To Be With You, page 2
part #28 of Forever and Ever Series
“Because I have a reason to be.”
We stepped outside the building then headed to our apartment. “So, you want me to do it?”
“No.”
“Why not?” he asked.
“I don’t want to put you in a magazine so every woman can gawk at you.”
“Well, they already do…”
I hit him playfully in the side.
“You seriously don’t want me to do it?” he asked. “Because if you need me, I’m there.”
I gave him a suspicious look. “Is that your subtle way of telling me you want to be in the magazine?”
He chuckled. “No. Modeling has never interested me. But I would do it if you needed me. You did say you couldn’t find someone, and my tattoos are awesome. You could even put a small description about my shop. It’d be great advertising.”
“I don’t know…”
“It’s up to you, baby. If you want me, I’m there.”
“I don’t want a bunch of girls to cut out your picture and plaster it on their walls.”
He shrugged. “It’s a price you’ll have to pay.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Slade dropped the subject for the rest of the way home.
After we walked inside, Slade set my things down then ran his fingers through his hair. Then he gave me that look that told me he was in the mood. He usually wanted action after work but I wasn’t in the right place. In fact, the idea of having sex disturbed me. Every since that nightmare my sex drive had evaporated like a drop of water in the desert.
Slade moved his hands to my hips then gave me a seductive kiss. It felt nice on my mouth but the rest of my body wouldn’t respond.
I pulled away and tried to brush it off. “What do you want for dinner?” I opened the refrigerator. “There’s leftover lasagna. We could reheat that.”
Slade remained quiet.
“Is that okay?” I turned to him when I still didn’t get an answer.
He leaned against the counter with his arms across his chest. “Talk to me.” A serious look was in his eyes. “And not about dinner.”
He knew what I was trying to do. I shut the door and released a quiet sigh. Then I turned to him. “I’m just…not in the mood right now.”
“I’m your husband.” He gave me a sad look. “You’re safe with me.”
“I know…it’s not you. I haven’t stopped thinking about that nightmare. I can’t get it out of my head.”
He bowed his head in sadness before his gaze met mine. “If we make love it’ll help you forget about it.”
I suddenly felt defensive. “Slade, I said no.”
His eyes narrowed like he’d been stung. Pain rose to the surface and it burned as he looked at me. He shoved his hands into his pockets, like he wanted to show that he had no intention of touching me. “I would never make you do something you don’t want to do. But I thought it would help…”
“I just…need time.” I moved away from him and headed to the couch.
Slade followed me then sat beside me. “I want to teach you self-defense.”
I turned to him in surprise. “What?”
“I want to teach you a few moves. It’ll make you feel better being able to break a nose or dislocate a shoulder. When you walk around alone you’ll feel empowered.”
“I’m not very coordinated.”
“I can teach you to be coordinated,” he said. “Let’s just give it a shot.”
I didn’t see the harm in it. “I guess we could try.”
“Great.” He smiled but the gesture didn’t reach his eyes. “We’ll start tomorrow.”
“Where?”
“There’s space in the room over my shop.”
“Okay.”
He pulled me close to him then moved me onto his lap. I was relieved to feel the lack of a hard-on. He wanted me close just so he could hold me. His hands moved through my hair and he kissed my hairline. “How about we watch a chick-flick tonight?”
“But you hate chick-flicks.”
He shrugged. “They aren’t so bad. Besides, I’m just going to stare at you anyway.”
Chapter Four
Cayson
Skye’s support made this decision a lot easier. If she told me not to go, I’d have a hard time listening to her. Knowing these people wouldn’t have access to clean water if I decided not to make the travel filled me with guilt. Lives were on the line. How could I be selfish and not go?
But how could I leave her?
Knowing she was proud of my work and my goals meant a lot to me. When she looked at me there was affection in her eyes. She stared at me like I was a superhero, and with that support I felt like I could fly.
But three months was a long time—a really long time.
“When should we have the wedding?” Skye asked as she sat beside me on the couch. “Before or after?” Her voice didn’t shake as she spoke. If she was depressed over me leaving she didn’t show it.
“Depends on when you want to have the wedding.” I wanted to equally go and equally stay. The two most important moments of my life were in direct opposition to one another. It would be nice to take Skye with me, but I feared for her safety. I wouldn’t be able to concentrate on anything because I’d be worried about her all the time. She was a gorgeous woman with big tits and perfect curves. Everyone would stare at her.
