Broken Man Read online

  Broken Man

  Christopher Scott

  Broken Man

  Copyright 2013 by Christopher Scott

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this ebook with another person, please purchase another copy for each person. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, please return to the electronic publisher to purchase a copy. Thank you for your honesty and for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Broken Man is Christopher Scott’s debut novel, the centerpiece of the Broken Man Series. To contact the author or to access additional writings, please visit his website at Brokenman.net.

  A special thank you to my reader, Sue MacDonald,

  a perfect stranger and a close friend.

  Prologue

  Christmas Eve

  As he watched Brittany place the last present under the tree, Jack smiled, fully aware of how blessed he was and how special this holiday season was turning out to be.

  Watching Brittany inspect her work to make sure it was perfect for the girls in the morning, Jack felt the sudden urge to be close to her. Still smiling, he stood up from the couch and walked over to where she was putting the final touches on the tree, not quite happy with her preparation despite the preceding three hours spent decorating, wrapping gifts, and sipping wine.

  “Brit, the tree is perfect,” he said as he slipped his arms around her waist. “It’s past midnight, are you going to stay up all night?”

  “Are you sure it looks good, Jack,” she turned to him and smiled tipsily, a combination of beauty and silliness underneath her red and white elf hat. “The girls aren’t going to be little forever, and I want this year to be special.”

  “Honey, everything about this Christmas has been perfect, and the girls are going to love the tree and their gifts. But, you are going to be exhausted in the morning if you don’t get some rest. You know the girls are going to be up early and aren’t going to let you sleep in.”

  “I know, Jack, and I can’t wait,” she replied excitedly. “Do you need to get going?”

  “I do, Brit,” Jack replied, although he knew he didn’t want to leave.

  “Okay, but give me a second. We still need to exchange gifts, but I want to check on the girls first,” she said before giving him a quick kiss.

  As he watched her walk down the hallway, Jack realized he didn’t want to go back to the hotel, but in the seven months they had been together, he still hadn’t slept over at Brittany’s when the girls were home. Jack knew it was the right thing to do, but it didn’t stop him from missing her during the many nights alone.

  As he took out the fireplace tongs and placed one more log on the fire, Jack thought back over the last several months. He had never known life could be this good, and his time with Brittany had exceeded all of his expectations. Every day got better and better, and their love grew stronger with each passing moment.

  A year earlier, Brittany had hit bottom, but now that unhappy time seemed like a lifetime ago. He admired the way she had changed her life in the past year, and marveled at the love she possessed for Delaney and Bailey.

  Jack had never really understood the love a mother could have for a child until he had been able to see it up close with Brittany and the girls. She seemed to have an internal clock that let her know what they were doing every minute of every day and alerted her if they ever needed anything. Jack had never seen that kind of connection, and loved the way Delaney and Bailey were always at the forefront of her mind.

  Jack also loved the way Brittany had included him in this relationship with her daughters. It would have been easy to make the mistake of rushing things with him and creating tension or jealousy as the girls felt neglected in favor of a man, but Brittany instinctually knew to take it slowly when it came to introducing Jack into their lives. The process had been painstakingly slow yet rewarding as he gradually became a part of their world, and before too long, Delaney and Bailey were asking their mother why he didn’t come over more often.

  As he sat back down on the couch, Jack still couldn’t stop thinking about this amazing woman. Somehow, even with that laser-like focus on her daughters, Brittany was able to accomplish so much in the rest of her life. Her business was no longer just surviving, it was prospering. She kept herself in great shape, volunteered at the girls’ school, had plenty of friends, and still found an abundance of time for Jack. She was even an expert on handling a divorce, breezing through the proceeding in record time while maintaining a civil relationship with her ex-husband and a stress free home for her two special girls.

  Was there anything this woman couldn’t do?

  Jack’s question was answered as he heard Brittany singing quietly from the hallway, a nasally soprano definitely not fit for the radio.

  “You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not shout, I’m telling you why,” Brittany emerged from the hallway, stunning in a tiny red nightie and matching elf hat. “Santa Claus is coming to town,” she finished her song and smiled seductively before sitting down on Jack’s lap.

  “Merry Christmas, Jack,” she purred before taking a sip of wine and kissing him slowly and softly on the mouth. “How did you like my song?”

  “How could I not love it, Brit,” he answered politely yet rhetorically as he slid his hands over the soft silk of her negligee before finding the equally soft skin of her thigh, his interest immediately piqued. “I love your outfit.”

  “I am glad you liked it,” she teased as she sat up and turned to him before carefully pulling the negligee over her head, leaving her dressed only in her silly red hat. “Because I only put it on for a minute.”

  Jack once again marveled at the beauty of this amazing woman, and as she nibbled gently on his ear, he brushed her breast with his fingers and smiled at her unbridled, wine-enhanced sexuality as she started to unlatch his belt.

