Whisper Through The Pain (A Novella) (3 page)

Chapter Five

“I want to see you—I need to see you.”

Melissa pressed the phone to her ear.  Brent’s words resonated in her ears, warmed her body, and caused her heart to beat unbelievably fast.

The morning wasn’t starting off the way she wanted. Sleep had eluded her most of the night while she waited for Jake to come home. She’d dozed off around 2 a.m. She woke an hour later, went to the guest room where Jake now resided and knocked on the bedroom door. When there was no answer, she opened the door. The bed was neatly made and showed no evidence of occupation. She searched the entire house before she realized he wasn’t there.

Hurt and wondering where he could be, Melissa laid awake listening for his footsteps on the hardwood floors but they never came.

Jake hadn’t come home last night— again. Everything was crumbling around her and she was letting it. She shook her head to clear her troubled mind.   

“I’m surprised you’re still in Los Angeles, Brent. I thought you had left.”

“I’ll be in town a couple more days.”

“It’s been over a week. Why are you still here?”

“I had other business to attend to. Besides, I still needed to meet with Sorensen again on the deal I proposed to him.”

Surprised, Melissa swallowed and cleared her throat.  “You met with Jake?”

“Yes. Two days ago. You didn’t know?”

She didn’t answer his question but asked one of her own.

“What happened with the proposal?”

“It was a good one and he knew it. I must say I was surprised. I thought for sure he would allow his personal feelings to squash the deal.”

“Well, you don’t know Jake. He doesn’t let emotion interfere with business.” Her tone was harsh, which was a surprise. Jake was a businessman first, everything else came in second. It never bothered her before and she didn’t know why she had a problem with it now.

“Do I detect sarcasm?”

“No, I was only stating a fact.”

“Have dinner with me,” Brent said, abruptly.

She mulled over the invitation. Jake and she were married but strangers living under the same roof. At the office, she’d made an attempt to see him but his secretary had been given strict orders to not disturb him. Even his wife was listed on the do not disturb list. Angry and embarrassed, she hadn’t tried to contact him again.

Jake didn’t play games. When he was angry he came out fighting. The cut was direct and could be brutal.  She hadn’t seen him in almost two weeks. When she was at the house he made sure he wasn’t. He came home well after the time when she was asleep. Some nights she tried to force herself to stay awake until she heard his footsteps, but she could never manage to do it.    

“It’s not necessary for us to have dinner. You can say what you need to now.”

“No, I can’t. A lot happened between us five years ago.”

“It was a long time ago, Brent. I was a different person then. I’m over it.”

The lie felt heavy on her tongue.

The silence stretched. She knew Brent, probably, more than he knew himself. He never liked having a heavy conscience. For him, everything needed to be neat and tidy. He wanted to make peace for his bad treatment but she didn’t know if she was ready for it. Loving him had been one-sided. But she’d held on to hope that Brent would come to realize his feelings for Nicole were futile.

From the magazine articles and pictures she viewed, his brother, Ashton and Nicole seemed very happy with their two sons.

“Melissa, what are you afraid of?”

“Nothing.”

“Then meet me for dinner.”

She sighed. “Okay. Where?”

“My hotel.”

“Excuse me?”

“Look, I have meetings all day and won’t be finished until around seven. It would be easier for us to eat at the hotel.” 

“Alright,” she said, feeling uncomfortable but ignoring it. “I’ll be there around seven-thirty.”

“Great. I’ll meet you in the lobby.”

“Good-bye, Brent.”

Troubled, she severed the connection. Why did she agree to dinner? Melissa felt she was making a mistake—a big mistake but she couldn’t seem to stop herself.

###

Jake sipped the bourbon in his glass and leaned back in the seat. “I’m glad we could meet, Mr. Lakeland.”

The older man with thinning silver hair and a protruded stomach swallowed his gin and tonic. Raising his glass, he beckoned to the hovering waiter for a refill. Jake watched him with hooded eyes. Even though the man was reported to be a heavy drinker, he could hold his liquor and still be a tough negotiator. 

Samuel Lakeland took the drink from the waiter. “I just finished a round of golf and dinner at my club. I was on my way home when I decided to give you a call. It was last minute but I hope you don’t mind.”

“No problem at all,” Jake said. “I was glad to hear from you.”

