The Obsidian Collection

by Rebel Adams

  Tyler

  The last three weeks have turned my life completely upside down. The papers have been signed and the ink is now dry, I’m officially a divorced man. My heart has been torn to shreds and I’m just now beginning to realize what has come of my life. Or rather, the dreaded pain of existence that I now refer to as my so-called life.

  My marriage was a joke, a play in which I was the leading male role, utterly clueless as to the premise and plot. Tessa, my now ex-wife, and I were together for what seemed like forever.

  I never saw it coming.

  It was as if I was stuck in a tragic train wreck and everything was happening in slow motion right here in front of me.

  The days leading up to her leaving, I didn’t think for a second that something was wrong in our marriage.

  We were constantly together. From the time we woke up, we did everything as one, including driving to and from work. She was my world, the one person I could count on to always be there.

  Then… I woke up and she was gone. I’ll never know what happened to make our marriage fall apart because she left and never looked back.

  It’s been three weeks since I signed the divorce papers and months since her parents came to move her things out of our house. The home that we saved years to buy; it was the one place I found peace and now it’s just a building with walls and windows.

  I couldn’t bear to watch as everything that was once ours was being taken away from me. I gave her father my permission to take whatever they wanted and to lock up the house before they left. He seemed to be just as confused by all of this as I was, but it wasn’t the time to sit down for a heart to heart.

  The divorce was short, miserable and simple. Once the papers came, all I had to do was agree to sign them. There was nothing to fight over, our marriage was over and everything we had was now a distant yet painful memory.

  Feeling lost was an understatement. She left me no letter, no way to contact her and no means for me to know if I’d ever see her again. The pain she left me with drained my soul and turned me into a person that I never thought I’d become.

  I’m half the man I used to be. I’m miserable and fought the comfort and support of my own family.

  My cruel intentions are in no way the person I was before she left. It didn’t take me long to realize I was becoming an asshole.

  No longer was I the outgoing guy who was once the life of the party. Instead, I was a miserable son-of-a-bitch who no one wanted to be around.

  Taking some time off work, it took just a few days to realize I needed to get back to my life and move on from my past. I needed something to pull my head out of my ass and concentrate on something more substantial.

  The few friends, who actually stuck around to be by my side, encouraged me to start fresh. I didn’t know what they meant at the time, but now looking back, I don’t want to even think about her.

  I can’t pretend and act like it doesn’t hurt; the ache is still there. I just know now how to push it away when it shows its ugly mug.

  Focusing back on the road, I regain my senses and look forward to a new me.

  The crew from the Sherriff’s Department said they were going to a local bar tonight and I think that for once, I’m actually going to tag along.

  Hell, what can it hurt? Things honestly can’t get any worse than they already are, right?

  Maybe a few beers and some random conversation will help ease my mind and put me into a new train of thought.

  Finishing up the last run for the day, I head back to the station to wrap up some paperwork. As I pull into the Sherriff’s Department, I can see that the lot is full; everyone is still here. It’s a Friday afternoon and I can only imagine that everyone is willing the day away so that they can begin their weekends.

  As usual, I pass straight through the hallways into my office. Without creating small talk with anyone, I finish up my work in record time. I shoot a text to Michael, my deputy sheriff, letting him know that they can meet me at my place before heading out for the night.

  Finishing up some last minute tasks, I turn off the lights to the office and head back out the same way I came in—without making eye contact with anyone.

  Once I get home, I quickly jump into the shower and get myself ready before all the guys show up. I pull on a pair of faded jeans and a t-shirt before sliding on my boots. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I want to see a different man: one that’s been changed by his past and ready to move on with his life.

  Disappointed, I let out a heavy sigh, run my fingers through my short blond hair and reach for the bottle of gel on the counter. Rubbing the product into my hair, I check the mirror one last time before flipping the light switch and heading out to the kitchen.

  Just as I pop off the top from a bottle of beer, the doorbell rings.

  Great timing, douche bags.

  Opening the door, I see Michael, Ted and Shelton standing on the porch. I’ve know these guys for years. We’ve worked together at the department and have always had one another’s backs. To be honest, they’re three of the few who stuck with me through my divorce. I raise my beer and invite them to come in for a quick one before we head out for the night. The conversation in my living room is disturbing, annoying and nothing that I honestly need to pay any attention to right now.

  As I peel the label from my beer, I realize that this is the life that I now will be living. Alone and feeling the pain I never thought would happen to me.

  The guys finish up their beers and we head out for a night on the town. It’s been too long since I took advantage of my single life and I feel like now is as good a time as any to let go.

  Even though I may still be dwelling on the fact that Tessa left, I’ve also begun to understand that things happen for a reason. I’m on my own now and I’ll never let another woman hurt me the way that Tessa did. I’ve put up a wall and it’s indestructible. I won’t let them in and refuse to show any signs of affection.

  This is how it is now. I’m okay knowing that I’m a bastard, a cold hearted shell of a man that is fine being alone… forever.