“Well, I wanted to have it in the spring…but that’s not that far away.”
“I don’t think I can just take off on short notice. It’ll have to be after unless you move the wedding date.”
“Well…how long after? Like, a week?”
I shrugged. “They said they’ll work with me because of the wedding. We can go on our honeymoon then I can leave.”
She nodded slightly. “Immediately?”
“I guess a week after we come back. Honestly, it doesn’t matter when I leave because it’ll difficult no matter what.”
She gripped the wedding magazine in her hand but didn’t say anything.
“And I should probably leave before the heat of summer hits. I won’t have AC like I do here.”
“True.” She stared at the magazine as she spoke. “Then you should probably go as soon as possible.”
I really didn’t want to start my marriage by leaving. But I didn’t have any other choice. “I can leave directly after our honeymoon. The sooner I leave, the sooner I come back.”
“That’s a good way to look at it.”
“And I won’t leave again,” I said, assuring her. “I know this aid will be successful. They’ll send other ambassadors afterward. Besides, I’ll be the director soon and I won’t be able to take off anymore.”
Skye didn’t seem pleased by that knowledge. “You’ll still help people—even if it’s behind a desk.”
We sat in silence for a while, just watching each other. Skye gave me a smile but it was forced. I knew it wasn’t genuine. Her eyes gave her away.
“I’m sorry.” I wish I didn’t have to do this. Skye was finally going to be my wife and I was leaving her. At least all our friends and family would be there to support her.
“Don’t apologize. I’m glad you’re doing this. I’m very proud of you.” She rested her hand on mine.
“I feel like a terrible husband for leaving my wife so suddenly.”
“And I think you’re a great husband for saving the world.” Her fingers grazed over my knuckles.
I knew she would be a good sport about this even if it weren’t how she truly felt. “You’ll be okay while I’m gone?”
“Yes, Cayson.” She gave me a strong look. “I’ve got all my friends to get me through it. And I’m sure Trinity and Slade will be here all the time.”
“Yeah.”
She opened the magazine. “Then we should get planning since we have a date.” She flipped through the pages with her eyes downcast.
I watched her. “I know this is really hard for you. I appreciate how supportive you’re being.”
She turned back to me, her eyes glowing. “You’ve always allowed me to pursue my dreams. I would never stand in the way of yours.”
***
We went to her parents’ house to discuss decorations, food, and lights. After we had dinner, we moved around the backyard and discussed where the tables would be placed as well as the lights and the dance floor. I knew it would be beautiful simply because the grounds were lush and green with plants and grass. The sand was just a few feet behind it, and it led to the wide ocean. No hotel or winery could be more beautiful.
“So, I’ll order the chairs and the tables,” Scarlet said. “Then we can contact the caterers Trinity used.”
“I’ll ask my photographer to do the wedding,” Sean said. “I think she works for Vanity Faire at the moment but she’ll squeeze you in.”
Her parents were being extremely helpful. It didn’t seem like Skye needed to worry about anything, and her mom seemed thrilled to plan the whole thing. It made me feel like a dick since I was leaving their daughter as soon as I married her.
“Where’s the honeymoon going to be?” Sean asked.
“Not sure yet,” Skye said. “Probably Hawaii.”
“Your mother and I love Maui,” Sean said. “I recommend that island.”
“I don’t care where we go,” Skye said. “I’m sure anything will be beautiful.”
I didn’t care either because we’d be in the bedroom the whole time anyway.
“Any news about the house?” Sean asked.
“Not yet.” Skye turned to me and exchanged a silent conversation with me. She asked if we should tell them about my plans to leave. There was no way around it. I could put it off as long as possible but not forever.
Sean picked up on the tension, like usual. His paranoia made him sensitive to vibrations and emotions. He was impossible to lie to, not that I’ve ever tried. “Everything alright?”
I decided to speak before Skye, wanting to be upfront with her parents about the truth. Cowardice wasn’t in my nature. “My water purification system was approved by the CDC. Packages will be sent to third world countries, and clean water will be provided.”
“That’s great,” Scarlet said. “What an achievement. We have to celebrate tonight.”
Sean watched me closely. “I think there’s something more, baby.”
I cleared my throat before I spoke. “I’ll be delivering the first batch to people in need. And the trip will last three months. I’ll leave after our honeymoon.”
