Private Affairs (16 page)

“I was wondering how long you were going to try to sleep,” he said.

I poured myself a glass of water, looking down at his oversized t-shirt I had on. I would’ve loved to put on a pair of my old college sweats; they were so comfortable. Now, they were nothing but ashes in the ground. It didn’t matter; college wasn’t that great to me, anyway.

“I suppose it’s fitting in a way,” I said.

“What do you mean?”

“Everything about that house represented my past and my memories with Kevin: the pictures, my college sweats, the stockpile of frozen TV dinners, even the decorations. It was all based on a lie. If Kevin didn’t trick me, the house would have never existed, so there was no point in going back to any of it. My past is officially gone.”

He wrapped his arm around me. “Trust me, I’m going to make you so happy, you won't even think about that house.”

“I believe you,” I said with a smile, and for the first time in a long time, Wes looked like he had faith in my words.

About a week later, Wes came home with a somber expression on his face.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, pausing helping Vivian with dinner when he entered the kitchen.

“It all fell through; I’m not going to be able to open a shelter here; they won't budge on their requirements.”

“I’m so sorry.”

I knew how much it meant to him, and I was excited about being able to coordinate my efforts with his.

“I did, um, get another offer though.”

My brows shot up. “What?”

“Florida. I can start the shelter there.”

“So that means you…”

He nodded. “I would have to head down there for a while. I would never ask you to leave your daycare; I can fly back and forth until the shelter is set up.”

We knew it was going to come up eventually, I just didn’t expect it to be so soon. He may have been avoiding the topic, but it was all I could think about since we got back together.

I leaned against the counter, my arms folded in front of me. “I’ve been thinking… maybe I need to think big like you. You got your shelters in Texas and have been working to expand your reach. I have my daycare center here, maybe it’s time for me to spread out to other states as well.”

His brows shot up. “You would come with me?”

I nodded and he scooped me up in his arms. I would miss the center, but Wes and I had a real chance to make a change, and I wanted to do as much as possible. Amira would take care of it just as well as I did. Leaving what I’d worked so hard to build was scary, but I knew he’d be there to support me every step of the way.

“What do you think, Viv? Ready to head south again?”

She nodded excitedly, almost knocking her chopped veggies to the floor.

Wes gave me a big kiss. When I gazed in his eyes, I knew everything was going to be alright.

“Hey, what do you think about a wedding at Disney World?”

I smiled, giggling at the thought.

“I like that idea a lot.”

Thank you so much for reading my book! I love hearing from my readers; email me with your comments/feedback. I read/reply to all of them. If you liked
Private Affairs
, check out
Honeymoon with the Stranger
(the first chapter available below):

Abandoned days before her extravagant destination wedding, Shae is cast into a pit of hopelessness so deep, the only thing her mind can concentrate on is trying to survive.

Her entire life has been nothing but tragedy, bad luck, and bad decisions- how stupid of her to think she could find happiness with someone.

With nothing to live for, she finds herself paralyzed in her depression, unable to find a light, a reason to go on.

Until an unbearably sexy stranger enters her life. Instead of helping her survive, he begins showing her how to really LIVE.

The more time she spends with him, the more she questions everything she held true to believe about herself. She's changed for sure, but is she changing for the better, or is this stranger taking her deeper into the depths of her own personal hell?

Part 1 of 2.

Chapter One

With the crisp fresh air, snow-covered mountains, and small town charm, I felt like I was in another world. The weather was perfect in Telluride: no clouds, a bright sun, and it wasn't too cold- an ideal time for a charming winter wedding and honeymoon.

I arrived at the private cabin rented for my special day, and it took my breath away. It was log-cabin style with a wrap around deck and it was surrounded by trees that provided absolute privacy for uninterrupted alone time.

My fiancée and I wanted to feel like the only ones in the world during our week in Colorado, and the cabin proved to be the perfect fit.

As I exited the cab, a tall man in a tailored suit walked from the house and approached me.

"Shaela Mills?"

"Yes," I nodded, grabbing my suitcase from the trunk of the taxi. "Just Shae, please."

He flashed me a smile as white as the snow-capped mountains and offered his hand, which I shook.

"Derek Anderson. I'm here to let you in."

He grabbed my luggage before I could stop him. I paid the driver, filling my lungs with pure, fresh mountain air as I reveled in the serenity.

Once inside the cabin, Derek approached me after placing my bags on the couch.

"Welcome to Juniper Station. This is one of my favorite cabins here."

