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It was a year and a half later before I saw Derek again at a local bar we all hung out at. He greeted me like a long-lost friend that he was happy to see. There was no awkwardness between us; it was as if we’d never been apart. Thus began the friends with benefits stage of our relationship.
I knew he wasn’t ready for more, but deep in my heart I hoped that he would eventually come around. We took turns traveling every few months between California and Kentucky for long weekends and holidays.
Two years into our arrangement, I took a job as a freelance writer for an online magazine and bought a condo in Louisville. Derek seemed happy with having me closer to him, and we slowly formed what I felt was a solid relationship. We’d agreed to be exclusive, and even though he kept his own place, he’d started keeping things at my house, too. For the next two years, it was enough for us.
That was until Natalie and Sam got married along with most of our college friends. When all eyes began to focus on Derek and me, followed by questions about why we weren’t engaged, it became too much to handle. After a drunken night full of Jack Daniel’s courage, I gave Derek an ultimatum.
Marry me or lose me.
He stopped by last night to pick up the rest of his things.
I wanted to feel extraordinary. I wanted someone to feel like they couldn’t live without me.
Apparently Derek could.
Chapter Two
“So you’re just going to leave and sell the house?” Natalie asked.
“Yeah. I can’t see the point in staying. I moved to Kentucky for him, and I don’t know anybody here.”
“What about that dating project? Are you going to be able to finish it in time? Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to have you back home, but uprooting your whole life and moving back to California is a big step. There is a lot to be done.”
A few years ago Natalie, who has a fascination with all things French, started a small online pop culture blog, Tout Amore, which eventually morphed into a successful online magazine of the same name. She was able to line up sponsors and generate enough money to hire a few people to handle various aspects of the site. I was one of three people who regularly wrote articles. It had been an extremely profitable arrangement. I got to work from home, basically setting my own hours and writing about the things I chose. It provided enough income for me to afford the mortgage on a two-bedroom condo in Louisville.
“Until I can get the house sold I am going to upgrade the security system, plus the Realtor says that would add value to the house. I have enough in my savings to cover it, besides I’ll replace it all once I get the place sold. She recommended a company to me, and they are coming out today to do an estimate,” I said as I poured myself a cup of coffee.
“Today? Really? Wow, Josette. You broke up with Derek just a week ago. Are you sure you’re ready to make that kind of decision?”
Having been my best friend since freshman year of college, Natalie had seen all of the ups and downs with Derek. Sadly, we’d been here before. I would swear that I was done with him and somehow take him back. She stopped reserving judgment a long time ago and always claimed to want whatever it was I wanted. I knew deep down that she would probably throw me a congratulations party for breaking up with him if she could get away with it. She liked Derek, just not for me.
“I’ll feel better with the knowledge that he can’t just get in the house anytime he wants. How many times have I come home after we’d ended things only to find him sitting on the couch and acting like everything was fine? I can’t handle that right now, and I just need distance. Plus, he knows all the codes and where I hide my spare key.”
“Um, okay.”
“I know, but I’m serious this time, Nat. I really need you to support me and always be honest with me. Even if it doesn’t seem like I want to hear it, okay?”
“Of course, honey. You got it.”
I was pouring half-and-half into my cup when the door chimed.
“Hey, Nat. I gotta go. I’ll call you later.” After we’d exchanged good-byes, I hit End and went to answer the door.
The first thing I noticed was the company name Secure Point Systems stretched across a wide muscular chest followed by the name Aidan stitched into the fabric. I lifted my head and stared into the most striking pair of green eyes. Only a matter of seconds went by, but it was like time slowed as I watched his mouth curve into a smile as the corners of his eyes crinkled.
“Hi.” He spoke in a rich tone that seemed to vibrate from his chest. “Are you Ms. Lewis?”
“Yes
. Yes,” I stammered and nodded my head.
“My name is Aidan Ross. I’m from Secure Point Systems. Your Realtor, Hannah Dillon, referred me. I understand you want to upgrade your security system?”
“Uh, y-yes.” God, why couldn’t I get my bearings? Aidan stared at me as I stared back at him for an uncomfortable stretch of time. He held a clipboard in one arm and had his other hand in his pocket as he rocked back and forth on his heels.
“Do you wanna, um, show me the system you are currently using?” he asked.
“Y-yes. Sorry. Please come in.” I quickly moved away from the door and let him inside. He followed me to the left where the control panel was for the alarm system.
