Flirting With Destiny: Aedyn Book 1

Chapter 17

Lauren 

I felt so torn walking out of the bar, the indecision spiraling through my mind and weighing me down. On one hand, I felt like practically skipping... remembering Aedyn's invitation; talking to him again; the way my skin felt when we touched. The connection between us nearly rattled my brain, setting my soul on fire. 

On the other hand, I felt horrible. I'm engaged for goodness sake and seriously thought about running away with another man. Chip asked and I said yes. That was supposed to mean for better or worse, until the day I died. Amen. 

I sighed, realizing my dilemma was bigger than two men and which one I should choose. My real problem was with myself, the scared little girl inside me just wanting to be loved. I was afraid. Afraid to go and afraid to stay, which kept me stuck in the comfort zone I was beginning to hate. 

Was I really willing to settle for a 'good enough' life? Willing to forever justify Chip and his actions for the sake of a picket fence? My heart squeezed as I realized how close I'd come to doing just that. Then Aedyn showed up out of the blue, and turned my comfort zone on its head. 

 Aedyn. Just thinking about him curled my toes. Sitting so close to him and feeling his arm around me felt crazy good and I nearly changed my mind about going to Chicago.

I could use some time away from here to think things through, but I also knew that it would be nearly impossible with him so close. How the hell would I be able to go? What would I tell Chip? I couldn't believe I was even giving this another thought. 

 Fear twisted in the pit of my stomach and a wild thought raced through my mind. What if I left and never came back? What if I simply disappeared? I could escape to the ocean, live in a tiny loft, walk on the beach every day. 

No! I couldn't run away just to avoid my problems. I had to make a decision about Chip and my engagement... and soon. 

I dropped my phone into my purse. After leaving Red's Place, I called Jules, asking her to meet me at the coffee shop where I was waiting for her. Jules would know what to do.

No sooner had Jules sat down when the waitress came with my order. Jules looked up at her and said, "I'll have a hot chocolate." 

"Jules," I sputtered, "it's the middle of summer. It's too hot for hot chocolate." 

"I know, call me crazy. I think I'm having a chocolate craving." 

"You really are... unique, my friend." I laughed. 

"But don't you just love me for it?" She laughed too and pulled her ever-present cell phone out to check messages. "Hey, shouldn't you be home resting?" Jules asked, her forehead wrinkling, as she tapped her finger on the screen. 

I waved my hand in the air. "I'm fine. I'm so sick of everyone thinking I'm debilitated." I leaned forward. "Really, I'm fine." Her finger paused its texting. "I hit my head when I fell; just a bump.

I'm milking it for all it's worth though; I don't want to go back to work yet. I'm sure I'll be quitting as soon as I'm married anyway. Chip's not the kind of guy who wants his wife to have a job." 

Jules nodded, eyeing me carefully and said, "I can't stay long." 

"Oh? The kids?" 

"No, girl. The gardener comes today." A big smile stretched across her face as she took a sip of her hot chocolate. 

"You're not..." 

"I am. I'm so bad." 

From the looks of it, anyone would think Jules and Jack were the perfect couple. But this wasn't the first time I'd learned of her indiscretions, or his. I loved her too much to judge her or Jack; I'm just not sure I could handle having an open relationship.