“Oh…” Scarlet’s face fell in sadness but she quickly hid it. “That’s great, Cayson. Those people will really appreciate it.”
Sean stared at me in silence.
“You’re really making a difference in this world.” Scarlet hugged me tightly. “We’re very proud of you.” She looked over her shoulder at Sean. “Aren’t we, honey?”
Sean watched me. “Three full months?”
“Yes.” I looked him in the eye as I answered, not wanting to show any fear.
“Skye won’t be coming with you?” he asked.
“No,” I said. “It’s too dangerous.”
“I need to know more about this,” Sean said. “Who’s going with you, what countries you’ll be in, and what’s your itinerary? I need to know everything.”
Skye sighed. “Here we go…”
“Sean,” Scarlet said. “Cayson is doing a remarkable thing. We need to be supportive.”
“I am supportive,” he said. “But I’m also nervous. I can’t let anything happen to my son-in-law.”
I relaxed slightly, relieved he wasn’t angry.
“Cayson,” Sean said. “I need to know everything so I can reach you at any time.”
“Of course, Sean,” I said. “But I’ll be fine.”
“I’d rather not leave it up to chance,” Sean said.
Skye moved her arm through mine. “Now he’s protective of you too.”
“Typical,” Scarlet whispered.
Sean didn’t find their jabs humorous at all. “I will not let my daughter become a widow.” He walked outside into the backyard. He kept walking until he was no longer seen, hitting the beach.
We all stared at each other awkwardly.
Scarlet didn’t go after him, which was surprising. Instead, she remained beside Skye. “Just give him some time. You know how he is.”
“If I don’t go, then the water won’t be distributed.” I felt the need to explain that I didn’t have a choice in the matter. I had to go.
Scarlet rubbed my shoulder. “We know, Cayson. Sean just loves you and he worries about you.”
“I hope you don’t think I’m abandoning Skye.” The guilt was starting to increase.
“Of course not,” Scarlet said immediately. “Sometimes other things are more important. And three months isn’t that long.”
To me it was.
“Give him a few days to come around,” Scarlet said. “He’s been through a lot this past year. It’s just hard for him to…let the people he loves put themselves in harm’s way.”
“I’ll be safe,” I said. “I have a team that knows what they’re doing.”
“But you know my dad,” Skye said. “He doesn’t trust anyone to do their job right—only himself.”
***
Slade took a bite of his burger, but it was so big that I knew he’d have a hard time getting it down. He chewed slowly then sped up, trying to digest the hunk of meat placed there. Then he started to cough and pound his chest.
I just stared at him.
He kept coughing before he grabbed his soda and took a big gulp. He coughed a few more times until he finally caught his breath. “I’m okay.”
“Maybe you should take smaller bites—and chew.”
“Someone’s cranky today.” He purposely stared at me as he took another enormous bite and started to chew.
“I hope you choke and die.”
He got it down his throat before he gave me a cold look. “Dude, what’s your problem. Skye get a boob reduction or something?”
I was dreading telling Slade the most. He wouldn’t handle the news well. He’d been supportive of everything, and he even encouraged me to leave. But I knew Slade better than anyone. In the back of his mind, he assumed I wouldn’t leave because I couldn’t leave Skye. And when he realized the truth—that this was really happening—he’d have a hard time letting me go. “I’m leaving for three months—officially.”
Slade was about to shove a few fries into his mouth when he stopped. “You’re going on that trip?”
“Right after the honeymoon.” I wasn’t excited like I should be. All I could think about was leaving my wife behind. Sean didn’t seem happy. Scarlet said he was just concerned for my safety but I wasn’t buying it. He was disappointed I was leaving his daughter. Sean would never leave Scarlet, and he expected the same from me.
“Oh…” His eyes fell in sadness and he sagged into the chair. He looked devastated, like he just lost Trinity. But then he adopted a supportive attitude and forced a smile. “That’s great. You told Skye, then?”
“She was supportive.”
“I knew she would be,” he said. “This is exciting. It’ll be a trip you’ll never forget.” He picked at his fries but didn’t eat them. He reminded me of an animal playing with its food before he ate it. His eyes were downcast so I couldn’t see his pain. “This is really awesome. Dude, those people are going to appreciate it so much. You’re doing the right thing. And you’ll have agood time over there.” He kept rambling on. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, and when people see your efforts they’ll want to help too. Maybe you can turn it into a private organization and—”
“Slade.”
