Page 194 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 2

“No, not yet. I got her voicemail.”

“So do you need any help packing or moving? What can I do to help? A week isn’t very long to make a move like this,” Caine inquired with his practical and protective tone.

“Honestly, Caine, I don’t have it in me to fight with the divorce. So I’m just going to walk away with my clothes, some items that hold special memories, and my car. There is nothing to pack really.” I was losing all the excitement in my voice.

I could sense Caine was completely furious hearing this and even more furious that my soon-to-be-ex-husband could take the fight out of me. Caine never liked my husband and disliked him even more during the separation.

“Neely, why in the hell would you let that jerk get everything? You have more strength than to let that ass walk all over you,” Caine lectured.

I sighed. “Caine, please, I really don’t want to talk about it. It was a horrible time, and I just want to look ahead. No more talk about him, okay?” I made my voice perk up. “Now I’m free to return home and start my life over. I think I need to come as soon as possible to find an apartment. Do you mind helping me with that?”

“There’s no reason for you to find an apartment and live by yourself. I have a new three bedroom house, and I have a spare room you can move into. We can be roommates,” Caine stated rather than asked.

“I can’t do that. You’re living with Sara, right? I don’t think me moving in is what you two lovebirds want.”

I didn’t really know much about Caine’s new girlfriend. I knew she was one of many and that Caine had just recently moved her into his house. He rarely spoke of his girlfriends other than their name. He kept his love life private and seldom shared that side of him. In all the years I had known Caine I only met a couple girls, and I had never seen Caine in love. He had never been with anyone longer than a few months.

“She’ll be fine with it.”

“Come on. No girl in the world would be okay with this idea.”

There was a long pause before he spoke. “It’s my house. Sara lives with me…for now.”

“For now?”

Caine cleared his throat. “We aren’t discussing me and Sara right now. No getting out of this. Besides, I’m not comfortable with the idea of you living alone. You need people who love you around.”

“I could crash with Coley,” I interjected.

“She has a one bedroom, a lumpy couch and you know how messy my sister is.” He chuckled. “My home is your home, period.” Caine’s tone made it clear the conversation was over.

I sighed. “Fine, but I insist on paying rent. And if you and Sara need alone time, you just need to give me some secret code to get out of Dodge.”

Caine let out a big laugh. “Neely girl, get your ass moving and come home now!”

I couldn’t help but giggle. It was nice to feel this excited and hopeful again. I was happy to be moving in with Caine. I was sick of being alone and having no one to come home to. I couldn’t imagine a better place to live or a better person to live with. I hadn’t felt so beat down in my entire life, and I realized I needed Caine’s strength to help me find my own.

“Caine, I love you. And I’ll see you guys soon.”

I hung up the phone and felt the urge to laugh or scream. Instead, I cried. I couldn’t believe the past few years were soon to be behind me. I had a new job, new home, and old friends. I couldn’t ask for more…well maybe a new man.

I chuckled at the thought of bringing a man home to meet Caine. How would that go over? I would have to tell a possible love interest that I live with a man. I would have to deal with Caine’s fatherly behavior monitoring my dating life. I wiped at my tears and smiled at the thought of seeing Caine every day. The pity party needed to end. I was done feeling like a failure, and feeling alone. I was ready to take my life back. But more than anything, I couldn’t wait to get back home.

Chapter Two

Before I could even knock on the door, it flung open with Caine pulling me into his arms.

“Neely! God, it feels good holding you and seeing you again!” Caine continued to squeeze, slightly lifting me off my feet. Being in Caine’s arms had a way of making me feel like a light, fragile girl.

I had to admit that it did feel good being hugged by him. His hard muscles were pressed up against me, and he smelled so good. Caine was the most handsome man I knew. He obviously worked out, and his profession as a firefighter helped him maintain his rock-hard body. His smell was a mixture of smoke, soap, and cologne. No one smelled like him, and whenever I was close enough to take in his scent, I instantly felt safe.

Behind Caine, there was a woman who did not look happy to see me. I assumed the fuming lady had to be Caine’s new girlfriend, Sara. She was standing with her arms crossed, obviously scoping me out. She was beautiful, not that I was surprised. Caine always had gorgeous women in his life. Sara had long brown hair, was extremely skinny, and had large breasts. I smirked to myself, because all of Caine’s girlfriends had long hair, were skinny, and had large boobs. Caine felt a woman should never wear short hair. He would throw a fit if Coley or I cut our hair. He categorically hated short hair, which he felt only belonged on a man. I was immediately happy I hadn’t cut my hair last month when I was getting antsy and felt like I needed a change. Caine would for sure have lectured me about it, and I wasn’t up for his disapproval. So I was happy my light brown hair still cascaded down past my shoulders.

Caine pulled away and turned to Sara. “Neely, this is Sara. Sara, this is my dear friend, Neely.”

Sara put out her hand and smiled. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Even though Sara was extending her hand and giving a perfect smile with her perfect teeth, I could sense it was all for show. Regardless, I shook her hand.

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