to keep things between us as friends, I had decided to give in and follow my heart, throw caution to the wind.
I was so thankful that I did; it led me back into the arms of the most beautiful man I’d ever known. Every time we talked on the phone, exchanged texts, or got together in person, our relationship grew and became stronger.
He was patient when it came the physical part of our relationship and didn’t push me, and under the circumstances I found myself in, I appreciated his restraint. I could tell he wanted more between us from almost day one of our being back in each other’s lives. However, it took me a little time to come around. I was pregnant, newly separated from Joe, and facing a world of problems trying to divorce him.
All my troubles, n
ot to mention the pregnancy, didn’t seem to bother Bradley. He took all the insanity I was dealing with in stride. He held my hand and encouraged me every time I felt like giving up, which happened countless times a day. He kept my head above water when I felt like I was drowning. I owed him so much... especially after today.
We were on a plane heading to Atlanta to have a meeting with Joe and his attorney. My stomach felt queasy at the thought of facing Joe again. It was D-Day for me, and Bradley too. He was going to be face to face with my tormenter and had to remain calm even if he wanted to confront Joe man-to-man.
Joe had stalled on every attempt to settle our divorce quick and painlessly. He wanted me to suffer. His threats had become outrageous as my newly hired divorce attorney fought for me. My attorney said he’d dealt with many control freaks in his days, but he’d never seen anyone like Joe. His behavior was epic, apparently.
The first thing my attorney did for me was secure some funds for my living expenses. Legally, Joe was required to give me access to the accounts we’d shared when I left him. He had no right to take the money from our joint account and reopen it under his name only. Pretty arrogant move on his part considering he was a lawyer and knew better.
I really didn’t care about the money too much, though. Sure, I needed some for the baby and myself, but I just didn’t have any fight left in me. Maybe it was the struggles I’d had over the last few years being married to a harsh man. Trying to be the perfect wife. Hoping that he would notice me for who I was and not always trying to get me to be something I wasn’t. Live up to some imaginary standard he had in his mind. Joe had basically worn me out.
Bradley listened to me for hours as I shared how Joe controlled me in every aspect of my life. How he kept me dependent on him from day one by limiting the amount of knowledge I had with our finances.
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