“Good. I’ve always liked the Beverly Wilshire.”

“Yes. It’s a nice hotel.”

Jake casually scanned the people coming and going. Since it was a weeknight with no conventions in the hotel, the lobby wasn’t crowded. He sipped the brown liquor again, hoping it would create numbness so he wouldn’t think about his personal life. He settled comfortably in his chair to listen to his client.

A tall blond-haired man stood alone in the middle of the lobby looking at the front doors. From the back he seemed familiar, when he straightened and turned slightly toward him, Jake realized it was Brent Sinclair. What was he still doing in town? It wasn’t long before a petite, curvy woman with thick brown hair pulled from her face into a high ponytail, entered the lobby heading for Sinclair.

“What the fu—” Jake squeezed his glass.

It was his wife.

She walked up to Brent. He wrapped his arms around her, planted a kiss on her cheek, and then quickly touched her lips to his. Melissa didn’t pull away. She lingered in his embrace as if she belonged there.

Sinclair was now talking. He smiled at her. She seemed to be in awe, not saying a word. Jake’s temper rose with increased proportion as they continued to stand there with each other. Brent stepped back. Then he stretched out his right hand, she seemed to give a slight hesitation. He continued holding out his hand, giving her a choice.

Don’t! —No sound—It only resonated in his mind.

His wife placed her hand in Brent’s.

They walked the short distance to the elevator doors. He pushed the button but held her hand with his other.

Jake stood abruptly, moving quickly toward them.

“Mr. Sorensen—”

He heard his client but didn’t react. He had almost reached the elevator when the doors opened and Melissa and Brent got on.

Fear screamed through his body.

The ringing in his ears caused him to stumble.

He kept moving.

The door closed in his face.

Closing them in.

Shutting him out.

Chapter Six

Brent swung open the door to his hotel room and stepped back. Melissa dropped her head contemplating if she should enter. Her heart was beating fast.  She didn’t belong here. “Turn around and go home,” she told herself.  She didn’t.

“Melissa, what’s wrong?” he asked.

The contour of his voice wrapped her in its warmth. She lifted her head and their eyes connected. His eyes, the color of the Caribbean waters, clear and blue filled with something she couldn’t explain searched hers. Her gaze roamed his, wondering how they had come to this place. She admitted to herself she’d missed him in the last five years with an ache that scarred her for any other man—even Jake.  She bit her lip. That wasn’t true. No man compared to Jake. He was an enigma all by himself: strong, dominant and the best lover she ever had. At first they were employer and employee, then involved sexually, but not romantically. Sometimes she didn’t understand their relationship but it worked for them. It was easy, comfortable and passionate.

However, the experience with Brent had left her cautious and vowing never to become vulnerable again. Many times she watched confusion on Jake’s face when she would put up the wall between them. But it didn’t stop her from doing it. It was a safety mechanism she learned during the last days of her marriage to Brent. 

“Melissa, this is only dinner,” he said, hurriedly.

“I know.” She stepped over the threshold, immediately noticing the earth tones and simplistic design features of the luxury suite. Melissa turned toward him. “The room is nice.”  She set her purse on the high table by the door. The latch on the door snapped behind her. She stiffen at the sound, closing her inside the room, becoming instantly nervous.

He stood at her back, his body enveloping her, as he leaned his head on her shoulder.

She tried not to react to his nearness. He’d done this many times when they were teenagers. It meant nothing.

“We don’t need to make small talk,” he said against her ear. “Conversation always flowed easily between us. Come.”

He moved and led her by the hand to the round table in the middle of the room. It was beautifully prepared with candles, a tiered centerpiece of red and yellow roses, and place settings of fine china and gold silverware. A cart stood by the table laden with dishes covered with silver domes. It looked too romantic and made her a little uncomfortable. She coughed slightly to clear the sudden thump in her throat.

“You alright?” Brent’s blue gaze looked at her with concern.

“I’m fine.”

He released her hand, pulled out a chair and directed her to sit.  He moved to the other seat and sat, reaching to uncover the dishes.

“I had the chef prepare all your favorites, grilled shrimp and fresh crab meat swimming in lemon butter sauce, lobster garlic mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus sprinkled with fresh basil and scallions.”

“Wow.”

