by J. M. Witt
“Hey, Sergeant Robinson. Ok. Yes, Sergeant. Understood. We’ll be there.”
Cal hung up the phone and slumped in his chair. I nudged him, asking, “What’s going on?”
“Sergeant says we need to report back tomorrow. There’s a flight tomorrow at ten hundred hours.”
The silence became deafening. The emotions that started flooding me took over, but Cassidy was the first to speak. “But you have another week? You can’t leave yet.” Her voice cracked as she spoke, clearly the emotions were taking her over too. Her Dad tried consoling her, but it wasn’t working.
I wanted to pull her to me, but then our secret would be out and we weren’t ready to tell them. Cal had already warned me off her when I saw her picture all those months ago. I knew he wouldn’t be happy about it. We’d have to walk him into it slowly.
“We don’t have a choice, Cass. Sergeant calls. We go.”
Cassidy looked to me, then to Cal, then back to me. Her eyes were filling with tears and my heart was aching for her. “But. I don’t want you to go.” Abruptly standing, she fled the room as the tears fell down her cheeks. I wanted to run after her, but knew that I shouldn’t.
I made myself scarce that day. Wondering the property, I had to stay away from her. I was just going to make it worse for her if I expressed my feelings for her when we both knew I was leaving in the morning. God only knew if I’d ever return to her. Cal and I both knew we were headed to the desert again, but that was information we couldn’t share.
I’d gotten an email from Cora that day, but deleted it without even reading it. That was one thing that would change when I got back to base. She wasn’t what I wanted anymore, not that I really thought about more than what I wanted in the now, not until Cassidy. I wanted to find her and hold her, knowing I may never get a chance again to do so.
Late that night I was standing in the hayloft, staring up at the stars when I thought I heard the front door to the house. Her figure came into view as the moon shined down on her. I heard her calling my name, just above a whisper and she was headed my way. She deserved to have closure with me and I was going to let her. She stopped and looked up. I didn’t move and neither did she. After a moment she walked toward me and I heard the barn doors creek open.
Climbing the ladder to the top, she found me in the same spot and I prepared myself for the confrontation I knew she needed to have with me. I turned to her as I fought the tears that were forming. She was perfection. All that pale skin, red unruly hair and big blue eyes that broke into my soul. She made me want to be a better man.
“Paul? Are you ok?” She walked toward me hesitantly before stopping.
“Cass, I, this, Jesus woman. You’ve worked quite the number over on me.” She moved closer to me and I put my hand up to stop her. “Cassidy, please don’t. I don’t think I can tell you no one more time.”
Ignoring my warning she walked to me and wrapped her arms around my chest. “So don’t tell me no.”
She didn’t know what she was doing to me. My arms went around her and I looked down into her blue eyes. I dropped my lips to hers, tentatively, but it wasn’t long before the kiss became heated and we were wrapped in each other on the floor.
“Cassidy, are you sure?”
We were still clothed, barely, when she looked to me. “Yes! I’ll regret it forever if you’re not my first. Please Paul.”
I pulled a condom out of my back pocket and expertly did what I had done too many times before, but never with her. She watched me slide the condom on with ease and she tensed up.
“You can still say no.”
“NO, I mean yes. Paul…”
Smiling, I kissed her again and worked my way down her body. The passion started to wash over us once more as my fingers glided over her mound. I had to taste every part of her so that I’d never forget what she tasted like. Soon my mouth was on her most secret part and the ripples began to wash over her almost immediately. As her climax ended I knelt between her legs, sheathed, and came down over her. I kissed her softly and she didn’t turn me away as my erection pressed against her.
“Last chance to say no.”
“Paul, I want you. No one else.” Wrapping her legs around me, I pushed into her slowly. Jesus, she was so tight. She was my first virgin and I wanted her to be my last. I knew in that moment I didn’t want anyone else and never would.
She winced as I pushed in a little further. “I’m sorry.” I stopped moving, not wanting to hurt her.
“Don’t stop.” Her legs pulled me closer and I sank in a little further. She was pulsing around me as I took a few deep breaths. I needed to calm myself and give her time to adjust to me.
She slept in my arms that night. Naked, pure perfection molded into my side. She smelled like summertime and innocence. I knew in that moment that I loved her. How the hell was I going to say goodbye to her?
When she woke, we got dressed after making love one more time. She didn’t come so I made sure to please her after. I was experienced enough to know that these things took time, something we didn’t have. She cried and in that moment I wanted to take back every horrible thing I had ever done to a woman. Two weeks with her and she’d changed my life.
“Paul! Where you at?”
Cal was outside looking for me. She hid in the corner as I called out to Cal. He didn’t seem to suspect anything, but I headed down and out of the barn before we could say anything more to one another.
When we got to the airport she stayed in the car, pouting. It was ridiculous, but I couldn’t blame her. How would we say goodbye in front of her dad and Cal without them suspecting anything.
