And Never Let Her Down: A Town of Destiny Novel

by Nancy Glynn

  “I can’t believe you did this. You knew how much this meant…I just can’t believe it.”

  “I did. That smile on your face was worth every page I turned to choose the perfect one. It wasn’t an easy task, let me tell ya. No, ma’am. It took hours, but I finally found one perfect for you.”

  “I don’t know what to say, Hayden. Thank you.” Her gaze swept over her new cushy bed waiting for her to climb into it and sleep.

  “You’re welcome. Still mad at me?” He stepped closer and grabbed her hands.

  “Hmm…I’ll postpone it for now.” She felt his soft lips kiss her knuckles and melted her insides.

  “Listen to me. Elece means nothing like that. She’s only a friend. I swear. I have eyes for another woman. She’s kinda crippled, a smart ass, a pain in the ass at times, but so very beautiful.”

  She smirked and then glanced down at her healing foot, knowing he meant well. The way he made her feel when they made love told her he felt more than a duty towards her. She pulled him to her new bed ready to be christened.

  “Are you sure? You’ve gone through so much, Aubs.”

  “Even if that Elece does want you, I’m claiming you to be mine. We’ll figure this out, but I know you make me happy. This is the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me and I won’t lose you over something so silly.”

  “I’m all yours. You have me.”

  “I really love your twang.” She giggled and pushed her panties down as he slid her black dress up over her head along with her prosthetic bra.

  He yanked his shirt over his head and shoved his suit pants off before climbing on top of her.

  She ran her tongue up his smooth throat that would soon grow hairs and need to be shaved again, but she loved the raggedness of it. Sucking on it, she then trailed her lips up to meet his and allowed their tongues to swirl against each other. His hand dipped between her legs to touch her wetness, bucking at his finger entering.

  He fingered her until she was on the brink of an orgasm but then would stop, his tongue thrusting in her mouth with the same rhythm.

  He kneed her legs apart and rubbed her with his hardness, flicking it against her throbbing clit. “Aubs, you drive me crazy. You’re my dream girl,” he murmured against her cheek.

  She closed her eyes and froze. Danny’s face flashed before her eyes. The guns going off at the ceremony from the twenty-one-gun salute. The shots echoed in her brain as tears slid down her face.

  “Aubrey? You okay, baby?” He stopped and cradled her face, wiping the tears away.

  “No, I’m not. I don’t know if I ever will be again.”

  He dropped to her side and pulled her in, kissing her temple. “It’s okay, darlin’. Just let it go. I’m here for you. This will get better with time, I promise you.”

  She shook her head. “I feel so guilty like it should have been me or something.”

  “I have the same exact thoughts, babe. I wish it were me that opened that damn package.”

  A sob tore through her and she released all the old memories she shared with her brother. She was alone now. No one to tease her parents with or laugh at goofy things. No one to cry to when heartbreak set in from yet another failed relationship.

  Would she ever be able to make love again? It didn’t seem like it in this moment. To make love would be to move on and live without Danny. It was just too fresh. He was turned into ashes because of his face being blown off. It had to be closed casket. She’d never see his happy face again.

  Hayden’s soft snoring filled her ear as he held her close. It almost soothed her. His breath blew hotly on her face, like a feather. And then she heard a buzzing sound coming from his phone in his pants pocket.

  She glanced down to see his pocket light up. Someone was texting him. Probably Elece. It was fine. He wanted her. At least she thought he did. The look in his eyes said he did, and it was more than just sex. So much more.

  The phone stopped for a bit and she relaxed until she heard it again. That woman wouldn’t give up. What was wrong with her? She was tempted to bend down and grab it just to stop it from incessantly buzzing.

  She stared at the ceiling and gritted her teeth, making her jaw burn. She glanced down at him and smiled before gently sliding him off. He rolled over to face the other way, making things a lot easier.

  After making absolutely certain he was still sleeping, she threw her legs over the side of the bed and grabbed his pants to pull the phone out. Feeling a little guilty, she hit the home button and brought up the messages.