  Saige

  Today has been a day that I’d rather move past and never look back on. I’ve just lost one of my biggest sales, and all I really want and need is a cold beer to wash away the day. I’ve been working with my team on this project for months. All of the blood, sweat and tears were well worth it, but now it’s done, and I need a night to unwind.

  I’ve called the girls, but everyone seems to already have plans for the night. Looks like I’ll be heading to The Tavern solo again tonight.

  Living the single life isn’t something I typically mind, but sometimes, I just wish I had someone to go home to and relax with.

  I really hate going out alone; thank God, I know the bartender working tonight. Otherwise, they’d think I had a drinking problem coming into the bar alone again.

  Walking toward my car, a ‘72 Chevy Malibu, I hop inside and start up the engine. I steer my baby onto the highway and head into the city. It’s not a long drive and I can already taste the bitter sweetness of a cold Miller Lite as it drenches my taste buds.

  Once I reach The Tavern, I step inside the bar. The smell of stale beer and fried food hits my senses and my mouth begins to water. I gaze around the room to see the bar is virtually empty, excluding a few regular patrons sitting at the bar. No one seems to have occupied the booths along the far wall. Looks like I got here before the rush.

  I grab a stool at the end of the long, stained bar and set my purse down next to me. Joey, the bartender, walks my way and leans into me with his elbows placed firmly on the bar.

  “Hey, Saige, what’s your poison tonight?” he asks, giving me a wink.

  “Hi, Joey, I’ll just have a Miller Lite and a shot of whatever you want to give me,” I reply with a coy smirk. I can’t help but admire him as he walks away. My eyes follow his every move. Reaching into the cooler, his back muscles tense under his tightly fitted t-shirt. My lady bits start to clenc
h as I bite down onto my lower lip.

  Joey and I have had the occasional hook up in the past, but nothing more than that. We both were looking for a good time, and who was I to refuse that fine specimen of a man.

  He turns to face me as he walks in my direction and catches me staring. A smile spreads across his lips and I can feel my face begin to flush. Standing in front of me, he sets down the bottle of beer and reaches for the shot glass. His eyes never leave mine while a tingling sensation starts to take over my body.

  “Like what you see, Saige?” he asks with a subtle laugh.

  Damn it to hell!

  Feeling a bit embarrassed, I take my eyes away from his. I reposition myself on the stool and reach for the bottle of beer.

  I turn toward the door to see a group of guys walk through, rambling about eating anything but fish for the night.

  My eyes roll at their stupidity while I rotate back to face the bar. I look down to find Joey leaning into another girl while she giggles and tosses her hair behind her shoulder.

  Well, there goes my idea of a good time tonight.

  I grab for the shot glass and down the clear liquid. Reaching for the long neck of the beer bottle, I chase down the fire in my throat with a swallow of the remaining amber liquor.

  Patiently, I watch the flirtatious banter between Joey and the tramp, while I wait for my next round. I can’t help but hear the crude conversation of the guys now sitting up against the bar. I’ll never understand how some people can talk freely without thinking before the words come out of their mouths. I suppose some people just aren’t built with a filter.

  My eyes find a set of crystal blue irises and I instantly become dumb struck. I’m frozen by his glare and I can’t even seem to swallow the saliva that is now pooling in my mouth. He’s absolutely mouth-watering hot. How did I not see him when he came in with the rest of the clowns?

  I can’t help but rip my gaze from his eyes down to his lips. A smirk pulls from his face and two amazing dimples appear on either side of his face. I continue to look at him as he devours me with his eyes.

  A throat clears and my sights are turned back to the bar. Joey stands in front of me with a scowl on his face.

  What the hell?

  He’s been flirting it up with the bimbo down the bar for the last twenty minutes; there’s no sign on my back that says I’m his. I feel the stranger’s presence behind me before his hand falls to the small of my back.

  “I’ll have whatever she’s having, so make it a double.”

  His hot breath hits the back of my neck and every nerve ending stands at attention. Once again, I’m frozen and my entire body feels numb, except for the heat coming off his hand on my lower back.

  The look on Joey’s face is priceless, and for a moment, it feels pretty damn good to see his jealous side.

  Blue Eyes pulls the stool out beside me and takes a seat. As he removes his hand, the warmth begins to fade. I look toward him and those brilliant blue eyes stare back at me.

  “You don’t mind if I take a seat here, do you?”

  I shake my head, still completely lost on him. Shit, this guy is hot.

  He moves his stool so that he’s even closer to me, our bodies almost touching.

  The next few hours fly by and I find myself deep in conversation with a complete stranger. The banter between us is like nothing I’ve ever experienced. It was as if I was talking to a man I’ve known for years. We were casual, never giving too many details; we never even exchange names or any other personal information. My body feels as though it’s flying up to cloud nine and I want nothing more than for him to come home with me.

  I’m not the type of girl to bring a man home whom I’ve just met, but something seems different about my random stranger. I don’t know yet what to think of all this, but there’s a connection between us that I just can’t deny.

  Tyler

  The last thing I thought would happen tonight is going on right here in front of me. There’s a gorgeous blonde who captivated my interest since the moment I stepped foot into the bar. It was as if her body was a magnet to mine and I had no choice but to make a move.