  “Brit, what about the girls,” he regrettably interrupted her progress.

  “The girls are sound asleep,” she whispered in his ear. “Now, please make love to me, Jack.”

  She didn’t have to ask twice. Jack kissed her again, and quietly moved his fingers from her breast to her thigh before gently finding the warmth of her body as he felt her quiver softly. Brittany finally managed to remove his belt, and before she even finished taking off his clothes, she straddled his body and he was inside of her, a feeling he could never get enough of.

  They made love on the couch and then on the rug in front of the fire, no position off limits, no emotion unexplored, desperately wanting more until finally their bodies erupted, both of them barely managing to muffle their screams as they shuddered uncontrollably, and finally, collapsed into each others arms.

  * * *

  I think I am ready for this, Amanda thought to herself as she kissed Jim softly and felt him unhooking her bra.

  They had been dating for nearly a month after meeting at school, and their relationship had progressed nicely in the days leading up to Christmas. Spending so much time with him had helped her forget about her loneliness and taken her mind off of her mother, whom she hadn’t seen in exactly a year. I wonder if she is okay, Amanda tried not to think about her as her bra dropped to the floor.
/>   It had been a pleasant Christmas eve, Amanda remembered their conversation over dinner as she felt his mouth move to her breast. We have a lot in common, a lot to talk about, it is nice to spend time with an intelligent man for once. He is nothing like the men I have dated in the past, unable to really communicate or express the way they feel. Jim is definitely different, and making love to him is the next natural step in our relationship, she convinced herself as he stood up from the bed.

  Amanda watched as Jim took off his shirt and then unzipped his pants, pulling them off and placing them on the dresser before turning back around to face her. Maybe we should slow down a little, Amanda became apprehensive as he stood exposed just in front of her and she sensed what he wanted her to do. I am definitely not ready to do that, she stood up from the bed and again kissed him gently on the mouth, her hand finding the muscles of his chest. This is better, she was reassured enough to unbutton her jeans and slowly step out of them.

  Both of them now naked, Amanda took her time as she went back to kissing him and slowly explored his body with her hands, feeling him nearly jump when she finally touched him. That feels pretty good, she enjoyed his fingers touching her and finally started to relax. His desire apparently too much and her inhibitions gradually waning, Amanda let him lay her back down on the bed, although she was not quite ready and hoped he would take his time.

  I wonder what he thinks of me, she smiled insecurely as he stared at her lying naked on the bed and she again felt exposed. The first time is always a little awkward, she reminded herself as he turned back to the dresser and reached into the pocket of his pants as she modesty covered up with the sheet. I guess it is good that he was prepared, Amanda was unsure as he put on a condom, the wrapper falling to the floor.

  Seemingly unaware of her uneasiness, Jim leaned down to kiss her and abruptly pulled the sheet away, leaving Amanda defenseless yet not wanting to object and ruin the mood. All obstacles out of the way, he laid down on top of her and then entered her rather quickly, his thrusts almost painful at first as she tried to slow him down. I could have used a couple more minutes, Amanda thought as she shifted her hips and tried to acclimate to him. That’s a little better, her body adjusted and she started to relax, maybe this will be okay after all.

  They finally started to find a rhythm, Jim slowing down enough for Amanda to find some pleasure. As she watched him close his eyes and sensed his excitement building, Amanda thought to herself I could love this man, I can make this work, this could be the one. Feeling better about how things were progressing, she closed her eyes to enjoy the moment.

  But, just as quickly as it started, it was over. She heard him let out a grunt and felt him spasm as he withdrew. As he rolled off of her, Amanda tried not to show her disappointment as she rested her head on his chest, her body not nearly fulfilled.

  “That was nice, Jim,” she fibbed as she enjoyed the peacefulness of just laying with him.

  “I had a good time tonight,” he responded with a yawn as Amanda realized pillow talk might not be his thing. “Are you sure you don’t want to come to my parents for dinner tomorrow.”

  “I would love to, but I really have to work,” Amanda thought about her shift at the casino as she kissed his chest and considered maybe trying this again tomorrow night.

  “Okay, maybe I will stop by after dinner.”

  “That sounds good, we can go out after my shift if you want,” she smiled as she watched him close his eyes.

  He fell asleep rather quickly, and Amanda was left alone to think. First times are always difficult, she thought to herself, and she had experienced more first times than she cared to remember in the last ten years. It wasn’t that she slept around, no, that definitely wasn’t the case. She was just a serial dater, a closet romantic always thinking that love was right around the corner. Unfortunately, she had yet to find a man who felt the same way.

  No, it seemed that men were only interested in her for how she looked, a long term relationship and really getting to know her not in their plans. Most of her relationships lasted a few months to a year before they fizzled, the sex no longer as exciting as it had been at first, getting to know her more intimately not an option. Maybe it was because of where she worked, the casinos of Atlantic City definitely not the ideal place to find a mate, or maybe it was because of who she was, an independent woman not willing to defer to just any man.

