Four Shades of Recovery: Boxed Set

by J. S. Luxor

  However, the voice draws nearer. He’s not giving up easily. This man seriously wants to contact Megan and he’s making his way toward us. Once we exit the place, Megan picks up the pace we’re moving at but the voice follows us.

  He’s running after us now. I put my arm around her shoulder to protect her. She’s uninterested in any contact. There’s no point in running away though. I’m growing irritated at his pursuit. Can’t he see that we want to be left alone? Finally, it’s getting absurd. We turn and face the voice.

  Megan groans when she sees who it is. “Hi, Jacob,” she finally greets him in a neutral manner.

  I’m immediately suspicious of the man. He’s about her age, fit and dark. He’s beaming and garrulous.

  “Megan, I’m shocked to see you in Portland. It’s been what…two months? What’re you doing here?” He ignores me and focuses all of his energy on Megan. I feel invisible.

  “Jacob, this is Matt,” she introduces us hesitantly. We both nod in a cursory fashion at the other.

  “What are you doing here, Jacob?” She avoids answering his questions but redirects their conversation in a detached way.

  “I’m here on business, Megan,” he blurts out. Jacob seems more than familiar.

  He’s a clue to her recent past. Though I desperately want him out of the way, my instincts and curiosity tell me to give him some time.

  “Really? How long are you going to be in town?” She begins and tries to be friendly at last.

  Megan’s attempting to divert Jacob’s questions with her own. She doesn’t want to give anything away. At least, not while I’m here.

  “Unfortunately, my business here ends tomorrow afternoon. We should get together for lunch before I leave, though,” he’s still incredibly friendly and not easily dissuaded. Finally, Jacob realizes that she doesn’t want to include me in their conversation.

  “I see that you’re busy here. Why don’t you give me your new phone number?”

  “Yeah, we’re just heading out, Jacob. I’ll call you,” Megan says casually while shaking his hand.

  He’s seems surprised at her obvious restraint and lack of enthusiasm. I’m boiling with jealousy. It’s obvious that she knows his phone number. He returns to the restaurant looking somewhat confused and defeated.

  We turn away and continue our trip to my car. “Do you want to tell me what the hell that was all about?” I’m nearly shouting in her ear. I continue to wrap her in my arms. She’s mine and I want her.

  “He’s someone I knew in Miami; a mutual friend of someone and myself, as I’m sure you can figure out.” Her responses are clipped and brief. She’s hiding something big. My sexual ardor begins to fade as I consider the possibilities.

  “A mutual friend of whom?” I probe as she begins to squirm. There’s something dangerous here that she intends to keep from me, at least for the time being.

  “Someone that I used to work with in Florida,” she offers but doesn’t elaborate.

  “You had a job? What did you do?” I’m now in my inquisition mode and we’ve reached my car. We get in and I start the drive to my condo.

  “Do you really want to hear the story now? I thought we were going to put the past off for a bit. You said the blog satisfied some of your curiosity.”

  “Well, now that Jacob showed up, I can’t help resist knowing,” I argue and see that I’m holding my breath.

  “My story’s a lot to cope with in a very short time frame, Matt.” She’s fearful about my reaction to what occurred in Miami. I should let it rest for now but I won’t. I know Dr. Stone would make similar arguments to what Megan’s suggesting, at this point.

  “I’m not sure I want to hear it, Megan. Since Jacob seems more than familiar with you, though, I can’t let it go.” My anxiety level soars as I speak. Could her adventures in Miami be any worse than what happened during her solo travels in Europe? I reason. After all, she was living with her mother.

  Megan breathes out slowly before she starts her story. “Abby helped me find a job as a real estate agent. She’d been selling units in a new high-end condo development. We teamed up and sold quite a few apartments to up and coming professionals.” Megan’s rather proud of their success I notice.

  “Well, that’s great, Megan. It explains the designer clothes and flashy heels,” I observe. At least she worked with her mother and not Jacob.

  “Yeah, that’s all part of the package. I leased a BMW and drove clients to the development. The units practically sold themselves because of their location near the ocean and they were sleek, as well as new. They had stainless appliances, high counter tops, pendant lighting, views, underground parking and 1500 square feet of living space.”

  “They sound high end and great,” I tell her. I’m proud of what my girl did after she came back to the states. I just hope she wasn’t dating Jacob or one of his friends.

  “Of course, the condos could never compete with your place,” Megan admits. She looks into the distance as the memories return.

  I sigh with relief that she’s so fond on my pad. “Will you tell me about Jacob and your mutual friend?”

  “Jacob’s a real estate associate. He sold condos in another development on the other side of town.”

  “So you knew Jacob from work?”

  “Yeah, we referred clients to one another. He’s actually a lot of fun. I wonder what sort of business brings him to Portland.” Megan muses and appears distracted as she considers the idea.

