by DB Ignites
Copyright
Published by: D.B Ignites
Copyright © 2018 D.B. Ignites
Edited by: Darlene Tallman
Formatting by: Liberty Parker
This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person or use proper retail channels to lend a copy. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. To obtain permission to excerpt portions of the text please contact
[email protected]
All characters in this book are fiction and figments or the author’s imagination. No part of this story is based on any true events or anyone’s life. If any names or places used by author are in any way real or true it is coincidental and in no way based on them or any real-life human being living or not.
Table of Contents
Copyright
About the Author
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Epilogue
Find your Author
Sneak Peak
About the Author
I am new to the writing world. I have voices in my head and decided to put them on paper (so to speak) and so I’m bringing them to you. I hope my book (more to come) will put a smile on your face. I love to read and the beach.
Chapter One
“I still can't believe it. I mean, I had on my sexiest lingerie and he didn't even respond. Just rolled over and went to sleep! Who the fuck does that?” Skylar asked her best friend, Shawn, as she flopped down on her worn couch. After being with Ryan for almost six years, it seemed their sex life was on a downward spiral. The more she sat there thinking about it, the more she realized it wasn't only their sex life. It was everything. For the last year or so, they'd become more like roommates rather than an engaged couple.
“I don't know what to tell you, Sky. I have no idea what he's thinking. I mean, if it were me, we'd still be in bed,” Shawn replied as he smirked. Skylar smiled in spite of herself. Shawn always had the ability to make her feel better, no matter what. They’d been best friends since he and his family moved in next door when Skylar was twelve and Shawn was seven. He had just walked up to the fence on that chilly morning and, with a toothless smile, said, “Hi, my name is Shawn. Do you want to be friends?”
Now, twenty years later, not much had changed. Skylar leaned into her best friend's side, welcoming his warm embrace. When was the last time she looked at Shawn? Like, really looked at him? Her best friend was a decent-looking guy, and in stark contrast to Ryan with his six-foot tall muscled body, sandy blond hair, and piercing blue eyes. Shawn was six-foot-two with short brown hair, green eyes, a five o'clock shadow, a body that didn't have an inch of fat, and some sexy tattoos. It would be so easy to fall in love with someone like him. Someone she could trust beyond measure. Someone who cared about her. He never sugarcoated anything with her. Letting out a sigh, she looked up at him. “Shawn, why don't you head home? I have some thinking to do.”
With a sad look in his eyes, Shawn glanced at her before pulling her in for another hug. “Are you sure you want me to leave?” he asked sympathetically. Skylar gave him a weak nod and watched him stand from his spot on the sofa and head for the door. “All right. I'll leave you to it, but call me if you need anything.” As the door closed behind him, she sank back on the sofa. With a sigh, she thought about her relationship with Ryan. When they met six years ago, it was lust at first sight. She had met her friends at the bar when she saw him walk in. When their eyes met, he came over and asked if she was with anyone. When Skylar told him no, he asked her if she wanted to dance. They spent the rest of the night talking and dancing. Six months later, they moved in together. What happened to them in this last year? She knew all relationships had their ups and downs, but she didn't know what this was. Ryan went from attentive and caring to cold and aloof. They had gone from sex all the time to a three-month dry spell. They used to be able to have in-depth conversations. Now all she got was one-word answers. Deciding some coffee would help clear her mind, Skylar headed into the kitchen and started the coffee maker, then noticed an envelope sitting on the kitchen table. The same table where they spent many meals together. Opening it, she let out a gasp, unable to believe the words in front of her.
Dear Skylar,
By the time you read this, I will be long gone. It may come as a shock, or it may not, but we're over. We haven’t worked for a while, so it's time to end this. I'm sorry to do it this way, but I figure it’s easier for both of us. I honestly hope you find what you're looking for.
Ryan
She read over the note several more times before the gut-wrenching sobs came. She felt like her heart had been ripped to shreds. She thought Ryan was her soulmate, her forever. She couldn't believe she had been so wrong. Eventually, the tears subsided and exhaustion set in. Knowing she wouldn't be able to sleep in the same bed they had shared, she gathered a blanket and pillow, then headed back to the couch. Sleep was fitful, her mind racing, her emotions all over the place. When the alarm buzzed the next morning, she called work to say she’d be out for a while. Then she called Shawn.
“Hey, Sky. How are you doing?” Shawn's chipper voice filled the line.
She swallowed hard. “Oh, Shawn… He left a damn note to tell me it's over. I'm just numb right now. Can you come over? I really need to try and make sense of this.”
“Shit, Skylar. I have a meeting today that I can't miss. I can come over afterward. Is that okay? I’ll bring wine and some food...or something else.”
