Unexpected Chances (13 page)

Tabitha

I’ve managed to arrange for an earlier flight, and I’m thankful. There was no way I could face Carter this morning. Taking the coward’s way out of this situation.

I did what I’m told I do best; run.

I ran when Robert broke me, when Cory tried to push me, and now when I don’t know how to fight for what I desire.

Writing that note this morning was heart wrenching. This man has maneuvered his way into not just my heart, but my head.  A part of me wanted to stay and fight with him.

Needing him to give me that look he does. I’ve never been stared down with such passion and fire, as Carter Northwood does.

When he looks at me, it’s as if I’m the only thing he sees.

Angela wasn’t expecting me back until tonight, so I’ve got to entertain myself until then. She would blow her top right about now. Plus, she has way too much on her plate with douche nozzle, Christopher.

Not to mention the whole Logan Black affair.

Seth and Cory are still angry with me. The only other person I can talk to about my shit life right now is Jason. He never judges me or pushes me one way or the other.

Tabitha: Jason, can we talk?
I text out, as I slide into my car and wait.

Jason: I’ve been expecting your text. Coffee in 20?

Tabitha: See you then.

Now I’ve got to figure out how to explain everything to him.

Do I start back with Cory and then proceed to explain about Carter?

I might as well give him the whole story, and then listen to see if he has any wise words for me.

As I enter the coffee shop, I notice Jason’s already arrived and has us both a coffee waiting.

“Hi,” I let out, sliding into the booth.

“You look like shit.”

“Thanks it’s so nice to see you too.”

“You know I state the facts. So how we doing this? Want to chit chat and then get down to it, or just cut the air now?”

“Cut the air, I guess,” I say, as I take a sip of my coffee and look over towards Jason through my eyelashes. I can tell he’s waiting for me to start.

“How’s work?” I ask, as I’m not sure where to start.

“Not going to answer that until I hear what’s going on with you. It must be serious if you called me and not Seth.”

“I don’t know what to do, Jason,” I let out quick breath and continue, “I’m lost, and confused, and I need to know how to fix this mess.”

“Babe, I hate to break it to you, but you’ve been lost for a while now. I watch you week after week guard yourself, and only let us into your life. You go out and flirt and have a good time, but that’s not you,” he stops and places a hand on top of mine before he goes on. “You’re so full of life when we see you, but you’re not happy. Something is missing; you need to find the one. The one that loves your free spirit, and can handle the fire that burns within you.”

My spine stiffens as I listen to Jason. He’s never expressed this to me and I’m a little taken aback by him being so straight forward.

I try to interrupt him, but he holds up his finger to stop me.

“I know what went down with, Cory. Hell we all do. He’s been moping around like someone died. In reality someone did. Cory lost a best friend, as you did. Sucks, but we all told him that you didn’t love him in that capacity. Now the question is, how do we fix this shit and move on?”

“That’s not all, Jason. It’s just not Cory.”

“Okay…What do you mean?”

“Well Cory is half of it, and then Carter is the other problem.”

“Who’s, Carter?” he questions with a confused expression.

“The guy I was at dinner with that night at the Sushi Bar.”

“Oh the night you crushed our dear friend.”

“Stop saying it like that. I didn’t mean to crush anyone and you know that,” I say, defensively.

Earning an annoyed look from Jason, “So what’s the problem with that guy? I thought that was a business dinner.”

“It was in a way. I don’t know how to explain it. He’s complicated, a client, and lives in another state but…” Stopping to collect my thoughts. I have to figure out what I plan to say next.

“He drives me mad. He makes me want things that I never thought I would again. I literally think about him all day, and even in my sleep,” I rush out the words before my brain has time to process what I’m saying.

“Wow, Firecracker. I never thought I’d hear it. You’re in love.”

“No, I’m not in love. I hardly know the guy. Like? Yeah you can say I like him, and would love to see where it could go. You know I’ll never go down that path again.”

“Don’t say never, and you’ll see what I’m talking about. When the time is right, I get to say I told you so.”

Not responding to Jason, I continue to rip apart the napkin in front of me. I’m not even in the mood now to finish my coffee, thanks to him for putting the thought of loving someone in my head.

I was screwed up before, and now I’m even more.

