Never a Bride: A Short Story Read Online Free PDF Page A

day, I’d been an asshole. You took me off Facebook, changed your phone number. I spent three months telling myself you weren’t worth it. That I was better off without shackles. That it was better to never have tried than to fail.”
    Sheena wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. “I’d say we were an epic failure. Self-fulfilling prophecy, Jared.”
    “I realized that I was wrong. I wanted you so much I couldn’t stand the idea of being without you. You only cared about the wedding, or so it seemed. That morning, I was going to try and explain all of this, convoluted, sure, and fueled by Jack Daniels, but you, understandably so, didn’t give me a chance.”
    Stiff-necked, Sheena walked to the door, opening it. “I hope you feel better, having explained yourself. I guess you’re right and I’m not a very good listener.”
    “I never said that!”
    “You did.” She jerked her thumb toward the walkway outside of her apartment.
    He took her hand, demanding her full attention. “Did you hear me tell you that I love you?”
    She pulled free, whispering, “Yes.”
    Jared reached out and caught the tear teetering at the corner of her mouth. A jolt traveled through his body at the softness of her lip. He heard her intake of breath, saw the stir of something in her eyes.
    Pushing his luck, Jared brought the tear to his mouth. “And do you love me, at all, Sheena?”
    She closed her eyes, her body trembling as if she’d caught a chill. “I barely survived loving you.”
    Jared caressed her cheek, her shoulder. Her eyes opened, stormy blue. Daring, challenging. He kissed her, pressing his lips to hers. Ready to back off at the first sign of rejection.
    Instead, she sighed before kissing him in return.
    He shut the door.
     
    * * *
     
    Sheena’s traitorous body molded itself to Jared. She heard him shut the door, then slide the chain lock. He’d always been more concerned about that stuff than she. He used to be her champion, her guardian. When had he developed feet of clay? Why had she set him on a pedestal?
    His mouth pressed against hers, inciting passion with a flick of his tongue between her lips. Her skin felt alive for the first time in months and her heart hammered in remembrance of Jared’s love.
    She felt it wash over her, warm, sensual, his hands following the emotional caresses. He walked her backward to the couch, his hands on her hips, thigh to thigh. His fingers touched the bare skin above the waistband of her jeans. Rough against smooth, the touch electric. They’d been great together, their deep emotional connection creating a physical bond that was explosive and lovely at the same time.
    Jared’s sincerity worked its way past her defensives, conquering her guarded walls. She’d missed him so much, never having a chance to tell him good bye. His apology soothed her wounded pride. His hands and mouth boosted her confidence.
    Just this once more, she told herself. To say good-bye.
    He moved her shirt up and over her head. She unbuttoned his dress shirt, naked from the waist up, knowing his eyes were on her. Taking her time, breathing him in, the smell of his shampoo, his aftershave.
    He caught her to him, chest to chest. Her breasts tightened in anticipation as he bent his head to her nape, his hands everywhere. Pleasure spiraled through her body, even as her heart pounded a warning. Bad idea.
    She didn’t listen, bound by the sensual onslaught of love denied for too long. The bittersweet taste of passion and regret, desire and betrayal. Pleasure with a dark streak of pain. Jared.
    “I’m sorry if I didn’t listen closely enough.” She nuzzled her face in the indent between his shoulder and neck. “I suppose I got carried away. Wanting the best to last a lifetime. Creating memories.”
    “I liked our early morning rides through the trails. You and me. Those memories kept me up at night, thinking I might never hold you again.” Both naked now, he traced her ribs. “I need to feed you