Page 1 of Cautious Love

Chapter 1

Shiloh

Gravelcrunchesundermytires as I pull into my driveway after a double shift at Bradford Diner. I needed the cash, and it kept me away from home longer.

Grey’s truck is parked on my left, and another vehicle I don’t recognize is on the street, but that’s nothing new.

Grabbing my purse, I trudge up the stairs into the house, and the only thing on my mind is a hot shower and a PB&J. It’s crossed my mind a few times that I should look forward to seeing my boyfriend of twelve years. But things have changed; he’s changed; I’ve changed, and he’s not the guy I fell in love with anymore.

I open the door and peppermint fills my nose.Did Grey light one of my candles?

I hang my keys on the hook and notice there’s something in the oven cooking.He made me dinner?

I drop my purse on the table, then I hear soft music down the hallway.

Frowning, I kick off my shoes and walk down the hall to our room. Did Grey do this for me? Does he feel the space between us too?

Is he trying to mend it?

I take a deep breath, trying to manage my expectations, but if he’s trying, then that means something. And for me, that proves there’s still a connection between us and we’re not living two separate lives in the same house.

Our bedroom door is closed, which is a little strange, but if he’s trying to surprise me, it makes sense; I guess. Then I hear a grunt and a soft sigh through the door.

I don’t think twice, pushing the door so hard it smacks against our cheap walls, and I seered.

Grey is in bed with Melissa,my best friend. Well,wasmy friend.

He’s thrusting into her, and her eyes are closed, and both of them are so into each other they didn’t hear the door.

I stand there, waiting in shock and disgust.

“Grey,” Melissa sighs.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” I scream.

Both of their heads snap to me, and if I had a bat, I would probably swing.

No, there’s noprobably —I would.

No, Iwill.

Spinning on my heel, I go to the closet and get the baseball bat Grey has used for things I don’t like to think about and stomp back into my room. Melissa is getting dressed, her wide eyes bouncing between me and Grey.

“Stop looking at him and get the hell out of my house!” I scream.

“I’m sorry, Shy, I’m so sorry,” she says with tears in her eyes.

I swing the bat in the air and hit an old lamp.

“Open that fat mouth again, and this will be in your gut,” I grit.

She slips past me, and a moment later the front door slams.

Grey stands there like an asshole in his boxers with a dumb look on his face. I stare at him, waiting for an apology, an excuse — really, anything would be fine. Even though none of it matters because we’re done. He slept with mybest friend.If I wasn’t sure about us then, I certainly am now.

I squeeze the handle of the bat, the wood squeaking in my hand, and rest it over my shoulder.

He glances between the bat and me. “Come on, baby, it was a mistake. I don’t love her. You’re my number one,” he says.