Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Because I Can
    Because I Can
    Because I Can
    Ebook238 pages3 hours

    Because I Can

    By Bridgitte Lesley

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    Gillian and Ben had known each other for years and years. They had gone to school together and had remained as friends in all that time. Gillian’s life had led a totally different path. She had met up with Nick who had literally taken control of her life. And with the control people had been led to believe that she was a kept woman. With her slinky little outfits and her peroxide blonde hair. All the make up and the false nails. Who wouldn’t think that? Gillian was tired of it all. She had always been driven to succeed. Gillian realized that she would have to make a drastic move. She needed to get out of town fast. She would make it big wherever she went and come home a success. She had the drive. But then there was Ben. Ben who she had always loved. Who had just announced his engagement to Sally. Even more reason for Gillian to get out of town. Ben drove her over to the airport. But he had to tell her. He had to tell her how he felt. Before he never saw her again.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBridgitte Lesley
    Release dateMar 15, 2014
    ISBN9781310369438
    Because I Can
    Author

    Bridgitte Lesley

    Hello from Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa!Having survived an attempt at being murdered, I have plunged myself in to my writing. After my gruesome ordeal, I live life from day to day. Appreciating every minute and moment. Yes, I have the scars from an axe being driven in to my head repeatedly. I suffer from PTSD and OCD. But, I am here to tell the tale. And I have a lot to tell!I am currently revamping my older titles and will be adding a few. In a nutshell, you will find a mix of romance, adventure, lots of witty banter and a happy ever after. All round, expect a feel-good read.Thank you for reading and for your support!Bridgitte

    Read more from Bridgitte Lesley

    Related to Because I Can

    Related ebooks

    Romance For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      When He Stepped outside

      May 5, 2022

      When He Stepped outside
      5 min read

    • Article

      Jumping to CONCLUSIONS

      Oct 19, 2022

      Jumping to CONCLUSIONS
      6 min read

    • Article

      ‘A Wonderful Stroke of Luck’: Featured Fiction from Ann Beattie

      Apr 2, 2019

      Why did Ben feel like these people, this place, might be the last things he’d ever see? The post ‘A Wonderful Stroke of Luck’: Featured Fiction from Ann Beattie appeared first on The Millions.

      3 min read

    • Article

      Just A Drink

      Feb 3, 2022

      Just A Drink
      4 min read

    • Article

      Who Can You TRUST?

      Mar 31, 2021

      Who Can You TRUST?
      5 min read

    • Article

      CHRISTMAS Secrets

      Dec 2, 2020

      CHRISTMAS Secrets
      9 min read

    • Article

      Break for FREEDOM

      Jan 12, 2021

      Break for FREEDOM
      6 min read

    • Article

      In The Dog HOUSE

      Jan 26, 2021

      In The Dog HOUSE
      6 min read

    • Article

      Something SPECIAL

      Feb 21, 2023

      Something SPECIAL
      6 min read

    • Article

      Meet Me At The EIFFEL TOWER

      Jan 19, 2022

      Meet Me At The EIFFEL TOWER
      6 min read

    • Article

      A second CHANCE

      Jun 8, 2022

      A second CHANCE
      2 min read

    • Article

      In the DOG HOUSE

      May 13, 2020

      In the DOG HOUSE
      6 min read

    • Article

      I Kissed The Groom

      Dec 3, 2020

      I Kissed The Groom
      2 min read

    • Article

      The CONTRACT

      Jan 18, 2023

      The CONTRACT
      11 min read

    • Article

      Back of THE NET!

