Nothing Is Left, page 3
part #11 of Forever and Ever Series
“Okay, what?” Ward whispered.
“I’ll go on a date with you.”
Chapter Four
Sean
“Baby, what are you wearing?” I put my feet on the desk and leaned back in my chair, waiting for my wife to respond.
Her attitude came through the phone. “An apron.”
“Just an apron?”
“No. I’m cleaning the oven. It’s filthy.”
I played with a paperclip in my fingers. “How about you lose the clothes and just wear the apron…then send me a few pictures?”
“How about you get back to work?” she challenged.
I laughed. “Baby, you know I don’t work.”
“How’s it going anyway?” she asked.
“Fine. Skye is doing well. Ward says she’s on top of her game. I’m not surprised.”
“Neither am I,” she said. “Do you know what’s going on with her and Cayson?”
“Not a clue,” I said. “When I spoke to Cayson last, he made it clear he couldn’t forgive her.”
She sighed in sadness. “That’s a shame. I really thought Cayson would let it go.”
“I know…” I didn’t mention all the disrespectful things he said to me. In times of serious depression, we all got carried away. “So, what apron are you wearing?”
She chuckled lightly. “It’s got blue butterflies on it.”
“Ooh…sounds sexy.”
“Your mother gave it to me.”
“Still hot. Why don’t you come down here and show it to me?” I kept playing with the paperclip, needing to do something with my hands.
“We used to get away with it before, but if our daughter works there, we need to knock it off.”
“Come on, baby,” I begged. “Her office is on the other side of the building. She won’t even know.”
“Forget it.”
I growled. “You better be wearing that apron when I get home then.”
“Uh, are you forgetting our son? Who lives with us?”
I growled again. “When the hell is he going to get his own place? Just let me buy him a penthouse like Skye.”
“Sean,” she said firmly. “You can’t reward our kids unless they earn it. If you do that, Roland will expect things without working for them. Forget it.”
“Well, he’s really ruining my sex life.”
“Too bad,” she said. “I love having him in the house. After he leaves, he’ll never come back. Let’s enjoy it while we can.”
Easier said than done…
My intercom beeped and my assistant’s voice came over the phone. “Mr. Lancaster is here to see you, sir.”
I sighed into the phone. “I have to go, baby.”
“Good. Do some actual work.”
I chuckled. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I hung up then pulled my feet off the desk. “Send him in.”
A second later, Ward stepped through the door. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
“Not at all,” I said. “I’ve been trying to get my wife to send me nasty pictures but she won’t budge.”
He chuckled. “I’m sorry to hear that, sir.”
“And she won’t come by the office either.” I rolled my eyes. “She’s too classy.”
“Well, five o’ clock will arrive eventually.”
“And then my son will be home.” I tossed the paperclip on the desk. “You know, I never thought I’d say this, but I hate my kids.”
He laughed. “Your alone time will come back.”
“Enough about me,” I said. “What can I do for you?”
He sat in the chair facing my desk. “I wanted to discuss something with you.” He became formal and stiff, like he had bad news.
“What did Skye do?” I asked. “Did she mess up the accounts?”
“No, it’s nothing like that.”
“Okay, I’m listening.”
He took a moment to gather his bearings. “I have the utmost respect for you as a friend, colleague, and boss. I would never do something behind your back or disrespect you in any way.”
Where was this going?
“So, I’d like to ask your permission to date your daughter.”
Shock radiated through me, and I had to process his words for a moment until I truly grasped them. Ward was an attractive bachelor, but I never thought anything would happen between him and Skye. I just assumed Skye was too upset over Cayson to be interested in other men. “I apologize,” I said. “You caught me off guard.”
“She and I have been spending a lot of time together. Honestly, I’ve had a thing for her since the moment I met her, which wasn’t at the office. I saw her in a restaurant, and when I asked her out, she rejected me. When we started working together, I understood her reserve. Now she’s ready to move on.” He looked me in the eye while he spoke. “However, I understand she and I work together, and that could result in problems down the road. If you’re too uncomfortable with it, I understand.”
“And you won’t date her at all?”
“I’d submit my resignation and ask your permission again.”
I tried to hide my surprise. I knew Ward enjoyed working for me. The fact he would quit just to date my daughter baffled me. I knew I was blind when it came to my children because I thought they were both perfect, but perhaps they really were. “Ward, you’re a great guy. The idea of you being with my daughter doesn’t displease me.”
He nodded. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“But I was under the assumption she was in love with someone else.”
“She is,” he said simply. “I’m okay with that.”
The turn of events was weighing me down. I assumed Cayson was the last guy she would date before she settled down. But if she dated Ward, Cayson would be a thing of the past. However, I couldn’t get involved in my daughter’s personal life. She could date whomever she wanted. And it wasn’t fair for me to compare Ward to Cayson. They were very different. “Of course, you have my permission. Just keep it professional when you’re in the office.”
“Yes, sir.” He rose to his feet then extended his hand.
I took it.
“Thank you.”
“Just make her happy. That’s all I ask.”