“It was a pleasure Paul. You’re always welcome.” Dave shook my hand before he hugged Cal goodbye.
I looked to the car one more time, wishing she could read my mind. I love you, Cassidy. Cal and I waved at the car before walking through the double doors of the airport. My chest ached, it was a foreign feeling, but a welcome one knowing it was for her.
We were headed to security when I thought I heard her yell my name. I kept on walking when I heard it again.
“Paul, wait, please. Paul!” I stopped, looked behind me and saw her. “Paul!”
Once she spotted me she started running toward me, pushing her way through small crowds of people. Not bothering to take in Cal’s expression, I dropped my bag and ran as fast as I could toward her. She jumped into my arms as I spun us around like I always did.
I was aware of how tightly I held her, but didn’t care. “Cassidy. You saved me. I know you don’t understand, but you saved me.”
Giggling and sniffling, she pulled back and kissed my lips. “I love you, Paul. I’m sorry I didn’t say it sooner. I love you.”
She loved me? Was it really possible? I looked into her eyes and knew I had the biggest grin on my face.
“What the fuck is going on?”
I set her feet on the ground, but held her close. Holding my hand up to Cal as he scowled at us. I turned her toward me and cupped her face as her eyes met mine. I kissed her softly before I hugged her to me again.
“I’ll write you every day. I can’t ask you to wait…”
“I’ll wait for you.” I kissed her again before pulling away, the smile overtaking my face.
“You lied to me,” Cal was looking at her, his fists clenched, “and you!”
“Go easy on him Cal. I pursued him, not the other way around.” Cassidy was defending me.
“Cal…”
“Don’t talk to me. We’ll clear this up later, when she’s not here to witness it.”
She wrapped her arms around Cal’s neck and kissed his cheek. “Calvin. He’s been a perfect gentleman. I promise. Don’t hurt him.” He groaned before she pulled away.
Cal walked back toward security after dropping my bag at my feet. I looked to her and kissed her one more time, not knowing it would be the last time. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
She stood there and watched as we disappea
red down the terminal.
~<>~<>~<>~
I had lost Cassidy years ago, after returning to base as my life crashed down around me, all my mistakes caught up to me at full force. I wanted to be there to pick up the pieces and help her rebuild her life. I could only hope her heart would welcome me. I’d loved her for a decade. Losing her remained my only regret. I was convinced that it was our time, our second chance.
It was killing me to sit back and watch as her world crumbled down around her because of James; a guy I considered to be one of my best friends and now he was my employer. She had to make the decision on her own, without my persuasion. She had ended things with him and the divorce papers were being drawn up. Now it was my time to fight for her. And fight for her I would.
More from J.M. Witt
Cal & Jane return in
Fading Away
Anchored Hearts Vol. 2.5
September 2014
Who will Cassidy end up with?
Letting Go of Us
Anchored Hearts Vol. 3
November 2014
The conclusion
Finding Redemption
Anchored Hearts Vol. 4
January 2015
For a preview at the end of this book of
Ryker
By: Joanne Schwehm
Playlist for Letting Go of You
Superbeast by Rob Zombie
Latch by Disclosure & Sam Smith
Wicked Game by Chris Isaak
Gimme More by Britney Spears
Breathe On Me by Britney Spears & Ying Yang Twins
Serenity by Godsmack
I Get Off by Halestorm
Just Breath by Pearl Jam
I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz
What Now by Rihanna
Breakin’ Dishes by Rihanna
Always by Killswitch Engage
Fade Into You by Mazzy Star
In This River by Black Label Society
Whisper by Evanescence
My Immortal by Evanescence
Broken Ones by Jacquie Lee
Poison & Wine by The Civil Wars
Skin by Rihanna
Give You What You Want by Avril Lavigne
Better Than Me by Hinder
The Lonely by Christina Perri
Apologize by OneRepublic
About the Author
J.M. resides in Metro Detroit, MI with her husband and four small children.
Always wanting to write romance novels, she followed her dreams after having baby #4, who may or may not be the spawn of Christian Grey!
She hopes you’ll enjoy more than a good book, but have an experience.
You can find her at
www.jmwittbooks.com
Twitter @ wittymomauthor
www.facebook.com/jmwittbooks
Official playlist for Letting Go of You on
Spotify
&
YouTube
Ryker
By: Joanne Schwehm
Copyright © 2014 by Joanne Schwehm
**All Rights Reserved**
Cover Designer: Perfect Pear Creative Covers, ppccovers.com
Interior Designer: Jovana Shirley,
Unforeseen Editing, www.unforeseenediting.com
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, including photocopying, recording or by information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any full resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locations is entirely coincidental; unless author has received permission to do so which will be reflected in the acknowledgment section of this novel.
Prologue
Faith
I had never seen anyone like him in my life. I was on my way to my neighbor Max’s house when an older boy walked toward me. He must be here to audition. Max had told me he was finalizing the band members and just needed a drummer. He’d invited me to watch the auditions, which I couldn’t wait to do.
