Torn in Two Read online

  “I can help you make sense of it all, if you will just let me.”

  “No. This is something I have to figure out on my own. I promise. While I am trying to sort it out, I won't push you away. I am going back to my room. I’ll see you at breakfast.” Kissing him lightly, she walked to the door, softly closing it behind her.

  Shawn stood there, mouth open. What in the hell? I can't believe she left. Before, we would have talked and joked around until the problem was worked out. Does this mean I am losing her? Was having sex a mistake? Damn this uncertainty and these fucking feelings. When the hell did I turn into a fucking wuss? When I decide I want something, I usually go after it with a vengeance. You’d better watch out, Skylar, because I am coming for you. With that, Shawn fell into a fitful sleep. Shawn walked into the dining room, surprised to see Dylan at the table. “What the hell are you doing here?” he snarled.

  “Cool your jets, friend boy. I was invited,” Dylan sneered back.

  Before Shawn could tell him he was no longer just a ‘friend’, they heard, “Put a leash on yourselves. I wanted to talk to both of you.”

  Too stunned to speak, they watched her walk away to grab some coffee. Noticing her smirk as she walked back, Shawn knew she was up to something...and he probably wouldn't like it.

  “Great coffee, don't you think?” she asked, taking a sip.

  “Skylar, I am sure you didn't want me to come over this morning to talk about the coffee. What’s going on?” asked Dylan.

  “Yes, the coffee is good. Now, like he said, what’s going on?” Shawn crossed his arms.

  “You both are so impatient. Here is what I have come up with. I have decided no more sex until I figure out what is best for me. I want to date you both for now and see where each relationship goes…”

  Dylan crossed his arms over his chest. “Ha-ha, friend boy. I already have a leg up on you.”

  Shawn smirked. “Not so fast, hotshot. Some things have changed since you last saw Sky.”

  “Will you two cut it out? It doesn't matter who did what with me. You are both starting with a clean slate.”

  “What the hell?! How can we both be starting with a clean slate? Doesn't our friendship all these years mean anything?” whined Shawn.

  “If you would let me fucking finish! Yes, our friendship means something to me, but this isn't just about friendship. It’s about building a relationship. Now, if either one of you can't or won't agree to this, say so now. For me, this seems like the best way to handle things at the moment.”

  “This is somewhat unfair to me, Sky. I have a business that I eventually need to get back to. I mean, how long are we going to do this? Besides, don't you also have to get back to work?”

  “I called Harper late last night and asked for some extended time. Since I had so much vacation time built up, she had to say yes. When do you have to go back?”

  “Tell you what,” Dylan interrupted, a smile on his face. “Since I don’t have a schedule like you do, I'll be a sport. If no progress has been made, I will rent a room and we can continue on the same turf,” Dylan magnanimously stated, a smile on his face.

  “Oh, Dylan, that is a wonderful idea! We can all stay here for, let's say, two weeks, then we can go back home.”

  “Fuck...fine. If this is the only way, let's get started,” Shawn snarled.

  Skylar furrowed her brows at him. “Honestly, Shawn, if you are going to be a moody shithead, you don't have to go through with it. Just walk away now.” She knew she was goading him, but she was having a hard time trusting this was what he really wanted.

  Chapter Six

  Well, fuck me sideways. This is not what I expected. Can she really like us both? Fucking bullshit. How the fuck can you have feelings for two people at the same time?! She doesn’t even know that fucking dude. What the fuck does “no sex” mean? Now that I have had her, how the hell am I supposed to not want her? Listen to me. I sound like a sore loser and I haven't even lost yet. No, I will not lose in this situation. I just have to bite my fucking tongue and pursue her like she has never been pursued before, Shawn thought.

  Dylan looked at Shawn. This could get interesting. It sounds like something recently happened between them. Wonder what it was. I can imagine, but it sucks not knowing for sure. I understand his frustration, though. This “no sex” thing sucks. Plus, he has known her longer. Does that mean I have a better shot at this because she has feelings for me already? There is so much more going against us. She lives in a different state. She has a job to go back to, although if she stays here, she wouldn't have to work. That could be another problem. She knows I paint for a living, but she doesn't know I have the millions left to me when they passed away. I wonder how she is going to handle that.

  Looking between the two, Skylar thought, Well, that went...I have no idea how it really went, but at least no punches were thrown and nobody walked away. This “no sex” thing will be hard, but I can't let myself get distracted. I really don't understand how I can have feelings for both of them so soon. Maybe I didn't really love Ryan. Could it be that he was just my comfort zone? How can I have feelings for Dylan already? I mean, I have only known him less than a week? Could I have had these feelings for Shawn all along and just not realized it? I almost wish one of them would have walked away. It would be a helluva lot easier. Well, I guess it's time to start this and see what happens.

  “All right, fellas. How would you like to go about this? I have my own ideas, but I would like to hear any suggestions you may have.”

  “Well, I am asking you out right now,” Shawn declared.

  Dylan sat up in his chair. “Wait a minute. How do you know she wants to go out with you first? Maybe she wants to do the asking. Did you ever think of that?” He looked pointedly at Skylar.

