Breaking Free: Breaking Free Duet Book #1

by JL Davis

  “Leave.” She looks over at me and the look in her eyes is one that could kill a man.

  I sigh and walk toward the door. Before I open it, I glance back one more time, and I’m glad I did.

  Cole wasn’t thinking at all before he opened his mouth. He can’t speak to me in that way at work. There are too many ways to be heard. If someone were to have been walking by, we’d have been done for. A boss can tie into our phone lines at any time to give us a message through our intercom on our crappy office phones. If we were caught, my career would be ruined. Cole would most likely go back to prison. Hell, I could possibly go to prison for my part in it. It’s much too risky here at my job. He has to understand that he must be careful with his words.

  After he said what he said, I had to correct it the best way I knew how. I told him to leave and he did. Just before he opened the door, he looked back and I motioned that I would call him and blew him a kiss.

  Once he was gone, I fell back in my chair and took a deep breath. The thought of him having his way with me on my desk, well that would be a fantasy come true. I’ve always wanted that to happen. It never could here with these paper-thin walls, though. I couldn’t be that quiet, even if I tried.

  Thanks to Cole, I couldn’t get the fantasy of us on my desk out of my head for the rest of the day, as much as I tried. I’ve worked myself up and I’m going to have to do something about it later. I hope not too much later. I’m already getting irritable with the stupid copy machine and it hasn’t done anything wrong for a change.

  I also couldn’t wait to talk to Cole and apologize for the way I spoke to him. He looked absolutely devastated after I said what I had. He may even be angry with me, but I had to protect us both, just in case. I care a lot for him already and I don’t want anything to happen to him, like going back to prison because of an affair with his parole officer. I could always say that I made him go along with it; that I was obsessed with him possibly, if I had to and only to keep him out of prison.

  Cole forgave me and we’ve only grown stronger. Over the next several weeks, we’ve been able to escape to the lake house, and each weekend we continue to learn new things about each other and grow closer as a couple.

  We’ve gotten a little brave and started eating breakfast on Sunday mornings at the little diner just a few miles back, going into town. We’re far enough away that these people won’t know us and there’s little to no chance of running into anyone I may know. It makes us feel like a real couple, doing real couple things.

  This coming weekend Mya has informed me that her parents will be there having one of their very private parties. I forgot that her parents liked to get friendly with other parents. Whatever floats your boat I guess, but I can be happy with one man at a time like normal women.

  With that terrible news, Cole and I were forced to think of somewhere else we could go. We’ve been brainstorming ideas all week. We’re both off on Monday and excited to have the extra time together. I finally give up, but Cole is working on a surprise. I have no idea what we’re doing other than Mya will be picking me up and dropping me off at a mystery location, which Cole has sworn her to secrecy about.

  I’m really excited about it, but I’m mostly excited to see Cole so enthusiastic about being able to surprise me. He’s been making great progress in anger management, and it shows. Even without the great reports I’ve received from his new therapist, Dr. Peppers, I can tell. I couldn’t make that up if I wanted to.

  The most recent report from his boss, Jim, was great. He has found a better fit for Cole. He helps out in the loading dock when needed, but he’s also shown what a team leader he can be. He’s proved he can make a sale and is currently training to be a salesman. That has brought Cole’s spirits up so much. He sees himself differently. He also sees that this opportunity could open so many doors for him moving forward. I’m extremely proud of the man he is and how driven he’s become. I don’t see any reason for him not to get an early termination of his parole when the time comes. It still seems like forever away; thirty-six more months. It sounds like less time to me when I think about it that way.

  This week has tested me to almost my breaking point in more than one way. The worst was missing Cole when we couldn’t be together. I continued to remind myself of our surprise weekend together. It absolutely can’t come soon enough.