“I will.” He gave me a quick nod before he walked out.
I returned to my seat, my mind whirling in a storm of thoughts. Scarlet and I wanted Skye and Cayson to be together. It’s what we assumed would happen. I knew Cayson was hurt, but there wasn’t a doubt in my mind he loved my daughter in a way no other man could. And the fact they couldn’t make it work hurt a little bit.
***
I knocked on Cayson’s door and patiently waited for an answer.
The sound of his thumping feet echoed on the hardwood floor. He stopped in front of the door, looked through the peephole, and then answered it. “Sean?”
“Hey, Cayson.” I didn’t bother pretending I was in a good mood.
“Is everything alright?”
“Can I come in?”
He stepped aside.
I walked inside with my hands in my pockets. I felt bad for intervening in my daughter’s life, but I felt worse for holding my tongue.
“What’s up?” He shut the door then leaned against his kitchen island.
“I had a talk with Ward today.”
His eyes dilated immediately. Just the sound of Ward’s name put Cayson on edge.
“He asked for my permission to date Skye.”
His shoulders immediately tightened, and his jaw was clenched, almost in pain. I could see a million thoughts swimming in his mind, and his entire demeanor changed. “When?”
“Today.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning, Skye’s already agreed to date him. So, she’s obviously interested in him like he is in her.” I didn’t want to beat around the bush. She and Ward had been spending time together for months. If Cayson thought another man wouldn’t notice her, he was stupid.
“Are you sure?”
“That’s what he told me,” I said. “And I’ve known Ward for a long time. He wouldn’t have come to me if it wasn’t serious.”
Cayson stepped away and slowly paced the room. “She told me nothing was going on with him.”
“And I’m sure she was being honest. But perhaps she changed her mind.”
He kept walking then he rubbed the back of his neck. “Why are you telling me this?”
“I like Ward. He’s a good guy. If he ended up with my daughter, I’d be happy.” I gave him a meaningful look. “But I know it should be you. So, this is your last chance to put the past behind you and make things right. After this…it’ll be too late. If you still can’t make it work with her, that’s your own right. But that decision can never be reversed after this point. Cayson, it’s now or never.”
Panic filled his eyes as he paced the room. His mind seemed to be working furiously, thinking whatever he was thinking.
“I just thought you should know.” I headed to the door then opened it.
Cayson kept moving like he didn’t notice me. It was like I wasn’t in the room with him.
I gave him one final look before I walked out, hoping I saved their relationship instead of destroying it.
Chapter Five
Skye
Trinity texted me. Want to have a drink with Slade and I tonight?
Slade had been a lot friendlier to me lately. I assumed I had Trinity to thank for that. I have a date with Ward. I knew that answer would make her happy.
Seriously?! Good for you!
I hadn’t told her about Cayson and Jasmine. It wasn’t something I was thrilled to talk about. When I said it out loud, it made it feel true.
Come on a double date with us.
Normally, I would say no, but having Slade and Trinity there would make me feel less pressured. I knew Ward wouldn’t rush me, but I still wasn’t ready to be serious. Besides, if Slade saw us together, he would tell Cayson. And I hoped that knowledge burned him right in the heart. Okay.
We’re going to Rogers at seven.
See you then. I put my phone on the couch then got ready for the evening. After I finally picked out what to wear, I fixed my hair and made it look presentable. I wore a gray dress with black heels. I tried to cover my chest, but nothing I did worked. It always stood out awkwardly.
A knock on my door announced Ward’s arrival.
I opened the door and saw him standing on the other side. He held a box of donuts with a bow on top. “Good evening.”
I smiled when I looked at him. “Hi.”
“For the lady.” He handed the box to me.
“Donuts?” I asked with a smirk.
“I know what my date likes. She’s definitely not a flower girl.”
“You know me so well. Thank you.” I looked up at him, unsure how to greet him since we were on a date.
He leaned down and innocently kissed my cheek.
I let him then placed the donuts on the table.
“Are you ready to go?”
“Just let me get my purse.” I grabbed it from the chair then searched for my phone. When I couldn’t find it, I checked in my room and the bathroom. But I still couldn’t locate it. We were running late, so I abandoned it. There was no one I wanted to talk to anyway. “Ready.”
We left my apartment, and Ward put his arm around my waist. The affection felt odd but it didn’t bother me.
“You look lovely tonight.”
“Thanks,” I said. “You do too.”
“Well, I always look dashing,” he said with a smirk. We headed up the sidewalk and made small talk. The evening was fairly warm, and when the breeze hit me, Ward blocked it with his massive size. We arrived at the bar then walked inside.
A loud whistle rang out. “Look at that sexy lady.” Trinity waved us over.
I smiled and rolled my eyes at the same time. Then I approached their table. “Keep it down.”
“It’s a bar,” she argued. “I’m not supposed to keep it down.”
Slade had his arm around Trinity. “Hey.” That was all he said.
We took our seats and Ward put his arm around me. “What can I get you to drink, darling?”
“Cosmo, please.”
“You got it.” He left the table and headed to the bar.
