Chapter 4
Abbie gave up on ever getting an explanation for why Trunk disappeared out of her bed. He’d dodged her calls, ignored her texts, and when she did talk to him, he simply said it was fun, but it couldn’t last.
By the time she pushed him out of her heart, five years had passed. It was why she sat across the table at Maison De Vaisselle having another boring date with Chad Grady. He worked for a real estate developer and she met him at a Conference a week earlier.
Chad was a few inches taller than her five-feet and seven-inches. He didn’t have all the sexy muscles Trunk did, but Chad had a decent body. Chad’s light-brown hair was thinning, but he kept it neat and she had a feeling he was doing something to thicken his hair. His gray, almond-shaped eyes seemed too far apart but she wasn’t the type of woman who went strictly for looks.
Although she had a lot in common with him, Abbie found herself bored with their conversations. Chad was predictable and didn’t seem to be the type to do anything out of his comfort zone. He’d started hinting at taking their relationship to the next level, and she knew what that meant.
Abbie wasn’t sexually attracted to the man. He’d kissed her a few times, but it didn’t even ignite any kind of spark. The problem was if she didn’t try with someone else, she would never get over Trunk.
“What do you think about that?” Chad asked.
Abbie had no idea what he was asking because she’d stopped listening to his mind-numbing dribble ten minutes earlier. Was this how low she’d sunk, being with a man because she didn’t want to die alone? She just hadn’t found anyone who flicked that switch for her, and she doubted she ever would.
“Sorry, I was thinking about something. What do I think about what?” Abbie forced a smile.
“What do you think about going away with me next weekend?” Chad grinned and Abbie’s stomach lurched.
She didn’t want to go, but how was she going to get out of it? She’d told everyone how great Chad was and how happy she was with him, so wouldn’t the next step be to go away for a romantic weekend with him?
“I’ll have to check my schedule,” Abbie lied.
“Come on. We could spend time by the lake, just the two of us. I’m ready for that step, Abbie.” Chad reached across the table and held her hand in his.
He was a nice guy, and any woman would be lucky to be with him. She had to move on. Abbie hadn’t been intimate with anyone since Trunk, and that wasn’t like her. She used to enjoy dating and sex.
“You know what? It sounds wonderful.” Abbie smiled. “You set it up and let me know the details.”
“We’ll have an amazing time, Abbie.” Chad kissed her hand and then released it.
When the day arrived for her and Chad to go away, Abbie felt an overwhelming sense of dread. Of course, she didn’t tell anyone because they would try to talk her out of spending the weekend with him. Billie and Dana still believed Abbie should be with Trunk, thanks to Mike’s aunt.
Cora Nightingale was known to many people as Cora the Cupid because she supposedly had a gift for matchmaking. According to Nanny Betty and Billie, the woman was never wrong. Abbie thought it was a load of crap.
“What time do you leave?” Billie asked as they were locking up the office.
“He’s picking me up at six,” Abbie told her friend.
“Are you nervous?” Billie smirked.
“What am I? The virgin bride?” Abbie scoffed.
“It has been a while, Abbie,” Billie reminded her.
“I’m well aware of how long it’s been.” Abbie locked the door and walked Billie to her car.
“Well, call me when you get there, and we’ll talk when you get back.” Billie hugged Abbie.
“I will. Hug Maggie for me,” Abbie told her.
Billie and Mike had a baby girl almost three years earlier, and she was the most beautiful child Abbie had ever seen. Of course, it seemed as if all the O’Connors were popping out kids like rabbits. Not that Abbie begrudged them having kids. She’d always wanted some herself, but she was getting to the age where it didn’t look promising.
The ride to Chad’s cabin was not too long, and true to his word, the place was like paradise. The bungalow was in a small town called Calvert and right next to a lake. The view of the hills in the distance was amazing, and she felt a sense of peace as she gazed out at the scenery.
“Do you want to bring in your bags?” Chad asked as he picked up his own suitcase.
