by Laura Ann
Faye’s cheeks felt as if they would catch fire and she dropped her forehead onto his shoulder. “How do I know you’re telling the truth?” she rasped.
She felt his shoulder sag as he sighed. “I guess you don’t, Faye. It all comes back to the trust thing again. Do you really think I’m the type of guy who flirts and try to pick up another girl when my dream girl was already hanging on my arm?” He let out a dark laugh. “I mean... wow. I’m not sure whether to be amused or offended here. You’ve known me for a long time and I’ve been asking you out for most of it. Have I ever given you the impression I’m a playboy? In fact,” he pulled back so she was forced to look at his face, “have you even heard of my going on a single other date ever since I began to ask you out?”
Faye jerked to a stop even though the song was still going, her mind searching her memories. “No,” she whispered. “I haven’t.”
James nodded firmly. “Then that should be proof enough.” His eyes went sideways and a sudden grin overtook his face.
Faye frowned, wondering what he found so funny and tried to follow his gaze.
“Hey, Man!” James called out to Grace and her date.
They both jerked their heads toward Faye and James.
James jerked his chin upward. “Better make use of it while you can.”
Faye looked up and laughed quietly when she saw a sprig of mistletoe hanging above her friend. She watched with delight as the tall man’s head slowly descended toward Grace’s before their lips tentatively touched. It took no time at all for the kiss to take a different turn and Faye looked back at James with wide eyes. “Whoa...”
“Whoa is right,” James snickered. “I think they forgot they’re in public.”
“ALRIGHT, KIDS,” AN elderly voice said with a laugh. “Let’s save it for the wedding, huh?”
James looked over to see a man in a pastor’s clothing breaking up the display of affection. “Who’s that?” he whispered in Faye’s ear.
“Pastor Larsen,” she responded just as quietly, her eyes still glued to the situation with her friend. “He was our Pastor all our growing-up years, in fact, he’s pretty much everyone’s pastor.”
“Well, rumor has it you two are engaged, so I would assume that would mean a wedding eventually,” Pastor Larsen said loudly, with a chuckle.
“What?” Faye gasped loudly, drawing attention to herself. Her hands raised to her mouth and James could tell she was genuinely shocked.
“They’re getting married?” James asked.
Faye shook her head. “Not that I know of.” Her surprise turned to anger. “What the heck is that man doing to Grace? There’s no way she’s engaged and we don’t know about it!” Faye started to move past James, but he quickly caught her arms.
“Whoa, hold on there, Miss Vengeance, let’s just stay out of this, huh?”
Faye pushed against his chest and glared. “Let go of me,” she forced out through clenched teeth. “Something fishy is going and I’m not about to let Grace get taken advantage of.”
With a deep growl of frustration, James wrapped his arms around Faye and spun them several feet toward the edge of the dance floor.
“Stop it-” she began, when suddenly her words were cut off.
James wrapped his arms tightly around Faye’s body, to keep her from smacking him upside the head as he pressed his lips to hers. He held her stiff body immobile until he felt her begin to relax. Pulling back slightly, he asked, “Has it ever occurred to you that it isn’t the man’s fault?”
“Of course-”
James cut her off again, this time it took her less time to melt into him. “Not all men are evil,” he rasped.
“Oh ye—”
He cut her off again. “No, they’re not.”
Faye stomped her foot. “Sto—... Do—... Tha—...”
When she had finally calmed down again, James pulled back. “I can keep this up all night,” he teased. His smile quickly dropped when he looked into Faye’s eyes, they were swimming in confusion and longing. He stared right back, hoping she could see the same desire in his own eyes. Slowly, he slid his hand across her cheek and into her hair, cupping the side of her head. James pulse was already going crazy from their short kisses, but now... now he felt as if his heart would burst right out of his chest.
