“You need to call an attorney and bring charges against that monster, Kris! He was planning to drug and rape you, and Logan helped him!”
“I'm not sure Logan planned it, Alicia. I’m not making excuses for him, but he was really drunk out of his mind this time.” Alicia’s disgusted grunt, made it even harder to look her in the eye.
“Come on Kris! Isn’t he always? You already told me it’s the second time, at least with Nick! Put that motherfucker away once and for all!”
“I can't do that.” Glancing up, she saw the fury in Alicia’s eyes and quickly looked away. “You don't understand, if Jake finds out he’ll go after both of them, most likely kill them and end up in jail. Or what if they kill him? I chose to be there with Logan. I truly doubt they would charge them with conspiring to drug and rape me.”
“But what about what Nick did in Brooklyn? I don’t get it.”
What a surprise, who does? “I just can’t do it Alicia. I am not going to dig up the past and relive all that pain after all this time. I was living in another world back then. The case would drag me and Jake through the mud, probably for nothing. I’m not going to put him through that.”
“I get it, okay. But what about Logan? Don't tell me you don't want him to get a longer sentence at least. He's a certified dick. Why can't you see that? You're about to fuck up everything with Jake for a certified dick! Unbelievable!”
The scenario was all too familiar and irritating to Kristen. She'd given up hope long ago that anyone would understand her attachment to Logan. Still it irked her big time to be constantly bombarded with negative criticism. And revealing the truth about their bond was out of the question.
“It's very complicated.” At the end of her rope, she needed to end the conversation before she said something she regretted.
But Alicia was on a roll, and didn't back down.
“Everything is with you, Kris, that's what makes you so fascinating to me. Well one thing anyway.” A momentary devious twinkle in her eyes vanished into bitterness. “But I don't get what you see in Logan. It’s not like he’s the only sexy, rich guy around. Get the damn settlement and get rid of him! It drives me nuts to see you melting over him. If it was me, I would've castrated him by now! The next time you just have to fuck him, grab the scissor afterward and cut it off. Problem solved. Then I'll be really proud of you.”
Despite herself, Kristen burst out laughing.
“Too much blood. I couldn't stand it!” As they roared with laughter close to tears, the front door creaked open. They were so engrossed and basking in the sudden light atmosphere, they didn't notice Jake fixed in the doorway, shopping bags in hand.
Kristen was the first to sense him and whirled around, her eyes wide.
“Jake! You're early.” She rose with a quick glance at Alicia, who hunched over stifling her laughter. Jake stayed in place, an uncomfortable look spreading across his face. Aware she had to act fast, she rushed to him and threw her arms around his waist. The tension in his body was undeniable.
“I came by at lunch time but you were out. Where'd you go with the baby this time?” Stone faced, he released himself from her embrace, leaving her gaping as he sauntered off to the kitchen with the bags. Determined not to give up, she stalked him.
“That smells delicious!” Alicia called out from the living room.
“It's from Henry's. You’re welcome to stay for dinner if you want.” Out of the corner of his eye he spied on Kristen, desperate to figure out what she was up to. At least she was having fun with Alicia, not Logan for a change.
He never heard Alicia approaching, but there she was right in his face.
“Oh no, no. Thanks, we just had lunch a while ago. I really have to go anyway.” Alicia flicked her hand along his arm and breezed by to join Kristen, who slumped against a wall, watching. After brushing Kristen’s cheek with a kiss and whispering in her ear, she was gone.
“What did you bring? It smells so good” Before he could answer or reject her, she flopped onto his lap and began nuzzling his neck.
“Just some Cuban food. But you already ate.”
His mopey face encouraged her.
“I'm so happy you're here.” She snuggled closer. He didn't budge. “I'll be hungry again, soon don't worry.” She persisted, her eyes wide and innocent as she gazed up at him.
“I thought we agreed not to go too far with the baby for at least a month.” His mouth hardened into a firm line, his eyes woeful.
“I know, but it was so beautiful outside and we didn't go that far. Plus, we sat outside far away from everyone.” She worked hard at being cheerful against his gloominess. It didn't seem to be working. Not allowing it to dissuade her, she got on her knees, reaching up to kiss his face. “Are you mad at me?”
“No. I was just upset when you weren't here earlier.” Without warning the tension in his body dissipated, his eyes softening. Cupping her face, he kissed her with increasing passion. Reluctantly breaking from her lips, he studied her face. “I missed you.”
The depth of his emotion astonished him.
A huge smile spread across her face. “I missed you too.” Suddenly remembering Steven's text, she whipped out her cell. He watched her with growing curiosity as she scrolled through her emails.
“I have something to show you.” Beaming with increasing excitement, she clicked on the dissolution of marriage.
Jake's face lit up. Holy crap! I never expected her to go through with it.
“That was fast!” He couldn't erase the grin and tugged her to him.
“I told them to expedite it. It’s an emergency!” Her eyes danced across his face, the afternoon no longer an issue. “And maybe Marty felt guilty about fucking you, and is trying to kiss my ass.” She laughed, truly believing every word.
Jake pushed her back playfully, unable to hold back his desire any longer.
* * *
Kristen languished in the warm tub, delighting in the silky comfort of the bath oils penetrating her pores. The last time she was so consumed by relaxation and peace like this was beyond the scope of her memory. She lay her head back, allowing the water to saturate her hair and closed her eyes. She drifted, imagining she was floating on a cloud, until Jake’s entrance distracted her. Hesitant to exit her daydream, she barely opened her eyes.
He stooped next to the tub, taking her in from head to toe. At first, she didn't register the fact that he was totally dressed. Baffled, she sprang upright, causing water to splatter all over.
“Where are you going?”
Jake's eyes saddened as he searched for the words. They weren't necessary, Kristen read his mind. “Why are you leaving?” With her body halfway out of the water, she froze.
“I told you, Kris. We need some time apart…to sort things out.” It was hard for him to look at her, but harder to look away.
Stumbling out of the tub, she grabbed his t-shirt, clutching it tightly in her fists. “No! I showed you the divorce papers, isn't that what you wanted?” The water glistened on her face, droplets mingling with the fresh tears slowly sliding down her reddened cheeks. Ignoring the cold temperature and chattering teeth, she scoured his face.