“Yeah, that’ll be okay. You don't need to bring anything else. I’ll see you when you get here,” Skylar whispered. After she hung up, she sighed. Why would Ryan do this? The more she thought about it, the madder she got. By the time Shawn showed up around midday, Skylar was pacing around the house. She didn’t look like herself, which worried him. She had gone through break-ups before, but she never looked like this...or asked for help. He didn't know what to make of it. Unsure how to approach the subject, he just held up the bags in his hands. “Hey. I, um...brought rum instead of wine, along with some sandwiches. I figured maybe you'd like something stronger to drink. Are you okay?”
“Thank you.” She cocked her head at him. “Do you realize you’ve been the only man in my life who has been there for me no matter what?” When she was thirteen, Skylar's dad walked out and never looked back. That seemed to start her bad luck with men. She had five serious relationships in thirty-two years, which all ended badly. Between all the bad relationships, she dated a few times, but they were never anything serious.
“Um… no, I didn’t realize that. I've never thought about it to be honest. All I know is you're my friend and I'm yours. We've always been there for each other.” Shawn smiled. Skylar gave him a timid smile. He'd always told her the truth, whether she wanted to hear it or not. He looked at her and sighed. Ryan must be a nut to break-up with Skylar, he mused. Shawn always thought Skylar had a quiet beauty. At five-foot-seven with long, curly mahogany-brown hair, almond-shaped brown eyes, and a curvy body, he thought she looked good. She had an inner strength, too. No matter how many times she’d been pushed down, she
always got back up. She was quick to help others, even if it meant she may be put out. That was Skylar. Even growing up, she never turned anyone away, despite sometimes being shunned. But through it all, Shawn had never seen Skylar look so despondent. Sure, she had boyfriends over the years, but when the relationship ended, she would just shrug it off and keep going. He had never seen her react this way. And he had never seen her call out of work.
“Shawn, what’s wrong with me? Why do people keep leaving? Is it me?” Skylar asked with a look Shawn had never seen in her eyes before — despair “No, it is not you. It’s them. You’re one of the sweetest people I have ever known. You’re there for others when they need you.”
“Then why? Why do I keep getting left behind while everyone else moves on?”
Shawn reached for Skylar's hand, then gently lifted her chin so she was looking him in the eye. “Don't let Ryan, or anyone else, ever make you feel like you aren't good enough. You are a wonderful person.” Skylar frowned. She highly doubted what he was saying. At least Shawn had tried marriage. When he discovered Donna wanted different things, they divorced within two years. Then there were all the women he dated, some of whom she didn't know what he saw in them. So how could she trust his judgment?
“Shawn, thank you for coming over, but I’m tired. I’m sorry for calling you over here only to rush you out.” All the emotions she’d gone through in the last twenty-four hours had finally caught up to her.
“I’ll go, but if you need anything, call me.” Shawn got up, gave Skyler a hug, then left.
On his way home, Shawn thought about all the years they’d known each other. How many times they sat up late, discussing their failed relationships, their promotions, and everything in between. Shawn was sad for her. She really deserved to be loved like she was the only woman in the world. I could love her like that. He blinked. Where the hell did that thought come from? Shawn had never looked at Skylar like that. Maybe that’s the problem. I’ve never realized what has been right in front of me the whole time. Shawn, shaken by his thoughts, parked his car in front of his house and just sat there. Skylar is my best friend, but could there truly be more? Sighing, he got out and walked up the steps and into the house. Pulling off his jacket, he contemplated his thoughts and shook them off, chalking them up to just feeling sorry for her.
Chapter Two
First thing in the morning, Shawn called Skylar to see how she was doing. No answer. He glanced at the clock and saw it was six a.m. Maybe she was still asleep. Shrugging, he walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. After a few minutes, he made sure the water was hot, then stepped in and washed. Afterward, he dried himself off, then tried Skylar again. Still no answer. After finishing his coffee, he headed out the door, deciding to stop by her place to see if she was okay. When Shawn pulled up, he didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. He knocked on her door. No answer. Trying the doorknob, he found it unlocked. Not sure what to make of that, Shawn slowly pushed open the door.
“Sky?” he called out tentatively. Not getting an answer, he walked in and called out again. “Sky?” Silence. He walked to the bedroom. The bed looked like it hadn’t been slept in. He checked the bathroom, not seeing anything amiss, then went into the kitchen. Where the hell is she? I knew I should have fucking stayed last night. He took a deep breath. Okay, no use panicking. Think. Where would she go that reminded her of good times? Maybe work? He walked out, making sure her door was locked, and got back into the car, deciding to drive to World of Books, where she worked as an editor. Trying not to show how worried he was, he casually walked in and saw Skylar's boss. He strode up to her.
“Good morning, Harper. Have you seen Skylar?” he inquired, trying to keep the panic out of his voice.