Faye watched him with wary hope as he brought his face down once again, inch by agonizing inch, in order to give her that choice she so desperately wanted. He wasn’t trying to quiet her down this time. This time he wanted her to choose the kiss. He wanted her to choose him. He brought his lips to just in front of her, their warm breaths colliding and mingling in a tension filled dance.
Faye’s eyes fluttered closed but James didn’t close the millimeter between them. “Faye?” he whispered hoarsely.
“Please,” she breathed before rising up to meet him.
Logically, James knew that time was passing, but to him, it was as if the world stood still. The short, teasing kisses he had given Faye earlier were fun, but nothing could compare to the moment they were sharing now. He wrapped his arms as tightly around her as he could, tugging her into his body and angling his head to deepen the kiss.
When he moved onto her jawline and neck, exploring her soft skin, he felt her breathing quicken. “James,” she gasped.
“We need to stop,” he whispered just under her earlobe. “We’re still in public.”
Faye jerked upright as if she had forgotten where they were and cleared her throat. “You’re right. Sorry, I-” She looked up into his eyes and James smiled.
“Me too,” he admitted. Leaving one arm around her back, he grabbed her right hand and held it to his chest before beginning to sway to the music.
Faye grinned. “It’s a fast song,” she stated.
“Not for us,” James said with a smirk. He mentally fist-bumped himself when he could see her fighting a broad smile.
“So...” She cleared her throat again. “That was quite a way to win an argument.”
James’s raised his eyebrows in mock surprise. “Did I win? Are you sure?”
Faye rolled her eyes. “You’re not very attractive when you’re smug.”
He chuckled. “Then I’m never attractive, because I think I’m almost always smug.”
“True story,” Faye said with a laugh. “Although I’m still not sure what gave you the right to do that.”
He chuckled and tilted his head up. “I had tradition on my side.”
Faye glanced up and groaned. “I should have known.”
James couldn’t help but laugh again.
“Still...” She pursed her lips. “You need to let me go help my friend.”
Disappointment rang through James and he shook his head. “Faye, she’s an adult. Let her handle it.”
“How do you know she can handle it?” Faye frowned. “Like I said before, Grace would not be engaged and not have told us. Something weird is going on.”
“So what?” James made a face, his irritation growing that she refused to let things go. “If she needs your help, she’ll ask for it. You act like every man is out to take advantage of any woman who crosses his path.” His shoulders fell. “When are you going to realize we’re not the enemy?”
Faye clenched her jaw. “When I actually see a relationship that proves it! I’ve watched dozens of men in my lifetime take advantage of a sick and depressed woman, who felt as if she were nothing unless there was a male at her side. I’ve seen them steal from her, drag her name through the mud, take what they wanted physically before leaving. I’ve heard them call her names and say things that drove any sense of self worth to the ground. I’ve listened to my mother cry more times than I can count and at one point, I worried she would take her own life.” Faye shoved him hard and stepped away. “So excuse me for believing that men are nothing but trouble and disappointment waiting to happen.” She folded her arms, closing herself off from him, every wall James had knocked down was now rebuilt.
CHAPTER 5
Tears pricked the back of Faye’s eyes, but she frantically blinked them back. Her emotions felt like an out of control tidal wave, slamming into her and pulling her every which way. One part of her wanted to go back to the bliss of the kiss she and James had just shared, but the other part, the small girl part who had watched her mother slowly decline into nothingness, was screaming so loudly that Faye struggled to hear anything else.
“I’m sorry you went through that,” James said softly. “But you have to know that isn’t always how life is.” He waved his arm toward the dance floor. “What about your friends? Did their parents have those kinds of problems?”
Faye opened her mouth to respond, only to snap it shut again. She knew he had a point, but her fear and anger weren’t ready to concede.
“Faye?” James tone was starting to sound irritated, and he took a step in her direction. When she still didn’t answer his lips pinched. “What about your brother? Do you think that’s how he treats the girls he dates?”