  “You haven’t mentioned the mutual friend, Megan. Who was that?” I see that she’s avoided the topic but I’m not letting her off the hook so easily.

  “The mutual friend happens to be a real estate mogul from Atlanta. His name is Michael Kingsfield.”

  “I think I’ve heard of Michael Kingsfield,” I reflect, “he’s quite powerful in the southeast. Did you know him well?” My guard comes up as I brace for the worst.

  “I did get well acquainted with Michael. He’s a major real estate developer.” Megan pets my leg as we drive. I relax at the contact between us. She returned to me I keep chanting to myself.

  “Tell me about Michael,” I command. “Did you work with him on some deals?” My radar signals that Mr. Kingsfield played an important part in Megan’s past.

  “My mother worked with him off and on over the years,” Megan explains, “and she introduced us when we passed the one million dollar sales mark. It’s really no big deal, that is, passing the million dollar marker.”

  She’s stalling but I’m not going to give up on my mission to know more about Mr. Mogul. “So, Michael Kingsfield happens to be middle aged? Has he been active for some time in the field?”

  “Yeah, he’s about Abby’s age. In fact, they dated once upon a time,” Megan says while squirming. She admits that much but then continues, “he’s been funding developments in Georgia and Florida for nearly twenty-five years.”

  “That’s good. Was he funding your condo project in Miami?” I’m sensing something more to the story since Megan doesn’t want to expand on it.

  “He played a role in the funding of our project but it was indirect. Mostly, Michael acted as a consultant.”

  I hear that she’s referred to Mr. Kingsfield by his first name. That’s not good as far as I’m concerned. I finally put two and two together and it equals rage.

  “Megan, did you date Kingsfield while you worked in Miami?”

  The blood coursing through my veins has become the temperature of ice. My breathing shallows as I pull into the garage at my condo complex.

  “Yes, Matt, I dated Michael for a while,” she agrees while looking down at her hands.

  “Can I ask how long you dated Michael?”

  The words leave my mouth with difficulty. I’m having trouble controlling my jealousy. We leave my car and head toward the elevator.

  She pauses. “Long enough to know that I wanted to be with you, Matt.” She looks directly into my eyes. Hers are filled with fear. She reaches for my hand.

&n
bsp; “Did you sleep with Michael Kingsfield?” I grab her hand and pull her into the elevator as I ask the million-dollar question.

  “Matt, stop it. You’re torturing yourself and I’m not going to answer your question until you can calm down!”

  “You’ll answer the question now,” I command as we reach my place.

  After we leave the elevator, Jared my security guard, greets us with a nod. Megan strides into the apartment and sits on the couch. I follow on her heels. She’s not leaving here until I get a confession from her.

  FOUR SHADES OF RECOVERY

  Healing Heartbreak Series – Book 2

  by J.S. Luxor

  Copyright © 2013 J.S. Luxor

  All rights reserved.

  Luxor Press. Kindle Edition.

  Legal Notices: This eBook is offered for your personal use. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. No portion of these materials may be reproduced in any manner without the expressed written consent of the author.

  Cover Design by M.S. Luxor.

  Cover photo: Copyright © fotolia.com

  Except for the original material written by the author, all songs, song titles and lyrics contained in this book are the property of the respective songwriters and copyright holders.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Chapter One – Dating Dilemma

  Chapter Two – Encounters

  Chapter Three – Stalker

  Chapter Four – Escape

  Chapter Five – Michael

  Chapter Six – Accidents

  Chapter Seven – Manipulations

  Chapter One – Dating Dilemma

  MEGAN’S POV

  I look at the handsome face of Matt Frazier before I begin my story. He’s going to need a lot of reassurance this evening. I know that his defenses are up and he won’t handle some of what I’m about to share with him very well. I wish I could touch him right now but he won’t react well to any contact, I’m sure. He needs his space.

  However, I also realize that he needs to know my story before another force of nature invades our life. The window of time that I’ve been given for telling Matt about Michael has been narrowed significantly. In particular, the clock began ticking as soon as I spoke with Jacob earlier this evening. The news of where I live now will travel fast.

  I smile with as much confidence as I can muster and begin my story. “Matt, I’m going to tell you about Michael Kingsfield on the condition that you put the thing in context. Remember, I returned to you and my life in Portland.”

  “So, you’re telling me that there was competition for your affection. That it came down to a choice between Michael Kingsfield and myself?”

  I blow out a long breath. “As I said earlier, Michael dated Abby at one time. It never worked out since the feeling wasn’t there between them. The firm that Abby and I worked for threw us a celebration party when we passed the million dollar sales mark. Agents and other real estate professionals attended the shindig from all around the southeast. The party for us turned out to be quite the big event. They awarded us each with a gold key and the champagne flowed.”

  Matt’s wistful expression speaks volumes, but I continue with my confession. “Michael Kingsfield attended the event to support our success. Abby introduced us. I felt excited to meet someone that important in the real estate field. There were no sparks on my part, Matt. Trust me,” I pat Matt’s leg as he fumes silently beside me.

