Salty Kisses

PROLOGUE

After finding out that my boyfriend of the last five years cheated on me for the last three, I know I'm screwed.

Why? Because he cheated on me with the girl sitting right next to me at work and I never noticed their affair until two days ago and now they are making it official as a couple. I didn't have another solution but to quit my dream job. I couldn't face them or the other co-workers. I'm left with my car and the boxes I'm about to pack from our apartment. My heart is a big whole void, I can't cry. I'm in shock.

Knowing the apartment is empty, I get myself in with my pile of boxes and I start to pack. My clothes, my books, my Blu-Rays and the things I had brought in when I moved in with Jay. Dishes, lamps, and anything that'll fit into my Wrangler. He had been a dick to me so I had no plan on being nice. He didn't deserve it.

Thankful for the help I got from my friend, he helped me pack my car to full capacity. He didn't leave any free space apart from my seat and what had to be left clear for me to see where the fell I'm driving.

"Do you even know where you are going?" Peyton asks.

"Out of the Big Apple, to North Carolina." My home.

"So, you are going back home." He frowns.

"I can't say that I'm tempted to stay in NYC after what Jay did. We started dating right after he hired me, I moved in a month later and we got way too busy with work." I pause letting that sink in. "So busy it blinded me and I never noticed anything. How can a man say I love you with so much passion and not be the truth?" I still can't believe what he did to me. For a long time, I thought we were going to spend our life together.

Peyton rolls his eyes. "It's easy for a lawyer, Aspen."

I groan so loud my throat hurts. "I hate that I'm the stupid one in this story. My co-workers knew and I didn't. Not only has Jay broken my heart but he took away my pride and it leaves me feeling like a complete joke." An idiot, a naïve, the list goes on and on.

"Hold on. Have you begged him to leave her and stay with you?"

"Hell no. How am I supposed to trust him again?"

"He did it to you and I thought you guys were the perfect match. He will do it to her without a doubt."

It's a circle. He uses women, plays with them. I'm sorry I got caught into it. Blindness must be my biggest flaw now.

"I know but it doesn't mean it doesn't suck." My heart hurt and my stomach twists so tight I think I'm going to be sick.

"You left him so it means you aren't dealing with his shit. Thumbs up to you." He pats my shoulder. "You're a strong woman and never stop believing in yourself. Shit like that happens all the time. It'll make your stronger."

It might be true but right now, I don't feel like hearing all this mess will make me stronger. I just want to crawl into my bed and stay there for a week.

I force a smile. "Yeah, I have to stay strong. It's all I can do."

"You better come and visit sometimes." He said hugging me in his big arms. Peyton was the one showing me around the city when I first moved here. I shared an apartment with his sister and two other girls. He acted like my big brother and we developed a good friendship throughout the years. "I'll miss you a lot." He said hugging me a little tighter.

"Me too, Peypey. I'll try to visit or you can visit me too." Right now, I don't feel the need of ever coming back to New York City. Maybe it'll change later but not now. The hurt in my heart is darkening my memories from this city.

"Yeah, I might do that." He kissed my cheeks, leaving his lips on me longer than usual. I close my eyes because I don't dare to look at him.

"Pey?" I whisper.

"Since you started going out with Jay, I wished it was me you had picked. Now that you're free, you're leaving." His voice can't hide the disappointment. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that." It's too late, I heard him and it not only surprised me but it breaks my heart a little more for him.

I didn't know what to say. My eyes open again and our eyes connect. I feel his sadness. Peyton is my six feet five inches friend. My protector. My own version of Tyrese. He is beautiful, sweet and a good man. We did have a few wild nights together before Jay came into my life but it was a long time ago. Why does he confess now?

"Why... why haven't you said anything?"

"Babe, you were working and hanging out with all these rich guys from work. I didn't measure up."

What is he talking about? "Pey, I don't understand. You are smart and doing great with your company. I'm proud of you more than I am of them. Life isn't about money or how rich you are."

He stays silent but he doesn't look away from me. "I'll miss you, Aspen."

His lips crash on mine and we kiss...