Be the One
Page 23

 Nina Levine

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My skin pricks with anger and disappointment. I loved him once, and we could have had it all, but he has no idea how to love someone. “Sometimes not doing anything to someone is just as bad as doing something to them.”
The look of confusion written across his face is clear. “What the hell does that mean?”
“It means I wanted you to want me; I wanted you to spend time with me, to have fun with me, to do silly things with me, to fight with me. Instead, you ignored me and hardly included me in your life. That’s what the difference with Jett is – he does all those things with me.”
Understanding dawns for him and he softens his voice. “I can change. I can do those things with you.”
I take a step away from him. “No, it’s too late for us.” I put my hand out again. “So give me the key and please leave.” My voice has turned cold because I realise that might be the only way to make him see we’re done.
His stare causes me to shiver, and the ugliness in his voice when he speaks cuts to the bone. He throws the key at my feet and spits out, “Have it your way, Presley, but I fucking guarantee you that you’re making the wrong choice here. Jett’s a player, and I’ve seen him in action. It won’t be long until he grows bored with you and goes back to his whores.”
I hug my arms to my body and fight like hell to hold myself together. Breaking down in front of my asshole husband is not something I will allow. “Get out,” I order, glaring at him.
He returns my glare for a moment before turning on his heel and stalking out of my apartment.
I wait to hear the door shut and when I do, I sink to the ground and let the tears fall. It hurts to know I gave my heart and soul to that man, that I planned my life around his and wanted children with him. And I feel like an idiot for not seeing him for the man he really is for so long. The sun fucking rose and set around him, and that pisses me off.
The tears flow freely and I don’t try to stop them. I need to let them out so I can finally let him go and more forward. The only saving grace in all this is that I’m much stronger from everything I’ve been through. And from now on, I’ll always put myself first.
Lennon may have broken my heart but he taught me something.
He taught me to own my story and to love myself regardless of any parts that need editing.
* * *
I’m over my meltdown when Jett arrives at my apartment later that afternoon. Lennon’s a distant memory as I look at the man standing in front of me now. He’s smiling as if he’s won the lottery and I cock my head and ask, “Why are you so happy today?”
His hands slide around my waist and I’m pulled into his embrace. “What would you say if I told you I had two full days off?”
“I’d say you should spend those two days in bed with me.”
He chuckles and kisses me. “That’s why you’re my woman; we think the same way. But I’ve got an even better suggestion.”
“What?” I can’t wait to hear it.
“Two days in bed at a resort where we have our own private beach and spa.” He nuzzles my neck and murmurs, “I can fuck you on the beach, in the spa, on the bed . . . any-fucking-where you want.”
Oh God.
I’m sold.
“Let’s go.”
He smacks my ass. “Pack your bag, baby, we leave in an hour.”
My eyes widen. “Really?”
“Yep, it’s all booked. You’re mine and mine only for two whole days.”
I think I must have died and gone to heaven.
Two days away from everything and everyone is just what we need so I pack my bags and wait for him to take me to paradise.
* * *
“You’re quiet tonight,” Jett murmurs into my ear as he comes up behind me on the balcony and puts his arms around my waist. He settles his chin on my shoulder, waiting for my response while we stare out into the inky night.
It’s nearly midnight and we arrived at the resort a couple of hours ago. It’s near the Sunshine Coast at a secluded beach and is a beautiful place. And so quiet and relaxing. We had dinner and then Jett made good on his promise to fuck me in the spa. But now, my thoughts have drifted to my life and where it’s going. Lennon’s visit must have affected me after all.
I turn in his arms and sigh. “Lennon came to see me today,” I admit, waiting for him to lose his shit over that.
He surprises me, though, and remains calm. “What did he want?” He might be keeping his cool but I can hear the tightness in his voice so I proceed with care.
“What he always wants, but I think I finally got through to him that I’m done.”
“So why have you gone all quiet?”
“I guess something he said has gotten me thinking, that’s all.”
He lets me go and rubs the back of his neck. Concern fills his features. “What the fuck did he say?”
I place my hand on his chest to try and calm him. “It’s nothing bad, baby. It’s just made me think about where you and I go from here.”
Frown lines appear on his forehead. “What do you mean by that? I thought we were moving forward together.”
“Yeah, we are. I just don’t know how that will look. Your job takes you all over the world and I know at some point you’ll head out on tour. I’m just trying to figure out where I’ll fit into all that. And I’m also trying to figure out what I want to do with my work now. I still have no idea and it’s the first time in my life I haven’t known where I’m going, and it’s starting to stress me.” My shoulders sag a little. I feel like I just dumped everything on him, but it feels good to say it out loud.