Addictive Collision (17 page)

“Morgan, are you listening?” he said.

“Yes, sir,” I lied robotically, wondering if I would ever be kissed by my mailman again.

I
met Sophie for lunch and told her the entire story.

“Well, at least he apologized,” Sophie said.

“I know, but I still don’t know where we stand.”

“Those were beautiful things he said. If he’s really that crazy about you, he’s not going anywhere.”

“I wanted to tell him more about the mugging, but Mr. Jackson needed me. I don’t know if Foster even believes me.”

“You told him the truth, right?”

“Yes, but—”

“But nothing. You’ll call him tonight and see how he responds. I don’t think you’ll have a problem. It was just a silly misunderstanding.”

“He hates the fact that I’m married.”

“Yeah, but he’s willing to wait for you, and I think that’s admirable and sweet.”

“I’m crazy about the guy, Sophie. I know it’s too early for me to feel like this, and it might sound corny, but it’s as if it was love at first sight—or at least first rainy collision.”

“You’ve got it for him bad.”

“I’m falling too hard, too fast.”

“Yeah. If you don’t slow down, you just might crash. In spite of what Juliet says, it isn’t always wise to be fast and furious when it comes to matters of the heart. It isn’t always wise to go from zero to sixty. Sometimes, you need to use the brakes a little, so you can make sure you’re in the right lane.”

“He’s worth the crash.”

“Are you sure you’re not just in love with the idea of being with someone again? Don’t dive into something just because you’re insecure or lonely.”

“Of course I want companionship, but there’s more to it than that. I can feel it all the way down to my bones.”

“Just slow down,” she said. “I don’t want you to get hurt...again.”

“I’m excited, but I’m not jumping on couches on Oprah.”

We both laughed.

“I have to go,” she said, looking down at her phone to check the time.

“All right. Thanks for lunch. We’ll talk more later.”

***

A
t the end of my work day, I walked to my car. I smiled at the red rose on my windshield wiper and picked up the attached note. “I’m sorry,” I read out loud. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you. You walked into my life and stole my heart.”

When I turned around, I saw him walking toward me. I was drawn to him, a gravitational pull that went far deeper than any lust I’d ever felt. I stepped back to catch my breath. Somehow, someway, Foster made me feel alive again.

It’s so damn real. I can feel it with every fiber of my being.

My heart pounded furiously at the sight of him, and emotion swept over me as his eyes met my gaze. I focused my attention on his intense stare and wondered if lovers could really peer into one another’s souls.

Whatever we had, it was more intense than anything I’d ever felt, even for Tom. The encounter took me by surprise, but no words were needed. I didn’t try to explain everything, and he didn’t beg me for forgiveness. It was as if fate meant for us to be together, and he filled me with electrifying feelings that I had never thought possible.

He touched my face, and our eyes locked. The world seemed to blur, leaving only the two of us standing there. We were so deeply connected at that moment that we communicated without ever saying a word.
How does anyone explain chemistry like this?
He pulled me close, and his lips crashed into mine, his hands fisting into my hair. My lips parted as his mouth possessed mine. His tongue tangled with mine in the most beautiful, sensuous dance.

***

W
ith all forgiven, Foster and I spent the next week together, practically inseparable. We texted and called each other all the time, and our four girls got along like best friends. We hung out, went to the pool, went on hikes, played mini-golf, and got to know each other even better. I was so thankful we were back on track once again, and I was beginning to forget about my troubled past and imagine a future with Foster.

M
y divorce papers came in the mail. I looked down at those papers in my hands. I was a wife...and now I wasn’t. I felt like I died the day my marriage ended. How did I face every single day? That’s easy. I took baby steps. Every. Damn. Day. But over time, I felt like I’d been reborn and I’d truly found peace. Being rejected by someone who swore to ‘love and cherish you for better or for worse’ is beyond painful. But I did learn there is life after divorce. Foster’s handsome face flashed in my mind. Yeah, I was already starting to see how much joy my new life could have if I’d only let go of the painful past and move forward. 

Much to my surprise and disappointment, Alexis had to back out of our Caribbean trip, even after I’d already booked it, paid the deposits, and taken the time off work. Her boyfriend, Art, was taking her to the Smoky Mountains for a family reunion, and she didn’t want to miss it. His family was flying in from all over the United States. Art really wanted Alexis there and I understood that. I didn’t want to waste the tickets my parents had so lovingly gifted to us, so I decided I’d either go by myself or invite one of the girls.