I observed the strange guy look at the house, then at a piece of paper in his hand, and then at me. My legs kept moving toward him even though I couldn’t feel my feet touching the ground. His eyes caught mine, and my heart fluttered. I prayed that when I spoke, my voice wouldn’t crack.
“Hi, are you trying out for the band today?”
“Yeah, are you Max’s little sister?” His voice was deeper than I’d expected.
I laughed. “No, we’re just good friends. I don’t have a brother.”
His expression changed as he looked at me. He nodded.
“But you can come with me,” I said. “I was going there too. Max invited me. I usually hang out with him even though he’s older.” I didn’t know why, but I was rambling. By the look on this guy’s face, he didn’t know why either. It dawned on me that I didn’t know his name. “By the way, I’m Faith.”
He smiled and held out his hand. “Ryker.”
As I placed my hand in his, an indescribable feeling went through me. Maybe it was just nerves. “It’s nice to meet you, Ryker.” Just saying his name made me smile. He was so cute! Much cuter than Mark Nichols, the cutest boy in my school. “We can go around back.”
We walked around the back of the house, and my hands shook as I reached for the door knob. I opened it and was greeted by Max.
He smiled. “Hey, Faith, I see you brought a friend.”
Max winked, and I felt blood rush up my cheeks. I stood there and glared at my so-called friend.
Ryker walked around me and extended his hand. “Hey, I’m Ryker, the drummer.”
Max shook his hand. “Good to meet ya, man. Come on in. The other guys should be here soon.”
“Sounds great. How many others are there?”
“Just two. Jake plays the keyboard, and Tim plays bass guitar. I play lead guitar and sing. I went to high school with them, and we always toyed with the idea of a band, but now we’re going to do it.”
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Ryker as he walked toward the drum set. He sat down, and I noticed a tattoo on his arm. I didn’t get a great look at it though. My head tilted, and I stared at him. All I could think of was his hand holding mine. I was beginning to daydream when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
“Faith, did you hear me?” Max was right next to me, grinning.
“I’m sorry, what?”
He chuckled. “I said, why don’t you have a seat while we warm up?”
Tim and Jake stood next to Max with their instruments; I never even saw them walk in.
“Yeah, okay.” What the heck is wrong with me?
Ryker
Max turned to me. “You good with Zeppelin?”
Am I good with Zeppelin? Are you kidding me? I smiled, nodded, and tapped my sticks together. The guys fell in rhythm with the tempo I set. The guys were good, but I had to say that Max was a great guitar player. I looked at Faith. Her eyes were closed as she bobbed to the music. I grabbed the cymbal as the song came to an end.
Max turned to Tim and then to Jake and then to me. “Boys, I think we have a band.”
My smile grew as I stood to acknowledge what Max said, but my eyes caught Faith’s. There was something about her, I just couldn’t put my finger on it.
Max came up to me. “Good thing you answered the ad, man. You’re really good.”
I nodded. “Thanks.”
Faith came up to us. “You guys sounded great!”
“Come on, let’s have a seat and talk about where we go from here,” Max said.
She kissed Max’s cheek and said she needed to get going. Then she looked at me, and her blue eyes sparkled. I didn’t know what it was about the girl, but she was something special.
“I should get going too. I need to catch the bus,” I said. Max offered to take me home, but I didn’t want him to do that.
Max clapped me on the back. “You did great, and because of you, we’re going to rock. I’ll catch ya later.”
Max turned and went into his house, but Faith still stood next to me fiddling with her long brown hair.
“It was good meeting you, Faith. I’ll catch ya ‘round.”
Before I could leave, she called, “Ryker?”
I looked at her. “Yeah.”
“It was good meeting you too.”
1
Faith
The day I had been waiting for was finally here. My reflection in my full-length mirror winked at me as I ran my hands down my denim-clad hips. I turned left, right, and back to center to take in how I looked. Did I look different? I shook my head and laughed at myself. Nothing on the outside had changed, but I felt different inside.
Twenty-one, the age I had vowed to make changes in my life. Everything else had fallen into place: I was graduating college a year early and in the top ten percent of my class; I was starting a new job soon; and I was finally going to tell Ryker Jeffries how I felt about him. When he spoke, I melted like ice on a hot day. Thinking about finally running my fingers through his long blond tresses and my hands down his taut abs made me shiver. I could feel his muscular arms wrapped around me, and see that tattoo move as he flexed his arm. I needed to clear my head and focus on the task at hand: getting Ryker Jeffries. Thinking about telling him made my insides twist and turn like a rollercoaster, but I was looking forward to the ride. The anticipation of the climb, without knowing how steep the drop on the other side would be, was terrifying and exciting. The only problem was Ryker’s attitude toward me. No matter how hard I tried, he didn’t want to get close to me. It was as if he purposely tried to push me away.
