Hate Sober (Love Me Duet 2)

“Nothing, I swear. I don’t even know if I could let anyone touch me. Not after…” I shiver at the thought and it racks right through my body. Roberto didn’t penetrate me with his cock, but he still violated my body with his fingers and mouth.

I own this body, and only I should be able to say who touches it and when.

“You will. In time, my love.”

I nod at her words just as a knock comes on my door. “I have to go, someone’s here.”

“Okay, keep me on the phone just in case.” I do as she says and go to check the door.

Looking through the peephole, I see it’s Gunner so I open it. He’s dressed in ripped jeans, black boots, and a white shirt.

“I have to go. It’s Gunner.” I go to hang up, but accidentally hit the speaker part.

“Okay. Safe sex until you’re married again.”

His lip twitches at her words and I shake my head, quickly ending the call.

“You’ve been talking to my mother?” I ask him while leaning against the door, making sure I have a grip on something so I don’t fall helplessly into his arms, which look really good right now.

“I have. Does this bother you?” he asks, his dark eyes trained on me as he speaks.

“Why can’t you speak to me if you need answers to something?” It only seems fair.

His lip twitches again. “I want to know you better. I failed last time. You’re close to your family, and by knowing them, I will hopefully know you.”

Far out, I’ve just swooned over my ex-husband.

How the fuck is that possible?

“What do you need, Gunner?”

“I want a date. Just one to start off with. I promise nothing big, and no boats.” He winks.

“I liked the boat,” I tell him honestly.

“Maybe we can save the boat for our third date,” he says it like it’s an obvious choice.

“You think you will get three dates?” I ask him, smiling now.

“Oh, Everly Reid…” He leans in close, and I freeze, unable to move. Not from fear but simply from him being so close, and smelling and looking so good. “I know I will. You just have to say yes.”

“I don’t know.” I bite my lip. “I may need more time.”

He nods and doesn’t argue with my answer.

“Time I can give you.” His reply surprises me, and he sees the surprise on my face and smirks before he steps back. “Lock the door, Everly,” he says as he walks away. I do so, shutting and locking it just as he said.

I want my ex-husband.

And I want him badly.

28

Everly

I didn’t know him to be a patient man, but that’s just what he is now. He waits at my house every day until I arrive home from work and stands there with something in his hands for me. Some nights it’s dinner. Others it’s a bottle of wine or flowers. I’m falling harder for my ex-husband, and he hasn’t even touched me yet.

That isn’t right. It can’t be right. I’m afraid I won’t be enough for him, though. He has needs I obviously don’t want to meet. And I would never ask him to give up something of himself just to make me happy. That’s selfish and not something I want to do.

Two weeks pass, and not once does he ask me again for another date. He’s a man of very few words, usually just telling me how beautiful I am, then going about his night.

I wanted him to kiss me the other night. I wanted his hands on my body, to know the attraction wasn’t one-sided. It can’t be, though. I see how much he wants me too.

I’ve completely healed, apart from the scar on my stomach. I don’t think that will ever leave me, it’s too deep. It’s a constant reminder of all the things Roberto did to me, which I’m hoping one day to put behind me for good. Though the anxiety still creeps up on me, especially when I’m by myself or someone comes up from behind me. I’m not sure that will ever leave me.

Alec and Gunner have formed some sort of friendship again. Alec tells me Gunner doesn’t speak much, but at least they are talking.

I like that they’re ‘friends’ again, it makes me glad to know Alec’s happy. And he is. Jacinta is early in her pregnancy and he’s already building them a cot for their baby. He will make a great father.

Today I’m helping May move out of her house to live with Ryan. It’s a big day for her. She’s never once lived with a man, and I’m excited about the adventure she’s about to undertake. Grabbing my keys from the table, I walk outside, locking the door behind me. When I turn around, I spot him. He’s up against his car, dressed in jeans with loosely tied black boots and a smile on his face as he watches me.