Just...Breathe: The Love They Had Always Wanted, and Now Try to Fight... (The Broken Series #1)

by Angela Fattig

  ‘Easy for him to say,’ I thought as I saw movement by the door and looked up. The woman, with Lori, was staring a hole right through me. “Jaden,” I whispered. John didn’t hear me as he is too busy greeting Lori.

  Chapter Five

  Lori

  I was relaxing on the couch reading, listening to my mix of 70’s and 80’ soft rock music, and trying to forget the prick I had met today.

  Chase Daniels was an arrogant prick, but I really needed a job. Besides, the pay was crazy. I never did mention that airplanes were out of the question. After my father… it just was not going to happen.

  The heat between us was like nothing I had ever experienced before. I groaned and tossed the book on the couch next to me. “What in the hell are you doing Jaden?” I questioned aloud. “You know it was all you. Why in the hell would someone like Chase Daniels want you? Even Steven didn’t want you.” I shook my head.

  The paperwork was standard. Then there was the photo for my passport. I hated having my picture taken. It just reminded me of how ugly I am. The shopping and lunch had me on pins and needles. Sandy was great. She had taken me to all the upscale shops in LA. It was what she had said about Chase Daniels that has me reeling.

  “Jaden, you have to understand that Chase has had some heartbreak in his life. He doesn’t trust too many people, especially women,” she had said.

  “What do you mean?” I had asked.

  She shook her head. “I’m sorry dear. It is not my story to tell,” she explained. “Just give him time and he will come around.”

  Give him time, time for what? I just do not know. Was Sandy trying to play matchmaker? I hated it when someone tried to set me up. Can’t they see that it is not going to happen for me?

  I was lost on that thought when there was a knock at the door. I groaned and went to answer it. Looking through the peephole, I saw that it was Lori. ‘Damn, the blind date,’ I thought.

  Smiling I opened the door. “Hey…” the greeting I went to offer died on my lips as Lori gave me a disapproving look. “What?” I asked.

  “Why aren’t you ready?” she asked.

  “Damn, I forgot the blind date,” I whined. “Do I really have to go?” Lori pushes her way past me and on into my bedroom heading straight for the closet. I closed the door and followed wondering what Lori will think of all the new clothes.

  “Yes, you have to go,” Lori said. “Now, let’s get you dressed or we’ll be late. Where in the hell did you get all these clothes?”

  I ignored her question. “Haven’t you figured out yet, that I have bad luck with men?” I said. “Just today I met the most conceited and arrogant man alive. I lost one of my jobs and went to see him about an opening. Just let me die in peace.” I threw myself back on the bed.

  Lori chuckled. “No, I will not let you die,” she said. “You promised, Jaden. You cannot back out now. He and John are at the restaurant waiting. Put this on, now.”

  “Fine, if I have too,” I pouted. “But you could at least tell me what his name is.”

  “All in due time,” Lori said. I really hate it when she does that. I looked down at the outfit Lori had handed me. I wanted to scream. It is the red silk sexy number that shows too much leg and cleavage. ‘I can’t wear this. I won’t.’ I stomped my foot in my mind.

  “You will wear it and love it,” she said, from the bathroom, as if she could read my mind. Can this day get any worse? “Hurry up, Jaden. We still have to do your makeup.”

  Yep, this day just keeps getting better and better. I quickly undressed and pulled the dress on. It really did feel good against my skin and in a small way, I felt sexy. I may feel it, but I have no idea how to be sexy. Hell I can’t even flirt. Plain and clumsy, that was me. “Which shoes?” I called to Lori.

  “The black, two inch ones should do.” She replied. I always relied on Lori for fashion. I definitely did not know the first thing about clothes. I rummaged through my closet, found them, and put them on. Then I headed into the bathroom so Lori could do my makeup. “Now, tell me about this arrogant man.”

  Once I had replayed the day’s events Lori was finished with my makeup. “He does sound like a prick,” Lori said.

  I let a breath out. “Where are we eating?”

  “That little place on South Grand Ave.,” Lori answered. “Do you know it?” I nodded. Yea, I had heard of it, but it is too pricy for my pockets, at least used to be.

