Beautiful Goodbye Read online

  I looked down at myself, I thought I looked fine. "Um yes, why? What’s wrong with it?"

  "Are you kidding me? Your ass is hanging out and I see more of your boobs than I don't see."

  "Gage, seriously? Its shorts and a tank top. What would you like me to wear, sweatpants and a hoodie?"

  "I'm fine with that."

  "No way! It's hot as hell outside and I look fine. Now let’s go."

  Gage mumbled something under his breath before standing and shuffling out of my room. I could already tell he was in a mood and I was in no mood to deal with him. Joy.

  "Sweetie I want you to call me as soon as you get there, I don't care what time it is. Please be safe. This is your first time driving by yourself all the way to Columbus. Oh why couldn't you go to a college closer to home? I hate that you’re so far away."

  I let out a little sigh and hugged my mom tighter, "Mom, I will be fine. I will call you the moment we park. Don't worry about me."

  Dad pulled me into a hug, "That will never happen. We will always worry about you, whether you’re eighteen or forty-eight. We just don't want you hurt again, after everything you have been through, we worry."

  I felt my tears building up. "Dad, I promise I will be fine. No one will ever hurt me that way again, I won't let it happen."

  After a few more hugs and tears Gage and I were in our vehicles and on our way back to college life. Lynyrd Skynyrd blared through my speakers. We didn't make it ten minutes and my phone was ringing. "What Gage?"

  "Nothing just bored."

  "You’re pathetic, we haven't been gone ten minutes and you’re already bored? What the hell are you going to do for thirteen and a half hours?"

  "Well I'm hoping when we get on the interstate we run into some hotties."

  "You’re such a guy. I'm going now. Don't call again unless it’s something important."

  "Don't hate the player. Peace."

  I tossed my phone into the cup holder and turned my radio up, blaring Green Day. We drove for almost an hour before my phone rang again.

  I answered, "Yes dear?"

  "Miss me?"

  I let out a small sigh, "Gage I can see you, why the hell would I miss you?"

  "Don't try to hide your feelings. Anyway, I wanted to see if you were ready to stop and eat. I'm hungry."

  "Eh not feeling food, too early. But I'm up for coffee."

  "Ok I’ll search for a Starbucks. Just follow me."

  "Sir, yes sir."

  "Over and out."

  I tossed my phone into my purse and followed Gage to the closest Starbucks. I pulled into a parking space next to him and got out.

  "What do you want babe?"

  "Usual please. I need to dig through the box in my backseat and find the directions to our new place. I forgot and packed them. I was being rushed by some asshole."

  "Ha ha, funny. Be back in a few. Just the Caramel Mocha?"

  "Yep, thanks."

  As Gage walked into Starbucks I began to dig through the box for the piece of paper I needed. As I was pulling it out Gage walked up and handed me my coffee. He snatched the paper from my hands and looked it over.

  "Hmm I think we will be close to Jenson and Trent."

  "Really?" I asked with a little flush creeping up my cheeks. Trent Slone and I had a thing last year, sex was great...relationship not so much. Our sex was wallbanging, headboard grabbing, off the charts hot. Maybe living near him would have its perks.

  "Don't be gettin any ideas. Last I heard he was back with Tori." Gage’s voice was stern, not something I was used to.

  "No ideas. Trent and I had a thing for a minute, no biggie."

  "Yeah, looks like it."

  "Whatever, can we get back on the road?"

  "Chill babe. Get your ass in the car and follow me."

  "What do you think I have been doing?" I was slowly losing my patience.

  Gage grabbed both my hands pulling me into him, "Relax and enjoy the drive. This will be the last quiet you get."

  "Sorry, I'm a bitch. You should be used to it by now." I hugged him.

  "Oh I am. I just hate when you’re not smiling. I love to see you happy." Gage leaned down kissing the top of my head.

  "I know. I’m sorry, now can we go?"

  "Yes ma'am."

  I followed Gage for hours and hours. I hated this drive. It was boring. We decided to stop in Nashville to grab something to eat then we were on our way again. Only six hours left but it seemed like we had six days left. After driving for what seemed like forever we pulled into a large parking lot outside the Tribeca apartment complex.