  “Oh geez. I feel like a tree waiting to see which dog can piss on me the best. While it is flattering, it isn't necessary. I don't need to be marked. I know this is hard on you both, but it is tough on me, too, especially when I know I am eventually going to hurt one of you.” Growling, she slammed her hands on the table and stood. “Fuck it. You know what? Just forget it.” Crying, Skylar ran out of the dining room and back to her room, slamming the door.

  Dylan looked at Shawn. “Now see what you fucking did. Right now, neither one of us has a shot.”

  “Me? I think it was you, you fucking asswipe. You were the one spouting all the bullshit about me asking her out first. ‘Maybe she wanted to do the asking,’ my ass. She needs to feel like she is special. She hasn't had that in a long time.”

  “Look here, shithead. Everything I said was true. All I was doing was giving her options. It isn't a bad thing. But the bigger fucking question is how are we going to make this right? We are responsible for her crying in her room.”

  Shawn blew out a breath. “Dammit. I hate to agree with you, but you are right. Fuck, I don't know how to fix it this time because I’m part of the problem. As much as this pains me, do you want to go grab a drink and try and figure this out.”

  “Yeah, I guess.” With that, they got up and walked out of the building. As they neared the only bar in Whynot, Fix Your Problems, Shawn shook his head. “Are all the establishments in this town named cutesy stuff? I mean, Good for You, Fix Your Problems...”

  Smirking, Dylan nodded as they walked in. “Yeah, they are. Something about trying to be positive, inspirational, or some such shit back in the day. Through the years, nobody changed them.” Looking around, he pointed. “There is a table. Grab it while I will go get the beers.”

  Placing the glasses on the table and sitting, Dylan asked, “So, tell me…what was Skylar like when she was younger? She’s told me a little about her past, but it’s mostly about her failed relationships. Honestly, she didn't even mention you until the other day. I’m still not sure if that is a good or bad thing.”

  “Me, either. It could be good because she didn't care enough about you, or bad because she already started caring. I’m not sure how much of her past I sh
ould share because if she wanted you to know, wouldn't she have told you herself?”

  “Well, in all honesty, we were busy doing...other things.” Dylan smirked.

  Shawn narrowed his eyes at him. “Dude, that isn't going to work. You might have been first, but I intend to be last. Besides, I have known her a helluva lot longer, so that is in my favor.” He smiled.

  Slightly upset busting his balls didn't work, Dylan took a deep breath, trying to relax. “Fine. Let’s just get back to figuring out how to make it right. Again, I am going to ask about her past. If I know more about it, maybe we can figure out how to make it better.”

  Smirking because he got the better of Dylan this round, Shawn nodded. “Well, since she has told you about her failed romantic relationships, I will tell you about her dad. She was thirteen when he walked out on her. Skylar doesn't even know what I’m about to tell you. When he left, she said ‘fuck him’ and just moved on. His name is Jacob. Skylar thought the world of her dad. She was the proverbial ‘Daddy's girl’. When he left, she was crushed. In true Skylar fashion, she didn't let it slow her down. She hid her feelings from everyone...except me. As we got older, she forbid me from mentioning him at all. Unbeknownst to her, I had him investigated, just in case she ever got curious. Turns out he had a drinking problem. Only Sky’s mom knew because he was able to hide it so well. Not able to put up with it anymore, she threw him out. One day, I came over looking for Sky. Her mom was on the phone. I overheard her tell whomever she was talking to that she didn't care if he still loved her. She kicked him out for a reason. I turned around and left, deciding to find out all I could about him. He had gotten remarried to a woman who had a son already. Jacob died a few months ago.”

  “So you're telling me Sky knows none of this? You’ve been keeping this from her? You do realize the shit is going to hit the fan, right? Dude, you really need to tell her. I don't want to win her heart that way. We also have to stop acting like alpha jerks and just go with the flow. Know what I mean?”

  Shawn leaned closer. “Fuck. I didn't tell you all this so you could use it against me. If I tell her...and that is a mighty big if...I will do it when I think she is ready and not a minute before.”

  “She needs to know. How can she make any kind of rational decision without knowing the whole truth? How do you think she will feel years down the road when she finds out you knew and didn’t say anything? If it were me, I would want to know.”

  “Fuck.” Shawn looked away, grimaced, and looked back at Dylan. “I hate that you’re right. Want to come with me when I tell her? She may need you because she will be too pissed at me.”

  “Sure. Just so you know, I understand why you haven't told her. To make everything fair, I will not pursue her until after everything blows over.”

  Shawn rolled his eyes. “Fucking wonderful. Shit…let’s get this over with.” After draining their beers, they got up and headed to the storm, also known as Skylar.

  When they got back to the B&B and Skylar’s room, Shawn was on edge. Well, I could be throwing it all away, but asshat is right. She needs to know. He took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. He raised his fist and knocked.

  “Come in.” Shawn opened the door and walked in, followed by Dylan. “Since when are you two so chummy? When I left, you were barking at each other.” Skylar sniffed, wiping her eyes.