  I’m a fucking hypocrite. This is the complete opposite of what I’m looking for. But damn, I have nothing to lose, right?

  The conversation with the guys was really starting to get on my nerves. They were so involved in checking out chicks, my presence was of no importance to them. Hell they’d be clueless if I got up and left the bar. Without a second thought, I walked away without a word and approached her. For the past few hours, we’ve talked about every stupid topic imaginable, but still I can’t seem to get enough from her. I told myself countless times that I wouldn’t fall into another snake pit. But for once, just for tonight, I’m willing to let myself take a step off the ledge.

  The bartender has been watching us intently since the moment I ordered another round for the both of us. I’m not sure if there’s something going on between the two of them; hell, I honestly don’t care. Her attention is focused on me, and with the way things have been going, I’m almost positive the two of us could show one another a good time. I’ve been watching the way her mouth moves as she talks. Her tongue as it sweeps across her lower lip just before she tugs on it with her teeth. Every movement she makes has me wanting her more. If she’s willing to accept my company, I’m willing to give her everything she wants.

  Even if it is just for a night.

  I watch as her lips surround the rim of the shot glass and she tips her head back. The skin along her smooth neck slides down as she swallows the bitter liquid.

  I want so badly to touch her, to feel her body pressed against mine. Our bodies are so close that I can smell her sweet vanilla scent and my senses heighten.

  At this point the two of us have consumed enough alcohol to give us both the courage we need to take this night a step further.

  Leaning into her, I whisper into her ear, “Let’s get out of here.”

  She turns her head to face me and smiles. It’s all I need to know that she’s thinking the same thing I am.

  Sliding off the bar stool, I reach my hand out for hers. As soon as our fingertips connect, a surge of electricity hits me and runs up my arm. Rather than pulling back, I entwine our hands and lead us out of the bar.

  As we make our way through the bar, I signal to the guys with a nod that I’m leaving. The look on their faces is priceless. I can only imagine what they’re thinking and the shit I’ll get at work next week.

  She follows closely behind me as we exit the bar.

  Before we make it to my car, her body falls into mine and our lips collide. Her tongue licks along the seam of my lips, and without hesitation, I open up to her. With gentle strokes, she caresses my tongue with her own. She tastes like the liquor of her last shot and I can’t help but pull her in closer to me.

  My arms wrap around her petite waist and I deepen the kiss. Sparks ignite all over my body and the pressure of my dick pressing against the zipper of my jeans becomes uncomfortable. I want to take this a step further, but not here.

  Slowly, I pull away from our embrace and reach down for her hand. She looks up at me with the sexiest smile and I lean down to place my lips back against hers. I don’t know what this woman is doing to me, but hell if I don’t want to strip her right here in the dark parking lot.

  Knowing very well that I’ve had a hell of a lot less than her, I offer to drive to her place. At this point, getting her car tomorrow is the last thing on our minds.

  Turning from her, I move closer to the car and open the door for her to get in. Once she’s placed her feet into the car, I shut the door and walk across the front of my car.

  There’s no doubt in my mind where this night is going. The connection I feel, the way her body feels up against mine, I want this more than I want my next breath. I need this to help me move past the last few weeks. If nothing else, burying myself into her will give me the closure I need to move on with my life.

  Hell, it
’s just one night. There’s nothing wrong with that.

  As I slide into the driver’s seat, she gives me the address to her apartment and I navigate us back to her place. Within no time, I’m pulling into the lot in front of her apartment. I turn off the engine and get out. Rushing to her side of the car, I open the door and reach my arm in to help her out. She grabs my hand, and once again, shocks me with her touch.

  I follow alongside her while she walks to her door. I can’t wait another moment to have her in my arms. Pushing her against the door, I lean into her. My erection presses into her belly as a moan escapes her lips. I begin to lick, nip and suck along her collarbone. Her breathing is heavy and the warmth of her breath tickles the back of my neck.

  Reaching for her hand, I grab the keys and move her to the side so I can unlock the door. As soon as the door closes, our hands are back on one another. Backing us up into her room, I kick the door and watch as it slams with a thud.

  She moves across the room and falls down onto her bed. From the light shining in through her window, I can see her long blonde hair cascading along her shoulders. This woman is doing something drastic to my libido and I can’t fight the pull she has on me.

  Walking toward her, anticipation takes over. I lean onto the bed; as it dips down, she moves back up against the headboard. I hover over her petite frame and gently begin to kiss her lips, her neck and slowly move down the rest of her body while she quivers beneath me.

  The connection I feel for her is like no other. I’ve been with my share of women through my lifetime, but this unique stranger is taking me by storm.

  Her taste, her smell, and the way her fingers linger along my back, send chills throughout my entire body. My erection is pressing firmly into her and I can’t wait to sink in.

  Three Years Later

  June 2013

  Tyler

  My temples pound and eyes burn as I reach for my campaign hat, sliding it onto my head. It’s been an incredibly long day of overseeing prisoner transports and court cases. I want nothing more than to clock out and go home, but I know that won’t be happening any time soon. I have at least an hour or more of paperwork waiting for me in my office.