Abbie was an independent woman, but she’d never met a man who didn’t offer to carry her bags. Abbie shrugged as she grabbed her overnight bag and tossed the strap over her shoulder.
She followed Chad inside and gasped. The place was like something out of a magazine. Lush carpet and pristine white furniture adorned the living room. The kitchen had dark oak cupboards and black appliances that looked new. It was a kitchen she’d imagined in her own house one day.
“The bedrooms are in here.” Chad motioned to the two sets of double doors at the end of a short hallway.
“This is the guest room, and this one is the master.” Chad pointed to each door. “We’ll be staying in the master, of course.”
The smirk on his face nauseated her. Abbie had to push down the overwhelming feeling to turn and run out the door. She had to get it over with, plus, she was also out in the middle of nowhere. She couldn’t call anyone to come get her because they’d know she wasn’t happy with Chad.
“It’s lovely.” Abbie smiled as Chad opened the door.
A large, king-sized bed stood in the center of the room with the foot facing a beautiful propane fireplace. The plush carpet was soft under her feet as she entered the room, and it was as if she was sinking into it.
As a real estate agent, she’d seen some pretty expensive furniture. The bed was an Astoria Grand Prange sleigh bed. The head and footboards had a leather inset surrounded by dark cherry wood. Two nightstands stood on either side of the bed that matched the oversized dresser against the far wall.
“I wanted the best furniture in the place. Don’t want anything that’s going to fall apart in a year.” Chad moved toward her.
“Good investment too.” Abbie tried not to back away as he rested his hands on her hips.
“I’m so glad we’re here together. We make so much sense as a couple.” Chad leaned in and brushed his lips across hers.
He wasn’t a terrible kisser, in fact, he was pretty good. The problem was it felt awkward because she wasn’t attracted to him. Abbie hated to make him feel insecure about himself, so she slipped her arms around his neck and smiled when he gazed into her eyes.
“You feel the chemistry, too, don’t you?” Chad’s eyes were heavy with desire.
“Of course,” Abbie lied.
“It’s going to be great.” Chad stepped closer and proceeded to cover her mouth with his.
Abbie lay in the bed twenty minutes later, trying to remember the last time she had such uncomfortable sex. Chad enjoyed it, and as soon as he finished, he passed out next to her. Abbie hadn’t faked an orgasm in a long time, but he didn’t even seem to care if she had one or not.
Was this her life? Dull sex with someone she kind of liked in a friendship capacity? Maybe it wasn’t as bad as she thought. The first time with someone new was a learning experience. A couple had to get to know each other.
Her night with Trunk flashed in her mind, and she remembered they didn’t need to learn about each other. He knew how to bring her to heights of pleasure she’d never experienced in her life. Considering where she was at that moment, it was never going to happen again.
Abbie turned on her side away from Chad and tucked her hand under her cheek. Would she ever get over Trunk, or was she doomed to spend the rest of her life in love with someone she would never have?
Chapter 5
Trunk sat in Keith’s living room, with his co-workers. Keith asked all the staff to come in for an important meeting. Trunk hoped it wasn’t bad news because the truth was, he loved
his job and didn’t want to start another career.
Trunk sat on the couch next to Brent ‘Crash’ Adams and Hunter ‘Crunch’ Crawford. On the couch across the room was Bruce ‘Hulk’ Steel, Caden ‘Rex’ Dixon, Lane ‘Shadow’ West, and Adrian ‘Rock’ Hudson. Near the window was Ethan ‘Ace’ Norris and Joel ‘Cannon’ Wiseman. Smash and Sandy were in each of the armchairs.
“Do you know what all this is about?” Crash asked Trunk.
“Not a clue.” Trunk shrugged.
“Are we going to have to look for new jobs?” Cannon asked the question they were all thinking.
“No, you don’t need to look for jobs.” Sandy rolled her eyes.
“Do you know what this is about?” Cannon asked.
“All will be revealed, young Cannon.” Sandy smirked.
