Torn in Two Page 2

“Not at all. My name is John. I own this fine establishment. My wife, Jessica, will be back in a bit. We offer not only breakfast, but lunch and dinner, as well. Just let one of us know in the morning if you will be wanting either or both so Jess will know what to prepare. Breakfast is at eight, lunch between twelve and two, and dinner between five and seven.”

  John walked from around the desk and grabbed her bag, then showed Skylar to her room. After thanking him, she unpacked, then lay on the bed, emotionally spent. She tried to take a nap, but soon tired of tossing and turning. Sighing, she got up, deciding to go for a walk before dinner. Her last thought as she closed the door to her room was that she must remember to ask John what town this was. As she walked along the picturesque street, she saw a little park. Sighing, a slight smile on her face, she saw a wrought iron bench and sat. Almost immediately, a beautiful black lab came running up and jumped into her lap. Skylar yelped and started laughing, the first real laugh she had in a few days.

  “Sheba, where did you get to now?” a deep, sexy voice yelled, before a man walked around some bushes. Skylar felt a stirring that she hadn't experienced in a long time. “Sheba, get off the pretty lady.” He looked at Skylar. “I am so sorry. The leash broke and she just took off,” he explained, trying to pull the dog off her lap. Sheba lay down on her, looking at Skylar with sad eyes.

  Skylar petted the dog’s head and looked up. “She is just adorable. She isn't bothering me.” Wow!! I’ve never seen anyone with grey eyes before, and that jet-black, curly hair...

  “You are being too kind.” He held out his hand. “My name is Dylan. I haven't seen you around here before. Are you new to the area?”

  She grasped his hand. “My name is Skylar. I’m just visiting. Not sure how long I am staying, though.”

  “Well, if you’d like, I can show you around Whynot while you are here.” Skylar started laughing. She couldn't help it. “This town's name is Whynot? You wouldn't be playing a joke on a stranger, would you?”

  He smiled. “No. I promise. Something about the early settlers not being able to agree on a name. A farmer said ‘Why not’, and the town was born.”

  “That is just too funny. Well, since I don't know how long I'm staying, why don’t you stop by Good for You when you have some time. That is where I am staying. Then we can figure out what to see first.”

  “That would be perfect. I have some free time tomorrow afternoon. How about one o’clock? Is that good for you?”

  “That sounds good. I guess I will see you then.” When she shifted, Sheba jumped down so she could stand. Skylar gave the dog a pat on the head, then walked away. She heard Dylan whisper, “You did good, girl. Extra snack for you tonight.” Skylar couldn't keep herself from chuckling. As she walked back into the B&B, she saw John standing at the front desk. “Well, someone came back in a better mood than when she left,” he said, grinning.

  “Yes, I am. The fresh air did me a world of good. Question for you. Do you know a gentleman by the name of Dylan? He has a dog named Sheba.”

  “Can't say that I do.”

  “Hmm… He’s coming by tomorrow so he can show me the town.” Skylar clapped her hands together, smiling. “Now, what’s for dinner? All that fresh air has made me hungry.”

  He smirked. “Come on, doll. We will go find out together.” He held his elbow out to Skylar. She slipped her arm through his and they walked off to the dining room.

  Skylar fell asleep thinking of Dylan. His jet black hair, grey eyes, trimmed beard, tattoos. She actually slept for the first time in what seemed like weeks. When she woke, she jumped out of bed and headed for the shower, a spring in her step. This seems to be what I needed. It is like a fresh start. Maybe it isn't me. Maybe it is the assholes I have had in my life. All except Shawn. She sighed. I miss him. Maybe I should have told him where I was going. I’ll call him later. After breakfast, Skylar started walking back to her room. As she rounded the corner, she stopped, spotting John talking to Dylan. I thought he said he didn't know Dylan. Hmm... Should I go up to them or just go to my room? Fuck it. This is the new me.

  “Good morning, gentlemen. Aren't you here a little early, Dylan?" she asked as she looked at John, narrowing her eyes.