      Mar 10, 2021

      Back of THE NET!
      3 min read

    • Article

      The Flower GIRL

      Jul 6, 2021

      The Flower GIRL
      6 min read

    • Article

      The Sapphire Bow

      Oct 12, 2021

      The Sapphire Bow
      6 min read

    • Article

      Mirror Mirror

      Nov 24, 2020

      Mirror Mirror
      6 min read

    • Article

      The sapphire BOW

      Sep 12, 2023

      The sapphire BOW
      6 min read

    • Article

      An Important Person

      Feb 3, 2021

      I’m stirring noodles in a pot when Billy gets home. He comes round the back and knocks over Dad’s beer bottles. They are lined up outside. Billy shouts loudly and throws the door open. ‘Is he here?’ he says. ‘No,’ I say. ‘He’s just left.’ Billy nods

      7 min read

    • Article

      CHRISTMAS Secrets

      Nov 25, 2020

      CHRISTMAS Secrets
      9 min read

    • Article

      I Married Both Brothers

      Jan 25, 2022

      I Married Both Brothers
      3 min read

    • Article

      Best of FRIENDS

      Jul 5, 2023

      Best of FRIENDS
      3 min read

    • Article

      Know your ONIONS

      Apr 14, 2021

      Know your ONIONS
      8 min read

    • Article

      A New Year LIST

      Dec 28, 2023

      A New Year LIST
      6 min read

    • Article

      The best BIRTHDAY EVER

      Jan 19, 2022

      The best BIRTHDAY EVER
      7 min read

    • Article

      It’s Her Day

      Aug 2, 2021

      She’s not naive enough to believe your wedding day is the start of a brand-new life, but she’s going to try like hell to make it that way. I’m getting married today! Jen would scream it to the few people on the street this early, below the hotel balc

      6 min read

    • Article

      Break for Freedom

      Oct 6, 2020

      Break for Freedom
      6 min read

    • Article

      Conned By My Best Friend

      Mar 22, 2022

      Conned By My Best Friend
      4 min read

    • Article

      With this RING

      Aug 8, 2023

      With this RING
      6 min read

    Related categories

    Reviews for Because I Can

    0 ratings

    0 ratings0 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

      Book preview

      Because I Can - Bridgitte Lesley

      Because I Can

      By

      Bridgitte Lesley

      Version 1

      Published by

      Bridgitte Lesley on Smashwords

      Because I Can

      Copyright © 2011 Bridgitte Lesley

      This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only and may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Your support and respect for the property of this author is appreciated.

      This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or locations is purely coincidental. The characters are a production of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously.

      * * * * *

      Because I Can

      * * * * *

      CHAPTER 1

      Gillian opened her suitcase and loaded a few items of clothing that she had selected. She didn’t have much that she wanted to take with her. The rest she packed into cardboard boxes and packed them into the store room. She closed her suitcase and looked out of the window. Ben pulled up in his luxurious big four by four. Gillian walked out of the front door with a huge smile. She locked her front door. She was sad to be leaving her home. She headed down the pathway and popped the keys into the post box. Ben smiled as she hopped in with her one piece of luggage.

      To the airport? Gillian nodded. She was very quiet as they drove. She looked out of the window as they drove.

      Pity Nick can’t be here to take you. I thought you would have asked him. Or at least that he would offer. Gillian smiled and shook her head.

      It’s fine. I know he is busy during the day. He doesn’t have a minute to spare. Ben was quiet for a while. He looked over at Gillian.

      You aren’t coming back, are you? Gillian shook her head. She couldn’t talk. She had a lump in her throat and tears which threatened to escape. She almost croaked.

      No. Ben nodded.

      Your house?

      I have tenants moving in this afternoon. Ben nodded. He had a huge lump in his throat.

      Why, Gill, why? Gillian shook her head. She couldn’t talk. She closed her eyes and held her hands over her eyes. She didn’t want to cry.

      Ben pulled over. He looked over at Gill. He slowly pulled her hands away and looked at her. He pulled her closer and held her. He cradled her in his arms and ran his hand over her head.

      I don’t care why. But I want you to keep in contact with me. Even if it is only me, you hear. Gillian nodded and put her arms around Ben and burst in to tears.

      You’re running away. From him. Aren’t you? Gillian nodded.

      Are you pregnant?

      No.

      Why then?

      I don’t love him. We don’t sleep together. Never have. He wants me to look good for him. I need love.

      Why don’t you tell him?

      Because he won’t listen. And besides I love someone else. Ben held her close.

