Accepted Fate (9 page)

In the center of the large, mostly open, room sits a black leather sectional surrounding a rug and coffee table. Straight ahead on the center wall if looking past the furniture, is an electric fireplace topped with a mantle and large, wall mounted television. The floors are all hardwood. On the right hand side of the room is a small kitchen behind a bar with stools. The side wall houses a stainless Steel refrigerator, some cabinets and a built in cooktop, as well as a wine cooler fully stocked. Built into the bar is a sink and dishwasher, hidden by the bar top until you walk fully into the kitchen area.

To the left hand side of the furniture, there is a door leading to the back half of the pool house. There are small touches of decor all around that resembles the style of the main house. I pick up my suitcase and head towards the bedroom after locking the entry door. When I walk in the bedroom, a bedside lamp is lit next to a king size bed that stands on the other side of the center wall. It's covered in a white down comforter and matching pillows, made up with satin turquoise sheets and matching decorative pillows of different shapes and sizes.

I walk over to the right and place my suitcase on the bench at the foot of the bed. The room smells like lavender and chamomile. I only know the scent because I asked his mom when I smelt it spread throughout the bedrooms of the house earlier. On the left wall there is two doors, separated by a dresser. I assume one leads to a closet and the other into the bathroom.

I grab my shower bag from my suitcase and head towards the door on the left. If I'm not going to be sleeping anytime soon I might as well get the sand and feel of the beach off of me by showering again. I hate going to bed dirty. The sand makes you feel grimy and gritty.

I walk through the door of the large bathroom. To the right is a long counter top with double sinks. Between the sinks is a basket with hand towels and underneath the counter top is a cabinet under each sink with six drawers in between. Instead of the same bamboo hardwood floors throughout the rest of the house, they have tile in here. In the corner, cradled in a nook, is a Jacuzzi tub with a linen closet in the center and a standing shower in the other corner. Across from the sink is a small closed in space containing the toilet.

I set my bag on the counter and remove a towel and washcloth from the closet, then discard my clothes in front of the shower door. I turn on the shower to begin warming up the water as I walk back over to grab my favorite Axe Apollo shampoo and Old Spice Swagger scent body wash. Getting in the shower, I just stand beneath the hot water letting it run down my body.

My mind is running nonstop. I can't stop thinking about Kinzleigh. I don't know what it is about her that draws my attention. Maybe it's the mystery of her, the fact that I know nothing about her. Most girls practically throw themselves at me, dishing out any useless information they think I may grasp onto; however, she's different. Usually, I grow bored with girls quickly because they are pretty much all the same. I usually don't date, with the exception of Natalie and after earlier today I'm starting to remember why; too much expectation to please someone else's wants and needs. I, in particular, like to be in control of myself and don't answer to anyone else.

"Ugh!" I growl aggravated, rubbing my hands over my face and through my wet hair. That is another whole issue I have to deal with. I want to spend more time with Kinzleigh before I leave, but it's not right to do that to Natalie no matter what the situation is. How much of a jerk would I be though to break up with her halfway across the country? Do I really care? No, not really. I am the way I am, whether people like it or not.

I care enough I don't want to hurt her, but as a friend she deserves more than what I can or will ever give her. I can't help that she thinks she loves me. In my defense, I tried to prevent it by not getting close. She has never met my family and I have never met hers. I don't call her and talk for hours at a time and we don't go on dates. Personally, I have no idea how this happened. I don't give the girl much of anything besides pleasure. I already know I'm going to be the biggest ass in the world because as much of a friend as Natalie is, I want to see Kinzleigh again. It also takes priority.

I begin shampooing my hair, trying to decide how I'm going to find Kinzleigh again now that I've decided I'm breaking it off with Natalie. The girl confuses the hell out of me. She seems clearly attracted to me but refuses to release any information about herself. She is clearly making this hard.