“What?” He stared at me, confusion on his face.
“I’ll miss you too.”
Slade’s eyes moistened slightly, but just barely. His voice fell a few notches, sounding hollow. But at least he sounded true. “When?”
“After the wedding—in two months.”
He pushed his plate away even though he only ate half of it. It was unlike him to not finish a meal. “Three whole months? Like, you can’t come back and visit?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Well, I can fly out there.”
“I’ll be in rural areas. It’s not a good idea.”
“Ninety days…will I talk to you on the phone?”
“Probably not,” I said. “But we can Skype.”
“Well, that’s better than nothing…”
I still had two months left in America but that didn’t seem long enough.
“Do your parents know?”
“Not yet. But I told Sean and Scarlet. Sean wasn’t happy.”
“I figured he wouldn’t be.” Slade gave me a sad look.
We stared at each other, feeling our hearts sag in misery.
Slade released a loud sigh. “Well, we got two whole months, right? Let’s make the best of it.”
I forced a smile but the action was painful. “Yeah.”
Chapter Five
Sean
“Where are you going?” Scarlet stood behind me while I pulled my jacket on.
“Out.”
“Out where?” she pressed.
“I’m getting a drink. I’ll be back in an hour.” I opened the door and stepped out.
“Sean, get your ass back in here.”
I stopped in my tracks and sighed. Then I turned around and gave her my full attention. I could never walk away from her if she commanded me not to. Somehow, she had complete control over me—and she knew it.
“You aren’t going out for a drink. You can drink here.”
“I just…need a break.” I rubbed the back of my neck.
She crossed her arms over her chest but didn’t take a step over the threshold. She was a tiny woman who was a foot shorter than me, but she projected her height through her internal strength. That woman had me by the neck and she knew it. “We can have a drink here—on the beach.”
I wasn’t sure what my problem was. I was just pissed off and I couldn’t really explain why. A swell of emotions ran through me, and none of them were good.
“Sean. Now.”
I stared at her but didn’t take a step forward.
She stepped back and didn’t close the door. “Whenever you’re ready.” She moved toward the kitchen.
We stepped outside the building then headed to our apartment. “So, you want me to do it?”
“No.”
“Why not?” he asked.
“I don’t want to put you in a magazine so every woman can gawk at you.”
“Well, they already do…”
I hit him playfully in the side.
“You seriously don’t want me to do it?” he asked. “Because if you need me, I’m there.”
I gave him a suspicious look. “Is that your subtle way of telling me you want to be in the magazine?”
He chuckled. “No. Modeling has never interested me. But I would do it if you needed me. You did say you couldn’t find someone, and my tattoos are awesome. You could even put a small description about my shop. It’d be great advertising.”
“I don’t know…”
“It’s up to you, baby. If you want me, I’m there.”
“I don’t want a bunch of girls to cut out your picture and plaster it on their walls.”
He shrugged. “It’s a price you’ll have to pay.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Slade dropped the subject for the rest of the way home.
After we walked inside, Slade set my things down then ran his fingers through his hair. Then he gave me that look that told me he was in the mood. He usually wanted action after work but I wasn’t in the right place. In fact, the idea of having sex disturbed me. Every since that nightmare my sex drive had evaporated like a drop of water in the desert.
Slade moved his hands to my hips then gave me a seductive kiss. It felt nice on my mouth but the rest of my body wouldn’t respond.
I pulled away and tried to brush it off. “What do you want for dinner?” I opened the refrigerator. “There’s leftover lasagna. We could reheat that.”
Slade remained quiet.
“Is that okay?” I turned to him when I still didn’t get an answer.
He leaned against the counter with his arms across his chest. “Talk to me.” A serious look was in his eyes. “And not about dinner.”
He knew what I was trying to do. I shut the door and released a quiet sigh. Then I turned to him. “I’m just…not in the mood right now.”
“I’m your husband.” He gave me a sad look. “You’re safe with me.”
“I know…it’s not you. I haven’t stopped thinking about that nightmare. I can’t get it out of my head.”
He bowed his head in sadness before his gaze met mine. “If we make love it’ll help you forget about it.”
I suddenly felt defensive. “Slade, I said no.”