      Oh Gillian. Do I know him? This man? Gillian nodded. Ben held her tight.

      Oh my darling. My darling. He kissed her on the head. Gillian pulled away. She wiped her tears. She tried to smile.

      I’ll be fine. Ben looked at her.

      I’ll e-Mail you when I get there okay. Ben nodded.

      Are you meeting up with the man you love? Gillian smiled.

      No, he doesn’t know. Never will. Ben nodded.

      Why not? Gillian smiled.

      Look at me Ben. Everyone thinks I am a hooker. Look at my hair. Blonde. Peroxide blonde. My nails are false. Everything I wear. I have such a bad reputation because of Nick. I can’t do that to the man I love. Ben looked at Gillian.

      I don’t care. I know the real you. Gillian nodded and smiled.

      You do. But no one else does.

      Ben pulled back on to the road and headed for the airport. He walked Gillian through to the ticket booking desk. Gillian quietly booked a one way ticket and walked back to Ben. She opened her purse and put her change in her purse. Ben looked. He couldn’t help but notice. She had nothing. She had twenty bucks left. Ben closed his eyes and shook his head. Gillian took the ticket in her hand and smiled. They walked along to go and check in.

      Ben stopped at the ATM and withdrew five thousand, his limit for the day. He took his wallet and put the card back. He took out his credit card. He turned to Gillian.

      This money is for somewhere to sleep. A decent hotel. Wherever you are going. And this is my credit card. I want you to use it. Gillian shook her head.

      Ben, I can’t. I will feel like a kept woman. Ben smiled.

      I don’t care. Take it. And if you need cash the pin number is easy to remember. It’s your birthday and the last two digits of the year you were born. Gillian smiled.

      My birth date? Ben nodded and smiled. Gillian hugged Ben really tight.

      I won’t use it.

      Then I will be mad. Gillian nodded and put the card and cash into her purse. Ben smiled. He pulled Gillian close into his arms.

      What are you going to do?

      I’m going to make a success of my life. And then maybe one day I will come home and claim the man that I really love. Ben nodded.

      Oh Gill. Gillian nodded and started to cry.

      You love him so much. Gillian nodded.

      Is he married?

      No.

      Got a girlfriend? Gillian shook her head.

      Engaged.

      Oh. Gillian smiled as she let Ben go, wiping her tears.

      She took the credit card out of her purse and gave it back to Ben.

      Sally won’t like this. Take it Ben. Ben shook his head.

      Put it back in that purse before I do. Gillian smiled. Ben looked at Gillian.

      I don’t really care about what Sally thinks. I broke off the engagement last night. She’s not the right girl for me. Gillian looked at Ben with huge eyes.

      You sure? Ben nodded.

      Gillian’s flight was called. Gillian looked up at Ben with tears in her eyes.

      I have to go. Ben pulled her closer. He hugged her tight.

      Look after yourself. Gillian nodded. Ben slowly let her go. He put his hands one on each side of her head and looked into her eyes.

      I am giving you twelve months. Hell, make that six. Gillian smiled and nodded. Ben leaned down and kissed Gillian. He meant to give her a brief kiss but he couldn’t help himself. He pulled Gillian into his arms and kissed her the way he had always wanted to. Gillian melted in his arms and responded as enthusiastically. He slowly pulled away. Gillian looked at him with huge eyes.

      Ben? Ben smiled and nodded.

      I love you Gillian. I think you need to know. Gillian whispered.

      Ben, you can’t. Ben nodded.

      I always have. Gillian giggled and threw her arms around Ben’s neck.

      I love you Ben. It’s you! I love you! Ben grinned.

      Me? Gillian nodded. Ben smiled and held her a little away and stared at her.

      Go. Get yourself sorted out. I’ll come to you when you are ready and bring you home. Ben held her in his arms and kissed Gillian. He held her close in his arms.

      Go. Gillian smiled as she walked off beaming. She turned. Ben stood and smiled. Gillian smiled and walked off.