“I’m glad you finally changed your mind,” Trinity blurted.
“Cayson did, actually,” I said bitterly.
Slade’s eyes moved to mine, and they were wide. “What do you mean?”
“Like you don’t know,” I hissed.
“What?” Slade demanded. “What are you talking about?”
“Yeah, what are you talking about?” Trinity asked.
“Cayson is sleeping with Jasmine again.” Just saying it pissed me off all over again.
Trinity gasped and covered her mouth. “What?”
Slade looked just as shocked. “What makes you say that?”
“I saw them together, holding hands,” I said.
“When did this happen?” Slade demanded.
“A few days ago,” I answered.
“Are you sure?” Trinity asked.
“One hundred percent,” I said. “I saw them together in a coffee shop, and they were holding hands and looking into each other’s eyes.” I was shaking I was so mad. “He has the nerve to get upset when he thinks I’m screwing Ward, but then he sleeps with Jasmine behind my back? Jerk…”
“That’s why you’re dating Ward?” Trinity asked.
“Yep,” I said. “If Cayson wants to date Jasmine, fine. Then I’m going to date the person he despises most.”
Slade looked more upset than Trinity. “Fuck, what the hell is going on?”
“Cayson is a dick,” Trinity said. “That’s what’s going on.”
“When I talked to him last week, he didn’t mention Jasmine,” Slade said.
“Because he knows you’d tell Trinity,” I said. “Who would tell me.”
“You bet your ass I would tell you,” Trinity hissed. “And then I’d kick his ass. Actually, I’m still going to kick his ass.” She looked like she might kill him.
Ward returned with the drinks.
Everyone fell absolutely silent, making it obvious what we were just talking about.
“I don’t like Cayson either,” Ward said. Then he put his arm around me. “But it worked out for me.”
I didn’t have the strength to smile so I sipped my drink instead. “Let’s talk about something else.”
It was tense for a moment before Trinity spoke. “My boss at work is a total bitch.”
“What did she do?” I asked.
“Well, on my first day, she poured her coffee on the ground and told me to clean it up,” Trinity said.
Ward’s eyes widened. “Wow…brutal.”
“That is bitchy,” I said.
“She’s pretty much like that all the time,” Trinity said. “When I called in sick, she fired me. But then my dad called and that changed her attitude pretty quickly.”
“Good ol’ Uncle Mike,” Slade said. “That barbarian is good for something.”
“He’s good for a lot of things, actually,” Trinity said.
We talked and ordered more drinks. I forced myself not to think about Cayson but it was pretty much impossible. Every time I looked at Slade, Cayson came into my mind. It was weird being on a double date with my two best friends without Cayson. Really weird.
I kept glancing at Slade, hoping he would pull his phone out and discreetly text Cayson to tell him I was out with Ward, but he never did. I was feeling lower and lower, wishing my life had turned out differently.
Ward seemed to pick up on it. “Dance with me.”
“Now?” I asked.
“Yes, now.” He stood up then offered his hand. “I’ve got some deadly moves.”
I took his hand. “I guess I’ll have to see about that.”
Chapter Six
Cayson
Every heartbeat was amplified in my ears.
Every sound was disturbingly sharp.
Pain screamed in every vein, nerve, and body part.
I couldn’t contain it. I didn’t know what to do. I was stuck in one spot, unable to move or think.
All I could do was feel.
And I didn’t feel good.
Skye was dating Ward. She was with him. He touched her, held her, even kissed her.
She wasn’t mine anymore.
This was all my fault.
I couldn’t let this happen. She broke my heart and made me question everything I believed in, but I couldn’t deny the feelings in my heart. The idea of her being with anyone but me was unthinkable. To me, the world had ended. A bomb had been dropped on the city and everything had been destroyed. I felt no hope, no faith.
I had to get her back.
I was already too late. I took too much time trying to sort out my feelings, but now I knew what I wanted. I wanted to be the only man who touched her, the only person who kissed her. She was supposed to be mine. We were supposed to have a house together in Connecticut, somewhere secluded where we could grow old together. She was the mother of my children. She was my soul mate. She was the only woman I’d ever wanted in my entire life.
And now she was with someone else.
I’d fight for her until I won. I’d beg her to give me another chance. I knew she loved me. If I could just find the right words to say, I could convince her to come back to me.
I had to try.
I grabbed my phone and called her.
She didn’t answer.
I called eight times in a row but there still wasn’t a response. I left voicemails and text messages. Then I kept calling. Finally, I gave up. Either she was not near her phone, or she didn’t want to talk to me.
Or she was with Ward.
I headed to her apartment, running the entire way. When I reached her door, I banged my fists on it, almost breaking it down. “Skye, answer the door!” I kept knocking. Then I pressed my ear to the door and listened. There wasn’t a sound. I called her again, and this time, I heard her phone ring through the door. It was somewhere in the living room, within hearing range.
She must have left her phone behind.
I paced the hallway and tried to figure out where she would go. Was she at Ward’s? I had no idea where he lived. Maybe she was still at work? She did work overtime often. I decided to head there next.