  “That place is expensive,” I said. “Are you sure about this?”

  Lori put her hands on her hips and gave me that look that said, ‘Don’t argue with me’, so I didn’t.

  “Jaden, I love you like a real sister.” Lori said. “John and I have this. Besides, your birthday is next week and…”

  Oh God, no! “Lori, what have you done?” I asked. Lori gave me a worried look.

  “I called the book store and got you a week off starting this weekend.” She answered. “I’m taking you to the island for your birthday. Hate me?” I allowed my shoulders to sag and shook my head. Lori was always doing nice things for me.

  “Thank you,” I said in a quiet voice. Lori smiled and hugged me. “You always know how to make me feel better. But I won’t be a third wheel?” Lori stepped back and shook her head.

  “No, John and I want you there,” she said. “We will have a quiet birthday dinner with gifts.” I rolled my eyes.

  “You don’t have to buy me anything,” I said. “Just giving me this vacation is enough.” Lori laughed. I knew it is a losing battle, so I just went with it.

  “Ready?” she asked. I took one last look in the mirror. I was as ready as I will ever be and nodded. “Ok, let’s get out of here.” I nodded again. I followed Lori out of the apartment, into her car, and we were off.

  I sat in silence thinking about this mystery date. Wondering what he will be like. “He’s not a prick, is he?” I asked. Lori let out a full body laugh.

  “No, Jaden, he’s not a prick,” she answered. “We’re here, ready?” I didn’t even notice that the time had flown by.

  “What if I’m clumsy?” I asked as we stepped out of the car heading towards the restaurant.

  “Keep your head up and make it look like you had meant to do it,” she answered as we step through the door. I tripped stepping through the door, bad sign. Lori chuckled.

  The lighting was dim, but romantic. The world passed by because I didn’t see it. The man, sitting with John, was staring a hole through me. “Chase,” I whispered. Lori did not hear me as she was too busy greeting John.

  Chapter Six

  The Slap Heard Around the World

  I stood, as it was the courteous thing to do. “Mr. Daniels,” Jaden said, not looking me in the eyes.

  “Ms. Smith,” I spat out as well as not looking her in the eyes. Both John and Lori gasp.

  “You two know each other?” John asked in surprise.

  “Mr. Daniels is the man I told you about, Lori,” Jaden answered. Then it struck both John and Lori and they start laughing.

  “You mean this is the prick?” Lori asked.

  “And this is the bitch?” John asked.

  Both Jaden and I looked at each other then, anger evident on our faces and not answering our friends.

  Once John had himself back under control he said, “Sit, both of you. Let’s just try to get through this dinner in one piece.” Both Jaden and I sat down.

  The waiter came over, took our drink orders, and left us with menus. I should have been focusing on the words. Instead, I was thinking how wrong I had been about Jaden. She was no longer plain looking, but beautiful! She was a gold digger. I shook my head and focused on the menu.

  When the waiter returned he asked Lori want she wanted. “I’ll have the Salmon,” the waiter then looked at Jaden.

  “I think I will have the Duck Confit,” she replied.

  Looking to me, I replied, “I’ll have the Lamb.” The waiter nodded and turned to John.

  “I’ll have what Lori is having,” he
said pointing to the beautiful woman next to him. The waiter nodded and left.

  ‘Leave it to the gold digger to order one of the most expensive items on the list.’ I thought, ‘When someone else is paying.’ I turned away from her, engaging John in conversation while Lori and Jaden talked.

  Dinner went smoothly with light conversation, mainly between Lori and Jaden and then John and I.

  Lori and Jaden argued about Lori spending money on her. I was happy when the check finally arrived. However, that happiness was short lived when Jaden and Lori argued again.

  “Lori, I would feel better if you would let me pay for at least my portion.” Lori shook her head.

  “No, this is our treat,” she argued, smiling. “Consider it an early birthday gift, one of many.”

  I was tired of listening to the bickering and just wanted the night over. “Who would have thought a gold digger like you would actually offer to pay,” I heard myself say, shaking my head. “Admit it Jaden. Stop trying to pull the wool over your friend’s eyes and admit what you are.” Jaden’s head snapped around to look at me.

