Goodbye caution, p.17
Goodbye Caution, page 17
“Then I will take Morgan!”
I respectfully try to take his threat seriously at first, but then I think about what he said and find myself laughing hysterically.
“Morgan will run circles around your dumb ass! Besides, she is heavily guarded,” I inform him. “Oh, George. Really, you are a stupid, stupid man. What the hell did I ever see in you?”
He grabs my hair and yanks me down to the floor. My adrenaline shoots into overload, my heart pounding—I feel as if it may explode at any moment. He may be a stupid man, but he’s a strong one. I feel my fear creep back in a bit as he ties me to the bed posts and kicks me in the side. I try not to show how much it hurts.
“You’ve evolved, George. You tie a chick up now before you hit her—impressive!” That earns me another kick, which has me seeing stars. I try to ignore the sharp pain as I take in a deep breath. Hey, Ghetto Sybil, shut up so I can catch my breath and not have all of my ribs cracked!
Honestly, I don’t remember him being this stupid when I met him. Maybe I was just as stupid, but I just got smarter—like most people do?
Several minutes of silence pass.
“So, why didn’t you explode? What happened?” Time for the good-cop act.
“I was taken hostage before the explosion,” he offers.
“How long?”
“Up until five months ago.”
“Did you escape?”
“No, they moved on and left me there to die. Some locals found me and nursed me back to health.”
“That was nice of them.” Idiots! Couldn’t they see he was evil?
“Being a hostage was absolute torture,” he adds.
“Oh, you don’t say?” I snap. Really—you’re going to tell me about being a hostage? Just as he turns to me, I see Melissa peek in through the window. “George, is that gun really loaded?” I ask, loudly enough for her to hear me—but quiet enough to not attract suspicion.
“Yes, why?”
“I don’t believe you. Show me,” I demand. Melissa cracks the door slightly behind his turned back. He opens the chamber.
“See?” he snaps.
“I see!” Melissa yells, and kicks the gun out of his hand. He goes after her. As I’m trying to untie my rope to help her, George falls down at my feet, knocked out cold.
“Wow ... I want to be like you when I grow up,” I tell her as she undoes the knots at my wrists. She gives me a half smile and a nod. I think she’s a little perturbed with my behavior today. This would be why I shouldn’t have ditched her. I respect her more for not saying “I told you so.” She throws the gun in a Ziploc bag and cuffs him to the bed. We run out of the cabin and down a path to the dirt road.
Just as we get there, Ray and Grayson pull up and jump out of the truck. Oh my God, who do I run to?
“Melissa, who do I go to?” I ask frantically.
“I don’t know, but can I have whomever you don’t pick?” She laughs.
I stop running and walk toward them, looking back and forth. They finally realize my dilemma. Christ, I think I want to run back to the cabin! I walk in between them and take each of their hands.
“You have to know that I want to be in both of your arms right now. I can’t choose. So either you guys pick who I hug first, or I’m just going to jump in my truck and go home to my daughter.” Oh God, I hope they don’t fight.
“Well, I got us here,” Ray starts.
“I hired Melissa.” Grayson takes his turn.
“I’ve known and loved her longer.”
“I know and love her intimately.”
“She has a freckle behind her right ear that’s very faint.”
“She despises wearing panties to bed.”
“Okay, well,” I interject, “thank you both for wanting to be my knight in shining armor today, but it looks like Melissa’s won the blow job from me! So I’m gonna head home to be with my daughter. Maybe you two can go to a bar and take a shot every time you can name something that you know about me. Then when you’re shitfaced and either decide you’re both masters of the universe or that you’d like to kick the shit out of each other, please call me because I wouldn’t want to miss either event! Good night!” I head down to my truck with Melissa, my new partner in crime.
“I can’t believe you said that to them. I almost jumped in to tell you I’d prefer you swallow.” We both laugh, and I turn around.
“Hey, guys! Melissa just told me she prefers that I swallow!” I turn back around so they can’t see me laugh. I grab at my ribs and wince a little. The pain is seeping in as my adrenaline wears off. As we hop into the truck, Melissa’s phone rings.