  “We went and had a couple of drinks, trying to figure out how to make this easier on you. But before we can do that, um...I have something to tell you. I’m not sure if you will like it, though.”

  Skylar cocked her head. “Since when are you afraid to tell me things? Whatever it is, just spit it out.”

  “Um... I had your dad investigated, Sky. He had remarried, passing away a few months ago. I am so sorry. I just wanted to have the information in case you ever got curious about what happened to him.” Shawn winced, waiting for her reaction.

  She blinked. “Oh, is that all? I already knew he had remarried. Mom told me before she passed. She also told me why she kicked him out. I never mentioned it to you because I just didn’t care enough about it. I mean, if he truly loved me, wanted me in his life, he would have found a way to make it happen. Sure, he was a drunk, an alcoholic, whatever word you want to use, but he got sober enough to remarry. If he could do that, he could have gotten in touch with me. I am not mad you had him investigated. Just slightly hurt you didn't feel like you could share it with me sooner.”

  Shocked, Shawn opened his mouth to answer when his phone rang. He looked at the caller ID. “Excuse me a moment. It’s work,” he said, stepping out of the room.

  Dylan grinned at her, cocking his head. “I have to say, you surprised me. I figured you would have popped a cork at him for keeping this secret. If that were my friend keeping it from me, I would have been pissed.”

  "Then I guess it’s a good thing it was me and not you. But how did you know about this? Were you being nosy? If you wanted to know something, why not just ask me? Shawn shouldn't have said anything.” Skylar glared at him.

  He held up his hands. “No, I wasn't being nosy. Shawn and I sat down, trying to figure out how to make peace with each other...or at least try to be civil toward one another. I asked him to tell me about your past from a friend’s perspective. At first, he didn't want to, then he figured I needed to know so we could be on equal footing.”

  Skylar sat there for a second, contemplating. “Okay…I accept that, but next time, just ask me.”

  The door opened and Shawn walked back in, looking upset. “I fucking have to go back to work. The contracts that were supposed to be taken care of weren't. I need to leave this afternoon.” He held his arms out at his sides. “How the hell are we supposed to figure shit out when I am in another state? What am I supposed to do? You are too important to me to leave shit like it is.”

  “Shawn, right now, you need to concentrate on work. Why don't you go fix what you need to fix, then give me a call to see where my head is. I mean, who knows? Things might change in a few days. But I have to stay here and see what happens with Dylan.”

  His eyes widened. “But what about us? What about seeing where we are headed? How am I supposed to concentrate on work knowing you are here with him? Please, Sky. Come home with me.”

  “Shawn, just like you need to go home, I need to stay here. Like I said, call me when you get work straightened out. You’ve worked too hard to start that company to let it fall apart. Please, go do what you have to do.”

  With a crestfallen look, Shawn hugged her and left to go pack. I just know I am going to fucking lose her. Prickface will be able to make his moves free and clear. I have to do something, but what? He suddenly snapped his fingers. I will have him investigated and see if he has any skeletons in his closet. She won’t like it, but I am playing for keeps. Plus, I will send her a gift every day to make sure I stay on her mind. Feeling slightly better, Shawn walked into his room. The quicker he got home, the quicker he could get back. With a heavy heart, he checked out. Deep down, he had a feeling he was going to lose her, friendship and all.

  “Don't look so down. I have a good feeling about this. You have to believe it is going to be okay; otherwise, you have already lost.” John tried to cheer him up.

  “Thanks. I will call when I’m ready to come back.” With that, Shawn turned, longingly looked at Skylar's door, and left. He didn't see her looking out of her window, tears in her eyes.

  Noticing the tears shimmering in those pretty green eyes he had come to love in such a short period of time, Dylan stood, sighing. “Skylar, I am going to go home. When you have collected yourself, call me and we will do whatever you want. Your choice.” He walked over, gave her a hug, and left.

  Well, damn. I had two hot guys here, but in no more than five minutes, I have none. Not that it was Shawn's choice. And I’m glad Dylan was nice enough to give me a little space. Think I will use this time to freshen up and relax a little, maybe get some stuff straight in my head. Skylar stripped and headed for the shower. While s
tanding under the delightfully delicious hot water, she wondered if maybe Dylan was her rebound. She wasn’t normally that upset when Shawn's business took him away for a few days. Right after she had sex with Dylan, she had to get away, but with Shawn, she wanted to stay, but didn't want to add to the confusion in her head. She figured it was a good thing she decided to explore whether this thing with Dylan was real or just because he was there when she was emotionally needy. Turning off the water, she dried off, then decided to take a nap.

  Chapter Seven

  Dylan walked into the house, deciding to take Sheba for a walk while it was still light out. It was so peaceful, he had time to think. Damn, since when did I become such a softy? Run off by tears. I must be nuts. Even though that little devil on my shoulder tried egging me on, I couldn't take advantage of the situation. I just hope Skylar understands why I did it. I would hate to have been chivalrous for no reason. If I am being honest with myself, I am a little jealous of Shawn. He knows Skylar better than anybody. I am going to seize the moment while he’s gone, use my time with her wisely.