In the meantime, Tom called. “We’re divorced,” he said. “It’s official.”

“Looks like I’m a free woman,” I said.

“Morgan, I’m so sorry...”

“Hey, marriage is hard. We’re human. We all make mistakes. So just move on with your life and forgive yourself. Just go be happy.”

“I want you to be happy too.”

“Thank you.”

And I knew the best way to be happy was to take Foster to the Caribbean with me.

Immature or not, I figured it would be somewhat fun to rub it in. It was the least I could do after I’d caught him rubbing one off with Adrian in the damn shower. “Hey,” I said, “you said things might have been different if I’d have been more spontaneous, right?”

“You can’t be spontaneous, Morgan. It’s not you. There’s not one spontaneous bone in your body.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“We’ll see about that. I’m going to ask somebody out.”

He laughed, then said goodbye and hung up.

I called Foster and asked if I could stop by.

“I’ll be off in a few hours,” he said.

“Good, because I’ve got some news for you, Mr. Mailman!”

A short while later, Erin, Lori, and Sophie stopped by, and I discussed my plans with them. “What even made you consider him?” Erin asked.

“Well, a few nights ago, I woke up at three a.m. I was sitting in this dark bedroom, in this lonely bed, with a gallon of chocolate ice cream, watching
Grey’s Anatomy
reruns.”

“You weren’t wearing flannel granny jammies, were you?” Lori asked.

I smirked at her, then continued. “Anyway, I took one look at my pathetic self and realized it’s time to stretch beyond my comfort zone, to seize the day. I know it’s a huge step to invite Foster on a trip like that, but I need to reach for the stars, to just go for it. Taking a chance means losing control, right? I’m a little scared, because I already feel like I’ve lost control of my life, but if I don’t take chances, then I’ll never be lucky in love.”

Sophie smiled. “Look at you! You got your confidence back.”

I grinned. “Maybe I’m getting my groove back.”

Lori winked. “Either that, or you’re getting drunk on love hormones.”

“Go with your gut, your intuition. It’ll lead you on the right path,” Erin said. “And lucky you, I’m starving to make a connection. How come my Prince Charming is a no-show? Why doesn’t Cupid’s arrow strike me?”

“Earth to Erin. Get those Cinderella dreams out of your head,” Lori said. “Prince Charming is fiction, for good reason.” She then looked at me. “This one is such a hopeless romantic. We’ve had to cut her off from all Nicholas Sparks books.”

I chuckled.

Sophie peered at me. “Be careful though, Morgan. You don’t know Foster that well. Don’t take any chances with your heart, or it might come back to bite you in the ass.”

“Mmm. I’d like to bite that postman’s—” Lori started.

“Hey!” I said, stopping her.

“Look, I say just go for it. Live life. Take big risks. Regret nothing. Date somebody totally wrong for you. Who cares? You’re not planning a wedding here. You’re just getting back on the playing field, getting experience, maybe even getting laid after a long, long, long, long, long—”

I tapped her. “Yeah, yeah. We get it.”

“After a long dry spell,” she continued.

I looked at my friends and smiled. “I’m gonna go for it! I’m going to ask Foster to come with me, and I hope he’ll say yes.”

We all burst out in laughter and squealed with excitement.

***

I
pulled into Foster’s driveway. I was dressed in my butt-hugging skinny jeans, with a white shirt, and my hair was in a high ponytail. A million butterflies tumbled and jumped around in my belly, like Olympic gymnasts trying to win the gold.

He opened the door and stared into my eyes. “Hello, Morgan. You’re a vision.”

“Wow. You’ve just brightened my entire day,” I said.

He motioned me inside. “Come on in. Can I get you a soda?”

I grinned. “Nah, I’m good. Look, I have to ask you this before I lose my nerve. It’s really crazy, and I wanted to ask in person instead of on the phone. Please don’t feel any pressure. You’re absolutely free to say no, and I won’t take it personally.”

“Hmm. I do love a mysterious woman,” he said, his curiosity properly piqued.

I grinned again.

