Torn in Two Read online

  “Hello to you both. Um…what are you doing here Shawn? What’s going on?”

  Sitting in Dylan's living room, Shawn just shrugged. Dylan looked at him, then back at Skylar. “After I got the phone call from Ryan telling me you were meeting with him, I called Shawn and asked him to come over. At first, it was just to discuss that no matter what, I wanted to keep the friendship we had developed. Then it became the ‘what if’ shit. But we have come to the conclusion that no matter what, we will all be friends when everything is said and done.”

  “Um…great, but I need to tell you both some things. Plus, I would like to know where I stand with both of you, too.”

  With a slight nod from Dylan, Shawn went first. “Well, speaking for myself, I have missed the everloving shit out of you this past month. I miss my best friend. As far as the ‘in love’ stuff, I’m going to wait to hear what you have to say first.”

  Clearing his throat, Dylan went next. “All I am willing to say at this point is I’ve missed you, too. Neither of us wants to put any undue pressure on you, so let's hear what you have to say.”

  “Well, I had planned on doing this separately, but I guess plans change, so here goes.” She took a deep breath, looking at Dylan. “Dylan, I was selfish when it came to you. Even though there was some sort of connection, I only thought of myself at first. You were a means to an end because I needed to feel good about myself at that moment.”

  She turned to Shawn. “Shawn, I was selfish with you, too. I took for granted that no matter what, you would always be there for me. I have already told you that after Ryan's note, I started to see you in a different light. Both of you need to know I do love you both.”

  Dylan held up his hand. “Before you go any further, we’ve also come to the same sort of conclusion, so thank you for being honest. Now, I have something else to tell you, but I want to hear your choice first.”

  Skylar took several deep breaths, trying to calm her nerves. "Okay, here is what I came to tell you. Dylan, yes, it was all about me at first, but somewhere along the way, it became about us.”

  She turned to Shawn. “Shawn, I have known you a long, long time. You have always had a special place in my heart, and you always will.”

  With tears rolling down her cheeks, she continued, looking from one to the other. “I didn't mean to hurt anyone, but my heart, body, and mind are all in sync now. If you want to, Dylan, I would like to see where this goes. Before you say anything, Shawn, all I can say is I have never had this crazy connection with anyone before. Yes, you are my best friend, but after sitting down and really thinking things over, I realized you were there for me every time things went south. I looked at you differently because you have stood strong in your belief in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. Can you ever forgive me? I truly didn't want to hurt you.”

  “Believe it or not, Sky, I am not that upset about the outcome. I sort of figured that out a while ago. Am I disappointed? Without a doubt, but life goes on. As far as our friendship, I just need some space now. Please.” Shawn got up, gave Dylan a handshake, hugged Skylar, and walked to the door. With one last look over his shoulder, he left.

  “Think he is going to be okay?” Skylar asked, wiping the tears off her face.

  “For your sake, I hope so. Come here.” Dylan grabbed Skylar and wrapped her in his arms, walked her over to the couch and sat, placing her on his lap, and just let her cry.

  “Do you think I have lost him forever? I don't think I could handle that. I mean, he is like…oh fuck, I have no clue what I mean. Where do we go from here, Dylan? I mean, I live in another state. That would be one hell of a commute.”

  “Let me ask a question, Skyler, and I want an honest answer. Would you have been this upset if I were the one to walk out the door?” He looked into her eyes.

  There was no hesitation. “Yes, if not more so. You see, I do love Shawn, but I am in love with you. That was the difference between the two of you. I miss the closeness he and I shared, but my heart ached for you. So, again, where do we go from here?”

  Relieved, a feeling of being complete overcoming him, he grabbed both of her cheeks and started to kiss her. They were quick little kisses, then he ran his tongue along her bottom lip. She opened up to him, like a flower in the spring. Their tongues touched, then retreated. Touched, then retreated. Pulling away slightly, Dylan whispered, “Shall we take this to the bedroom?”

  Skylar was more than ready, his kiss inflaming her like no other. She climbed off his lap, grabbed his hand, and led the way.

  “Sheba, out. Come on. I’ll give you a treat later.” Sheba lazily got off the bed and walked to the door, looking at Dylan like, You’d better not be fucking me over because I will shit in your shoes if you do.

  “Finally. So, where were we?” Dylan asked teasingly. Lifting Skylar, he started with the soft kisses again. Placing her back on her feet next to the bed, he pulled her sweater over her head, then gently laid her down on the bed. Unbuttoning her jeans, he slipped them off.

  “You have too many clothes on for my taste, Dylan.”