His eyes narrowed like he’d been stung. Pain rose to the surface and it burned as he looked at me. He shoved his hands into his pockets, like he wanted to show that he had no intention of touching me. “I would never make you do something you don’t want to do. But I thought it would help…”
“I just…need time.” I moved away from him and headed to the couch.
Slade followed me then sat beside me. “I want to teach you self-defense.”
I turned to him in surprise. “What?”
“I want to teach you a few moves. It’ll make you feel better being able to break a nose or dislocate a shoulder. When you walk around alone you’ll feel empowered.”
“I’m not very coordinated.”
“I can teach you to be coordinated,” he said. “Let’s just give it a shot.”
I didn’t see the harm in it. “I guess we could try.”
“Great.” He smiled but the gesture didn’t reach his eyes. “We’ll start tomorrow.”
“Where?”
“There’s space in the room over my shop.”
“Okay.”
He pulled me close to him then moved me onto his lap. I was relieved to feel the lack of a hard-on. He wanted me close just so he could hold me. His hands moved through my hair and he kissed my hairline. “How about we watch a chick-flick tonight?”
“But you hate chick-flicks.”
He shrugged. “They aren’t so bad. Besides, I’m just going to stare at you anyway.”
Chapter Four
Cayson
Skye’s support made this decision a lot easier. If she told me not to go, I’d have a hard time listening to her. Knowing these people wouldn’t have access to clean water if I decided not to make the travel filled me with guilt. Lives were on the line. How could I be selfish and not go?
But how could I leave her?
Knowing she was proud of my work and my goals meant a lot to me. When she looked at me there was affection in her eyes. She stared at me like I was a superhero, and with that support I felt like I could fly.
But three months was a long time—a really long time.
“When should we have the wedding?” Skye asked as she sat beside me on the couch. “Before or after?” Her voice didn’t shake as she spoke. If she was depressed over me leaving she didn’t show it.
“Depends on when you want to have the wedding.” I wanted to equally go and equally stay. The two most important moments of my life were in direct opposition to one another. It would be nice to take Skye with me, but I feared for her safety. I wouldn’t be able to concentrate on anything because I’d be worried about her all the time. She was a gorgeous woman with big tits and perfect curves. Everyone would stare at her.
“Well, I wanted to have it in the spring…but that’s not that far away.”
“I don’t think I can just take off on short notice. It’ll have to be after unless you move the wedding date.”
“Well…how long after? Like, a week?”
I shrugged. “They said they’ll work with me because of the wedding. We can go on our honeymoon then I can leave.”
She nodded slightly. “Immediately?”
“I guess a week after we come back. Honestly, it doesn’t matter when I leave because it’ll difficult no matter what.”
She gripped the wedding magazine in her hand but didn’t say anything.
“And I should probably leave before the heat of summer hits. I won’t have AC like I do here.”
“True.” She stared at the magazine as she spoke. “Then you should probably go as soon as possible.”
I really didn’t want to start my marriage by leaving. But I didn’t have any other choice. “I can leave directly after our honeymoon. The sooner I leave, the sooner I come back.”
“That’s a good way to look at it.”
“And I won’t leave again,” I said, assuring her. “I know this aid will be successful. They’ll send other ambassadors afterward. Besides, I’ll be the director soon and I won’t be able to take off anymore.”
Skye didn’t seem pleased by that knowledge. “You’ll still help people—even if it’s behind a desk.”
We sat in silence for a while, just watching each other. Skye gave me a smile but it was forced. I knew it wasn’t genuine. Her eyes gave her away.
“I’m sorry.” I wish I didn’t have to do this. Skye was finally going to be my wife and I was leaving her. At least all our friends and family would be there to support her.
“Don’t apologize. I’m glad you’re doing this. I’m very proud of you.” She rested her hand on mine.
“I feel like a terrible husband for leaving my wife so suddenly.”
“And I think you’re a great husband for saving the world.” Her fingers grazed over my knuckles.
I knew she would be a good sport about this even if it weren’t how she truly felt. “You’ll be okay while I’m gone?”
“Yes, Cayson.” She gave me a strong look. “I’ve got all my friends to get me through it. And I’m sure Trinity and Slade will be here all the time.”
“Yeah.”
She opened the magazine. “Then we should get planning since we have a date.” She flipped through the pages with her eyes downcast.
I watched her. “I know this is really hard for you. I appreciate how supportive you’re being.”
