Bereft - Jennifer Foor Page 0,54

to continue living.”

I could tell she was hurt by my words, not that I cared. She’d done this to herself. “I don’t believe that. If you loved her so much then why were you with me? Why were your hands on my body instead of hers?”

She had a valid point; one I’d been asking myself since this had been discovered. “I don’t know. All I can tell you is that it has nothing to do with feelings. I don’t love you, and I will never love you. They are the only facts I have. Frankly, I don’t give a damn if you believe me or not. The next call I make will be to the police to have a protective order put out against you. Get it through your thick head, Kyla. There is no us, and there never was. Furthermore, there never will be. You were a cheap screw. That’s all I will ever see you as.” I motioned for the door. “Find your way out. We’re done here.”

I was tired of her immature games. She needed to get the hell out of my life and stay away.

As soon as I was able to take a break, I headed to the local sheriff’s department to see about the protection order. I was done hoping she’d leave me alone. I needed to make sure it never happened again.

A good hour later I walked outside feeling like I’d accomplished something great. She’d be served with papers, thanks to a quick push from an old buddy of mine who still worked for the force. Back when I’d delivered parcels, he’d been one of my regular customers. He’d always included me in fantasy football leagues, and occasionally we’d have a beer. This time I needed his help for something more serious, and he was happy to oblige, but only after I explained my reasoning. Admitting what I’d done to my marriage was difficult to do. Halfway through I felt like I was going to lose my shit in front of him. I managed to keep it together, even after I explained Rachel had moved out.

Before I pulled away from my parking spot I took out my phone and called Rachel. “Grayson, it’s not a good time.”

Of course it wasn’t. There would never be one. “I’ll make it quick. I’m changing my phone number. I’ll text you from the new one. Kyla will no longer be a problem in our lives. I’ve made sure she isn’t to come within five-hundred feet of us.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it. I have a feeling she’s just getting started. Apparently you’re a hard man to forget.”

“Is that coming from experience?”

In the background I heard someone speaking and then her laughing. “Sorry, Grayson. I’m in the middle of something. I need to call you back later.”

Before I could respond she’d hung up.

I wondered if she was with him. I hadn’t heard her laugh in a long while. As delightful as it made me feel, I also knew there was someone entertaining her; possibly the same guy she’d had at the house. Fear swept over me. I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t accuse her of something, because she’d be pissed. I didn’t even think I had a right to. Hadn’t I caused this to happen? Hadn’t my infidelity been the culprit to begin with?

The downward spiral I was on didn’t seem to be slowing down. No matter how hard I tried to stay afloat, I was drowning in my own misery. Without a paddle to fight my way free, I was afraid I’d hit rock bottom.

Chapter 22

Rachel

“What about this one?” I ran my fingers over the soft microfiber material of the sleeper sofa. “I wouldn’t need a bed if I got this one.”

“You need a bed. This one is nice. It’s comfortable, but if you get the futon for the spare bedroom you won’t need a third bed. Get something you love and stop staring at the price tags. Like I said before, it’s my treat.”

“You and I are partners. I’m not letting you buy my furniture.”

“It’s a business expense. I won’t need to buy new furniture for the business, so this helps me.” He directed my attention to another set in the far corner. “That’s more your style.”

I acted like it wasn’t, because him knowing my tastes made me uneasy. “It’s ugly.”

He cackled something under his breath, took my hand and drug me over until I was plopped down on the fat cushion. “It’s perfect.”

I