Maybe I can get some information out of Ryland about her, I wonder, rinsing my hair. I'm slightly out of my league with her because I never have to chase after girls; most of the time they are shoving their number at me or tracking mine down from someone else. That doesn't include the Facebook stalkers. I go to a large school so it's not uncommon to go to school with people you don't know. The most work I ever have to put in is flirt a little or tell her how hot she is and just like that I take her to bed. My dad has had me in sports since I was old enough to walk, particularly football. I've been the starting running-back since my freshman year and dad has me on a strict workout program that keeps my body fitter than most guys my age.

I'm coming up blank on how to get to her. Maybe I just need to sleep on it and figure it out in the morning. Minutes later, I finish my shower and shut off the water. Placing the towel around my waist, I step out of the shower. Once dry, I pull on my black Calvin Klein boxer briefs and towel dry my hair before running my fingers through it.

As I'm getting ready to brush my teeth, Natalie's ring tone is playing on my phone. Well dang, I was hoping to get some sleep before dealing with this but I guess it's better sooner than later. I'm about to walk into the bedroom to get my phone when the ringing stops. I guess I missed it. I quickly brush my teeth and head to the bed to get my phone. I better get this over with.

Sitting on the bed, I grab my phone and unlock the screen. Pulling up the missed call from Natalie, I hit the call button and put it to my ear. It only rings once before she answers. "Hey."

"Hey Nat, what's up?"

"Are you having a good trip?"

"I am. Look Nat, we need to talk"

She sighs, "Okay...about what," she asks sounding nervous.

This totally blows. She is going to get hurt either way. I hate that for her but I just need to do this. "Natalie, I really feel like a dick to do this over the phone, but this relationship isn't working out anymore. The truth is we want different things. You've been a really good friend for three years now and I don't want you to get hurt. You deserve to have what I can't give you."

She starts sniffling and I can tell she's crying. Crap! Please don't do this to me. "Breyson, please don't do this. If it's about earlier today, I'm sorry. Just forget I ever mentioned it."

"It doesn't have anything to do with...that; although, it did make me realize that I can't give you what you want and need. It's okay to want love Natalie and to be loved but I won't be the one to give it to you."

I can tell that she's starting to panic at this point and the crying is getting heavier. "I don't need those things. Maybe I was just confused. I can be whatever you need Breyson. You know we should be together. I won't let you throw it away. Whatever brought this on, we can fix it."

I wipe my hand down my face in frustration. "Stop lying to me Natalie. You seem to forget I've known you for years. Stop settling for less than you deserve to hold on to this relationship. I'm not even sure why you want to be with me when you know I can't give you a real relationship. Our relationship is no different than friends with benefits; except I let you call me your boyfriend and don't sleep with anyone else."

The crying suddenly shuts off. "Oh my gosh, you've met someone haven't you? Who is she?" Well that caught me off guard. I really don't want to hurt her more than necessary but I've always tried to be an honest person; even if it comes back to bite me in the end.

"Yes and no. I did meet someone but it’s not really like you think. Who she is really isn't your concern."

"Did you sleep with her?" she spat. "That home wrecking whore. Why would you allow some tramp to ruin our relationship? You know what, never mind, I forgive you. I know I'm not there to meet your needs, it’s okay. Just please tell me you used a condom." I'm just sitting here, eyes wide in shock. She has lost her sanity. Am I even hearing this correctly? No woman, unless they are a gold digging whore, would just say that and we are still in high school so that can't be it.

I'm starting to feel a surge of anger shoot through my body at how she just talked about Kinzleigh. She doesn't even know her. "Natalie, I'm going to say this one time and you better listen closely because I won't repeat myself. I better not hear you speak about her or any girl I may or may not take interest in that way again. You have no idea who she is or what she's like. First of all, no I didn't sleep with her, she is not that kind of girl. Second of all, what we did or didn't do is really none of your business from here on out because we are no longer together. Thirdly, my dick and the hardware used or not used is none of your concern unless it's being used inside of you, in which it will no longer be. You are my friend and I really want you to remain that way but your behavior is really out of line."