“Hello? Yes. Oh, no. Okay. Yes, sir. Bye.” She hangs up and looks over at me.
“What’s the matter?” I glance back.
“Well, you’re not getting rid of me yet. George got away. He should’ve been out longer—damn it!”
“The only person I’m worried about right now is Morgan. We’ll beef up security until he’s found.”
“Right. So, what are you going to do?” She smiles.
“Oh, about Hot and Hotter?” I ask. She nods. “I have no idea. I realized today that I love them both. What am I supposed to do with that? Wait a minute. You’re not taping me to give Grayson a report, are you? Are you wired?” I panic.
“No. I’m asking as a friend.”
“Okay. So tell me, then, what do you think of this predicament I’m in? You’re on the outside looking in,” I ask. I really would like another person’s opinion.
“Well, Ray is so in love with you. It’s all over his face. The way he kisses you; it looks like magic. You and Grayson fight a lot, and he’s very aggressive with you. Derek and I reached a whole new level of uncomfortable this morning. We were about to barge in when we heard you crying out in pain, but then you started ... uh ... well. I didn’t think Derek could blush until that.” She gives me a frowny sort of smile. “Put that aside, and you can plainly see his love and concern for you and your daughter. So I don’t know. Ray seems more like the married-to-and-in-love-with-forever type. Grayson referred to you yesterday as his wife.”
“What?”
“Yeah, that’s why Thomas called you ‘Mrs. James.’ Grayson looked sad when you corrected him—I could tell he loved that you were called that. I don’t think I’m helping you.” She laughs. “Who’s better in bed?”
“I haven’t slept with Ray. Though, I must admit, after today, I definitely want to.” Damn, I really want to. Again, I feel like a whore. “Ray feels like home to me. Grayson feels like a vacation I never want to end.”
“Well, eventually, you have to come home, right?” She half smiles, like I found my answer.
“New Hampshire used to be the place I vacationed to, and now its home,” I add as a thought.
“Well, I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes, but I’d love to have your leftovers.” She laughs. We pull up to the B&B. I park the truck and dart out. I run inside to find Morgan, but she’s headed straight to me.
“I remembered our word, Mama!”
“I know you did! You brought me home safely!” I hug her tightly and kiss the top of her head. “Will you sleep over in my room, Morgan?” She’s the best distraction.
“Yes.” She looks up at me, her smile so big. Hazel comes in from the B&B side and rushes over to me, tears streaming down her face. Her powder blue eyes are bloodshot.
“Are you okay? What did he do to you?”
“I’m okay. He hit me a few times, but that was it. My ribs are sore, but I don’t think they are fractured or anything.” I rub them and wince. “Basically, he wants eight million dollars. That’s all.” I stop because I realize Morgan is listening.
“Mommy, who was it? Who hurt you?” Her voice squeaks with emotion.
“Morgan, I have to tell you something.” I take her hand and bring her to sit on the couch in the lounge. "The real reason for all of the security people is that, yesterday, I could have sworn I saw your father, George, in the parking lot. I told Grayson, and he brought these people in to keep us safe and investigate the situation.” I take in a deep breath and wait to see how this information is affecting her. She seems okay so far. “Morgan, your dad was—”
“A bad man, Mom. I know. I remember.” She cuts me off.
“You do? I’m so sorry, honey.” I hug her.
“So he wants money? What a loser.” She rolls her eyes.
“Yeah, well, he’s free again, so I need you to make sure you are always with somebody you know, honey! Don’t let your guard down at all. Not even to walk out to the stables. Always stay with someone until they catch him, okay?” I put my most serious face on.
“I know, Mom. I will. I promise.” She hugs me again.
“I’m so glad that you’re back home safe, Becca I was so worried about you,” Hazel says, her eyes teary again. “This hasn’t been a very good day for you, has it?” Her quivering chin and the embarrassment on her face tell me she knows what Grayson did this morning. I give her a sympathetic half smile to let her know I don’t blame her.
“We’ll talk tomorrow,” I say with a sigh. Morgan and I both kiss her good night before we head upstairs for our slumber party. I’m actually looking forward to just sleeping tonight. I wonder if Grayson and Ray have each other in head locks right now.