  I had a parolee commit suicide in jail while waiting for bail to be set. He went in on heroine charges. That was his third strike. To say I was shocked would be a lie. He was very ill and had many issues. Heroine was his crypt tonight. We tried our very best with his case and his plan. That’s what I have to keep reminding myself or it upsets me. No matter how I feel about them, I still care. I still want them to turn their lives around and make themselves proud. I try my best to reach each and every one. Not everyone can be saved, though. Sometimes their demons are much too strong for them, me, or anyone else who tries to reason with them or get through to them. As much as it hurts sometimes to see them fail, I know that I did everything I possibly could.

  By Friday morning, Taylor, my old friend and now parolee, made yet another mistake because of his rage toward his wife. He threatened to kill her for having their daughter with her while she threw herself at some poor, weak man. He’d have to be to be that pathetic. Taylor said he was working while it took place. Luckily their daughter is too young, too naïve to have known what was really happening, but enough came up for him to ask a few more questions. He also had finally filed for divorce that very day and made her move out. He’s in jail waiting on a bond hearing. I pray I can get him out. Luckily their daughters are with their grandparents for the time being. They’re fit to have them and have only the children’s best interest at heart. They truly love them the way they should be loved.

  My list is dwindling and not because they’re being released from my custody for finally working within the system, and that’s what breaks my heart. I couldn’t reach them in time.

  Mya’s come in to talk with me so many times this week. I’m so grateful to have her. It’s been rough on the both of us. We’ve helped each other through it and it’s finally Friday. She can barely contain herself with knowing something I don’t. I want to smack her.

  “Do you have any idea where I’ll be delivering you?” Mya tosses her head back and laughs.

  “You’re just loving this,” I huff and roll my eyes. “Will you at least give me a hint?” I bat my lashes in an attempt to pry something out of her.

  “You’ll be getting very wet.” She shrugs, biting her lip to contain herself.

  “I hate you,” I mumble, grabbing my bag and following her to the door.

  “Don’t be a damn baby. You’ll be so much happier when you’re actually surprised, Brooke,” Mya scoffs, rolling her eyes at my ridiculousness.

  “I suppose.” I trail off as we walk down the hall to the elevator. “Mya, I think I’m falling for him,” I say hesitantly. I can’t even look at her after admitting that. I’ve never admitted that to her about any man that I’ve dated. I’ve never felt this way about another man, and it terrifies me. I’ve been let down by every man I’ve ever invested my time into, until Cole.

  I didn’t have to see how insane she looked at me because I can hear it just fine in this tiny, confined elevator. Mya’s squeals bounce off the walls and her body is flailing around, making her much harder to handle than usual.

  Mya still can’t contain herself. “Are you serious? This is huge, Brooke.”

  The elevator dings and Mya recovers just as the doors open. “Please don’t overreact.” I beg her. I understand how huge this is; I’m the one trying to deal with it. “Do you think he feels the same way for me?” That’s what scares me. I’m worried he doesn’t. I’m worried this is a one-sided love. I’d be devastated if that were true.

  “I have a feeling you’ll feel differently soon,” she assures me. “Let’s go!”

  “Wait!” I yell. How the hell can she say that and just try to leave. “He is
n’t proposing, is he?” I ramble. He can’t. I’m, we’re not ready for this. I’m going to have a nervous breakdown. I need to sit down.

  I get inside my Rover and take a deep breath. Mya rushes over to me with an irritated look on her face. “He’s not proposing, Brooke. At least I don’t think he is. He didn’t tell me. Just calm down. Jeez, stop overthinking shit. This isn’t like you.” She giggles and gives me the side eye. “Now let’s go.”

  “You’re right. I’m following.” I sigh and wave her off. She’s right and that doesn’t happen very often.

  I am overreacting about nothing. Cole and I are going to have a fabulous time.

  Since the issue at work with Jim’s sister, I’ve worked hard to show Jim that I’m worth having here. I even accidentally made a big sale the other day while he was busy with another customer. He was impressed and said that I need to stop underestimating myself. I’ve never seen myself as salesman, but there’s nothing I can’t do. I’ve made two big sales and am currently the top seller.