  Her eyes widened.

  It was his mother saying his grandmother wasn’t doing too well and to please come home. She had said now that Aubrey is healing, she could be honest and tell him she was in hospice for her lung cancer and was asking for him.

  She had to let him go. He really was needed now. He’d been here for two months and it was time.

  Two men taken from her. Two very important men.

  He stirred behind her, making her heart ache.

  Soon the house would be silent.

  “Aubrey? What’s wrong?” He touched her back.

  She wiped her face and twisted around to face him. “I heard your phone going off and it wouldn’t stop so I looked. I’m sorry…”

  “It’s okay. Who was it?” He rubbed his eyes.

  “Your mother. Here.” She handed it to him as he sat up to read it.

  “Damn. Memaw. I knew she was sick, but I thought she was in remission.” He met her stare. “I’ll have to go.”

  “I know. I understand.”

  “Maybe you can come with me?”

  She shook her head. “I can’t just leave this house again. My parents don’t like it empty plus I have a deadline. Just go, Hayden.”

  He chewed his lip, lost in deep thought. “I’ll come back. I won’t be gone long.”

  “You go be with your family. I’ll be fine. We’ll visit each other when we can.”

  “But I don’t want to leave you, Aubs. You must know that!”

  “I know.”

  He sighed and stood, tugging his pants and shirt on in a frustrated manner.

  She touched his tense back. “Hey, it’s okay. Don’t go angry like that. This is your grandmother. She needs you now more than I do.” Her voice softened as did her heart. She never really had a grandmother figure in her life and was almost envious.

  “I’ll come back as soon as I can. I’ll go call my mom and book a flight.”

  Tears pricked her eyes. He was really leaving. Buried one man today and now this. She smiled and nodded. “I know you will.” She stood and wrapped her arms around his neck, placing a small kiss on his full lips. Suckable lips. Lips that belonged to her.

  “I promise I won’t let anyone else’s lips touch mine. Only yours. Do you understand that?”

  She blinked away the tears and nodded. Even though she knew the thought was ridiculous and impossible, she nodded understanding for him.

  “Good. Okay, head back to bed and off that foot.”

  “Wait, aren’t you going to say goodbye?”

  “No because it won’t be goodbye. You don’t need to see me leave. I’ll call an Uber and text you I’ve made it safely home. You’re exhausted. I don’t think you’ve slept since finding out about Danny.”

  “But I want to kiss you one more time…”

  He bent his head and kissed her, a kiss she’d only seen in movies. A kiss full of fire and passion and love.

  “There. Now hop back to that bed and sleep. Let your body finally rest. I’ll be fine. I’ll be back as soon as I’m able. Everything will be fine. Start your day tomorrow with writing so that way you’re off your foot anyway. Even though you’re done with therapy doesn’t mean you can’t injure it again. Do your exercises. This will all be over in a blink of an eye.” He kissed her once more on the forehead and winked before strutting down to his room.

  ***

  He laid his head against his closed door for a moment before pushing it open and glanci
ng around the room. It would not be for the last time. He’d come back.

  But would he?

  He loved Texas and his family. Loved being around them. Loved the heat of the sun and barbequing all year round.

  Maybe he could change her mind and bring her there? But the way she said she couldn’t broke his heart. He knew she’d never leave here. She felt a duty to her parents like he did at first for her. He understood.

  He heaved his suitcase from under the bed and began to pack what was in the closet. Looking around, he knew he’d miss this room. He was hardly in it but for sleep, but he’d still miss being down the hall from Aubrey. He’d miss hearing her music through his walls.

  He’d be back. No doubt. According to his mom, Memaw was ready to go. She had lived a full life, raising seven kids. Pawpaw had died years ago but she carried on without him. They all worried she’d die of heartbreak, but she was determined to run his ranch. With the help of her twelve grandchildren, she did. She was eight-eight and was ready to join her one true love.

  It was still early. Only seven. He had one more fun idea for her before he left. But first he needed to book that flight.