With my nerves rattling me the past few days, I didn't think it was possible for me to smile. But the cabin was pristine: clean, tastefully decorated, and away from city chaos. It was immaculate, soothing to my soul.

As Derek gave me a brief tour of the space, I smiled at its perfection. The fireplace roared, warming the center of the house. The fridge was stocked with a few basics, and a bottle of complimentary welcome champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries waited for me on the kitchen counter.

"Wow."

"Nice, right? You'll love it here."

Even Derek enhanced the overall ambiance. His smile was as warm as the fireplace, demeanor relaxing like the scenery, and his appearance beyond compare- just like the cabin. I appreciated fine details, and my first impression was better than I would've imagined.

Derek leaned against a nearby wall as he watched me inspect the lodge, his hands tucked away in the pockets of his navy slacks.

"Do you own the place?"

He nodded. "Yes, and several others in the area that I rent out. You have all of the usual amenities, plus a private hot tub, a wonderful lake at the bottom of the hill, and a fire pit in the back yard. Snow sports are about a ten-minute walk away, and Main Street about fifteen. Just follow the signs on the network of trails right outside. Or you can call for a private taxi service. It's free, included in your rental."

He left his post on the wall to point out a few more things, telling me a bit about the town along the way. It seemed like I'd picked the perfect spot for a honeymoon.

"I didn't know this place was going to be so huge; maybe I should have picked a smaller cabin."

"Is it just you here? Having a getaway vacation?"

I shook my head, opening a set of curtains to reveal the breathtaking mountain view.

"We booked for our wedding and honeymoon."

He smiled again, his eyes bright. He had a really wonderful smile.

"Well, congratulations. Where's your groom?"

I shrugged and turned back to the window. "Before I unfriended him on Facebook, I saw he surprised his girlfriend with a trip to Miami Beach. I suppose he's still there."

"Uh..."

When I turned back to face him moments later, his mouth was still hanging open. I chuckled at his expression; it was kind of cute.

"He left me three days ago."

His eyes widened. "I'm very sorry to hear that."

"Yes... I am as well."

I let out a silent exhale, my smile fading, the calming environment losing its influence to my jarring thoughts. I forced the thoughts away; I couldn't succumb to the pain of them in the presence of another person- especially a complete stranger.

He cleared his throat. "Well, I just have a few papers for you to sign, and I'll let you get settled."

My perfected fake smile curled my lips as he handed me the keys. I guess that meant the tour was officially over. I hoped I hadn't soured his mood with my personal issues.

I needed to get myself together; I hated making people- strangers, especially- feel uncomfortable.

I needed a better, more tactful way to speak about what happened, but for now, I was at a loss. No matter how I explained it, it sounded terrible.

"All important numbers are on the fridge, including mine. Call me if you need anything at all- especially since you're here... alone. I'm staying at a cabin nearby for the week, so don't hesitate to reach out."

"Thank you very much. I appreciate that."

He gave me a weak smile. It didn't compare to his previous ones; it was a pity smile. One of the reasons I'd been avoiding people for the last three days, one of the reasons I decided to sneak away to the cabin, was to face as little pity as possible. I didn't want it, and I didn't respond well to it.

"Do you have any questions for me?" I shook my head, and he left without another word. And for the first time since arriving, the quiet country hit me.

None of my electronics were in the cabin, no neighbors heard through the windows, no errands to run. There was nothing to distract me from my thoughts- and I needed all the distraction I could get. Maybe coming wasn't the best idea.

I'd sent a mass email to all of the expected wedding guests, telling them it was off. I felt terrible. So many family and friends paid a lot of money, used vacation time, and bought gifts for Reggie and me.

I prayed the flights, hotels, and presents were refundable. I'd considered repaying them for the inconvenience, but I didn't think I could afford it.

A few people called me since I sent the email, but I didn't answer my phone. I hoped everyone got the message and didn't fly all the way out to Colorado for nothing. I was sure everyone called my mother to confirm, though.

But since Reggie walked out on me, I'd been alone. I was in no condition to be out in public. Even when I ordered delivery the evening before, I paid the bill and tip over the phone, insisting they leave the food at my door.

My eyes were bloodshot, my shoulders couldn't un-slump, and I wouldn't have been able to fake a smile even if someone had a gun to my head- I wasn't presentable in any way.

After an early morning pep talk, I felt comfortable making the trip to Colorado. The flight was only a few hours; I could keep my emotions together for that short period.