  While working more closely with Jim, I’ve gotten to know him a bit more personally. He has a timeshare off the coast of Alabama on a small island away from the tourists. He offered it to me and said they rarely get to use it anymore.

  After Brooke called with the bad news that we couldn’t stay at the lake house this weekend, I felt it was a meant to be moment when Jim mentioned it. I’d spent most of the week planning it out as a surprise for Brooke. Mya has helped me with a few things. She’s bringing Brooke for me. She could very well drive herself, but then she’d also know where she’s going with her GPS. I want her to be completely surprised when she gets here.

  I left work at noon and made the drive in a little over three hours. I’ve imagined dozens of times how this weekend will play out. I’ve imagined the smile on her face as she walks through the door and sees what I’ve done for her, the appreciation sparkling in her eyes. I’ve imagined lots of sex, recuperating time, and showers together. I also can’t wait to take her to the beach for a swim and, wishful thinking, much more.

  I’ve showered and changed just before Mya should arrive with Brooke. I got Mya a room for the night. Not here; I’m not insane. I got her a hotel room downtown. I know she’ll love that. It’s the least I could do with everything she’s done for me to help make this weekend work out smoothly.

  I’ve prepared a special dinner for us here tonight, complete with champagne and candles. I made enough for Mya too. I’m not heartless. Sometimes I wish I were. I’d love to enjoy this dinner with Brooke and only Brooke. Mya can see her any time she pleases, basically, and I can’t.

  As I pull the salmon from the oven, the delicious citrus aromas fill the kitchen.

  “Brooke, you’re being ridiculous,” Mya complains.

  “No. Mya, you could’ve gotten us killed.” Brooke walks into the kitchen with a defeated look on her face. This isn’t going according to plan at all. Where’s her beautiful smile?

  I frown. “What’s going on? Did you put Brooke in danger?” I immediately start counting to ten as I feel my blood begin to boil at the thought of losing Brooke. It sounds so lame, but it does help me.

  Mya shrugs. “You know Brooke. She overreacts.” She waves it off as nothing.

  “Mya, I do know Brooke and I know she wouldn’t be upset like this for no reason. What the hell happened?” I grit my teeth.

  “Okay. Don’t get your panties in a twist.” She plops herself down at the table. “I may have gone around a car when I had no idea what was coming from the oncoming lane. It was fine. We’re here aren’t we?”

  “Are you serious right now? We both could’ve been killed and anyone in the other vehicle as well. Luckily there wasn’t one,” Brooke yells.

  Mya stands. “I’m sorry I scared you. I guess it was stupid. I’ll leave you to it.” She nods and walks toward the door.

  Shit. Why am I so nice? “Mya, I made enough for you to join us and got you a hotel downtown.”

  Brooke looks over at me surprised. “That was sweet of you,” she mumbles.

  “I know.” I wink.

  “I’ll just head that way so y’all can be alone.” Mya nods. “Thanks for the room.” She closes the door behind her.

  “This isn’t going as I expected it to.” I sigh. “I’m sorry she put you through that.”

  “Mya is a grown ass woman who acts like she’s in her early twenties. She takes too many risks in life. I constantly worry about her, but I won’t let her ruin our weekend together.” Brooke leans in on a sigh and kisses my cheek. “Thank you for all of this.” She glances around the table at the spread I created for her.

  “You’re welcome.” I smile nervously. I’m not sure why I’m so nervous. It could be that I’ve never done anything like this for a woman before. None of them mattered to me the way Brooke does. She’s a lady.

  After our delicious dinner, I insist on Brooke getting unpacked and settled in while I clean up the kitchen. I’m almost finished washing the pans when Brooke walks back into the kitchen in a sexy little net dress thing.

  “Jesus, Brooke, you look… you’re…” I can’t find the words. I’m completely in awe as I gawk at her from across the room.

  Brooke lowers her head as she blushes and nervously fidgets with her fingers. “Do I look okay?” she asks hesitantly and looks down at herself, second guessing her outfit choice.