  I got out of my car and walked to Gage's truck. I opened the door, "So what do you think?"

  "Nice babe. But after driving all day all I want to do is order dinner and have a few of the guys over. I will be more excited about the apartment tomorrow."

  "Ok well I have the keys so let’s go." I couldn't help the little pep in my step as we walked to our new apartment.

  "You’re such a dork."

  "Just one of the many reasons why you love me."

  CHAPTER 3

  I opened the front door and I was amazed. The place was huge and brand spakin’ new! I couldn't believe this was home, well for the next twelve months.

  Looking around I saw two doors to my right, opening the first I saw it was a coat closet. Closing that door I opened the next door and I was in awe. It was a huge walk-in pantry. I walked in a little farther and saw our new kitchen, stainless steel, dark wood cabinets, and granite countertops. There was a bar separating the kitchen from the living room with cabinets above, creating a cafe effect. A few steps past the kitchen was the living room and dining room. To the right there were three doors, all open. One was the laundry room, one Gage's room, and the other a bathroom.

  Our parents had lied, our new furniture had already been delivered and was set up. The living room had a deep red sectional couch and black leather loveseat centered around a black coffee table. The entertainment center was black with a flat screen hung above it. In one corner, next to the large picture window, there was a bookshelf with a wingback chair beside it. The dining room had a six person table, in black with matching chairs. Against the wall, under the window was a black wood buffet.

  I walked through the living room and into what would be my bedroom. I had a walk-in closet and my own bathroom, something I had never had. My large queen sized bed was the center of my room, it was a dark cherry wood, sleigh style with a nightstand on either side. Across from the bed was two doors, one the bathroom the other my closet. Between the two doors the dark cherry wood dresser sat with a flat screen TV on top. To the left of my bed was a sliding door leading outside, next to the door was an oversized glider and ottoman. The other side of the room was my desk and a smaller bookshelf.

  On the other side of the apartment was Gage's room and his bathroom. His bathroom would also be used as the guest bathroom, better him than me. Our new place was awesome! I walked back into the living room with a huge smile.

  "Holy shit, this place is badass." Gage sighed as sank down onto the couch and looked around.

  "I think I will give you guy time while I unpack. Maybe we can order a pizza, I'm starving." I ran my hand over my stomach just as it rumbled.

  "I'll call Planks, sound good?"

  "Yep. Now help me grab some boxes then you can party."

  We walked back to my car and grabbed some boxes, after a few trips my room was covered in boxes. My new bed, dresser, and nightstands were already in place all I needed to do was put all my crap where it went.

  I heard a knock on my door, figuring it was Gage I called out, “What’s up dicknut?"

  I was in my closet hanging up clothes so I didn't see who came in, but as soon as I heard the voice I knew my night was shot to shit. I was not ready to face Trent. I still wanted him. I knew he wanted a relationship but I couldn't offer him that.

  "Jenna where the hell you at?"

  "Closet, Trent." I answered as I wal
ked out.

  "About time you came out of the closet."

  "Smartass. What do you want?"

  "Just wanted to see you. I missed you. You’re still the gorgeous girl I remember."

  "I bet." I said rolling my eyes, "It’s only been a few months. How's Tori?"

  "A whore," Trent said nonchalantly.

  "Um ok?" I wasn't really sure how to respond. Trent knew I didn't like Tori, so I kept my mouth shut.

  "Yep but I'm over it. I'm done with her games. I want a real girl. A blonde with green eyes, preferably. I miss you J."

  "Trent we can't go through 'us' again. We are good as friends, good in bed, but that’s it. When we attempted anything more we sucked."

  "I can't remember how good we were in bed, wanna refresh my memory? Please?" Trent winked.

  "Hell no. Now get out so I can finish unpacking." I tossed a shirt I was holding at him before laughing.

  Trent sighed and crossed his arms, "I won't give up Jenna. We will be together." Before I could say anything he was out my door.

  I had liked Trent since the first time I saw him when Gage introduced us. He was funny, sweet, and sexy as hell. Trent was about six feet, had dirty blonde hair wore in short messy spikes, with the bluest eyes I'd ever seen. His muscles were defined even more by all the tattoos he had, throw in the ring he had in his eyebrow, and my panties would melt. However, we were toxic. My past haunted me, and I couldn't drag someone in to face my demons.