“You’re no help,” Cannon complained.
A short while later, Bull and Keith dropped two boxes on the floor in the living room and shuffled through some papers. Bull handed small plastic cards to each person. When Trunk received his, he realized it was an identification tag.
“Okay, guys,” Bull began.
“I’m a girl,” Sandy interrupted.
“For fuck’s sake. Okay, guys and Sandy.” Bull rolled his eyes. “Keith and I have done some revamping of the company. We’re going to need to hire a few more people, and we’re in the process of looking for qualified individuals who will fit with us.”
“The first of the changes is a big one. The company has a new name. Newfoundland Elite Security or NES for short. The provincial government has contracted NES for all security they need for officials. It’s why we had to replace all your ID cards. You’ll see the provincial crest as well as our new company logo in the bottom corners,” Keith explained.
“You guys and Sandy are the heart and soul of this company, and we wouldn’t have the wonderful reputation we do without you,” Bull interjected.
“All of you are so much more to us than employees. You’re family. It’s why we’ve decided to introduce profit sharing with all the staff.” Keith smiled.
When the excitement of the news subsided, Keith and Bull went into detail of how everything would work. It all seemed overly complicated to Trunk, but he was just glad he wasn’t losing his job. The two things he did know was, all the changes were taking place immediately, and he’d be making more money. That was fine with him.
Trunk glanced at his watch and was relieved when Keith announced the meeting was over. He was happy about the news but he didn’t want to be late for his date with a very important lady.
“Everything sounds great, Rusty,” Trunk said, using Keith’s nickname. “But I have to run. I’ve got to take Mom on her weekly shopping trip.”
“Good luck with that.” Bull laughed.
“I look forward to it every week.” Trunk grinned.
“Tell her we said hi,” Keith said.
Trunk pulled his SUV into a parking spot next to his mother’s apartment building. He was there to take her grocery shopping and run errands. Since she moved back to St. John’s, it was his weekly schedule, and he was happy to do it.
He couldn’t blame her for wanting to leave St. John’s all those years ago. It was the best thing she could have done for Trunk and Chris. She lived through hell with a man who used her as a punching bag, and when she was able to escape him, she’d needed a complete change of scenery.
Trunk vividly remembered the beatings and his mother’s screams. Chris didn’t see as much of the violence because Trunk tried to keep his younger brother away from it as much as possible. The move had been easier on Chris but for Trunk, it was more difficult, and he spent a lot of time alone.
Chris completed the firefighter’s training and moved to Halifax with his girlfriend, but things were falling apart for his brother over the last few months. Chris was struggling with the split, but he wasn’t keeping it bottled up inside. When he needed to vent, he’d call their mother or Trunk.
Trunk walked into the senior apartment complex, and as usual, the people in the lobby stared at him. It didn’t make him uncomfortable because he was used to it. Folks tended to stare when he walked by. Maybe because of his six-feet, and three-inches height, or possibly because of his bald head and beard, but chances were it was his tattoos.
Many of the seniors in his mother’s apartment building wouldn’t get on the elevator with him. He understood their aversion and didn’t let it bother him. No matter how friendly Trunk was with some people, they perceived him as if he was some sort of criminal.
Trunk stepped onto the elevator with an older lady who glanced up at him. She appeared more curious than frightened of him. She sized him up from head to toe and didn’t even try to hide her scrutiny of him. When she lifted her eyes to meet his, Trunk smiled.
“You don’t live here,” she said.
“No, ma’am. I’m here to visit my mother,” Trunk replied.
The lady stared at him for a minute before she turned without another word. When the elevator doors opened, she glanced back at Trunk.
“You’re a good boy.” She nodded and stepped off the elevator.
“Thank you. I try.” Trunk smiled.
“Don’t get any more tattoos. Makes you look like a hoodlum.” She shook her finger and then scurried out of sight.