  “You look exquisite. I think I see dessert.” I lick my lips seductively and she bites her own, affected by me. I’ve wanted her all week, have looked forward to this moment all week, yet I stand here staring at her.

  “Would you care to finish those later?” She nods toward the sink behind me. “They’ll still be there.” She grins, mocking me.

  “Yes, they will.” I smile and rush toward her. She squeals and runs the other direction, but I’m faster. I reach her quickly and she screams, attempting to wiggle from my grasp but I’m also much stronger than she is. I grab her under her legs and lift her in my arms.

  Brooke stops her wiggling and giggling as I carry her down the hall. Now serious, her eyes are fixated on mine as we walk into the bedroom. It’s nothing spectacular. There’s a king size bed, a night stand on each side of it, and a dresser with the TV sitting on top of it. There’s a huge portrait of Jim and his wife on the wall next to the bed; it’s life-size.

  I stare at it for a moment, distracted, before I set Brooke on her feet. “I’m not sure how I feel about this. You?” I arch a brow.

  Brooke tilts her head slightly. “I feel like they’re here in the room with us. Can you take it down?”

  “Don’t let me forget to put it back on the wall before we leave, okay?” I slide it carefully under the bed.

  Brooke stands at the foot of the bed and ogles me as I quickly undress. She drops to her knees and stares up at me submissively. “I’ve been waiting to taste you.” She licks her lips and takes me into her mouth slowly, swirling her tongue as she goes down.

  She seems different tonight, not in a bad way at all. She’s been extremely generous. I am in no way complaining, but I’d also like a turn with her. I want to please her and make her scream my name. She hasn’t done that yet and I want to hear it ringing in my ears.

  The beginning of my weekend didn’t start off too well. I hate riding with Mya and usually always drive when we’re traveling together, but I wanted Cole to be able to do this surprise weekend for me. Her driving absolutely terrifies me, and I feel like I need to take something for anxiety before getting in her car with her. Not to mention she’s been in numerous wrecks. Most of them were also her fault. It’s crazy she still has her license.

  Cole made a wonderful meal for us and it meant so much to me that he tried so hard to make it special. I was truly touched at the lengths he went to, to make this weekend possible.

  I made sure to thank him in a way he’d find very pleasing and he in turn did the same for me. We showered together and lay awake for hours talking. Every minute we share together is cherished.
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br />   Sometimes I think about quitting my job. It would solve all of our relationship problems. We could finally be together, in the open; no more hiding what’s been building between us. It would cause many new problems for me, though. But it could be worth it. “’Would it be stupid to quit my job?”

  Cole rolls onto his side so he can see me better. “You can’t be serious, Brooke.”

  I shrug. “Humor me. What if I were to quit my job?”

  He searches my face. “Would you be doing it for you or for us? What would you do between jobs?”

  “Both, I guess. It was never my dream; it was my father’s dream for me. I’d love to be in health care. I’d be able to help more people. People who want my help more often than not. I have a savings that will carry me for a while, or at least until I find something else. I’ve been saving for a down payment on a house.” I shrug.

  “I think you should consider every possible outcome. Weigh all your pros and cons. You’ll make the right decision.” He nods reassuringly and kisses me. “I’ll support you no matter what you decide. Let’s get some sleep. It’s going to be a beautiful day tomorrow and I have plans for us. We can’t be late.”

  It takes me a bit longer to fall asleep than it does Cole. I can’t stop thinking about what I should do now that I’ve finally admitted my thoughts about it to Cole.

  He really wasn’t that much help, but I’m glad he will support me in whatever I decide.

  Cole snuggles into my side a bit closer. “I think I love you,” he whispers, so softly I was barely able to make it out clearly, but I did. You can’t misunderstand I love you.

  “I think I love you too,” I whisper back and hold my breath for what’s to come. I wasn’t meant to hear it, but that doesn’t change the fact that I did, and I feel the same way about him.

  Cole flinches at my response. He lifts his head slightly. I can see his silhouette, but not his face. “I thought you were sleeping,” he says, his voice deep from sleep.