      Ben smiled as he watched Gillian walk of. He loved her so much. He always had. He compared every woman to her. No-one made the grade. He hadn’t even slept with his ex-fiancé’. All he had on his mind was Gillian. He thought Nick and Gillian were sleeping together. They weren’t. He was so relieved. Ben smiled and whispered to himself.

      She loves me. Me. Oh boy. He smiled as he walked off. He would give her six months and then go and fetch her.

      Gillian’s heart rate had accelerated. Her knees were shaking. Her hands were shaking. She had butterflies flitting around in her stomach. She started to smile. She boarded her flight and took a deep breath. She closed her eyes as she sat down on her seat. Gillian couldn’t stop smiling.

      Ben smiled as he headed over to his car. He hopped in and drove over to the bank. He transferred ten thousand to his credit card. He filled in forms for a monthly debit to go from his current account to his credit card. He signed the form and smiled. He had the money. He would take care of Gillian. Ben smiled. He had his daily withdrawal limit on his credit card increased to ten thousand. Ben smiled. Courtney the teller looked at Ben.

      Why are you doing this Ben?

      Courtney, what would you say if I told you that today is the beginning of the rest of my life? Courtney smiled.

      I would say good for you. And say good for Sally. Ben smiled.

      Sally and I are no longer engaged. Courtney looked at Ben with huge eyes.

      Really? Ben nodded and grinned.

      Not anymore.

      Then there’s someone else. Ben smiled and did not answer.

      CHAPTER 2

      Ben looked at his watch. He had enough time to get home, feed the cat, and head over to the bar. He walked in through the front door and headed to the kitchen. He smiled as the cat came up and walked around his feet. Ben fed her and made his way out.

      Nick drove up to the hotel and headed for the bar. He looked around. He walked straight to the bar counter.

      I’ll have a brandy. Double.

      Ben walked in. He knew where Nick would be. He walked over to the bar counter.

      Coke Zero please Clyde. Clyde smiled.

      Yes Sir. Ben smiled. Nick looked over at Ben.

      You’re not drinking.

      Nope. But I see you are. Nick nodded.

      Got some bad news today.

      Yeah, what’s that?

      Gillian. My Gillian. She vanished. Left town. Didn’t say a word. And you know she loves me so much. Must be a family crisis. Ben nodded.

      Family crisis you say. Nick nodded. Ben nodded.

      What family would that be? Nick looked at Ben.

      Her sister probably. Ben nodded. He looked at Clyde who was listening. Clyde looked at Ben and nodded. He smiled as he leaned down to reach something from behind the bar.

      Clyde and Ben were best friends. They knew Gillian from when they were at school together. She didn’t have a sister. They both knew that. Ben nodded.

      Must have been in an awful hurry to get away then. Nick nodded. He ordered another double brandy. Clyde gave him his drink.

      So where does this sister live? Nick nodded.

      In the next town, I think. Clyde nodded.

      She never mentioned her. What’s her name? Nick shrugged.

      All I know is her sister is in the next town. Ben nodded and smiled. Nick looked at Ben.

      I was so good for her. I made her what she was. Ben scoffed.

      Yeah Nick. Nick nodded.

      I did. Ben nodded.

      And now she has gone. Nick nodded.

      And what now Nick? Nick looked up and stared.

      When she comes back she will come running. I looked after her. She didn’t want to work. She will be back. I looked after her. She had everything. I paid her rent. That house she lived in. Ben nodded.

      Oh she was renting? Nick nodded.

      So much that people didn’t know. She was a kept woman. Ben nodded.

      Clyde studied Ben. He had never seen Ben looking so happy. Nick got up. Two women walked in. He smiled and looked at them. They walked over to where the men were sitting. Sandra draped herself over Nick. Janine walked over to Ben.

      So Sally is no longer. Ben smiled.

      Not interested Janine.

      Oh, but I thought. Ben nodded.

      You thought wrong. I’m not available. Not now. Not tomorrow. Not forever. Not for anyone. Nick got up and smiled. He walked off with both women.