Faye could feel her entire body shaking and she prayed her knees would hold up. Her chest was heaving and her pulse was racing faster than a horse at the Kentucky Derby. All of her body seemed to be working a little too well, except for her mouth. She couldn’t seem to make herself answer him. I can’t do it. If I admit he’s right, then... then it means my whole life has been a waste.
“What about me?” James growled low. “I have spent the last year proving to you that I wasn’t the very thing you were raised with. I have stayed away from other women, I have been patient, and faced a hundred rejections. I teased, flirted, bantered, all things I knew you enjoyed even though it hurt. It hurt because you refused to give into this thing... this chemistry between us. I told myself your stubbornness was a trait to be admired, after all, it was how you managed to climb out of the pit you were raised it. I told myself that having to work to get your attention would just make our relationship all the sweeter when it did happen. I told myself that your independent streak is what made you so attractive, you weren’t shy or needy, making you a perfect partner for someone like me. And so I kept coming back and maybe that makes me the fool here. Maybe I’m just a gullible idiot, because for some reason,” he stopped talking and stood straight. Shaking his head, he took a step back.
All the fear holding Faye captive dropped to her toes, replaced with a heavy sense of dread, as she realized it had finally happened. He’s finally giving up. I’ve pushed him too far. Her fingers twitched, and she opened her mouth, but only a squeak emerged.
“For some reason, I thought you were worth it.” For the first time, his gorgeous green eyes had lost their shine. Even in the flickering candlelight of the romantic ballroom, they appeared dim, dull... without hope. “I’ll wait in the car. Let me know when you’re ready to go home.”
Faye’s lungs had ceased to function. In fact, she was pretty sure her heart was about to stop beating as well. Every word that had come out of his mouth had been a punch to her solar plexus, leaving her bruised and beaten. He’s right. He’s right about everything. She clenched her fists as black spots began to dance in her vision. With a mighty pull, she forced air into her lungs, the sound jittery and loud. He’s right. He’s been there every step of the way, but I’m too much of a mess. I’m too broken. He deserves so much more than I can give him. I... I can’t force myself onto him any longer.
“Wait,” she managed to call out as James walked away. He stilled at her words, but the tenseness in his shoulders showed his feelings on the matter. “You don’t have to take me home. I’ll call Marcus.”
James spun so fast that Faye jerked backward. His eyes looked as if someone had stolen his favorite toy. “I see,” he said in a monotone voice. “Have a nice night.” In a split second, he was gone and Faye felt as if her very soul was gone with him.
Hurrying along the outside of the room, she darted through the first doorway she found and locked herself in the bathroom. Doubling over, she began to dry heave before breaking down into sobs. Falling back against the wall, she slowly slid to the floor, cupping her face in her hands.
She didn’t know how long she stayed in that position, but at least two people had tried to come in, only to mutter angrily and walk away. When her last tears finally dripped down her cheeks, her eyes felt gritty and swollen. Awkwardly, she got to her feet, working her way toward the sink. Oh, crap, she thought as she looked at her reflection.
She’d cried off every bit of make-up and her eyes were red-rimmed and bloodshot. “I look like a zombie,” she muttered before splashing cool water on her face.
When she felt under control, she walked out and headed toward the ballroom entrance to retrieve her coat. Once she had it, she reached in her pocket for her cell phone and punched the speed dial.
“Hey, Sis!” Marcus called out over some loud music. “You and James having a nice time?”
Faye took a deep breath and slowly blew it out. “Marcus, I’m sorry to trouble you, but I need you to come get me.”
There was a shuffling sound on the other side and then the music was gone. “Now say that again?” Marcus asked.
“I need you to come get me,” Faye replied, her voice softer and less courageous than it had been before.
“Why? Where’s James?”
Faye blinked back more tears, shocked that she even had any left. “He’s... he’s gone.”
“Gone? Why the heck would he be gone? He just left you?” Marcus’ voice had gotten louder with each word and Faye heard him move the phone from his mouth as he spewed out some curses.
