Finding Peace (Finding Series Book 1) (9 page)

“Tessa, why does it have to be so hard? I don’t know what to do. I have these feelings for Blake that I can’t explain. And Tessa, he was so sweet. He felt the ring before I was able to tell him about being engaged. He was so shocked. He didn’t know what to say at first. We sat together while I told him everything.”

I’m sobbing so much it’s hard to get the words out. Tessa moves to sit beside me and she wraps her arms around me comforting me.

“Tessa he asked for this week with me. To just hang out and have fun. What am I going to do? Why couldn’t I have already broken things off with David?”

“Tell me everything that was said and we can figure this out together like we always do.”

I start from the beginning and tell her everything. I’ve finally gotten my emotions under control by the time I’m done. Tessa sits there with her mouth hanging open.

“He said that? Oh crap. How did you not just attack him right then?”

“Oh, believe me the thought crossed my mind more than once. I’ve never come across anyone like him. He acted so cocky when we were inside with everyone else, but he was completely different with me when we were alone. He was a perfect gentleman. The chemistry between us is undeniable. It’s hard to breathe when he just touches my hand and that small kiss he gave me, I felt like I was going to fall down right there.”

“Watching the way he was inside the game room, I thought he was just some cocky jerk that you'd see right through. Some of the girls out front were saying he was a player. Knowing that, I figured he'd try something and you'd send him packing in a few minutes. When I went looking for you, I saw y'all sitting on the bench together. Judging by your faces, it looked like things were pretty intense, so I walked back to the girls and just waited. But the longer you were over there, the more I started to believe that maybe they were wrong. I know you, and I know you can spot a guy that only wants one thing from a mile away. The conversation you just described to me, he doesn’t sound like that at all.”

“I don’t think he is, Tessa. I really think he’s one of the good ones, but I can’t spend a week with him feeling like I do. I’m afraid of what will happen. I’m afraid to open my heart again to anyone. And that’s not even bringing in the fact that I’m still wearing this stupid ring.”

“Okay. Let’s look at this logically. First, are you finally done with David? No matter what he does or what happens when you get back. You are one hundred percent sure you are going to break up with him?”

“Yes. I’m sure. I can’t keep this up. And that decision has nothing to do with Blake.”

I wish I could do it now, right now while I’m feeling strong and determined to do it, but, like I told Blake, that’s not something you do over the phone.

“Good. I’m so happy and I’m going to make sure you stick to that.” I shake my head yes indicating that I agree. “Second. You obviously have some strange connection to Blake. Then why can’t you spend a week getting to know him? He’s not asking for anything more than that Kayla.”

That’s the problem. I feel this pull we have and Blake may be saying that’s all he is asking for, but I think deep down, we both know that’s not the truth. He’s just worried if he tells me more than that, that I won’t spend any time with him.

“That’s what he says, but I know that there is no way we can spend that much time together. Neither one of us will be able to help ourselves.”

“I don’t see the harm in spending time with him. If it will make you feel better I’ll be your third wheel the whole time, then nothing will happen.” The thought of Tessa being with us makes me feel better, but it’s not something I want. I want to spend time with him, alone. I’m sunk.

“If I’m going to do this I guess that would be the smart thing to do.” I’m smiling at her and she smacks her lips. She knows me too well.

“Smart, but you don’t know if that’s what you want to do. Is Kayla, my best friend that always follows the rules, thinking about being a little rebellious this week?”

Am I? The thought of that makes me blush. That’s not me. I follow the rules or I at least try to. “Not thinking about being rebellious, but I would like to spend some time with him just the two of us. Just to get to know him.”

She takes her hands and places them on my shoulders lightly squeezing them. “Okay. It’s decided then, go and just have some fun for a change. You have been so unhappy for so long. It’s about time you started smiling more.”

I’m so torn. I want this, but at the same time I can’t help but feel it’s wrong. Even though I’ve told David he just never seems to accept the fact that it’s over, and all he is doing is clinging to something that was gone a long time ago. “I’m tired. I’m going to go to sleep.” Well, I’m going to try to go to sleep.

“Goodnight. I’m happy for you Kayla. Nothing may come of it, but at least you seem to be a little open to giving it a try and that’s a huge step for you.”

“Goodnight. Thank you for bringing me with you.” She may have just helped me change my life without knowing it because regardless of what happens this week. I have to cut David loose for good.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Waking to the sound of Tessa singing, I stretch my body, yawn, and sigh. For the first time in a long time, I slept well. Rolling over, I see that Tessa is already dressed.

“Good morning sleepy head. Get ready, we’re going shopping.” I roll my eyes at her. The girl loves to shop. Good thing her dad can afford it.

“You might be going shopping, but I’m not. I’ll go with you and help you shop.”

Sitting up, I start getting ready. Since she's already ready to go, I'll have to come back and shower tonight before we leave. The anxious feeling settles in my stomach, even though I know it's what I want to do. But I just worry what will happen.

“You’re going and you are shopping. What else do we have to do until time to go to the game room tonight? My treat, lunch and shopping for the day.”

“Lunch? What time is it?” I look around for a clock, but I don’t see one. I pick my watch up off of the night stand. “It’s eleven? Why did you let me sleep so late?” I never sleep this late. I’m may not be a morning person, but even on the weekend I’m up by nine.

“You needed it. You didn’t even keep me awake last night. You must have been having some good dreams.” She is so smug. She probably already has Blake and me walking down the aisle together in her head. You gotta love her.

“Okay, give me a minute.”