  Smiling, Dylan shed his clothes, then lay down next to her. He slowly ran his hand down the length of her body, then came up the other side. He took her mouth hard, demanding, using his tongue to show her what he wanted. He dragged his lips to the spot on her neck that he knew drove her nuts, sucking on it until she started to moan. He traveled down, then sucked on her nipples through her bra until they were hard little buds. He licked down her body, stopping at her pussy. Pulling her thong to the side, he nipped her clit gently. He slipped his tongue in, moving it in and out, playing with her clit until she exploded. Ripping her thong from her body, he lined his cock up at her entrance and slowly slid in. He started moving slowly then sped up, pounding into her until they both exploded. With no words spoken, Dylan pulled out and lay next to her, pulling her to him. They both proceeded to fall asleep.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Hearing Sheba scratching at the door, Dylan got up to let her out, putting the coffee on while waiting for her to finish her business. After he called her back in, he walked back into the bedroom, two steaming mugs of coffee in his hands.

  “Morning, sunshine. Look what I got. Coffee.”

  Face buried in the pillow, he heard her mumble, “Smells good, but I am not ready to get up yet.”

  “Unfortunately, you need to. We have some shit to discuss, then I have to go see a customer. Now, if it were up to me, you would move down here and we would get a bigger house. I would like all this to happen as soon as possible. We’ve spent far too much time apart.”

  Skylar shifted her body and sat up. “Moving down here would be nice, Dylan, but what about my job, my apartment? And even though I hate to bring it up, what about Shawn? He is already hurt. This might damage our friendship beyond repair.”

  “Honey, I have complete faith that once he gets over his hurt, he will be fine. He will be happy for you. As far as a job, you don't have to work if you don’t want to. If you do, you can get one down here. Either way, I will support your decision. Maybe you could get a job over at the B&B.”

  “Speaking of which, do you know John and Jessica? You and John were awfully chummy that one morning. He said he didn't know who you were.”

  “No. Honestly, I had no clue who he was until I went in there. Maybe he is just a friendly guy.”

  “Okay, let me ask you this. Would you move up north to be with me?”

  “If you want to stay up there, I would go in a heartbeat.”

  “Good answer,” she said with a smile. “What I am going to do is stay here for a couple of days, then go back, give notice, and check on Shawn.”

  “Sounds like a good plan.” He held out his hand. “Come on. I need to shower, and I really do hate showering alone.” Laughing, they walked into the bathroom. Over the next week or so, they got into a routine of sorts. They had breakfast together, then Dylan would go out and deal with his customers. Skylar even got a job at the B&B that she would sta
rt when she got back.

  “Okay, we all ready? Damn, why am I so nervous? Harper already knows what is going on. Told the landlord I am breaking the lease. Told Ryan if he wanted anything out of the apartment to go ahead and take it, then leave his key with the landlord.”

  “Maybe you are nervous because there is one thing you didn't mention. Shawn. Are you scared of what he is going to say or do? I mean, you have had Harper check on him. She’s said he seems to be holding up really well.”

  “Yeah, I know, but I have no idea what he is going to say. That scares the shit out of me. I just don't want to lose him.”

  “Well, the sooner we leave, the sooner you will have your answer. Oh wait. There is one more thing.” He got down on one knee, holding out a Tiffany’s box with the most gorgeous diamond ring in it. “Skylar, you have turned my world upside down and sideways...in a good way. When I lost my wife, I thought I would never feel love again. Well, you not only brought all those feelings back, you have surpassed them. I am so in love with you. Will you marry me?”

  Too stunned to speak, all Skylar could do was nod. Slipping the ring onto her finger, Dylan gave her a passionate kiss, then they walked out the door together, looking forward to what their future would bring. Pulling up in front of Shawn's, Skylar started battling the damn nerves again. Will he even want to see me? I miss my friend. I feel like shit for even going there with him. Well, the only way I can get my future started is to close all the chapters in my past. Taking a breath, she knocked on the door. It opened, but not all the way. Slowly pushing it, she saw Shawn walking away, headed for the living room.

  “Hey, I came to see if you are okay and if you are ready to talk.” Hesitantly, Skylar walked in and sat on the other side of the couch.

  “How the fuck do you think I am doing? My friend of twenty years blew me right out of the fucking water. I mean, sure, I have loved her all these years, but my dumb ass went and fell in love with her. Just when I think I can have it all, boom, blown all to hell.”

  “Shawn, I—”

  “Don't you fucking dare say you didn't mean to. Just fucking don't. You may not have meant to, but you sure as shit did. I thought being cheated on was painful. That wasn't even close. Right now, I feel like my heart has shattered. I have no fucks to give, Skylar. I get it, okay? You didn't mean to, but I am fucked because you did. Please, just go. I can't do this right now. Might never be able to.”

  “The only thing I am going to say is I love you, Shawn. I need you in my life. I miss you. If you get to the point where we can be friends again, call me.” She stood, gave him an awkward hug, and walked out the door, never looking back.

  “How did it go?” Dylan asked when she got back into the car.