“Marcus! Marcus!” she called to get his attention. “This wasn’t his fault. I sent him away. He wanted to drive me home, and I told him no.”
She could hear Marcus’ harsh breathing on the other side of the line. “I’m coming to get you and then you and I are having a serious talk.” The call ended abruptly.
Faye sighed and dropped her arm. Great. Just great. Now I’m going to have to tell Marcus everything. Including how stupid I am.
“Faye!” a feminine voice called out, causing Faye to spin in her heels.
“Camilla?” What in the world is she doing talking to me?
“Leaving already?” Camilla asked. “It’s not that late, you know.” Her eyes wandered to the door behind Faye. “Where’s your boyfriend?” She brought her baby blues back to Faye. “I heard he’s a lawyer or something.”
Faye gripped her phone so hard she worried she would break it. I know I don’t deserve James, but unless it’s over my dead body, Camilla can’t have him either. “He’s warming up the car,” she lied. “We decided we’d rather spend time by ourselves.” With a smug smile, Faye turned and marched out the doors. She knew she’d probably freeze to death while she waited for Marcus, but it was far better than staying inside and listening to Camilla brag about her perfect life.
JAMES SAT IN HIS CAR, watching Faye pace back and forth in front of the hotel. Despite his earlier claims of leaving, he couldn’t bring himself to go until he knew she was taken care of. His eyes greedily drank her in, the sleek lines of her body and the fluid movements as she strutted in her heels.
With a depressed sigh, he tore off his tie and threw it into the passenger seat. “Marcus better get here quick before I do something really stupid, like go talk to her again,” he grumbled. He slapped his hand on the steering wheel. “Just get over it!” he shouted at himself. “She doesn’t want you. She couldn’t even stand to have you drive her home. It doesn’t get any more clear than that.” He pushed a fist to his heart, and grit his teeth against the pain. “No wonder people complain they can die from a broken heart.”
It felt as if the last year of his life was a complete waste. Here he was, a successful lawyer, he had a good group of friends, including his best friend, Marcus. He owned a condo, a nice car, in fact, it could be said that he was the very definition of success.
And yet I can’t get the one girl I’m interested in to go out with me. He snorted and shook his head. “Unbelievable.�
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Mixed with the feelings of heartache and rejection, was a small sensation of guilt. However, as James’s mind wandered over the events of the night, the feeling grew. “I shouldn’t have gotten so upset,” he mumbled, still watching Faye shiver in the cold. “If she doesn’t feel the same way about me, I can’t blame her for that. I shouldn’t have said those things about her.”
He pushed a hand through his hair, the guilt growing stronger and stronger. Just as he was about to get out of the car and go talk to her, Marcus’ blue sedan pulled up. In seconds, Faye was gone and James’s heart disappeared with her.
“Guess that’s that.” Putting his car in gear, he pulled out and headed toward home.
The drive back seemed far longer than the drive there, since James’s mind wouldn’t shut off. All he wanted was to get home and get into his warm, comfy bed, but nothing was helping to distract him. His kiss with Faye seemed to be playing on an endless loop, bringing feelings of elation only to be followed by despair as the kiss turned into her telling him to get lost.
Clenching his jaw, he pushed down harder on the gas pedal and aimed for home.
CHAPTER 6
“You better be telling me everything that just happened tonight,” Marcus growled as he pulled onto the freeway. “I still can’t believe that James abandoned you.”
Faye kept her face toward the window, watching the speeding scenery. It was easy to tell Marcus was going well over the speed limit, but she didn’t have the heart to scold him about it. In fact, she didn’t think she had a heart at all. What tiny bit survived my childhood was taken by James months ago.
“Faye Louise, I mean it!” Marcus snapped. “What the he—, heck happened?”
“Everything,” she whispered, letting the tears flow again. “And nothing.”
“What does that mean?” Marcus pushed a hand through his hair. “Just give me a straight answer, Sis.” His voice broke. “Please.”