  I spent the rest of the night unpacking. When I was finished I flopped down on my bed and shut my eyes. I was almost asleep when a faint knock on my door forced me to open my eyes. "What?"

  "Hey babe. Just wanted to see how you were and tell you goodnight." Gage walked across the room and slid into my bed, wrapping an arm around me.

  "I'm good, just really tired. I'm all unpacked though. Did everyone leave?"

  "No a few of the guys are still here but I saw your light was off."

  "Thanks Gage. You’re the best in the history of ever."

  Gage kissed my cheek, "You’re not so bad yourself. Night." Gage stood from my bed and went to the door. "If you get scared just come sleep with me."

  "I'll be fine. It’s been a long time." I let out a little sigh.

  "Ok well just letting you know I'm always here." With that, Gage walked out and shut my door.

  Gage, his parents, and my parents were the only people who knew about my past. Gage was the person who saved me. If it wasn't for him, I would be dead. I owe so much to him. I hadn't thought about that night in a while. I was finally sleeping all night and hadn't had a nightmare in months. It had been almost four years since my attack, but I can still smell the mixture of alcohol, cigarettes, and cheap cologne that made up Jacob Vincen. Finally, I got the thoughts from my head, and my eyes drifted shut, without a nightmare of Jacob. I slept peacefully through the night.

  I woke up early the next morning, walking into the living room, I saw a few of the guys had stayed over. I recognized two of them, but there was a guy on the loveseat I had never seen. He was hot. I continued through the living room and into Gage's room. He was passed out face down in his bed. I climbed into his bed and snuggled up next to him.

  "Mornin' babe."

  "Sorry I didn't mean to wake you up."

  "I was already awake." Gage brought his hands up to rub his eyes.

  "Oh. So who's the hottie out there?"

  "I guess you’re talking about Larkin Nayler. He's Jinx's cousin."

  "Ah. Well maybe you should introduce us." I gave him a wink.

  "Seriously? You want to meet him in your pajamas?" Gage looked me up and down.

  I climbed from his bed and looked at myself. I had on a pair of pink and gray plaid shorts and a pink tank top. "Uh ya. What's wrong with this?"

  "It’s your fucking pajamas babe and your ass is about to fall out. He might think you only want sex."

  "Maybe I do." I smiled and shrugged.

  "Hell if I let that happen. You are not going to be a football slut."

  "Chill out, sir. I was joking. I'm going to get ready, we need to go to the store so we have food. Be ready in an hour."

  "Sorry, sometimes I just never know with you. I will be ready and waiting."

  I walked out of Gage's room and back into the living room. Trent was awake and in the kitchen.

  "Yo." He lifted his head acknowledging me.

  "Good morning Trent." I gave a lazy smile.

  "I was going to make coffee but then realized there is none. I'm making a coffee run so I can function, want any?"

  "Are you kidding, of course I want coffee. You know my caffeine addiction."

  Trent laughed before grabbing his keys. "Be back in a few."

  "I'll probably be in the shower so just leave it in my room."

  "If you need any help in the shower just yell for me, I'm always willing to help a friend out. You know, be environmental and save water...shower with a friend thing." Trent said with a smirk shrugging his shoulders.

  I smiled and shook my head, "Goodbye, Trent." I turned and walked into my room shutting the door.

  CHAPTER 4

  Looking through my closet, I grabbed a deep purple halter top with a yellow splashy design and a pair of bright yellow shorts before walking into my bathroom. I got a quick shower and ran a brush through my hair. I was lucky enough to have naturally wavy hair, so I didn't have to do much to it. I put on a little makeup and walked into my bedroom. I saw a Starbucks cup on my dresser. I grabbed it, taking a long drink. YUM!

  I flung open my door and walked directly to Trent throwing my arms around him, "You’re freakin awesome!"

  He pulled back with a surprised expression, "Thanks, J.” Then his cocky smile returned. “I knew it wouldn’t take long until you were in my arms.” he said through his smirk.