Trunk chuckled in amusement as the doors closed. The lady reminded him of Keith’s grandmother. Nanny Betty was a tiny woman, but she could make the biggest man bend to her will with just one look. She’d recently remarried, and the senior couple had just returned from their honeymoon.
Trunk’s mother had become close to the O’Connors since she’d returned to St. John’s. They included her in all the family get-togethers, and she’d become great friends with Keith’s parents. He liked that her circle of friends started to grow when they moved to Corner Brook, but he’d noticed she was much more social since she returned. It made him happy to see it.
“Mom, I’m here,” Trunk called out as he walked into the apartment.
Her soft voice floated out from the living room, but she wasn’t responding to him. He didn’t hear anyone else and assumed she was on the telephone. That meant two things, she didn’t hear him, and they wouldn’t be leaving right away. When Fatima Murphy was on a call, it was never less than an hour.
He waved to her as he stepped into the kitchen to grab himself a coffee. She always had a small pot ready for him when he came to chauffeur her around. There would always be a cookie next to the pot as well.
Trunk gazed out of the small window over the sink as he sipped the hot beverage and ate the sweet treat. A house across from the building looked a lot like the houses in Abbie’s neighborhood. A knot formed in the pit of his stomach, as it always did when he thought about her.
More than six years had passed since he and Abbie had their one incredible night. She’d called him for weeks afterward, and it took all his strength not to run back to her. It wasn’t easy, but from what he’d seen and heard, Abbie had moved on.
It killed him every single time he saw her and her man together, but it was for the best. Although it was hard to believe things would last with Chad. The guy wasn’t her type. Chad always looked as if he stepped out of an issue of GQ magazine but something about him rubbed Trunk the wrong way.
A few months earlier, Billie introduced Trunk and Chad when Abbie dropped by the local pub in Hopedale. It was the first time he felt uncomfortable at Jack’s Place. He knew Billie was trying to get a reaction, but Trunk forced a smile and shook the guy’s hand. Trunk did get some satisfaction in the fact that Chad seemed intimidated.
That night, it was surprising he didn’t crack half his teeth from clenching them. Every time Chad touched, kissed, or danced with Abbie, Trunk had to remind himself she wasn’t his. It didn’t stop the agony he felt seeing her with another man.
“Ben, your brother says hi.” His mother’s voice brought him out of his depressing thoughts.
Trunk entered the living room and dropped d
own on the couch. He propped his feet on the coffee table and held out his hand. As his mother placed the phone in his hand, she glared at him.
“What?” Trunk stared at his mother in confusion.
“Could you get your feet off my coffee table and stop falling on the couch like a big lump?” His mother stood up.
“Sorry, Mom.” Trunk sighed as he pulled his feet off the table.
“Trouble as usual.” Chris chuckled.
“Always. How are you doing?” Trunk asked.
“Hanging in there. I’m coming home at the end of the month,” Chris told him.
“That’s great. You need a break.” Trunk was glad he would get the chance to spend time with his brother.
“It’s for good, Ben. I can’t stay here anymore. She’s dating a guy on the alternate shift.” Chris’ voice cracked.
“One of the firefighters?” Trunk was stunned.
“Yeah, he’s a dick and keeps making snide comments like, I wasn’t man enough for her,” Chris said.
Trunk could hear the irritation in his brother’s voice. Chris and his ex had been together for years, and it seemed as if marriage was the next step. The last thing Trunk expected to hear was that she cheated on Chris.
“You need me to come up and beat his ass?” Trunk said partly joking.
“I can do that myself, but he’s not worth it,” Chris responded.
“It’ll be great to have you home,” Trunk admitted.
He missed his brother, but Chris needed to go on his own path. Trunk could use the extra family around to take his mother on her endless errands. The woman did more in a day then most people did in a week. Most of the time, she’d walk or get the bus, but since there was still a lot of snow around, he didn’t want her walking and possibly slipping on ice.
“I have an extra room if you need a place to stay,” Trunk told him.
“I was going to stay with Mom until I got a place, but I think it would be better to stay with you,” Chris said.
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