Jason and I catch up on everything from the last week. He invites me to The Hill tonight for a few drinks. Stating that I owe him one, and need to fix this between Cory and me.

I’ve agreed to show up and give it my all.

I miss my plus one and need my buddy back.

****

Carter

Deciding to drink Tabitha out of my mind. I head home and pour a shot as I work my way into my home office. Being all over the place today. Every time my phone rang, I jumped to see if it was her calling.

Much to my disappointment, the only person besides Jack, was Bethany.

Jack is still tailing Tabitha and keeping an eye on her. Currently he’s making sure that Bethany doesn’t have wind yet. I’ve been known to have a few girlfriends on the side. It was an open agreement between us. She could have who she desired, as could I.

The only thing we have ever agreed upon. It’s been a few years since I’ve even tried to date or have anything to do with another woman. It became too complicated. The more limelight Senator Edwards was in, the more I was noticed.

Some days I think Bethany makes sure the press knows who I am.

I’ve had reporters approach me on building sites, functions and even alone while out to dinner. This is another reason I can’t continue with Tabitha. How would I explain to her that we have to have room service or take out every dinner? I can make up excuses on travel if I play my cards right, but not the attention while out and about.

Jack’s informed me that no one other than myself has been to California, and that currently my girl is out with her friends.

This is what I’ll make do with, until I find a solution to the end.

Tabitha

Standing at the door of The Hill, I take a deep breath preparing myself for the night. I’m not sure the welcome I’ll receive, but I plan to make Cory listen to me.

Spotting the group at our normal table, I get a nod from Jason and notice him patting Cory on the back. He turns his head and looks over towards me with sorrow in his eyes.

He grabs a beer from the bucket, and turns to walk towards me. I don’t move since I’m trying to take this extra time to figure out what I plan to say.

I peek up at him standing in front of me, “Hi.” Is the only thing I can think of.

“Hi, thought you might need this,” he says, as he hands me the open beer and I take it from him.

“Thanks. Hey, do you think we can talk.”

“Nothing to talk about. What’s said and done is in the past. Tonight we start fresh, and I have my friend back.”

“Really?” I say bright-eyed, as I crash into him for a Cory sized hug.

“Easy, Firecracker,” he says as he embraces me and places a light kiss on top of my head and continues. “Plus, I need my drinking partner tonight. The guys plan to ditch us soon, something about they all have shit to do. Come on.”

Reaching the table, I give my normal round of hugs and greeting. We all share a few round of drinks before they say their goodbyes.

Cory and I stand in silence for a while before a good song starts to play through the speakers.

“Care to take a spin with me tonight?”

“You think you can keep up?”

“You know it. Now get your ass on that floor and show me what you got.”

I finish off the rest of my beer and head out to the floor. As I turn around, Cory is on my heels.

“You’re shorter tonight in flats. I like it when you wear your heels.”

I don’t respond, I just throw him that look saying to shut it up and dance.
“Only Girl (in the world)”
by Rihanna is playing and I love this song. It’s how I want to feel.

I like being the center of attention, and tonight I’m happy with what I have in front of me.

Things feel normal. 

As we’re dancing, I notice that guy from a while back. He’s alone and paying close attention to everything I’m doing. He gives me the creeps right about now, but I’m thankful that I have Cory next to me.

We must have danced for hours, each one of us taking turns getting the shots, and a chaser beer. Last call just rang out and we need to head out.

Tonight’s been like old times, the only person who was missing from our dance fest was my brother. He left shortly after I arrived, and I plan to make him answer my questions before the week is over.

“Ready, Firecracker?”

“Yeah,” I say, while yawning.

“We can share a cab, and I’ll come pick you up tomorrow to get your car,” Cory explains, as we head out into the dark parking lot.

When I step out, I notice the same guy making his way out behind us.

“Hey, you see that guy? He’s been watching all night and gives me the creeps.”

“Guess I need to give him something to watch then,” Cory says, as he spins me around in his arms, and I slam into his chest.

“Cory, what are you doing?”

“Just feel. No harm in letting him enjoy a little show,” he says, as he lowers his head down towards me. Stopping as he’s second guessing his next move.

Cory slides his hands up my back and tugs on my hair with enough force to cause me to look up and into his eyes.

Whispering, “We can’t do this.” He doesn’t stop as I watch in slow motion, his lips coming towards mine.