“Oh…hi, Shawn. Actually, she called this morning and asked for some time off,” Harper replied, a quizzical look on her face. “In the five years she’s worked here, she has never asked for time off. She’s even cut vacations short to come back early. Is everything okay?” He forced out a smile. “I am sure everything’s fine. I think she just needed some time to herself. Thank you. Have a good day, Harper.”
“Please, let me know if you hear from her. I’m a little concerned,” Harper replied, then walked away. Shawn was totally lost. He had no idea what to do. Looking at his watch, he let out a string of expletives, realizing he needed to move his ass if he was going to make it to his meeting. After I take care of business, I think I’ll let Melissa, my wonderful personal assistant, know I am taking a few days off. Maybe Skylar just went for a drive. If she isn't home by the time I get back, I’ll start to panic. I am sure she’s fine. Either way, failure is not an option. Determined, Shawn picked up his pace. The sooner he got everything done, the sooner he could start looking.
“Good morning, Melissa. I need to speak with you after the meeting this morning,’ Shawn explained after he walked through the door. ‘Anything serious?’ she asked, eyes wide. He shook his head, giving her a small smile. ‘No. I’ll explain later.” During the meeting, Shawn kept looking at his watch, not really listening to the investors and heads of the different departments. He just wanted to get out so he could speak to Melissa and start looking for Skylar. Finally, after about an hour, but what seemed like several, the meeting ended.
“Melissa, have a seat.” When she did, he got right down to business. “I’m going to need you to clear my calendar for an undisclosed amount of time. There has been a family emergency. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone,” Shawn stated with a calm he didn’t feel. Melissa looked at him with a furrowed brow. He had several important meetings coming up. Even though he owned the company, she didn't think he could afford to miss those. As if Shawn could read her mind, he held up a hand. “I know I have those three big meetings, but we can do them remotely. I’m not sure where I’ll be, but that is how we’ll do it. For everything else, have Aaron or Nick handle it.” Aaron and Nick were the company's CFO and vice president…and two of Shawn’s best friends. They had all started the company together, so he knew they could handle anything that came up. They had built an internet security company from an idea Shawn had. From there, it blossomed to everything that had to do with IT. Confident everything would be taken care of while he was gone, Shawn packed up what he would need and left. When he got home, he tried to figure out where to start first. Hell, he wasn't even sure he should be taking off work at this point, but he had to make sure she was okay. When his phone rang, he looked at the caller ID. Nick. He picked up, not even having a chance to say hello. “Shawn, what the hell is going on? You couldn't even discuss this with me? I mean, I know you are the boss and all, but the last time you did this shit was because of Donna. Is this over pussy?”
“Nick, calm down. I think Skylar’s missing. I am going to try and find her.”
“Wait. So you are telling me that you aren’t even sure she is missing, but you just drop everything and go running? I know she is important to you, but is she worth possibly fucking up those meetings?”
“I am not going to fuck anything up. I have everything under control. And yes, I have to do this. You know damn straight if it were you or Aaron, I would do the same thing, no questions asked.” Nick took a breath. He knew Shawn was right. He would do the same for him or Aaron. “Okay, fine. If you need anything, call me.”
“Thanks, I appreciate that. If I need anything, I will call.” As soon as he hung up, Aaron called, making him go through the same conversation again. After the calls and packing, he sat there, trying to figure out where to start. Running his fingers through his hair, he mused, She's been missing since at least last night and I'm starting to worry. Fuck, what should I do? Should I contact her friends? Wait to see if she turns up? Go back to her house to see if there are clues as to where she's gone? He shook his head. Fuck! I don't know what to do… After contemplating for a while, Shawn grabbed his bag and car keys, deciding he would start at her house and go from there. Once he got there, he checked her bedroom again, looking in her clo
set to try and figure out if she had packed. Seeing her clothes still hanging there, he began to worry a little more. Next, he looked around to see if she had left any notes, anything to give him a clue as to what was going on. Having no luck, he sighed. Turning in a slow circle, he muttered, “Skylar, where the hell are you? What the everloving fuck is going on?” Realizing he had no clue where to even start looking, he decided to head home. Maybe an idea would come to him during the night.
Chapter Three
Skylar had no idea where she was…and really didn't care. All she knew was this was going to be a new beginning for her. Seeing as Shawn was the only one who knew what happened, she figured she had a few days before the phone calls started. She knew that was all the time she needed to get her head out of her ass. She parked in front of a quaint B&B named Good for You, grabbed her bag, which contained all new purchases, and went in.
“Hi there, doll. How may I help you?” a man with silver hair, a kind face, and the bluest eyes Skylar had ever seen asked.
“I would like a room,” Skylar muttered. He cocked his head. “Oh, doll, what has you down? You are too pretty to be so sad. How long do you need the room?”
“Not sure yet. Let's start with three days. If I need more, will it be a problem?” she hesitantly asked, pulling cash out of her wallet.
