Page 11 of Duty Became Desire

“I don’t think it was poor for very long.”

I chuckled, enjoying this banter with her far more than I thought I would have. I mean, usually we always rubbed each other the wrong way. However, even though this moment was nice, the others weren’t.

“So, listen, Alec, I’m sure you’re a great guy. And maybe with you being a teacher doesn’t mean you’re such a douche, butyou’re still not the type of man I go for and I don’t think this marriage is going to work.”

“I agree.”

“And I don’t want you to think that this is about…wait…what?” Her brows crinkled in confusion and for some strange reason, I found that way too adorable.

“I agree. This isn’t a good idea for us. You’re hot, you know that, but we don’t get along, at all. It’s like oil and water. And trust me, as a social studies teacher, I know my fair share of history and how wars began. Opposing forces should never be allowed in the same room, much less a marriage.”

“I didn’t…think you’d agree.”

“I do, Skylar. Very much so. I still can’t quite compute how it happened, or if I believe the story James gave me, but I think it’s for the best if we end it before it even begins.”

“Good. Um, I have to head back to Laughlin tomorrow and won’t be in the city for a few more days, is there anyone you know who might be able to help?”

“I should have a guy at the county office who can help. Or at least point me in the right direction. I have a shorter day tomorrow, so it shouldn’t be a problem to head over there after school to start the paperwork. I mean, it’s Vegas, it should be easy enough to get something.”

“Right.”

“Something wrong, Skylar?”

She finally looked up, a small smile on her lips.

“No, nothing is wrong. Thank you for doing that. Just let me know what you need from me. I’ll help in any way I can.”

“Sure thing. I’ll text you as soon as I have the paperwork.”

She tipped her bottle to me in a mock salute, and I wasn’t sure why I didn’t like it. I mean, I had no reason to question it, but I can say, at least to myself, that simple action caused an unusual twinge in my heart.

Chapter eight

Skylar

Igroaned as I rushed out of my room, glad I least had the foresight to take care of everything last night. Because, as of right now, I was not having a great start to the morning.

First, my phone didn’t charge right, so I had no battery, which means no alarm clock, which means I slept in way later than I should have.

Then the coffee machine in the room was on the fritz, and by the time I got one up to the room, it was time to go.

Next, the zipper on my pants broke, so I was forced to change again.

And now, I was late heading out to my car and heading back home. I had a house showing this afternoon and I needed to make sure everything was ready to roll for it.

But I should have known that this day wasn’t going to go according to plan. After all, it really was the morning from hell, why not continue it?

Because the moment I got in the car and turned the key, nothing happened. I tried it again, with nothing happening and I wanted to cry. Why can’t anything ever work out in my favor?

I checked the time on my semi charged phone and knew I wouldn’t be making it back today, so I needed someone to cover the open house. But since I was stuck in Vegas, I also needed help to get this taken care of.

Without thought, I strolled through my contacts, my finger easily finding Alec and hitting the call button. I wasn’t sure why he was the first person that came to mind, but I was going to go with the fact that his name was first rather than some subconscious thought or something.

“You’ve reached Alec, and I can’t come to the phone. Either at work, or busy with the fam. You know what to do.”

I smiled at the voicemail and quickly left a message, letting him know I was stuck in Vegas and if he had a moment, could he help. I also knew he might still be at school, which would suck, but I got it.

I hung up, staring at the icon of his name, a smile touching my lips for a brief moment. Then, I went on to Demi, getting nothing from her, and finally James.

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