  “Uh, Oh,” Lori whispered and looked at John. However, they know that it was too late to stop what was about to happen.

  Jaden stood. I stood, now standing face to face. “I have had my fill of you accusing me of something that is not true,” Jaden hissed. I stepped closer and bent down, almost nose to nose.

  “I have had my fill of all your lies,” I snapped. “You may have them and Sandy fooled, but not me,” I hissed. Jaden stepped closer, if that were even possible.

  “You’re an arrogant, assuming bastard!” she spat out.

  “You’re a money grubbing bitch!” I accused. Jaden’s mouth dropped open as tears appeared in her eyes.

  No one saw it coming, least of all me. She reared her arm back as far as it would go and brought it around, landing it across my face. It was all in slow motion as everyone watched my face wrinkle up in pain and she rushed out.

  “The slap heard around the world,” John murmured.

  I dropped back down in to my chair with a blank look on my face. I felt my cheek start to burn and swell.

  I sat in stunned silence for quite a while. "Chase, Jaden isn't like that," Lori said.

  I turned and looked at Lori as if I had never seen her before.

  “It’s true, man." John agreed. "Jaden has had a very hard life. She is not a gold digger. Do you really think we would set you up with someone like that?"

  “Besides, that’s her mom and sisters department,” Lori snorted. “Not Jaden.”

  I looked between John and Lori running my hand through my hair. “Have I really made a mistake?” I asked. They slowly nodded. “My God, I am a prick.” I stood and rushed out after her.

  Chapter Seven

  John and Lori

  John and Lori sat in stunned silence as they watched Chase rush out. “John, I think we made a mistake,” Lori said nervously. John shook his head and took her hands in his.

  “No, sweetheart,” he disagreed. “Give them time. Both of them have had a bad hand dealt to them. They have been deceived by so many of the opposite sex they just don’t know what to believe anymore.” Lori nodded.

  “Do you think this weekend is still a good idea?” she questioned.

  “Yes, I believe it will be just the thing they need,” he answered. “We may have to alter the plan a bit, but it will work. Jaden has agreed to come?” Lori nodded.

  “What about Chase?” she inquired. John laughed.

  “Of course,” he confirmed. “You know how much he loves the island. We just have to make sure that once they are there, they can’t leave.”

  “What’s the new plan?” she asked.

  “We have a few days,” he said. “I will have it figured out before then.” Lori giggled.

  “We are so evil,” she said as she glanced at the door. “Oh, no, it’s Steven and he doesn’t look happy.”

  “It also looks like he is headed right for us,” John added. “Steven, is there something we can do for you?”

  “Yea, you can start by telling me when Jaden got herself a new boyfriend,” he demanded.

  John smiled. “Is that what she told you?” John asked with a smile.

  “No, the guy she’s with told me,” he answered.

  John’s brows rose. “He told you he was Jaden’s boyfriend?” John asked and Steven nodded. “Well, if he said so, then it must be true. Chase never lies.”

  “Seeing as she has become such a catch, I may have to give her a call,” he said with a devilish smile.

  “Leave Jaden alone,” Lori commanded. “Now, if you don’t mind we would like to finish our date.” At the mention of date, he looked over to where the blonde busty woman waited for him. He turned back, giving them a nod and walked away.

  “Now it looks like we have bigger problems,” John admitted. Then an idea came to him.

  “I know that look, John,” Lori said. “You’re going to use him to make Chase jealous, aren’t you?” she chuckled.

  “Yes, I believe I will,” he answered, laughing himself. “We’ll give them a few more minutes before we take our leave.” Lori nodded and picked up her glass for a drink.

  “I will take Jaden out for lunch tomorrow,” she said. “You take Chase. We need to find out what happened between them and Steven if we are going to add him into the plan.” John nodded and placed his lips to Lori’s hand for a kiss.

  “Agreed,” he said. “Shall we go?”

  “Yes, please,” Lori said as they stood and left the restaurant.

  Chapter Eight

  Chase Tries to Apologize

  I was standing outside the restaurant with tears filling my eyes and my hand was throbbing. I have never hit a man so hard but he had touched a nerve. I am not a gold digger. That was my mom and sister, not me.