I’m dressed and ready to go in no time. A full day of shopping with my best friend equals a tiring day. What could be better? A day with Blake? I shake my head,
stop doing that to yourself. You know it can’t happen.

Kayla

Finally, we make it back to the house. My feet are killing me. How in the world am I going to go out tonight? Tessa doesn’t shop, she marathon shops. I bet we hit every store in this town and the surrounding towns. I just want to lie down and rub my feet.

“I’m going to lie down for a little while. Don’t let me oversleep.”

“Why? Afraid you’ll miss Blake?”

I throw a pillow at her head.

“Shut up! I wouldn’t need to lie down if you hadn’t tried to kill me today.” I curl up on the bed and let the sleep pull me under.

I wake in a panic. I grab my watch. Crap I’m late, I knew this would happen. Tessa is asleep on her bed. I shake her. “Get up, it’s late. Blake is going to think I’m not coming.” She sits straight up and tries to get her bearings.

“Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry Kayla I must have fallen asleep.”

I’m running around in a panic while she is profusely apologizing. If I had the number of the game room, I would call them.

“You think? Just hurry and let’s get ready.” I run to take a shower. I can’t believe this. I take the fastest shower, I’ve ever taken. Within thirty minutes we are out the door and headed to the game room.

“Did you even tell your mom we were leaving?” I ask Tessa.

“I told her before I fell asleep. She had to work tonight anyway. I’m so sorry, Kayla. Really, I am.”

“Don’t worry about it. If he’s not there, then it wasn’t meant for us to spend any time together.”

My chest is hurting. I’m really hoping he’s still there. Then I have a horrible thought. What if I get there and because he thinks I’m not coming, he is already with someone? Well, that would just be wonderful, wouldn’t it? I push that thought out of my mind. If that is the case I will just tell Tessa to take me back to her mom’s. I can’t believe it’s almost eleven. Tessa’s curfew is midnight. Even if he isn’t with someone I won’t have very long to spend with him. Of all the times for Tessa to drive slow. I look at the speedometer and my eyes widen. Okay, maybe she isn’t driving so slow, she is doing sixty in a forty-five. Great if we get stopped, we’re going to jail and I won’t see him at all.

We pull into the parking lot and I jump out of the car. I quickly make my way to the front door.

“Hurry up. I’m not walking in there alone.”

“Well, slow down and you won’t have to walk in alone.”

I stop and wait for her to catch up. It’s taking her forever. I should have been in there over an hour ago.

“You need to slow down and walk in there casually. You don’t want to go busting in.”

She’s right if I do that and he’s with someone he will see me. I want to slide in and see what he is doing before he sees me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blake

Where is she?

I’ve been here since nine and it’s going on eleven and their curfew is at midnight. She changed her mind, I guess. Closing my eyes, I shake my head. Damn it. Maybe I came on too strong. It isn't every day I am such a gentleman with a woman. Well, I am a gentleman, however, with her, I made an effort to be even better at it. She’s the first girl I’ve really tried to impress. The others never really made me work that hard.

“Blake, get your head in the game.”

Max looks really frustrated. I’ve not been paying any attention to this game and we are playing these guys for money. We could beat them any day of the week, although not with me doing it half way.

“Sorry. I’m just not into playing tonight.” I assess the table and see what my next shot is.

“I’ve noticed. She isn’t coming. Let it go, man.”

He’s right. She isn’t coming. There are some girls standing around us. Apparently a red head heard our conversation.

Her voice annoys me when she says, “She may not be here, but we are Blake.”

I so don’t care right now. I guess the best thing for me to do is finish this game and leave.

“Not interested. Can you move? You’re in my way.” I motion with my pool stick for her to move and she gets an attitude.

“You’re a real jerk.”

“Not the worst I’ve been called honey. Now move your ass.” She storms off with her friend. I’m going to finish this and go the hell home. 

“Not fond of red heads? Huh, I would think a guy like you wouldn’t care what color a girl’s hair is.”

Smiling, I know exactly who's behind me without even looking. And I continue to look at the table knowing my night just got so much better. She's standing so close I can smell her sweet perfume.

“No. I’ve found that I prefer blondes lately. Specifically blondes with green eyes have become my favorite.

“Mr. Smooth talker again tonight I see.”

“I don’t believe that, that’s the exact nick name you had for me.”

She laughs and that is one of the most beautiful sounds I’ve ever heard. I turn around and she takes my breath away. She’s wearing another short skirt tonight, however, it’s not tight. It’s flared out and black. Kayla has on a sleeveless red top that definitely shows off her ample assets with red heels to match. Only Kayla could look this amazing.

This girl can look hot without looking trashy and I love that. My mouth is hanging open and I’ve lost the ability to speak. The red makes her blonde hair stand out even more. She’s not tall, maybe five feet, I still love the way that skirt and those heels make her legs look.

“Maybe, although you’ll never know, will you?”

My eyes are still scanning her body. I think I might just die right here. This girl is going to be mine and no one is going to stop me. I shake my head.

“I’m sorry, did you say something?” She laughs again and my brain seems to quit working or maybe it’s just because all the blood left it.

“Never mind. I’m sorry we’re late. Tessa took me shopping and tried to kill me in the process. So when we got back to her house I was tired and laid down for what I thought was going to be only a nap, but ended up with both of us falling asleep and not waking up until after ten.”

She’s cute when she’s rambling. “That’s alright. I mean we won’t have long together. At least it’s something. Let me finish this game and then we’ll go outside.” I turn to Max. “Let’s finish this.”

Max grins and says, “Show time.”

We clear the table in a matter of minutes and collect our money. No one here can beat us; however, they keep coming back for more.