  “I got done early with work stuff, so I came over to see if we could go a little earlier. I was just asking…” He looked at John. “John, is it?” When he nodded, Dylan looked at me again. “I was just asking John where I could find you.” Dylan smiled sheepishly.

  “Okay. Just let me grab a jacket, then we can go.”

  “Is it okay if we walk rather than drive? It’s such a nice day.”

  “Sure.”

  Skylar ran to her room, grabbed her coat, looked at herself in the mirror, then rushed back to the lobby, slowing down before she got there. She didn’t want to seem too anxious. Smiling, Dylan held the door open for her. As they walked, Skylar told him about Ryan and her past relationships. Dylan told her about his wife, Lisa, who had passed away from cancer a little over two years prior. They stopped at the different shops and points of interest, and Skylar couldn't get over how the slightest touch from him made her tingle. When he rested his hand on her lower back at the bookstore, held her hand at the bakery…everywhere he touched made her skin feel like it was on fire. Maybe it is time to do what I feel is right for me, instead of trying to do what everyone expects.

  Dylan stopped and gently caressed her arm. “So…where would you like to go for lunch?”

  This is it. Time for me to be me. “How about your place? I’ll cook.” Dylan looked surprised, then a slow, sexy smile spread across his face. “That sounds like a plan. After we eat, how about we take Sheba for a walk?”

  Walk Sheba, my ass. I am getting me some. “Sounds like a plan.” Skylar couldn't wait to get to Dylan's. He was in for a surprise.

  Chapter Four

  Once they got to Dylan's, he walked into the kitchen. Skylar, walking at a slower pace, followed him in. Should I really seduce him? Can I seduce him? Maybe he doesn't see me that way. Oh damn, stop thinking and just do.

  He opened the refrigerator. “Hmm…cheese and eggs. That’s it.” He looked at her. “I haven’t had anyone here in a long time.”

  “That’s fine. How about I make an omelet?” Sashaying over to the island, Skylar took his hand and slowly turned him toward her. She placed her hands on either side of his face and gently touched her lips to his. The velvety softness surprised her, igniting a spark she didn't know existed.

  Dylan, slightly surprised, pulled away. “Skylar, not that I don't want this, because I definitely do, but I just want to make sure you’re certain. From what you’ve said, I know you have been hurt. I don't want any regrets on your part.”

  Looking up at him, no words were needed. Her eyes, dark with desire, said all that needed to be said. Leaning in to place her mouth on his again, she traced his lips with her tongue, asking for permission to enter. When his lips parted, she plunged her tongue in to meet his, showing him what she really wanted. Breaking away to pull his shirt over his head, Skylar slowly kissed down his neck. Nipping the pulsing vein in his throat, she continued down to his chest, stopping and flicking his left nipple with her tongue, then sucking on it. When he let out a primal groan, she smiled, dragging her tongue over to the right, then slowly continued down to his V. She unsnapped his pants, pushing them and his boxer briefs down. His thick cock pulsed with need. She licked it from base to tip, caressing his balls as she did. Putting only the head into her mouth, she moaned, almost bringing Dylan to his knees.

  “Fuck this. We can do slow later. I need to be in you now.” Breathing heavily, Dylan roughly pulled her up and pushed her jeans down, ripping her black lacy thong from her body. He played with her clit as he bent her over the island. Reaching for his pants, he pulled out a condom, rolling it over his dick, then sliding into her. He started off slowly, but Skylar’s moans made him lose his mind. He increased his pace, slamming into her over and over.