  ‘I have got to get out of here, but how?’ I wondered. I arrived with Lori and I cannot walk home dressed like this, I will surly get raped. Yet, I do not have the money for a cab. Maybe Lori will come out and give me a ride home, seeing as I was not going to go back in there and face that, that man! ‘Such a terrible ending to an already fucked up day,’ I thought once more. How wrong I was as it was not over yet.

  “Jaden?” My body stiffened. I knew that voice. It was Steven, my ex-boyfriend.

  “Steven, just leave me alone,” I demanded. Steven reached out and placed his hand on my shoulder and I shook him off.

  “Come on babe,” he said. “You can’t still be pissed at me.” Steven took a step towards me.

  “I believe the lady asked you to leave,” Chase said as he approached them, and then he turned to me. “I’m sorry I kept you waiting sweetheart.” I looked up stunned at him and saw the evidence of my anger on his left cheek.

  Steven looked at him in disgust. "Who the hell are you?" he demanded to know. "Lord knows Jaden could never snag anyone like you."

  I saw an idea form in Chase's eyes and he put his arm around me. I stiffened. "As a matter of fact, she has," Chase admitted with a sly smile. Steven’s eyes grew wide.

  He smiled. "Well good luck buddy,” he chuckled. "You obviously haven’t had her between the sheets yet or you wouldn't be standing here. She's clumsy and a cold fish." Chase's eyes flashed red.

  "Although our sex life is none of your business," Chase growled, "Perhaps all she needed was a real man as a partner." I chuckled then as anger flashed across Steven’s face, Chase squeezed my shoulder as he looked down at me. "Are you ready to leave sweetheart?" I nodded, as I was lost for words.

  "Well, whatever man," Steven said. "I have a rich babe waiting for me." Then he walked away.

  I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “He’s gone,” I whispered. “You can stop pretending and let me go.”

  Chase dropped his arm to his side. “I was only trying to help,” he said. “I’m sorry about before.”

  I looked up into his eyes not able to gauge if he was being truthful with me. I could see that his
eye was swelling and there was a nasty bruise forming on his face along with a cut from the ring I wore. My heart skipped a beat.

  “Thank you for helping,” I said. “As for what happened inside, I’ll get back to you on that. Have a seat on the bench. I need to take a look at your face.”

  A confused look appeared on his face, but he did as instructed. Once sitting he asked, “That bad is it?” I studied his eye and cheek without answering.

  Reaching up, I lightly touched his skin, Chase closed his eyes, flinching and I jumped. “I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.” His eyes opened and something flashes in them, but I quickly looked away as I rummaged for the wipes and bandage I kept in my purse.

  I saw him eyeing my right hand as it had also started to swell. I pulled out a towelett packet and a small bottle of ointment. I proceeded to wipe his cheek and he closed his eyes again. I could see by his face that it hurt like hell to be touched, but he did not stop me.

  I searched his face as I wiped it clean and a burning fire started deep in my bones. I have never had this kind of reaction to a guy and it scared me.

  He opened his eyes and I saw they reflected what I was feeling. ‘This is crazy,’ I thought as I placed that ointment over the cut my ring had made. He watched as I put the items away and placed a bandage on the cut.

  He reached for my hand. “You’re hurt too,” he said with a husky tone and turned my hand to inspect it.

  “It’s, it’s nothing,” I stammered. “I’ll be fine.” I tried to pull my hand away but he was too strong.

  Chase looked into my eyes. “Don’t be silly,” he whispered. “It’s my turn to take care of you.” My eyes grew wide as he brought my hand to his lips and he kissed across my knuckles around to my palm, as his eyes never left mine.

  I gasped for air. ‘I should stop this,’ I thought. ‘I should stop this now.’ But it felt so good and it had been so long since a man had shown me any real attention. He continued to kiss along my palm and placed one last kiss on the inside of my wrist. ‘This stuff doesn’t just happen. True love, affection, and romance were just a fairy tale.’ The thought brought me back to my senses and when I pulled my hand, he let me go.