  But, Jim wasn’t just any man. He was a Professor at the University, a newly minted Phd in Psychology. Intelligent, handsome, and sophisticated, he wasn’t like the men Amanda had dated before. They had great conversations and he actually seemed to really listen to her, unlike the men in her past. Yes, this was definitely a man with whom she could see herself spending a lifetime. I need to make this work, Amanda thought as she looked up at Jim sleeping. He is a good man, the next time will be better. Maybe a little more talking, a little more tenderness, a little less physicality, and we can find that balance, find that special place that I have heard so much about but have never experienced with a man.

  Maybe next time, I will finally find love.

  * * *

  “That was amazing, Jack,” Brittany sighed as they laid under the furry blanket in front of the fire.

  “It was okay, Brit,” Jack smiled as he teased her.

  “Okay, what do you mean okay,” she laughed as she rolled on top of him. “You nearly screamed and I think you would if I hadn’t covered your mouth with my hat.”

  “I wasn’t going to scream,” he lied. “And, what’s up with that hat, did you really have to keep it on the entire time,” Jack laughed.

  “I know you loved it, especially the hat. That’s why I kept it on.”

  “Okay, you got me,” he smiled. “So, was that my gift?”

  “What else do you get a man who has everything,” Brittany paused, carefully considering what she was about to say. “But, I do have one more gift for you, even if it isn’t something I can give you.”

  “Brit, I’m not sure my body can handle another gift like the last one, you might have to give me a few minutes,” he joked as his hands moved to her perfect bottom and he realized his body actually didn’t need a break.

  “Get your mind out of the gutter for just a second, Jack,” Brittany feigned disgust but couldn’t hide a smile. “I’m being serious now.”

  “Okay, Brit, I’m sorry,” Jack apologized with a smirk. “You can give me your gift now.”

  “Thank you, Jack,” Brittany looked into his eyes as he realized she was serious. “I can’t begin to tell you how important you are to me and to my girls. I don’t even feel like the same woman I was a year ago, and I know I have you to thank for that,” she said and in an instant moved from smiling to having tears in her eyes.

  “Hey, Brit, don’t cry. That time is long gone and you fought your way through it. You don’t need to thank me, you did it essentially on your own.”

  “That’s not quite true, Jack. I couldn’t have done it without you,” she again paused for a moment.

  “What I am trying to say, Jack, is that I love you, and I want you in my life forever. My girls also want you in their lives, and when I put them to bed tonight, both of them asked if you were going to be here in the morning,” Brittany looked at him to make sure he understood what she was saying.

  Jack immediately knew what she was saying, and he was touched. Although she had gotten better over the last several months, Jack understood how difficult it still was for Brittany to let down her walls and invite people in. He also knew that she would never risk putting her girls’ hearts in danger unless she knew it was entirely safe. She was truly giving him a special gift, her unconditional love and trust.

  “Does this mean I can sleep over,” Jack broke the tension and smiled when he saw Brittany laughing through her tears.

  “Of course it does, Jack. Just don’t expect the kind of gift I gave you earlier to happen every night.”

  “Seriously, Brit,” he looked into her eyes to let h
er know that he truly meant what he was about to say. “I can’t begin to tell you what that means to me. I love you and the girls more than I can even describe, and it is an honor that you would have the trust in me to be the man in your lives,”he paused and kissed her on the forehead.

  “Believe me, Brit, I will never let you down, and I promise to love you, Delaney, and Bailey forever.”

  “I know you will, and I will love you always as well.”

  She kissed him again, and he felt her move her body against his as he looked into her eyes and his mind, heart, and body opened up to her as always. They made love again, but this time, it was as if it was in slow motion.

  Tender, gentle, and forever etched into Jack’s mind.

  Chapter One

  One Year Later

  Jack poured himself one more drink. What could it hurt, he thought to himself, he didn’t have anywhere to be tomorrow or the next day for that matter. He could drink all night if he wanted to.

  He picked up the remote and turned on the TV before finding a familiar spot on the couch. It was Christmas Eve, and as he flipped through the channels, it seemed that the only decent programs on were A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life. Jack figured he couldn’t go wrong with Jimmy Stewart, and settled in for the night.

  Just as he was getting comfortable, his stupor was interrupted by the ringing of the phone. Jack picked up his phone from the coffee table, and after seeing that the call was from his mother, considered not answering for a second. But, it was Christmas, and what kind of son would he be to not answer a call from his mother on the holiday.

  “Hey, Mom, Merry Christmas,” he answered the phone without enthusiasm.

  “Hi, Jack, Merry Christmas to you as well. How are you doing?”

  Now, Jack remembered why he shouldn’t have answered the phone. Couldn’t they just talk about sports, or movies, or grandchildren. Did the first question from everyone have to be, “How are you doing?”