  Chapter Eleven

  The morning sun beamed her awake, slicing through the shades and forcing her to cover her eyes. She had the wildest dream of large cats chasing her in a tunnel. She knew Hayden had to have left and the sadness sat in her chest like black seaweed.

  And then it jumped on her, meowing loud and fierce in its tiny, furry body.

  “What the…” She came eye-to-eye with a beautiful calico kitten, mixed in black and gray. “Ugh. Seriously, Hayden?”

  It meowed again.

  She lifted it to see what gender and discovered it was a girl. She lay back down and allowed the kitten to crawl onto her chest and curl up, purring in a contented fashion.

  “Look, you. I’m not sure if I’m keeping you. I think I’m allergic to cats, at least I was told that when I asked for one as a kid.” She couldn’t believe she was talking to a cat. “So, don’t get used to being here. One sneeze out of me and you’re gone.”

  The cat stared at her with her yellow eyes and she appeared to smile. She had never seen a cat smile before but this one did.

  She heard her phone give the familiar text tone she had assigned to Hayden. She reached over and read the message.

  “Hope you like your gift. I think you should name her Oreo.”

  She texted back. She began with I’m allergic…but she changed her mind. “Yes, she’s very cute. Thank you. Give your family my love.”

  “You got it. And I’m glad you liked her. I was worried I’d made a mistake.”

  She nodded in agreement but texted, “No, she’s great. Is there food? Any instructions?”

  “Food’s on the counter. Litter box is in the mud room all set up. You just have to enjoy her.”

  Ugh. Litter box. Stinky litter stinking up the whole place. Great. “Okay, thanks. Hope your flight was good.” She felt like saying have you seen anyone yet, anyone named Elece, but she knew that’d be childish and petty. Jealousy ripped through her gut like a dinosaur feasting on a bunny.

  “I already miss you. I guess my grandmother is in a coma now. I’m on my way to the hospital.”

  Those words carried both sweet and sour. “I miss you too. Again, I’m sorry about Memaw. I know what she meant to you.”

  “Thanks, baby. My mother’s already planning a brunch for tomorrow for me, inviting some close friends and family. It’s bittersweet to her because she’s excited to see me and sad the reason I’m home.”

  The dinosaur just grew bigger. T-Rex standards. She knew who’d be at the brunch. “Oh, that’s nice. Well, go ahead. I’m gonna get some coffee and start my day.”

  “Okay. I’ll call you later. I’m in the back of an Uber now and didn’t want to talk in front of the driver. He’s very nosy already. Ttyl!”

  “LOL. Okay.” But she didn’t really laugh out loud. She wanted to cry out loud.

  And sneeze.

  “Shit.” She looked at the cat and shook her head. “Your days are numbered, missy.”

  Meow.

  “Stop that. You’re not cute.”

  She watched her lick herself as if not a care in the world. Like she didn’t believe her.

  The cat didn’t believe her. Already a trust problem.

  “C’mon, Cat. Let’s go check out your stuff.”

  She dressed and hobbled down the stairs with her new friend following behind her.

  Another sneeze.

  Aubrey stopped and glared at the cat who just tilted her head as if to say that’s not because of me.

  After grabbing a quick breakfast and the first mug of coffee of the day, she sat at her desk and began typing. She almost didn’t hear the text buzz from her phone. Dragging her eyes away from the screen to glance at her phone, an unfamiliar phone number came across but with a Texas area code. And a photo attached.

  She stopped and opened the message to find a picture of a smiling Hayden with his arm around a beautiful blonde woman and an ample chest.

  Elece.

  A message followed with a greeting and letting her know Hayden was in good hands.

  Her heart sank.

  She warred with herself to respond with something witty. She didn’t want this woman to know it bothered her. Didn’t want to come off as insecure. Didn’t want to feed her game.

  One question did weigh on her mind. Did he tell Elece about her mastectomy? Or did she always show off her breasts like that? The cleavage was deep and inviting even for the most faithful of men.

  And what did Aubrey have to offer? Nothing. A long, disgusting, angry, jagged scar with nipples. So sexy. Something men dream about.