  “Oh, Dylan… Mmm... Don’t st
op... Oh, this feels so good… I’m going to come…” As she did, Dylan moaned, coming at the same time. Panting and all sweaty, they pulled their pants back up. Dylan looked at her, a cocky smile on his face. “Want me to cook?” Laughing, she plopped down on one of the chairs. “Sure. I am mush right now.” So this is what random sex is like. I wonder if it is like this all the time. Hmm, I am definitely going to have try it again. After they ate and cleaned up, Skylar started to feel a little uncomfortable. Even though her body felt alive for the first time since she could remember, her heart and mind were of a different opinion. Deciding she needed some time alone, she cleared her throat. “Dylan, as nice as this is, this isn’t me. I normally get to know someone before we have sex. This is a first for me, so I...I need some space to sort out what I am thinking and feeling. I’m just going to head out. Thank you for everything.”

  “I don't know what to say. I never took you for... Ah hell. I don't know how to explain it. Take all the time you need, but I would like to see you again. I know you may not want a relationship right now after everything that has happened in your past, but I think this could be something special. I just have this feeling…” He shook his head. “Oh, never mind. Come on. I will walk you back to the B&B.”

  “You don't have to. I am going to detour through the park. I will talk to you later.”

  “I am going to hold you to that. I meant what I said, Skylar. This could be something special. Please, don't let your past prevent you from having a future. I will talk to you later.”

  As she walked to the park, Skylar touched her lips, still feeling Dylan's kiss. Sitting on the same bench as before, she let out a frustrated breath. How could something that made me feel so good now make me feel so confused? I don’t think I’m even over Ryan yet, but I fuck the first guy I find attractive? Is that being selfish? What about Shawn? I had started to see him as more than a friend. Was that wrong? Maybe he doesn't see me like that. If he does, will this affect how he feels? Will it change his opinion of me? Damn, I am so... I don't even know. The only thing I know is I don't know anything. Maybe I should call Shawn. He always helps me figure shit out. Turning on her phone, she dialed his number. He picked up on the second ring. From the background noise, she knew he was in his car. “Where the fuck are you, Skylar? Are you okay? What the hell is going on? Do you realize how fucking scared I have been not knowing if you were hurt or even dead? I was ready to put out a missing person report on your ass.” When he took a breath, Skylar jumped in.

  “Shawn, calm down. I know I left without saying anything. I just wanted some time to myself.”

  “Calm down? That is what you say to me when I have been worried sick? How the fuck am I supposed to be calm? I haven't heard from you. I have no fucking clue where the hell you are. Calm down, my ass!”

  “Shawn, stop. I will tell you everything, but you have to let me talk.”

  “Start talking then. I will try and shut up long enough for you to explain shit.”

  Taking a moment to collect herself, she took a deep breath. “I needed to get away. I was...am hurt by what Ryan did.”

  “To hell with Ryan.”

  “Shawn, please. You said you would listen.”

  “Fine. Continue,” he snarled.

  “Anyway, I just needed a few days to myself. A few days to get my head on straight.”

  “So you just fucking take off without so much as a ‘Shawn, I am going to take a couple of days away,’ or maybe ‘Hey, shithead. I need some time to myself.’ I thought we were friends. I thought we had each other’s back. I know—”

  “Shawn, shut the fuck up!” Skylar screamed. Several people in the park turned in her direction. She lowered her voice again. “Now, where was I? Oh yeah. I needed the time away from everybody and everything. I’ve been confused about a few things and am trying to straighten it out in my head.”

  “Such as?”

  “Well, did I truly love Ryan, or was he just my familiar? You know, my security blanket. And, well, um...”

  “Spit it out, Sky.”

  She took a calming breath. “Shawn, my feelings toward you might be changing. Maybe... I am not sure of that yet.”

  Hearing the crunching sound of gravel, she thought Shawn probably pulled his car off to the side of the road. “What do you mean changing? In what way?”

  “Well, I think I may like you as more than just a friend. I am, um… I’m not sure.”

  “Dammit, Skylar. You could have told me this in person, you know. You didn't have to disappear.”

  “Wait, there's more. I sort of met someone and may have had sex.”

  He was silent for a few minutes. “What the hell do you mean ‘may have’? How the fuck could you have sex with someone you just met? You weren't sure of how you were feeling about Ryan and myself. That’s not you, Skylar.”