  She blew out a breath. “It didn't. He’s still hurting and pissed. Can we just go home, please?”

  Epilogue

  Six months later

  “Do you think he will show?” Skylar asked as she got her hair and makeup done.

  Dylan had asked Shawn to be his best man at their wedding, Ryan his groomsman. At first, Shawn wanted nothing to do with either of them, but slowly, and with a lot of patience, he came around. However, he usually only had one-word answers for Skylar. She hoped that would change eventually.

  “He told Dylan he would be here, and I believe him,” Harper replied. She was Skylar's maid of honor, Pam her bridesmaid. They had become quite close over the last few months.

  “I just hope he can be cordial. I mean, you would think he would have defrosted a little after all this time.” Skylar sighed.

  “Maybe he just needs some help defrosting.” Harper raised her hand. “If he does, I volunteer.”

  Skylar laughed. “You are so bad. Besides, what makes you think you can defrost anyone? You still have that icy heart of yours. Last time I checked, you haven't dated anyone in longer than I can remember.”

  “Oh, hush. Just because you are getting your happily ever after doesn't mean we are all meant to have one.”

  “All right. Enough of the bickering. We have a wedding to get ready for,” Pam interjected.

  The wedding was going to be a small affair held in the B&B’s flower garden. Since both sets of parents were deceased, Skylar asked John if he would walk her down the aisle. And Jessica did all the cooking for the reception that was being held in the B&B afterward. When they heard knocking, the girl doing her hair scrambled to cover up Skylar, just in case it was Dylan.

  “Oh, it’s only you, Ryan. What can we do for you?”

  “Just letting you know everyone is here.” He looked pointedly at Skylar.

  Catching his meaning, Skylar smiled. “Just give us five minutes and we will be out there. Now scoot.” Giving him a quick hug, Skylar shooed him out the door. That was another relationship that was slowly being repaired.

  The wedding went off without a hitch. At the reception, Skylar tried to talk to Shawn, but he was very evasive. Giving up, she went in search of her husband. She had some news she couldn't wait to share with him. He was going to be a Daddy in about seven months.

  Stepping outside for some much needed air Shawn .......

  Needing to get away for a minute Ryan ......

  The end...for now.

  If you enjoyed reading this book, could you please hug an Author and leave a review….DB

  Acknowledgments

  Thank you for purchasing this book. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I just need to take a moment to thank some people.

  First, to Pam… You are my partner in crime. If it weren’t for your kick in the pants when I needed it, this book never would have gotten done.

  To Harper and Anthony… Thank you both for believing in me. Without your guidance, I would have thrown my laptop.

  Next is my wonderful editor, Kim… You practiced patience with me. I might have gone a little crazy, but you still were there for me after everything.

  To Liberty, Darlene, and Jenni…. There are not enough words. Much love.

  To my beta readers… Thank you for enjoying this story. I wasn’t looking forward to chucking it and starting over.

  Where to find your Author

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorDBignite/

  Email: [email protected]

  Turn the page for a sneak peak at another Author’s book already published

  My Saviour

  By

  Tanya Ruby

  © Tanya Ruby

  My name is Eva Grace.

  I had three brothers all older than I. Two were twins, Josh and Callum. Total dorks. But I loved them anyway.

  Caleb was the oldest, and a pain in my arse, but I would do anything for him, Josh and Callum too.

  My Dad left once I was born. He couldn’t handle us, not that I cared. As they say, can’t miss what you never had.

  My beautiful Mum was our rock and saviour. Her name was Melody. Without her in our lives, we would be a big fat mess. Or I would’ve killed one of my brothers by now. Although, that was still tempting.

  Speaking of tempting, there was someone else I could kill. I could so wring his neck.

  Kaden, the biggest pain in my arse, but also my downfall.

  I had known him all my life. He was my brothers best-friend.

  Kaden aggravated me, teased me to death and never left me alone. Elaine, my best-friend since childhood said it was because he secretly loved me.

  Delusional friend? Or maybe the smartest chick I knew.

  Kaden had left during high-school, having to move back home to New-York with his Uncle. Him leaving broke my heart.

  After many years without contact, he came back. He had changed. He was harder. A cloud of darkness followed him now. He wasn’t the same boy I had known.

  No, he was a man now.

  A man that had changed my life. Kaden became my saviour.

  He broke me, and became everything I needed and craved.

  7 years ago.

  It was my first day of high school and I had
half an hour before I had to leave. If my brothers made me late I was going to kill them! Metaphorically speaking of course. Although, I was tempted.

  I needed to get in the bathroom, like yesterday. I didn’t know which idiot was in there and I didn’t care. They needed to get out! Now!

  “Hurry up and get out. I need to use the bathroom you selfish arsehole.” I yelled, pounding my fist on the door.