Torn in Two Page 7

  Watching him walk away, Skylar felt awful. She had been so caught up with Dylan, she had made Shawn feel less than adequate. Tears in her eyes, she headed back to her room. Fuck it all to hell and back. I really screwed up this time. I might lose him over this. How the fuck do I fix it? Maybe I should try and talk to him, explain that I was thinking about him. Yeah, that lasted all of thirty seconds. As soon as Dylan started kissing me, Shawn was forgotten. This is more than about the friendship. It is about him and I figuring out how we feel. Suck it up, buttercup. You need to find him and talk.

  Going to his room, she saw the door open. Lightly knocking, she walked in and saw him sitting there, a defeated look on his face. Not knowing what to say, she walked over and sat in his lap, placing her arms around his neck, hugging him. He stiffened, then sighed and wrapped his arms around her. They sat like that for a long time, not saying anything. Finally, he whispered in a pain-filled voice, “Is there still a chance for more than friendship between us? I don't know what to do. I want so much more with you. I can't lose you. Help me, Sky. I have no idea what to do.” Grasping her face and lifting her head off his chest, he saw the tears running down her cheeks. He gently rubbed them away.

  “No tears, baby girl. We will work this out. No matter what happens, we’ll be here for each other. Remember, we made that promise to always and forever be best friends.”

  She sniffed. “Oh, Shawn. What did I ever do to deserve you? To be honest, you both make me ache with need. Just looking at you gets me started. Don't know if this will make things better or worse, but I just want to open up your zipper, hop on your dick, and ride you like a horse.”

  “Nobody’s stopping you.”

  Pulling her into a sensual kiss, he helped her pull her panties down, then unzipped his pants, took his cock out, and let her ride him into the sunset. Cleaning themselves up afterward, “Before you ask…no, I am not going to spend the night. I need some time. I can't think with either of you around. I know what we just did doesn't fix anything, but I also know I need you in my life. Good night, Shawn.” She gave him a quick kiss, then walked out the door.

  Walking down the hall, she thought, I can't keep doing this. I love them both, but in different ways. What was it that John said? Where do I see myself in five, ten years. Who do I see with me? These are the things I need to figure out before I wind up hurting either one of them more than I have already. Opening the door to her room, Skylar started heading to the shower, noticing a box of her favorite chocolates on the table, a card attached to it.

  Please, we really need to talk.

  Again, no signature. She made a mental note to ask John where this and the flowers came from. Deciding there was nothing to do about it now, she walked into the bathroom and started the shower. Standing under the water, her thoughts wandered to the mystery. Why wouldn't someone sign their name if they wanted to talk? This is getting a little creepy. After I talk to John, I will also talk to Shawn and Dylan. Maybe they can come up with some ideas. If the person is sending the gifts instead of just dropping them off, it is going to be a little bit harder to find out. Damn, when did my life get so fucking complicated. Sure, I could blame Ryan. I mean, I had an ordinary life before he left me. But I can't. This is fate, karma, written in the stars…all of them tossed together. I have always said to make the best of whatever life throws at you. Fixing her coffee the next morning, she saw John sitting there. She walked over, taking a seat next to him. “Good morning, John. How’s it going?”

  “Hey, doll. Good morning. It’s going pretty well.” He cocked his head. “You still have a tinge of sadness around your eyes, though. You okay?”

  “I am still trying to figure things out. Hey, question for you. Those flowers and the box of candy…do you know who sent them?”

  “Sorry, doll. They were delivered from the flower shop, so couldn't tell you who sent them. Is there something I should be concerned with?”

  “No. It’s just that there was no signature on the card. It’s just a little confusing. That’s all.”

  “Should I be concerned for you? If there are any more deliveries, should I just throw them away? How can I help you wipe the sadness from those pretty eyes of yours? You do realize I have two good ears for listening, right?”

  She smiled. “I took your advice from the last time we talked, so I have come to some decisions, but the rest is all on me. Thank you so much for just being you, though.” She got up and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Deciding she was going to visit the flower shop to see if they had answers, she headed to her room to get ready. Skylar loved the smell of the flower shop as she walked in. All the different fragrances smelled wonderful.

  “Hi. Can I help you?” a younger-looking version of Jessica asked.

  Skylar looked at the woman, shocked. “Um…hi. Are you related to Jessica, one of the owners of the B&B? You look just like her.” The woman smiled. “Thank you. I take that as a compliment. My sister is a good-looking woman, even if I do say so myself. My name is Pam.”

  “I’m Skylar. I have a few questions, if you don't mind.”

  “Oh, you are the one who received those beautiful flowers and the chocolates. Sure. Ask away.”

  “Well, neither the flowers nor the chocolates had a signed card. Do you happen to know who ordered them?”

  She shook her head. “I wish I could help you. They were both ordered through a third-party website. When that happens, all I receive is the payment, what they want, and where it is to be delivered. They don't tell me who ordered.”

  “Damn. I was hoping you could clear up the mystery. Okay. Thanks.” Letting out a breath of frustration, Skylar walked out of the shop, not sure what to do next.