The kiss is laced with desire, and years of need.

I can feel every emotion that Cory has ever had, or has for me in this one simple act. Not knowing what comes over me, as I wrap my hands around his neck and pull him in closer to me. I give back just as much as he’s giving me.

I’m not sure when we walked backwards, but my back hits the brick wall behind me. Not allowing it to stop us, we continue to kiss as if it’s the last time we will ever be in this position.

Cory abruptly pulls back and says breathlessly, “Taxi?”

I can only nod my head up and down.

Cory picks me up as if he’s scared I might run and I know I should, but right now I need what he’s about to give me.

Needing for him to take my mind off Carter. I’ve got to have a release of the built up tension. Maybe if I open my mind up to what Carter and I could be, we actually might be able to work this out.

“Thank God you live close,” he pants in my ear, as he kisses up and down the side of my neck in the taxi.

Within minutes we’re out and inside my apartment.

Closing the door behind us, with a swift jerk Cory has me facing the door with my back to him. He raises my arms above my head and holds them in place with one hand as he moves my hair out of the way with his other. Slowly kissing down my neck to my shoulder.

“I’ve waited years to see how good your skin tastes,” he says in a low growl, causing me to lean my head back into him.

He spins me around to face him, and my hands have managed to stay above my head intertwined into his. I’ve never been tossed around like Cory is doing now, and its awaking something deep inside me.

A desire to take the next step, and see if my feelings can change for him.

I know in my head that Cory will love me for who I am, and will always stand beside me no matter what.

I just pray that what we’re about to do, doesn’t break us. Life without him for me is the end of my world. When I think about the years in the past, he’s the one that I see.

Now I just have to find a way to get Carter out of my head when Cory kisses me. It didn’t hit me until now, that with every kiss I’m thinking it’s Carter who’s devouring me, not the person that’s carrying me to my room.

****

Carter

Sound asleep I’m startled when my phone starts ringing, as I take a peek at who’s calling me at two in the morning. Alarmed to see that it’s Jack, “What’s wrong?” I answer in a panic.

“Just thought you’d like to know something. That guy she’s always hanging around with, was either putting on a show for me or moving in.”

“I think you need to clarify the meaning behind putting on a show.”

“She spotted me, and then the next thing I know they were making out up against the building. He got in the cab with her, and from what I can tell he went upstairs.”

“You still there?”

“Yeah, I’m out front and I’ll stay here as long as I can.”

“Okay, let me know when the bastard leaves.”

“Will do. Hey man, you sure you know what you are doing? I mean, I get it, but aren’t you worried what could happen if anyone found out?”

“I worry every minute of the day. That’s why I’m paying you good money to keep watch.”

“Later, Carter. I’ll keep you posted.”

Not bothering to say anything else, I hang up and make my way to the kitchen. I’m not going to be able to go back to sleep tonight, especially with thoughts of Tabitha being with another man.

I have no right to be jealous, but I am.

Pumped with anger I make my way down to the gym. I knew when I designed this place that I wouldn’t have a lot of time to attend one, so the next best thing was to add a workout space.

I’ve equipped it with free weights, your normal treadmills, and a few punching bags. Not being big on weights, I tend to run on the treadmill and knock around the bags a few times a week.

Skipping my warm up, I head right over to the stereo and crank it up. Sound proof walls for my 3 a.m. bouts with the devil.

“Sail”
blares through the speakers as I slide my gloves on. I start out taking a few light punches and throwing some kicks towards the bag.

My blood is pumping now that I’m truly awake, and feel.

The punches start to flow harder and faster, as I mix in some roundhouse kicks. My mind wonders to that awful marriage license I signed all those years ago.

I wrap my arms around the bag, and hold it tight. Bringing up my legs, I clinch it, and pound out everything that is built up inside me.

Pushing the heavy bag away, I walk backwards placing my hands on top of my head, and slow my breathing down.

All this workout has managed to do, is work me up even more. I need to clear my head and do it fast.

If I plan to make it out of this mess alive, I have to play my cards right or I might as well cash in all the chips now.

I know there is no easy way to deal with Bethany or her father, I just have to be patient.

Ten years of misery, regrets, and torture.

I refuse to allow another year to pass by.

It’s time to reclaim my life and fight for what I want.