  “What about on his end, Megan?” he asks and quickly anticipates where the story’s going.

  “Apparently, Michael thought I looked quite a lot like his deceased wife. She died suddenly in a car accident about five years ago. He grieved deeply over her. They were a couple who truly loved one another.”

  “I think I have an understanding of what the sudden loss of a love entails,” Matt sighs. “Then, he thought you could bring her back? Keep the magic spark going?” he looks threatened as he connects the dots.

  “I’m not sure exactly what Kingsfield intended. The bottom line was that he began to pursue me. And, I might as well admit this, relentlessly.”

  Matt appears to be crestfallen by my story. “Once he saw you, he had to have you as his wife?”

  “Well, I’m not sure about that since we never talked marriage. In any case, my reaction wasn’t encouraging. He’s more than twice my age and I still felt strongly about you. Let me assure you, I still feel it for you, Matt.”

  He stares at me impassively and pouts. I know how much restraint he’s using right now and I’m impressed with Matt’s control.

  “At first, Michael invited Abby and me to Atlanta for talks of a merger between our company and his. Then, he started sending me flowers, gifts. He called constantly.” Matt swallows and looks as though he’s about to implode.

  “How did Abby react to all of his attention towards you?”

  “Strangely. At first, she seemed surprised and a bit put off. However, within a week or so, she encouraged me to explore a relationship with Michael Kingsfield. He was needy, wealthy, powerful and kind. Maybe she hoped it would help our careers.”

  Matt stomps his foot and begins pacing as my story unfolds. He’s growing more restless with each revelation. “Fuck! Your own mother thought you’d be better off with Mr. Mogul than me? I’ll have to thank Abby profusely, if I ever see her again!” Matt’s livid at this point.

  I decide to continue with my story nonetheless. The clock ticks after all. “Abby was fond of the idea that both our futures would benefit. Everyone we knew in Miami seemed to encourage our relationship. They mentioned how much Michael suffered when his wife died. They urged me to give him a chance to work through his misery.”

  “The poor middle aged fellow. What about my suffering and pain? Did anyone think of that?” Poor Matt’s spitting mad now. I don’t blame him but he needs to know the truth. If we can’t deal with it then we need to break off our relationship now.

  “I thought of that Matt. I’m sorry for how much I’ve made you suffer. And, I guess I’m still making you suffer. Please forgive me, baby.” I hold my hands up in supplication.

  He’s having none of my humility, as I suspected. Matt continues to pace and now runs both hands through his lovely head of hair. “Did you cave in, Megan?”

  “In the end, however, I knew that I could never truly let you go until I gave someone like Michael a chance to get to know me. Yes, Matt, I began to date Michael and he pulled out all the stops.”

  “Hopefully, not in the biblical sense,” Matt intones with a threatening tone to his voice.

  I snort. “It always comes down to sex, for you. Doesn’t an emotional connection threaten you?”

  Matt grows even more agitated but speaks his mind. “In my view, the sexual chemistry becomes the precursor to any emotional bond.”

  “How well I know that!” I exclaim and give him a reassuring smile.

  “What happened next? You started screwing him, I guess?” he asks with a dejected look on his face.

  “He flew our group to a real estate conference on Maui for a long weekend. He tempted me with a helicopter flight over the black sand beaches of Hana.”

  “I can bet that he doesn’t fly his own plane.” Matt’s already begun the pissing contest. Matt’s terribly proud of the fact that he owns and flies his own Cessna.

  I laugh a bit and then reassure him, “No, Michael doesn’t know the first thing about flying planes. He can’t compete with you, Matt.”

  “You’ve got that right, Megan,” he huffs and crosses his arms. “What else happened on Maui?”

  “He took me on long hikes to Haleakula, the dormant volcano. We took zip line rides over mile deep ravines. He hired a private boat for whale watching and we snorkeled with giant tortoises. I love Maui.”

  “But, apparently, not him. I’m so pleased to know about your adventures in nature with Mr. Mogul. Did he try to make a move on you?” Matt can hardly contain his jealous rage. What keeps Matt in check is the primal recognition that
I did not return Michael’s affections.

  “He wined and dined me…told me that I was a dead ringer for his deceased wife. I did kiss him quite a few times. I wanted to soothe him but, truthfully, the chemistry wasn’t there. I just couldn’t sleep with him. The thought was nauseating,” I admit. Matt looks both envious and more than relieved about my story.

  However, Matt just won’t let it go. “What kind of kissing did you do with this middle aged widower?”

  I sigh with frustration. “I needed to know about any sexual spark or tension that might grow between us. I also thought that perhaps it’d help me work through my feelings for you. We French kissed. He groped me. It felt like kissing my brother, though.” I admit and look with desire at the only man who lights my fire. My gorgeous Matt.