She turned back to me, her eyes glowing. “You’ve always allowed me to pursue my dreams. I would never stand in the way of yours.”
***
We went to her parents’ house to discuss decorations, food, and lights. After we had dinner, we moved around the backyard and discussed where the tables would be placed as well as the lights and the dance floor. I knew it would be beautiful simply because the grounds were lush and green with plants and grass. The sand was just a few feet behind it, and it led to the wide ocean. No hotel or winery could be more beautiful.
“So, I’ll order the chairs and the tables,” Scarlet said. “Then we can contact the caterers Trinity used.”
“I’ll ask my photographer to do the wedding,” Sean said. “I think she works for Vanity Faire at the moment but she’ll squeeze you in.”
Her parents were being extremely helpful. It didn’t seem like Skye needed to worry about anything, and her mom seemed thrilled to plan the whole thing. It made me feel like a dick since I was leaving their daughter as soon as I married her.
“Where’s the honeymoon going to be?” Sean asked.
“Not sure yet,” Skye said. “Probably Hawaii.”
“Your mother and I love Maui,” Sean said. “I recommend that island.”
“I don’t care where we go,” Skye said. “I’m sure anything will be beautiful.”
I didn’t care either because we’d be in the bedroom the whole time anyway.
“Any news about the house?” Sean asked.
“Not yet.” Skye turned to me and exchanged a silent conversation with me. She asked if we should tell them about my plans to leave. There was no way around it. I could put it off as long as possible but not forever.
Sean picked up on the tension, like usual. His paranoia made him sensitive to vibrations and emotions. He was impossible to lie to, not that I’ve ever tried. “Everything alright?”
I decided to speak before Skye, wanting to be upfront with her parents about the truth. Cowardice wasn’t in my nature. “My water purification system was approved by the CDC. Packages will be sent to third world countries, and clean water will be provided.”
“That’s great,” Scarlet said. “What an achievement. We have to celebrate tonight.”
Sean watched me closely. “I think there’s something more, baby.”
I cleared my throat before I spoke. “I’ll be delivering the first batch to people in need. And the trip will last three months. I’ll leave after our honeymoon.”
“Oh…” Scarlet’s face fell in sadness but she quickly hid it. “That’s great, Cayson. Those people will really appreciate it.”
Sean stared at me in silence.
“You’re really making a difference in this world.” Scarlet hugged me tightly. “We’re very proud of you.” She looked over her shoulder at Sean. “Aren’t we, honey?”
Sean watched me. “Three full months?”
“Yes.” I looked him in the eye as I answered, not wanting to show any fear.
“Skye won’t be coming with you?” he asked.
“No,” I said. “It’s too dangerous.”
“I need to know more about this,” Sean said. “Who’s going with you, what countries you’ll be in, and what’s your itinerary? I need to know everything.”
Skye sighed. “Here we go…”
“Sean,” Scarlet said. “Cayson is doing a remarkable thing. We need to be supportive.”
“I am supportive,” he said. “But I’m also nervous. I can’t let anything happen to my son-in-law.”
I relaxed slightly, relieved he wasn’t angry.
“Cayson,” Sean said. “I need to know everything so I can reach you at any time.”
“Of course, Sean,” I said. “But I’ll be fine.”
“I’d rather not leave it up to chance,” Sean said.
Skye moved her arm through mine. “Now he’s protective of you too.”
“Typical,” Scarlet whispered.
Sean didn’t find their jabs humorous at all. “I will not let my daughter become a widow.” He walked outside into the backyard. He kept walking until he was no longer seen, hitting the beach.
We all stared at each other awkwardly.
Scarlet didn’t go after him, which was surprising. Instead, she remained beside Skye. “Just give him some time. You know how he is.”
“If I don’t go, then the water won’t be distributed.” I felt the need to explain that I didn’t have a choice in the matter. I had to go.
Scarlet rubbed my shoulder. “We know, Cayson. Sean just loves you and he worries about you.”
“I hope you don’t think I’m abandoning Skye.” The guilt was starting to increase.
“Of course not,” Scarlet said immediately. “Sometimes other things are more important. And three months isn’t that long.”
To me it was.
“Give him a few days to come around,” Scarlet said. “He’s been through a lot this past year. It’s just hard for him to…let the people he loves put themselves in harm’s way.”