“Do you want to watch Ever After, Mom?” she asks, and holds the movie up.
“Oh, not tonight. Let’s watch something funny,” I say. I need a break from love right now. She chooses The Parent Trap with Hayley Mills. Love that movie—it’s a classic! We snuggle up, and I don’t even make it past the cabin-check scene.
“Becca? Sweetheart?” I hear Grayson’s voice. Someone nudges me.
“Becs, baby. C’mon, wake up.” Now it’s Ray. I open my eyes and see the two of them staring down at me. I look over at the clock. It’s two in the morning. “We have to talk to you,” Ray says, and Grayson pulls my covers off. I get up and walk out of the room, careful not to wake Morgan as I close the door behind me. I lead them to the room that I use for crafts when I don’t want to be downstairs at night by myself. It’s safer in here than in Grayson’s room. There’s no bed.
“You two have been together this entire time?” I ask, kind of in disbelief. “And you haven’t mangled each other?”
“Impressive, isn’t it?” Grayson smiles.
“Please tell me you two let somebody else drive you here?” It’s more of a plea than a question. They are obviously shitfaced.
“Yes. Well, they insisted, even though we waited for the ... the ... um ... until we weren’t too drunk,” Ray offers.
“Good call on their part, even though it’s pretty clear you’re not too drunk.” I sigh with a sarcastic undertone.
“So, after arguing and a few pints, it all became clear to us, darling!” Grayson smiles widely and throws his hands up in excitement. “We’re going to share you! See ... here’s the schedule.” He hands me a piece of paper.
“That is, until you make up your mind. We thought you could date us both for a month to get your feelings sorted out.” Ray adds. I look down at the paper.
Sunday – Grayson
Monday – Ray
Tuesday – Grayson
Wednesday – Off
Thursday – Ray
Friday – Grayson
Saturday – Ray
“Oh, I get Wednesdays off. That’s great—a nice break in the middle of the week!” I act excited. The irony hits me right away, of course—I would literally have “Hump Day” off!
“That’s what we thought!” They say in unison.
“Are you two out of your fucking minds?”
“Look, sweetheart, we know you are having a hard time, and that you are confused about your feelings.” Grayson looks down at his hands, trying to find the right words.
“We realized it when we saw your face today, and obviously what you said confirmed it,” Ray says.
“Honestly, this is tough for us, too. We’re a lot alike, especially when it comes to our feelings for you. Neither one of us is going to back down. So, instead of fighting over you every day like a couple of bloody idiots—”
“And driving you crazy and away from both of us,” Ray cuts in, “we thought we’d give you a chance to explore what you are feeling and decide who you truly want to be with.”
“We’ve made a pact, sweetheart, that the other will walk away peacefully once you’ve made your decision.” Grayson seems very uncomfortable with this. His eyes start their Morse code and he runs his hand through his dark hair.
“Becs, we promise to keep our jealousy at bay when you are with the other. We also agreed not to ask you or each other what happens on our dates,” Ray adds.
“You know, guys, I really appreciate that you are trying to find a solution to all of this. I truly do. But I don’t think you are taking into consideration how crappy all three of us will feel. You both are very proud men. I don’t think you’ll be able to handle this. I don’t think I’ll be able to handle hurting you both. It’s just not a good idea.” I put my head in my hands. Honestly, it’s a brilliant idea on paper.
“So, what’s the solution?” Ray snaps. “You continue on with Grayson, and then run to me when he pisses you off? I can tell you right now, Becca, I’m not doing that. It’s not fair to any of us!”
“I know, Ray. You’re right.” The man has a point.
“Becca, sweetheart, we want to do this for many reasons. One, we don’t want to both lose you. Two, we don’t want you to pick now and then wonder if you’ll regret your decision. Three, we both want your happiness to come first, because we deeply love and care for you. Yes, I’m not going to lie, this is going to be very difficult for all of us. For Ray and me especially. But we’ve agreed it’s worth it to us. Can you at least try?” Grayson takes my hand and kisses the top.