"Fine Breyson, have your week of fun. Screw her and get her out of your system. Don't think this is over for good. I didn't get you by giving up easily and I won't lose you that easily either. I know you're in a different place and she may seem like a new toy, but when you get home you'll come back where you belong. I'll grant you a pass this time and overlook your temporary stupidity. I'll even be faithful to you because I want you to have the best. Just remember me when you're banging her."

I have officially had enough. If I had any doubts I would regret my decision, right now would confirm I don't. "Good night, Natalie." I couldn't end the call fast enough. Throwing the phone at the end of the bed I fall back on the pillow. Now I wonder if she has always been this crazy and I've somehow overlooked it because she's hot and I thought she was cool or if something just snapped. Rolling over, I hug my pillow and close my eyes. All of a sudden I'm exhausted.

***

I'm woken from my sleep by a beating sound. It must be the door. I rub my eyes with the palm of my hands. Who in the world is that? It starts to get louder. "I'm coming, hold on," I yell. Throwing the covers off of my body, I sit up placing my feet on the floor beside the bed. Standing, I adjust my morning wood and walk towards the front door.

When I get to the living room and make it to the door, I pull it open. Ryland is standing on the other side fully dressed in a yellow Columbia fishing shirt, khaki cargo shorts and Sperry shoes, topped off with a visor hat. He has a really big smile on his face. One that is not usually present on anyone this early in the morning. "Looks like someone had a good night," I say sarcastically, rubbing my stomach.

"Get dressed; we're going deep sea fishing with dad. Not even your smart ass can kill my mood," he says with that smile getting bigger. I don't even want to know what has put it there because I have a feeling I already know. Damn love-struck puppy.

"What time is it?" The sun is not even over the clouds yet so it can't be past like six or seven. "How did you even get home?" I begin running my hand through my messy hair.

"It's six fifteen; we have to be at the charter boat by seven." Geez, how can he go out and party all night then be up ready to go strong at six o'clock.

"Alright, give me a few minutes. By the way, you owe me some coffee for this." He raises his brow in sarcasm.

"Fine, I guess I'll take coffee duty but hurry up dad has already got the truck loaded." He pushes the door open and heads for the kitchen. Okay... I didn't think this kitchen was fully stocked too. I guess his mom thinks of everything.

Shutting the door, I head back to the bedroom in search of some clothes. It's been a while since I have been deep sea fishing anyway. Fishing is one of those things that has always relaxed me. Me and dad used to go back when I was a kid if he wasn't on call with the local hospital. Some of my fondest memories are just dad and I sitting in a bass boat on one of our nearby lakes, making small talk and catching brim or bass mostly. Occasionally, he would take my brothers and I down to the coast and charter a boat for deep sea fishing, but he doesn't have much time for that.

Even though dad is a successful Cardiologist, he always prided himself on raising country boys. He said even though he made good money, no kids of his were going to act like spoilt rich brats. He wanted us to know what it meant to earn money by sweat and hard work, so during the summer mostly, but some throughout the year, I help my grandfather on his ranch. He raises cattle as well as breeds and breaks thoroughbred horses for rodeo. My two brothers and I have always known how to hunt fish and play sports.

I get to my suitcase and pull out my Polo, Ralph Lauren khaki shorts and navy Guy Harvey t-shirt along with my New Balance sneakers. I pull on my white undershirt followed by the rest of my clothes. Walking into the bathroom I brush my teeth and comb my fingers through my hair, trying to tame it down. Walking back in the room and sitting on the bed, I finish dressing with my socks and sneakers.

Pulling my favorite ball cap from my bag, I place it on my head. I pull my head through the band that holds my Costa Del Mar sunglasses securely around my neck. It is a must have wearing four hundred dollar sunshades on the water. I grab my wallet from the nightstand sliding it into my pocket. I notice I forgot to charge my phone so I plug it in with the charger and leave it on the table. Now that Natalie is out of the picture, I shouldn't have anyone I need to talk to. Lastly, picking up Ryland's keys from the table I head back in search of a highly needed caffeine fix.

Just as I'm walking toward the kitchen, Ryland meets me at the door, two to-go cups of coffee in tow. "You ready," he asks handing me a cup.