Chapter 1
He loved her, he wanted her, he got her.
A cool, crisp autumn day. The wind rustled through the leaves, always keeping them on the move. Cortlandt was strolling down the avenue, hoping he'd catch a glimpse of his high school crush, Melissa. Just then, she passed by. Her gorgeous figure and seemingly flawless complexion made even married men's heads turn. She was totally out of Cortlandt's league; the aura she produced was far too strong for almost any man. Cortlandt knew she was still single, as she still had a trail of men following and hitting on her, only to be rejected once again.
Cortlandt knew exactly what Melissa was looking for, a man who was outspoken, quiet, and gentle. She wanted someone to treat her right, not use her as a sex tool. When Melissa knew him though, Cortlandt was a very talkative jerk who treated women poorly. By now, age 24, he had changed. He had matured into a responsible man. He had joined the Navy at 18, served on an Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyer for five years, and was now back in Iowa where he belonged.
Melissa had always seen Cortlandt as a joke throughout school, perhaps a last resort. He had repeatedly groped her, called her dirty words, and acted demeaning to her. She never wanted a part of him. All thoughts of Cortlandt changed when he stepped up and joined the military. Perhaps he has changed after his years of service…. She had thought. Maybe I should give him another chance with me.
Maybe today is my day. Cortlandt thought to himself. He dragged himself up to her, that beautiful woman Melissa walking down the street. "Hey Melissa," he spit out, "Wanna maybe uh….. Hang out sometime?"
"Oh, Cortlandt, I thought you'd never ask!" She replied, "Of course I will!"
His knees almost gave out when she said yes. Cortlandt ran up to Melissa and gave her a gigantic hug.