  Yeah, right.

  She envisioned his hands and mouth all over Elece’s beautiful body, suckling at her breasts as he grew harder with each suckle.

  Damn it!

  She pushed the phone away and wiped a tear before returning to her manuscript. In this story, the man was so in love with the woman. Pure, unconditional love that no other desirable woman could possibly steal.

  The way it should be.

  But he appeared happy, almost giddy like he’d been drinking.

  Aubrey wasn’t normally a jealous woman. When she had dated Joel. She could care less if he went out with female friends. Never worried. But this feeling with Hayden tore at her soul. She hated how she felt, yet it told her something.

  She wanted him.

  Maybe even loved him.

  “Your plan worked, Danny Boy.” She shook her head at the ceiling and laughed. “You knew exactly what you were doing. I thought I was too smart for you, but you knew what my heart needed.” She wiped away more tears. “I miss you,” she said in a whisper.

  Just then, her text went off and it was Hayden this time, asking how she was.

  She wanted to say, Great! I just talked to your old girlfriend who wants to sleep with you. I’m fine for a flat-chested, scar-ridden woman who has jealousy issues.

  “I’m good, just working. How’s your grandmother?”

  “She’s doing better but it’s still touch-and-go. I miss you.”

  Liar!” You do? Sweet. I’m sure old friends are keeping you busy and distracted.”

  “Some are, yes. I’d like to bring you here when you’re able. I gotta go. My mom is calling me. I love her but she’s driving me nuts lol. Hugs and kisses, baby.”

  “Back at you.”

  She closed the message box and sat back. Cat jumped up and demanded to be acknowledged. She swiped her hand over her soft body, making her purr. “You’re easy to please, but I’ve got work to do.” In response, the cat curled on her desk next to her laptop and closed her eyes.

  As she typed, thoughts of big, bouncy boobs swirled in her head. She bet he enjoyed them. What man didn’t? She envisioned Elece hovering over him like a tiger over its prey, her heavy breasts swaying over his face, teasing him.

  “Stop it now, Aubs. That won
’t help you.”

  She stood and stretched before sitting back down. Her hand reached inside her shirt to scratch the dry area in need of lotion. It itched so bad at times she wanted to rip the scar right off. Tears pricked her eyes as she realized she’ll never be enough for him, not with a woman like Elece around anyway.

  She searched online for reconstructive surgery and breast implants. She used to contemplate the idea but never really decided for sure. She now has decided for sure and would need to find a surgeon.

  At least she’d feel like a woman again. She envied normal women with breasts. They had no idea how blessed they were, big or small. It was way better than what she had. She was also sure Hayden was just being nice because he cared about her and didn’t want to hurt her feelings. He’d never admit her chest repulsed him. Never admit it made him want to run to a beautiful Texan woman with a healthy bust to satisfy five Texan men.

  Well, she’d have that and more. She’d get the surgery and never tell him. Maybe even surprise him in a pic on his phone.

  A smile spread across her face as she researched doctors.

  Chapter Twelve

  Hayden rubbed his head in an attempt to rid his headache. All he could think about was Aubrey and if she was okay. As much as he loved being home, his heart was with her.

  “Sugar, I wish you’d be nicer to Elece. Her family has been so kind in helping out. I don’t want to seem ungrateful.”

  His mother was beautiful for her age. No evidence of the Texan sun drying her porcelain skin. She wore a hat everywhere she went. Her blue eyes sparkled with youth. He truly enjoyed her enthusiasm for life, but her hospitality went beyond.

  “Mama, I am. What do you want me to do? She’s interested in more than I’m willing to give her. Every time I bring up Aubrey, she gets angry. Did she really think I’d change my mind? I only see her as a friend. You both have to accept that.” He kissed her forehead and walked to the medicine cabinet to search for ibuprofen.

  “Right upper corner, and I know you like Aubrey. I like Aubrey. She’s a sweet gal, but what are you going to do, darlin’? Move to Illinois? Your roots are here, son.” She glanced in the hall mirror and patted her face with a napkin.