He pushed a stray strand of hair from my cheek. “Please don’t keep me in suspense. What is it.”

I smiled and sang, in my best Eddie Money, “I’ve got two tickets to paradise. Won’t you pack your bags? We’ll leave tonight.” I winked. “Not actually tonight, and I know it’s an old tune and I couldn’t carry a tune in a five-gallon bucket, but you get the drift, right?”

He took the tickets I was waving in front of him and quickly examined them. “What’s this?”

“I know it’s insane, and I’m taking a huge risk asking, but my parents bought us tickets to the Caribbean for this weekend, and Alexis can’t go, so your beautiful face popped into my head. I’m sure we’d have a great time.”

He smiled. “You know I’d love too.”

“I feel a ‘but’ coming.”

“Right. Morgan, you know I can’t go on a trip with a married woman. My father cheated on my mother all the time, and I promised myself I’d never do that.”

“But I’m not a married woman anymore,” I said, whipping out my divorce papers. “It’s final. “I’m a free woman.”

“It’s official?” he questioned.

“Yeah. I’ve closed that chapter in my life.”

“I’m sorry about the divorce and—”

“Pssh. Let’s not dwell on that. It’s in the past, where it belongs.” I shot him a flirty look. “The only thing I care about is whether or not you want to go with me.”

He didn’t even hesitate. “Hell yeah!”

“Can you find a babysitter and get off work?”

“My mom will watch the girls, and my boss owes me a huge favor.”

I kissed his lips as he picked me up and swung me around in his arms. His mouth claimed mine, and he slid his tongue in, thrusting deeply, exploring with a passion we couldn’t deny.

L
ori and Sophie came over, and my sister took the kids out back to play so we could talk.

“Are you really going with him to the Caribbean?” Sophie asked.

“Yeah.”

“Isn’t that kind of...sudden? What happened to taking it slow, like we talked about?”

“Well, I don’t wanna go by myself, and you guys all work this weekend.”

“Are you sure you’re ready?”

“No. I’m scared to death,” I admitted.

She patted my hand. “He clearly loves you for who you are, Morgan.”

“Maybe, but he hasn’t been around me twenty-four/seven yet. I’m not sure he’ll love me at three a.m.”

“Just be yourself,” Lori said.

“Well, what do I do if things go well? I mean, what if my body starts telling me he’s the one?”

“Do you even have to ask? Go for the gold, girl!” Lori said.

“It’s natural to be frightened when you’re taking such a big step forward in your life,” Sophie said.

“Is love even possible for me?”

“Yes, and if Foster doesn’t work out, don’t fret. There really are some wonderful men out there. Love will happen when it happens. Don’t force it.”

“I just invited a hot man on a trip to the tropics, and we’re sharing a room. He’ll expect sex. He’s probably stocking up on rubbers right now.”

“Well, duh.” Lori laughed. “Make the most of it. A woman’s sexual power is strongest before she has sex with a man for the first time. A guy will say or do almost anything when he desperately wants to fuck.”

“I don’t want anything from him, and I would never use him like that.”

“You’ll be using him all weekend long.”

Reality suddenly set in, and I slapped my forehead. “What did I get myself into?”

“What? You don’t want to sleep with him?” Sophie asked.

“I don’t know. Maybe or maybe not. He kisses like an angel, and I could imagine myself being seduced by him.” I thought back to our frolicking under the stars, when he’d peppered me with simple, sweet, tender kisses under the silver moonlight. There was nothing dirty or too sexual about it, but it was one of the most memorable moments of my life. “Still, it’s gonna be awkward, and I’m sure I’ll be a big klutz if things do get hot and heavy. I’m no sex goddess, and I’m not sure I can handle a hot man like Foster.”

Lori looked at Sophie, then at me. “Look, you’ve gone cold turkey, and you’re gonna be so high on love. It’ll all come naturally. The ecstasy is going to be escalated a million times after your long period of abstinence.”

“I’m not perfect enough for him,” I said.

“Foster doesn’t need you to be perfect. He just needs you to be yourself, to be you.”

“But, like you said, I don’t know him that well.”

“Then why did you invite him?” Sophie asked.

“Because I wanted to be spontaneous.”

“Because she wants to get laid,” Lori said. “For fuck’s sake, let the girl have some fun.”