  I let go of Trent, rolling my eyes and turned to see Gage looking at us with amusement in his eyes. I shook my head slightly and took a few steps away from Trent.

  I felt an arm coming around my shoulder, "Jenna! How the hell you been?" Jenson, which most people called Jinx, was smiling down at me.

  "Jinx! I missed you. I’ve missed our taco Tuesdays." I hugged him before stepping back.

  "We will have to start up again, but the same deal. You come to the games wearing my number and I will buy you tacos."

  "You got yourself a deal buddy. Anything for tacos."

  Trent slung his arm around my shoulders, "Shit J, if that’s all it takes I will bring you tacos every damn day."

  "Ugh, no. Tacos are for Jinx and me only. No guests."

  Jinx laughed then turned to his cousin, "Jenna this is my cousin, Larkin Nayler. Larkin, this beautiful and amazing girl is Jenna Reylan."

  "Aw Jinx, thanks." I turned to Larkin, giving him a full sparkly smile, "Hey."

  "Jenna." Larkin winked at me.

  He really was gorgeous. He was well over a foot taller than my five feet two inches, and I'm guessing he was closer to six foot five. His eyes were so dark, almost black. His hair was black and a little long, but he could pull it off. He had tanned skin, and I could see his t-shirt straining against his muscles. He had tattoos covering both arms and his lip was pierced. Damn, he was sexy.

  Finally pulling my eyes from Larkin I smiled to Gage, "Boys, I have a hot date so I will see ya'll later."

  Trent caught my arm, "You have a date?"

  "Yep, with a sexy man named Kroger. Care to join?"

  I could see Trent visibly relax, "Uh no thanks. I need to get back to my apartment anyway and unpack so I'm not living out of boxes."

  Jinx and Larkin left with him to unpack. They were all sharing an apartment a few streets away. Gage and I went to the store then went back home to unpack the rest of our boxes. I had decided when he was at football the following day I was going to do some decorating.

  "Hey babe, talk for a minute?" I was standing in the foyer gazing into the living room and found Gage looking at me with a troubled expression.

 
; "What’s up?" I asked hesitantly.

  Gage looked odd, almost angry. He let out a slow breath and fixed his gaze on me. "I just want to tell you to be careful around Larkin. From what Jinx has mentioned about him. I can't help but get a feeling he’s fucked up. Just some stories I've heard."

  I crossed the room and hugged Gage, snuggling my head into his chest. "Gage, you know I'm not looking for anything serious. I don't want that. I want fun. Bad boys are fun." I looked up smirking at him.

  "I swear you’re going to fucking kill me. I can't stand to see you get hurt again." He stroked the hair off my face.

  "I promise, I will never be hurt again. I will never give anyone that power. You’re the only person who knows the real me, how broken and screwed up I am. It will be you and me, always."

  Gage pulled me tight to his side and just barely above a whisper said, "Damn straight babe."

  Trying to lighten the mood I changed the topic to dinner. "I was thinking of making my famous chicken and broccoli Alfredo for dinner? Sound good?"

  I heard Gage's little moan, my chicken and broccoli Alfredo was one of his favorites. "Hell ya. I think I will ask the guys if they want to come over. Make a lot."

  "Of course. Since it’s your last night of freedom what do you have planned?"

  "Nothing really, we have to be at the field at six. I don't feel like going in on my first day hung over so I'm thinking I will take tonight slow. Hopefully this will be my last first day of college football practice."

  Gage, Trent, and Jinx were all on full ride scholarships for football, and I'm pretty sure Larkin was too. When football started they were on strict schedules. All three of them have already been approached by many NFL teams. I am not sure if Larkin has or not.Gage was the star quarterback. Jinx was an all American tight end, and Trent was the untouchable wide receiver. Not sure what position Larkin played but tonight I would get him alone and hopefully figure out a little more besides the role he played on the field.

  I stopped my walk to the kitchen to turn around and look into Gage's eyes, "This will be your last first day. I believe in you. You’re going to make it to the NFL and show them boys how to score and not just with the women. I have been and always will be your biggest fan. Now I'm going to start dinner and then we are all going to sit around loading up on pasta and beer while we talk about how kick ass ya'll are going to be."