  Chapter Twelve

  Shawn, not finding Skylar anywhere in the B&B, walked out the door. Putting his hands on his hips, he looked around. Dammit, where is she? I hope she isn’t with dickwad. Jeez, if she is, there’s nothing I can do about it. Not sure where to check first, Shawn decided to head over to Dylan's. Please, don't let her be there. As if someone heard his silent plea, he saw Dylan walking toward him on the sidewalk.

  “Hey. Have you seen Skylar?” Shawn asked.

  “No. I was just heading over to the B&B to see her. I haven't heard from her. Considering it is almost noon, that isn’t normal. I usually get a ‘good morning’ text.”

  “Well, when she left me last night, she seemed okay, but when I went to see her this morning, I couldn't find her.”

  Damn, she was with him last night? I can't let him see it bothers me, Dylan thought. “Well, if she isn't with either of us, where the hell is she?”

  “No clue. I do remember her mentioning flowers she had received with no signature on the card. Maybe she went to check it out.”

  “Well, the only flower shop in town isn't too far from here. I guess that is as good a place to start as any.” They walked in silence, both lost in their own thoughts, both thinking pretty much the same thing. Where the hell is Skylar? When they walked in, Pam looked up, a smile spreading across her face. “Hey, Dylan. Long time, no see. How are you doing? Oh, who is your friend?” She came around the counter to give Dylan a hug.

  “Pam, this is Shawn. Shawn, Pam. I am doing good. I know I haven't been in here in a while, and I am sorry for that. Hope you can understand why, though.” Dylan hadn't been in the flower shop since his wife passed away. Shawn held out his hand. “Hi, Pam. Nice to meet you. Can we ask you some questions?”

  “Wow. This must be the morning for questions. There was a lady named Skylar in here this morning asking questions. I really couldn't help her, though. I hope she at least enjoyed the candy and flowers.”

  “Candy?” they said in unison.

  “Yeah, chocolates. I delivered them to the B&B late last evening. They were the good kind, too. You know, the ones individually wrapped. Anyway, how can I help you?”

  Dylan looked at Shawn. “Well, at least we know she was here.” He looked back at Pam. “Do you know where she went?” />
  “No. Dylan, what’s going on? First, she was in here, asking if I could tell her who sent the stuff. Now you are in here, asking about her. Is she in trouble or something?” Shawn watched the exchange, his interest piqued. She sounds like she is jealous. What do these women see in him?

  Dylan cleared his throat. “No, she isn't in trouble. We’re just concerned about her. We were supposed to meet up for breakfast, but she didn't show.” As if remembering Shawn was there, Pam looked him up and down, licking her lips. Uncomfortable, he took a step back. “Well, thanks for your help, Pam. Nice meeting you.”

  “Yeah. Thanks, Pam. I'll see you around,” Dylan mumbled as he and Shawn walked out. Watching their asses as they left, Pam thought, Hot damn, they both have a fine ass. What I would do to either of them would make them blush.

  Rubbing his hands together to warm them, Shawn looked at Dylan. “Well, that wasn't much help. Where to now? My balls are getting cold.”

  “Shawn, I really didn't need to know that. Tell you what. Let’s head back to the B&B so we can warm up and regroup.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” They walked quickly in order to get out of the cold...and because they were concerned for Skylar. When they reached the B&B, with still no sign of her, they asked John if he had seen her. He told them he’d seen her leave earlier and she hadn't been back.

  “Well, the only two places I can think she may be is the park or my house.”

  Shawn nodded. “I’ll go check the park. You head to your house. I will meet you there.” Agreeing, they both went their separate ways. As Shawn walked, he tried to stay warm, looking around. Jeez, it is getting fucking colder out. I hope she isn't hurt somewhere. Shit, I don't see her. I’ll walk through the park. Maybe I can spot her. After walking for fifteen minutes, he blew out a breath. Dammit, she is nowhere to be found. Shit, my balls are going to be blue. Time to head to dickwad’s. I hope like hell she is there. He smirked. Now there is something I never thought I would say. Before Shawn could knock, Dylan flung the door open, a worried look on his face. “Anything?” Shawn just shook his head. Dylan sighed. “Come on in. I made coffee.”

  Heading into the kitchen, Shawn asked, “So, what now? We have looked everywhere.”

  “Well, while I was waiting for you, I called the hospital and the police. No accidents, no Jane Does. That’s a good thing, I guess. But that still doesn’t tell us where the hell she is. All we know is she is on foot because her car was still parked at the B&B. Can you call your guy and maybe ping her phone? I can't think of anything else to do.”

  “Already called him. She has her phone off. It's like she knows my tricks and is hiding. Maybe she doesn't want to be found right now. Could be she is figuring out who she wants to be with and doesn't want either of us bothering her.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Oh fuck, I have no idea what the hell is going on.”

  “Dude, I have no idea, either.” Dylan narrowed his eyes. “The only fucking thing I do know is I am in love with her. You need to back the fuck up and let us be. She belongs with me. You have known her how long and are just making a move now? Shit. I would have done it a long fucking time ago.”