      Clyde smiled. He spoke quietly.

      You okay Ben? Ben smiled and looked at Clyde.

      Never better. Clyde, I am a happy man. Clyde nodded.

      You broke it off with Sally. Ben smiled and nodded.

      Why are you so happy then? Ben looked up at Clyde.

      Because I found something out today. Something that means a whole lot to me. Something I have wanted forever. Oh I have to wait for it. For about six months. But when the six months are up. Well. Let’s just say I am going to be the happiest man on earth. Clyde grinned.

      Good deal then? Ben chuckled.

      Oh yes. Clyde smiled.

      So what do you make of Gill then? Ben smiled.

      I respect that woman. Getting rid of that jerk. What a woman. Clyde smiled.

      Still got a soft spot for her then? Ben nodded and smiled. Clyde grinned.

      Where did she go then? Ben chuckled.

      To her sisters of course. They both roared with laughter. Clyde shook his head.

      Is she going to be okay? Ben nodded.

      Her house?

      Rented out.

      Money?

      Enough. Clyde nodded.

      Good. Just look after her okay. Ben nodded and smiled. Clyde whispered.

      You know where she really is? Ben shook his head.

      I don’t. Clyde nodded.

      You going to keep an eye on her when you find out? Ben nodded.

      Yes. Clyde smiled.

      Let me know if you need something. Ben looked at Clyde and smiled.

      Thanks. Clyde nodded.

      He treated her like absolute crap. Ben nodded.

      She couldn’t get out of it. Clyde nodded.

      Bastard. Ben nodded.

      Just keep it quiet. Clyde nodded.

      Six months you say? Ben nodded. Clyde smiled and nodded.

      Ben smiled as Hugh walked through.

      Hey buddy. Missed you this afternoon. Where were you?

      Running an errand for a friend. Hugh grinned.

      I hear Gill left town. Ben nodded.

      I heard. Hugh smiled.

      Good for her. She had to get away from that jerk. Ben nodded.

      Yep.

      You know, he really tried to tarnish her reputation. But we all know our Gill. Ben nodded. Grant walked in grinning.

      Hey Ben, Hugh, Clyde. Did you hear? Nick got dumped. Gill up and left him. They all chuckled. Clyde poured drinks for Hugh and Grant. Grant smiled.

      You need a glass Clyde. Clyde grinned as he raised his glass from behind the counter. They all put their glasses together. Hugh grinned.

      To the best kid in town. Gill. Bless her. And may she be such a success in whatever she does. They all grinned as they took a sip.

      Grant looked at Ben.

      Where were you this afternoon? Hugh grinned.

      Running an errand. Grant nodded.

      Oh, and then he headed to the bank. Ben chuckled.

      Yep. An errand. Then to the bank. Grant nodded and smiled.

      That Courtney. She’s like the regular newspaper. The whole town knows about you and Sally by now. Ben grinned. Grant looked at Ben.

      You aren’t upset about leaving Sally.

      Nope.

      Nope?

      Nope. Hugh nodded.

      She wasn’t for you Ben. Not your type. Ben smiled and nodded.

      I know. They all looked at Ben in astonishment. Clyde hid his smile. Hugh shook his head.

      So now you are free to date whoever. Ben shook his head. He grinned.

      I guess. Ben got up.

      I’m off. I’ve got a home to renovate. Changes to make. Things to do. He got up and smiled.

      Cheers guys. They all looked and smiled. Ben headed home.

      Ben drove up the road. He stopped off at the stationer and bought himself a black A5 Hardcover spiral bound book. Joan the stationer smiled.

      New hobby Ben. I heard about Sally. Sorry she left you. Ben chuckled.

      No Joan, I left her. Thanks for the book. Joan looked at Ben.

      Really. You left Sally? Ben nodded.

      Yes Ma’am. Ben smiled as he walked out with his book. He hopped into his four by four and drove home.

      Whispers, the cat, walked up to Ben as he walked in. He picked her up and kissed her.

      "We are going to

      Enjoying the preview?
      Page 1 of 1