Page 166 of Under Her Skin

I know I’ll hurt for a while, but it will heal just like any other life changing and devastating wound. People lose real parts of their bodies and live. The part that has been pulverized in me isn’t even a real piece of flesh and blood, justfeelings.

I’ll live. Don’t know if I’ll ever love again, but I’lllive.

The ring I took back to the jewelry store and had to hug the young woman who sold it to me as she seemed more upset than I am. Luckily, Kip and Peyton were out so I was able to get into my helicopter and take off without having to get into things withthem.

I know they’d talk me into staying around and talking to Rachelle. That would only delay the inevitable. She doesn’t want a piece of paper keeping us together and her taken careof.

Well, I can’t be in a relationship and be selfish. I’m a giver, a person who makes sure the people they love are well cared for and know they’reloved.

I guess I’m a realbastard!

My cell phonelights up and plays the wedding march, the song I had just set for Rachelle’s ring tone. I pick it up and hit the reject button. Let her see how itfeels.

I can’t get home fast enough. Once there I will start my lifeover.

A life withouther!

And with that in mind I toss my cell phone out of the helicopter. Anyone who has that number is behind me. Forward is the only way to gonow.

Rachelle

I cannot believe he sent my call straight to voicemail. I sent him a text with the word, yes, written in capital letters and he still hasn’t responded. I pick up my phone and make sure he knows what thatmeans.

-That is a yes to the question. I want to marry you, Blake, please call or come back. I loveyou!!!!-

Time is passing like molasses and I am in agony not knowing where he is or if he’s okay. It’s nearing ten o’clock as I call Peyton to see if they’ve heard fromhim.

“Where are you guys?” Peyton asks as she answers thecall.

“That’s an odd way to answer the phone, Peyt. I’m at myapartment.”

“Then why is the car Blake borrowed here and his chopper gone? I thought you two were heading to Vegas this evening. Why are you stillhere?”

“His chopper is gone?Shit!”

Peyton sighs. “What did you donow?”

“He camehome with a gorgeous engagement ring and asked me to marry him and I freaked out and ended up leaving for a few hours. But I came to my senses and came back to accept his proposal, only he was gone.” I pace as I think what it is I need todo.

I can’t let the greatest thing to ever happen to me getaway!

“Wow! That’s big. You know he may be done, sweetie. I mean, that’s a pretty big thing you did there. He’s such a sweetheart too, Shelly. I can’t imagine how hurt he must havebeen.”

“Damn it! I know! I’m an ass! Peyton, if I lose him I may as well die! God, help me!” I fall on the sofa as my eyes fill with tears. “I don’t know what to do. I called and sent him a text accepting his proposal and nothing. It’s more than him not wanting to talk to me. I’m afraid something might have happened. Now that you’ve told me he’s in his chopper I’m really afraid. Can you call him? Maybe he’ll answer if Kipcalls.”

I hear her shouting at Kip and he gets close enough I can hear him over the phone. His thick Australian accent fills my ear. “What,love?”

Peyton gives him the run down as I listen and to hear her say it makes it really sink in what I’ve done to him. Ass isn’t even close to the word I feel like. A total piece of shit who doesn’t deserve to even breathe the same air someone as wonderful as Blake breaths is what Iam.

Kip huffs and says,“Ouch, that’s painful. I’ll give ‘em aring.”

“Okay, he’s making the call,Shelly.”

I wait and listen and after a minute Kip tells her he didn’t answer. “I’m calling Max then,” I say. “Bye. If you hear from him let me know,Peyton.”

“I will,bye.”

I call Max and Lexi answers thephone.