He laughed. “I remember how you liked to lick the sauce off of your fingers.”

“My mother hated when I did that.”

“I know. Your mother is definitely a character—a refined one—but definitely a character.”

She offered a small smile. “I believe she would’ve found that to be a compliment.”

She bit into the seafood mixture and then delicately licked the sauce that escaped at the corner of her mouth. Taking the crisp, cloth napkin, she dabbed her lips and then wiped her hands.

“Yummy. I’m impressed.”

“I didn’t do it to impress you.”

She ate some of the asparagus and then more shrimp and crab. “Really? Then why? You never did this when we were married.”

“I made a mistake, Melissa.”

“Are you apologizing?”

“Profusely.”

“No need. There’s no flood. The water is under the bridge.”

“You always had a way with words.”

She drank the ice water in the stemmed glass. “I try.”

“You deserve to be treated like royalty.”

“Since when?” Her tone was sarcastic, but she didn’t care at the moment.

He shot her a tight, sad smile. “You have a right to be angry.”

“I’m not angry—just disappointed.” She leaned back in the chair and glared at him. “You were my friend, who hurt me—deeply.”

“I know. I didn’t realize how much until this moment. I didn’t treat you right. Call it being young, careless of your feelings and thinking the world was mine to do what I wanted.”

“Women were always at your disposal.” She drank more of the water, loving the coldness as it glided down her throat.

Brent didn’t say anything for the briefest moment and then he nodded. “You’re right. Women were never a problem. I never lied to you about that.”

“I thought it would be different when we got married.”

“Being cocky, I didn’t think it mattered.”

“It mattered.” She swallowed and said again,” It mattered a great deal to me.”

“I know.” The words were spoken with regret.

Nothing more was spoken while they ate.

“You didn’t touch the potatoes.” He pointed to the smooth mound on her plate.

She dipped her fork in the creamy mixture filled with chunks of lobster. She chewed and savored the flavors. He was right, they were heavenly.

“They’re very rich and fattening.” Melissa tried to stifle a moan of pleasure.

“I’m glad you like them. I tried to give the chef the precise instructions. I hope I got them right. Besides, you could stand to gain a few pounds.”

“Shh…Don’t ever say that in front of my mother,” she joked. “She always watched her weight, and mine too.”

He laughed, leaned back in his chair and watched her. It made her very uneasy. So she glanced around the room. The lights were dimmed. Soft music played through the ceiling speakers. It was too romantic and it made her nervous. She was quite aware of him…the good times they’d shared…this wasn’t good. Not at all.

“The meal was delicious. Thank you, but I’m full.”

She pushed away from the table, stood and walked to the fireplace. It was rude to do so, but she needed to create distance between them. She couldn’t pretend any longer they were friends having a casual dinner.

He came and stood in front of her. His eyes locked on her, traveling to her lips. He leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on her mouth. A hint of butter and lemon lingered. She fought not to lick her lips and savor the taste.

“Why did you do that?”

Warmth and a tingling sensation cruised through her body.

He shrugged. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend for it to make you uncomfortable.”

“It didn’t.” She lied.

He smiled. “Good.”

Why did he kiss her? Did she really want to know?  She had no answer.

“You went through a lot of trouble getting the chef to prepare this meal. Chinese or Pizza would have been fine.”

“Aww. Your favorite unhealthy foods.”

“You remembered.”

“I did. But I felt you deserved better tonight.”

It was unsettling, after all this time apart, he could still gage her mood. So could Jake, she thought. He was a master at it. She wouldn’t think about him tonight. It was odd being here with Brent but she was determined to focus on what was happening presently.

Silence fell between them.

“Talk to me, Melissa. We used to share so much.”

“That was a long time ago.”

“Time is not a factor. We have tonight.” His grin was boyish and charming.

Her heart flipped in her chest. She shouldn’t be here. Then he wrapped his arms around her, leaned in for another kiss, and she let him. It was pleasant and comforting.

“I’ve known you all my life. That must count for something,” he said.

Melissa moved from his warm embrace, creating much needed space, and folded her arms. “What do you want from me, Brent?”

He laughed. “How about a glass of wine? We never touched it.” He lifted the bottle out of the ice bucket and poured the Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc into the empty glasses on the table. He handed one to her. She sipped, enjoying the bold and rich flavor against her tongue.