  “Well, fuck. I’m in love with her, too. As far as backing off, not going to happen. She doesn't belong with you. She needs to be with me. She isn't property. As far as making a move before now, I watched her go through several different asswipes because I didn't want to be the pushy bastard you are.” After glaring at each other for several minutes, Dylan broke first. “Look…this is not helping. Let us call a truce for now. Maybe we can figure out who sent her the candy and flowers.”

  “Fine. Truce...for now,” Shawn snarled. Just then, his phone rang. “Hello...” He looked at Dylan. “Yeah… Thanks.” Hanging up, he grimaced. “I know where she is. Come on.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Ryan, what the fuck? First, you send me flowers and candy, then you practically kidnap me. No, wait. You did ask me to come with you. But, seriously, why all the secrecy?” Skylar spat, pissed. They pulled up to a diner in a town called Jugtown on the outskirts of Whynot.

  “I am sorry, babydoll, but I wanted to get you by yourself. Having Shawn and that other dude around would not be helpful at this point. I really just need to explain a lot of shit and wanted to do it alone. Please, hold all your sarcasm and anger until I am done. If you need to let it out after that, have at it.”

  “Hence the diner. You know I won't blow a gasket and make a scene. Very smart. To be honest, I’m not even mad anymore. Just a little hurt and confused. I mean, after all our time together, how could you just leave me a note? Was that all I was worth to you?”

  “Come on. Let’s go inside and I will explain everything. I promise. I know you have no reason to trust me right now, but please, just give me one chance.”

  “Fine. Just one chance. Let me just check my phone and see if I have any messages.” She turned it on, seeing several messages and voicemails from Shawn and Dylan. I will call them after I hear Ryan out. She turned her phone off and put it back in her purse. Grabbing a booth, they put an order coffee. “Okay, start explaining,” Skylar said impatiently.

  “All right. First off, all those trips I took for business were for business, but not how you thought.” Taking a breath, he continued. “I work for the DEA, Skylar. When I said I was on a business trip, I was actually on a bust. When we first started to date, I wasn't sure if you could handle the work I do. Later, once I fell in love with you, I got scared I would lose you if I told you.”

  Thinking for a minute, trying to keep her anger in check, she carefully replied, “So what you are telling me is you didn't trust me enough with the truth. I can understand not telling me in the beginning. It is dangerous work, and I admit, it might have made me nervous. Why the hell couldn't you tell me once you got to know me, though? You know, I wouldn't have left because of your job.”

  “I wasn't sure if you would leave because of the lies. Although I wanted to believe you would be okay with why, I didn't want to take the chance.”

  “Fine, but that still doesn't explain just leaving a note before you left. You seriously want me to believe you are that much of a chickenshit because of your job? Sorry, not buying it.”

  “You’re right.” Ryan started fidgeting, knowing this wasn’t going to go over well. He took a deep breath, then blew it out. “You remember when my mom died?” Skylar nodded. “Well, she told me I had a stepsister. No name, no information. Just that I had a stepsister.”

  “Okay…what did that have to do with us?”

  He looked her in the eye, hoping she would catch on to what he was trying to say. Seeing she wasn't getting it, he continued. “Well, it took me some time to find her. When I did, it blew my fucking mind. My stepfather, Jacob, had a daughter nobody told me about.” Eyes going wide, she shook her head in disbelief.

  “You… You don't mean…”

  He nodded, sighing. “Yes, Skylar. You’re my stepsister. Now you know why we stopped having sex a few months ago. I couldn't comprehend that you are my…hell, I still can't believe it. Here, I brought you his death certificate and the marriage license between him and my mom.” When he handed them over, they both had tears in their eyes.

  “Are you sure? I…I…why didn't he tell me? How did you carry this around in your head and not tell me?” sputtered Skylar.

  “What would you have wanted me to do. Come home and just tell you we’re siblings? I mean, really? What you seem to be missing is I couldn't deal with it. I tried...hell, I am still trying...but I just can't wrap my head around it.”

  “How the fuck did you not know? You had to have known. Don't you dare sit there and bullshit me. You expect me to believe you never knew?” She looked everywhere but at Ryan, not wanting to see the truth in his eyes.

  “Skylar, look at me.” Slowly, she turned her head. “I swear, I had no fucking idea. Hell, don't you think that if I knew, I would have introduced you to her? Come on. You know me better than that. Yes, I may have li
ed about my job, but that is the only thing I have ever lied to you about. How could you expect me to tell the woman I am head over heels in love with something like that. It still makes me want to throw up.” Seeing the truth in his eyes, along with devastation and hurt, Skylar could only let the tears fall down her cheeks. When Dylan and Shawn walked in to see her crying, they tried their hardest to rein in their anger. They didn’t want to cause a scene, but seeing her upset got to them.

  “What in the fuck is going on here?” Shawn said in a quiet voice.

  Looking up to see Dylan and Shawn standing there, Skylar's patience broke. “The better question is what the fuck are you two doing here? Wasn't there a conversation about pinging, dinging, or whatever the fuck else not being done? Wasn't there also a talk about if I needed help, I would ask? Now, you can both turn your happy asses around and get the fuck out.”