  “You’re right, but I did this for me. However, now I am more confused than ever. I don't know what I want anymore.”

  “Just tell me where you are and I will come to you, if for no other reason than to see for myself that you are okay.”

  “Shawn, I can't have you taking off work just to see if I am okay. Physically, I am fine.”

  “Too late, Sky. I’ve already taken an indefinite leave of absence so I could look for you. I don't think you understand how important you are to me. So, I am asking again… Where the hell are you?”

  “You what?? Why would you do that? I don’t need you to come looking for me. I can take care of myself.” Blowing out a breath, Skylar hung up. Men are so self-centered and hardheaded. I can't believe he would just assume I wanted his company. What she didn't realize was Shawn had pinged her phone and was currently headed to Whynot, North Carolina.

  Chapter Five

  Shawn stared at the phone, not believing she had hung up on him. That…that female! You would think she would be grateful I cared enough to take the time to look for her. Well, if she got mad I did that, wait until she sees me in Whynot. She is going to hit the roof. Shawn smirked.

  “I can't believe you are engaged, Shawn. I am so happy for you.” The conversation he just had with Skylar brought up memories he would rather forget. A scowl on his face, Shawn continued to think back. That was such a happy day for him. He thought he had finally found the one. Unfortunately, he had come home early from work one day to see his fiancée with a woman he didn't recognize, then some dude walked out of the bathroom. Nostrils flaring, he tried to rein in his anger. “All of you, get the fuck out. Claire, leave the ring on the way out. Don't ever come back. Don’t call. Nothing. I don’t ever want to see you again. You have five minutes. If you are not out of here by then, the ass kicking will begin.” Shawn shuddered at the memory. Then there was Donna, who he was dumb enough to marry. Both of those women were not on Skylar's list of favorite people, but she supported him anyway. Just like Ryan wasn't a favorite of his, but he kept his mouth shut. Ryan's business always took him away for days, sometimes weeks. Skylar never thought anything of it, but Shawn had his suspicions about what happened on those trips. Unfortunately, he could never prove anything. This is all that motherfucker's fault. If he didn't treat Skylar like he did, we would both be at home right now eating some kind of takeout, watching a movie. I wouldn’t be driving to some god-forsaken town to find my girl. He sucked in a breath. My girl...I like the sound of that.

  Finally arriving in Whynot, Shawn stopped and checked Google for places to stay. Seeing only a B&B and one of those chain hotels, he decided the B&B was it. Exhausted from the drive, he pulled into the parking lot, immediately seeing Skylar's car. Oh, this is going to be interesting, he thought with a smirk. Looking at his watch, he saw it was past midnight. Walking in and not seeing anybody behind the desk, he hoped he didn't have to sleep in his car. “Hello? Is anyone here?” he called out softly. A man wearing striped pajamas walked around the corner. “Hello there, young fellow. How may I help you?”

  “I am sorry for showing up so late, but I drove all evening to get here. Do you have
a room I can rent?”

  “Sure. Do you how long you’re staying?”

  “I’m not sure yet, so I will start out with a week and go from there.”

  He laughed. “Interesting. You are the second person to say that this week. You young people.” He shook his head. “Never sure of anything. My name is John. My wife, Jessica, and I are the owners of this establishment. If you need anything, feel free to ask.”

  Wanting to ask where Skylar was staying, Shawn decided against it. She needs her rest. I will see her soon enough. “Okay, thanks. I will see you at breakfast. Have a good night.” Shawn walked away and headed toward his room, wondering how Skylar would handle seeing him here. After showering and getting dressed, Shawn took a slow, agonizing breath. All right, Skylar. Ready or not, here I come. Walking into the dining area, Shawn saw Skylar sitting with her back to the door. Rushing over, he gave her a hug from behind, feeling her stiffen. “I am so glad you are okay. I missed you.”

  Slowly turning around, Skylar looked into the green eyes she knew so well. “What the hell are you doing here?" she hissed so as to not disturb the others.