“I’ll be safe,” I said. “I have a team that knows what they’re doing.”
“But you know my dad,” Skye said. “He doesn’t trust anyone to do their job right—only himself.”
***
Slade took a bite of his burger, but it was so big that I knew he’d have a hard time getting it down. He chewed slowly then sped up, trying to digest the hunk of meat placed there. Then he started to cough and pound his chest.
I just stared at him.
He kept coughing before he grabbed his soda and took a big gulp. He coughed a few more times until he finally caught his breath. “I’m okay.”
“Maybe you should take smaller bites—and chew.”
“Someone’s cranky today.” He purposely stared at me as he took another enormous bite and started to chew.
“I hope you choke and die.”
He got it down his throat before he gave me a cold look. “Dude, what’s your problem. Skye get a boob reduction or something?”
I was dreading telling Slade the most. He wouldn’t handle the news well. He’d been supportive of everything, and he even encouraged me to leave. But I knew Slade better than anyone. In the back of his mind, he assumed I wouldn’t leave because I couldn’t leave Skye. And when he realized the truth—that this was really happening—he’d have a hard time letting me go. “I’m leaving for three months—officially.”
Slade was about to shove a few fries into his mouth when he stopped. “You’re going on that trip?”
“Right after the honeymoon.” I wasn’t excited like I should be. All I could think about was leaving my wife behind. Sean didn’t seem happy. Scarlet said he was just concerned for my safety but I wasn’t buying it. He was disappointed I was leaving his daughter. Sean would never leave Scarlet, and he expected the same from me.
“Oh…” His eyes fell in sadness and he sagged into the chair. He looked devastated, like he just lost Trinity. But then he adopted a supportive attitude and forced a smile. “That’s great. You told Skye, then?”
“She was supportive.”
“I knew she would be,” he said. “This is exciting. It’ll be a trip you’ll never forget.” He picked at his fries but didn’t eat them. He reminded me of an animal playing with its food before he ate it. His eyes were downcast so I couldn’t see his pain. “This is really awesome. Dude, those people are going to appreciate it so much. You’re doing the right thing. And you’ll have agood time over there.” He kept rambling on. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, and when people see your efforts they’ll want to help too. Maybe you can turn it into a private organization and—”
“Slade.”
“What?” He stared at me, confusion on his face.
“I’ll miss you too.”
Slade’s eyes moistened slightly, but just barely. His voice fell a few notches, sounding hollow. But at least he sounded true. “When?”
“After the wedding—in two months.”
He pushed his plate away even though he only ate half of it. It was unlike him to not finish a meal. “Three whole months? Like, you can’t come back and visit?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Well, I can fly out there.”
“I’ll be in rural areas. It’s not a good idea.”
“Ninety days…will I talk to you on the phone?”
“Probably not,” I said. “But we can Skype.”
“Well, that’s better than nothing…”
I still had two months left in America but that didn’t seem long enough.
“Do your parents know?”
“Not yet. But I told Sean and Scarlet. Sean wasn’t happy.”
“I figured he wouldn’t be.” Slade gave me a sad look.
We stared at each other, feeling our hearts sag in misery.
Slade released a loud sigh. “Well, we got two whole months, right? Let’s make the best of it.”
I forced a smile but the action was painful. “Yeah.”
Chapter Five
Sean
“Where are you going?” Scarlet stood behind me while I pulled my jacket on.
“Out.”
“Out where?” she pressed.
“I’m getting a drink. I’ll be back in an hour.” I opened the door and stepped out.
“Sean, get your ass back in here.”
I stopped in my tracks and sighed. Then I turned around and gave her my full attention. I could never walk away from her if she commanded me not to. Somehow, she had complete control over me—and she knew it.
“You aren’t going out for a drink. You can drink here.”
“I just…need a break.” I rubbed the back of my neck.
She crossed her arms over her chest but didn’t take a step over the threshold. She was a tiny woman who was a foot shorter than me, but she projected her height through her internal strength. That woman had me by the neck and she knew it. “We can have a drink here—on the beach.”
I wasn’t sure what my problem was. I was just pissed off and I couldn’t really explain why. A swell of emotions ran through me, and none of them were good.
“Sean. Now.”
I stared at her but didn’t take a step forward.
She stepped back and didn’t close the door. “Whenever you’re ready.” She moved toward the kitchen.