“How did you find this wine? It’s nearly impossible to get.”

“I know. It comes from the Argentine and Chilean highlands. Fortunately for us, the hotel stocks a bottle or two in their cellar.”

“Nice.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

He took her hand and led her to the sofa. They sat beside each other—almost touching. It was very intimate. Between the music and wine, she felt warm and giddy.

She cleared her throat. “Do you live in Chicago now?”

“For the past two years. But I also lived in Hong Kong for a year and then another year in Spain.”

“Why?”

“The family company has expanded all over the globe. I have spearheaded those new ventures.”

“Ah, I see. You have become a vagabond.”

He shifted in his seat. “I wouldn’t say that. I was needed, so I went.”

She stared at him for a moment. “You were running away. Why won’t you go home to Dallas?”

“It’s complicated.”

She set the glass on the end table beside her, and took a deep breath. “You’re still in love with Nicole.”

He gulped the last of his wine. “Why do you say that?”

“Because I know how much you love your family. Nothing would keep you away unless it was too painful to be with them.”

“You know what happened between Ashton and me. It’s easier if I keep my distance.”

“But—”

“Stop.” Brent put his glass on the table, inched closer to her on the sofa. Their knees touched and his hand cupped her cheek. “I didn’t invite you here tonight to talk about my family. This is a second chance for us. I’ve made a lot of mistakes. Some I can’t correct but I would like to try.”

“You can begin with your brother. Ashton would forgive you for anything, you know that.”

He laughed harshly. “I don’t think any man could forget or forgive another man for trying to steal his wife.”

“Have you tried to mend your relationship?”

He nodded. “We consciously co-exist.”

“What does that mean?”

“I travel a lot. Ashton is based in the Dallas office. We gather at the parents’ house for Thanksgiving and Christmas but other than that, we stay out each other’s way. I can pretend for two days out of the year that my brother and I don’t hate each other’s guts.”

“You can’t mean that. Ashton isn’t the sort of man to hold grudges. He loves you.”

“You sound like Nicole.”

Surprised, she stopped speaking for a moment.

“You still talk to Nicole?”

“Only in Ashton’s presence,” he said sarcastically.

“I see.”

“I don’t think you do. Nicole is a peacemaker. She wants to bring Ashton and me together.” He sighed. “Maybe one day we’ll be able to sit and talk together without animosity.”

“That’s ridiculous. Ashton didn’t steal Nicole from you.”

“I know. But it’s still hard to swallow that he has her love.”

Old hurts rose to the forefront again but she pushed through them.

“She’s not yours, Brent. Never will be. It’s time you let her go,” she said stressed.

“You’re right.” He ran a hand through his blonde locks, causing them to spike. “Forgive me. I’m being insensitive.”

“I’ve recovered from the stumbling blocks in my past. Although there was a time I didn’t think I would. I had such low self-esteem. I made you my world.”

“I realize that now.” He stared hard at her. “I had forgotten how beautiful you are.”

His words caught her by surprise. Immediately she was uncomfortable, her breath caught in her throat.

Brent’s hands went to her hair pulling it from the neat ponytail she’d constructed.

“So beautiful,” he murmured again.

His lips grazed hers and then his tongue parted her slightly opened lips. She felt hers slide against his. He deepened the kiss, she gasped at the warm sensation cruising through her body, but her mind rebelled.

She pushed at his shoulders. “Stop.”

His beautiful blue eyes penetrated through her.

“This is wrong, Brent.”

He rested his forehead on hers. “Damn, Melissa.” A sigh resignation escaped. “I’m sorry. Sex has always been easy for us…and good.”

“But it’s only brought us confusion and trouble.”

He raked a hand through his messy hair again, scrubbed his face and gnawed on this bottom lip.

“You can’t deny you responded to the kiss.”

‘Neither one of us want this.”

“How can you say that? The chemistry is still there. You’re hurting. I’m hurting. Why not give each other comfort.”

“We went down that road the last weeks of our marriage. I almost got destroyed in the process.”

“I’m sorry. I should not have said that.”

“You’re right.” She grimaced. “Seeing you again conjured up memories. It would be easy to submit to the familiar. It’s comfortable but wrong for both of us. I apologize. I sent you mixed signals. I would never cheat on my husband.”