Derek was my first real interaction since the breakup. I didn't even speak to the flight attendants on the plane. Despite holing myself away since Reggie walked out, being by myself in the cabin was the first time I actually felt alone since it all happened.

Maybe it was the big open space, maybe the initial shock and disbelief had worn off, or maybe it was because all of the memories I was supposed to create there that would never be fulfilled. Either way, it all hit me.

I smoothed out my gray sweater and went to unpack, trying not to think. I carried my suitcase upstairs to the master bedroom and placed it on the queen-sized bed. Although all my clothes were folded neatly in the luggage, I refolded each piece before placing them in the drawers.

Grabbing the blankets and sheets off the bed, I walked the house searching for all other linens. I had no intention of using any of them, but I washed them anyway. I was sure they were cleaned every time a new renter entered, but I trusted no one's cleaning but my own.

Sunset was fast approaching, and it was the perfect evening. The bed was re-made, the linens were pressed, folded, and rearranged back in the closet, and a fresh log was in the fireplace. All was where it was supposed to be- well, except Reggie.

Shaking the thought away, I scanned the room, hands on my hips. I didn't come on this trip to think about Reggie. Distractions- where was my next distraction?

I considered grabbing my company laptop from its case to catch up on work, but decided against it; there was no point.

The cabin had a large flat screen TV with cable, but TV wasn't going to do anything for me. I walked up to the curtains I'd opened when I first arrived, gazing out the window. I smiled.

I could watch the sunset through the trees. It would be perfect. I wanted a few more hours of diversions, but I was close enough to my original schedule for the day.

After tightening my sleek bun into a fresh, even sleeker bun, I changed into my gold and black bikini and turned on the hot tub outside. My body tugged at the fabric, which was a size too small for me. I avoided looking down, thankful no one was going to see me in it.

While the hot tub warmed, I went into the kitchen and removed the champagne from the mostly melted ice, popping it open.

"Congratulations," I said as the cork shot across the room. After finding the cork and throwing it away, I poured myself a tall glass, toasting to my loneliness and blinking away the moisture in my eyes.

No tears. Today is not for Reggie.

At first, I wasn't going to make the trip. The honeymoon in Colorado was supposed to be the beginning of a new chapter. I was finally going to have everything I ever wanted: a partner to grow and to start a family with. I already had a great career. It wasn't the career I wanted, but it paid me well. All I needed was to get my personal life in order. But instead of beginning a new chapter, Telluride was the end- it seemed fitting to get my closure there.

I carried the glass and the strawberries out to the tub and got in. A small smile crept on my face as the sun set over the mountains in the distance, vibrant oranges and pinks a stark contrast to the white ground and sky.

The light chill cooled my exposed skin, which had already begun sweating from the hot water and half-empty bottle of champagne. I rarely drank more than a glass of anything, but I was on my third and preparing for a fourth. I didn't like drinking to the point of losing my inhibitions. But if I was going to get drunk, there was no better time.

A sense of tranquility washed over me. I'd spent the last three days crying, confused, and physically sick to my stomach. As I allowed myself to get washed away in the beauty of the setting sun, I felt at peace.

Everything I planned for my future was out the window. It was time for me to admit that no matter what I did, no matter how much charge I took, my life was never going to be anything other than tragedy.

Reggie had given me false hope: hope that karma would finally balance itself out and send good my way, hope that the worst was over, hope that I could be happy.

When he walked out, I felt lost. He was my rock, the one bright light in my darkness. I didn't know how I was going to move on. But it didn't take me long to figure out my next move.

I finished the fruit and jumped out the tub, running back into the house. After walking into the kitchen to finish my drink, I took one last, long look at the beautiful cabin.

I didn't notice how unsteady my balance was until I removed my hand from the counter. I inspected the empty champagne glass. My first instinct was to take it to the sink and wash it, then put away the remaining champagne and fruit. But then I laughed. Why? What was the point?

It was only ten, much earlier than my original midnight plan, but nothing else was going right, so why should this?

I walked out the back door, passing the still gurgling hot tub and headed down the hill towards the lake Derek mentioned. Any buzz that may have been developing was gone as the ice-cold night air hit my almost-bare and still wet skin. The lake wasn't part of my plan, either, but it was a welcome addition.

The dense trees slowly thinned as I approached, finally disappearing to reveal a large reservoir. The secluded lake was frozen, the lights from the few cabins perched around it illuminating the surface of the ice.