Wow. I think this week can honestly go down as the most fucked up week of my life. I look at the paper, then up at their expectant faces.
“Give me a minute to think.” The schedule is a little unrealistic. I mean, six nights a week I’m on a date that’s probably going to end in sex, which will be over-the-top and exhausting because they are going to want to outdo each other. Plus, I’m running a business—that I’ve actually neglected this week with just one guy around—and I need time for my daughter. I can’t do this!
“Okay, I’ll do it. But—this schedule is ridiculous! You both get two nights a week only. So, I’ll go out with one of you one night, then I get the next night off. No one will kiss me or touch me inappropriately if it is not your day. I do not want to be taken anywhere around here—people will talk if they see us. I do not want Morgan to know what is going on. Actually, I will tell her in my own way. And, if I think of any other stipulation to this agreement at a later date, I reserve the right to add it on. Any questions or issues with what I’ve proposed?” I look up at both of them.
“You seriously came up with all of that in the two minutes you thought about it?” Ray laughs.
“Yes.” I’m not laughing.
“Oh. I’m okay with it.”
“What time does our day officially start and end?” Grayson asks.
“Um, 5 a.m. to 5 a.m. Does that sound fair?” Both of their nostrils begin to flare. “Any stipulations you guys would like to add?” I raise my brows, knowing exactly why they are upset. Apparently, they never took into consideration the other guy being intimate with me.
“I’d like to add one, but then it would apply to me as well, so I guess I can’t.” Grayson runs his hand through his hair.
“Okay, so who’s going first?” Oh my God, did I seriously just ask that? I close my eyes because I feel the urge to change my theme song. It’s a toss-up. “Roxanne” by The Police, or “Bad Girls” by Donna Summers? I’m sure it will change to “None of Your Business” by Salt-n- Pepa at a later date.
“Becca? Sweetheart, did you fall asleep?” Grayson touches my arm.
“Nope. Just changing my theme song,” I say truthfully. Ray laughs. He knows I do this often.
“Well, um, we need you to decide.” Gray looks down at the floor. Seriously?
“I’d make a decision based on this weekend’s events, but I’d rather you two flip a coin. Just remember, on Saturday, I have that dance expo with Will in the afternoon.”
“Bloody hell, Becca! Not that arsehole!” Grayson yells.
“You’re still doing that with that jerk?” Ray asks, his voice no kinder than Gray’s.
“Will is my friend, and I promised him.” I sigh.
“Will is a fucking asshole! Some friend! He goes around town telling everybody how it’s only a matter of time before you give him a piece! I outta break his fucking legs!” Ray’s fists are clenched.
“Here, here!” Grayson holds up an imaginary toasting glass.
“Well, he’s delusional. Flip a coin, you two, I want to go back to bed!” I throw my hands up in the air impatiently.
“Well, I’m going to put my big-boy pants on and get the inevitable over with. Ray, you can take her out Saturday. My mates will be in town. And our mutual hatred for Will has made me feel generous toward you.”
“There we go! See you Saturday, Ray. Good night, gentlemen.” I get up to head out.
“Becca, wait!” Ray grabs my arm. “Look, I know it’s not part of the new rules, but we were both really scared today. Because of the situation we find ourselves in, we weren’t able to properly console you—or ourselves.” Ray looks to Grayson and back to me. “Can you give us each a few minutes alone in here to do that now? Grayson can go first and I’ll wait outside the door, and vice versa.” And so it begins.
“Um ... okay.” It’s two-thirty in the morning. I’m running low on morals.
“If we weren’t in love with the same girl, we’d be great mates!” Grayson slaps Ray on the back.
“Just a few minutes, Grayson.” Ray says, his smile obviously false. He walks out.
Gray pulls me in his arms and places gentle kisses all over my face until he finds my lips. I open my mouth for him and he deepens the kiss with a slip of his tongue.
“Sweetheart, I’m so sorry for everything.” His chin quivers. “I’ve really been a foolish man, and I’ve pushed you away when all I wanted to do was reel you in closer. I couldn’t even protect you today. I put this whole team in place and he got to you anyway.”
