Bereft - Jennifer Foor Page 0,68

not making you promises, Grayson. I can’t.”

“I get it. As long as we’re together this weekend, it’s enough for me.”

With that being said we enjoyed our lunches, almost like it was old times. When we got back on the road I was hopeful. Rachel seemed to have relaxed, and I prayed she’d remain comfortable when she found out where we would be staying, and why I’d gone to extremes to have her to myself.

Chapter 29

Rachel

We’d been driving for what felt like hours, probably because I was uncomfortable being this close to him. I hated knowing at any moment he could reach over and touch me. The idea of it still made my skin crawl. What made matters worse was knowing what I’d done with Chad only hours before. His touch was still familiar in my mind, and parts of my skin smelled like his cologne. I closed my eyes and focused on our last moments together. Chad’s fingers traced my lips, giving me chills throughout my body. I recalled the anticipation of his touch elsewhere, but right as I began to replay it in my mind I heard Grayson speaking. “Did you hear me, Rachel?”

“No, sorry. I must have been somewhere else for a second.”

“Did you need to stop and get anything before head up to where we’ll be staying?”

“I’m good. I’m sure they’ll have anything we might need.”

He pulled over at a local grocery and told me he’d be back. I sat there for a few seconds, finally giving in to my own needs and pulled out my phone. I sent Chad a message. I wanted him to know I was thinking of him already.

Wishing I was there with you. – R

He replied immediately.

You are supposed to be focused on your husband. – C

I can’t help it. The stairwell didn’t leave me with enough. I want more. – R

Don’t tease me, Rach. I’ll see you Monday. Try to have a nice time. You’re getting away from work too. Enjoy it. – C

What if I can’t? What if I already know where I need to be? – R

I’ll be here when you get back. Promise me you’ll put all your efforts into this weekend. It will do you good. You need this. – C

I’ll text when I can. – R

Rachel, don’t. Pretend I don’t exist this weekend. Being with me is clouding your judgment. You need to focus on your future, and how much Grayson will be apart of it. – C

He’s coming. I need to go. Miss you. – R

I turned off my device and tucked it back in my purse right before Grayson climbed in the car with three bags of groceries.

I was confused. “Why would we need all that? Doesn’t the retreat provide meals?”

He wouldn’t respond. “Grayson, seriously, what’s going on?”

“It’s just a couple more minutes up the road, Rachel. Let me get us there before you start complaining.”

I was already regretting this weekend. It was possible he was driving me to a secluded location to decapitate me for seeking revenge with another man, and falling for him. Maybe I deserved to meet my demise by his hands. Maybe this was how our story ended.

We turned and started driving up a mountain. The road was gravel and dirt, and there wasn’t a house or electrical line the whole way. We saw a few deer crossing and running through thickets. I watched the beams of light coming down through the trees, guiding us up the rough terrain. Finally we came to a stop in front of an old wooden cabin. It had a small porch on the front and two rocking chairs. I turned to look at Grayson and then back at the tiny cottage. “This is where we’re staying?”

“Don’t hate it yet. It’s going to be fun.”

“Where are the other cabins? Isn’t the retreat with other couples?”

“Rachel, it’s just us. I didn’t want distractions or other people’s opinions. This is between you and me. We can figure this out together. Just give it a try.”

I couldn’t seem to find compassion for Grayson, especially in this case. I wasn’t against camping when Stephanie was younger, but this wasn’t necessary. I needed amenities.

“This is a terrible idea.”

Grayson ignored me and began carrying the bags of groceries onto the porch. I fetched my clothes from the trunk and followed behind him, eager to see what was awaiting inside.

Unlike the worn outer shell, the inside had been kept up. Two leather couches faced one another, leading to a beautiful stone fireplace.