Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 71034 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71034 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
“Sorry.” I picked up my champagne flute and took a sip. The bubbly liquid eased over my tongue. It was a delightful contrast to the creaminess of the cheesecake.
“Good?” Worth asked.
“Yes, but I feel like you could make me like anything.”
“I think I could too, and I’d really like to try.”
He held my gaze. I didn’t breathe, and for a moment I couldn’t move. Heat rose up my neck and into my face. I pushed my chair back, picked up my glass of champagne, and raced to my room. This time, Worth didn’t try to stop me.
When the door was closed behind me, I sank down on the chaise in front of my window. Minutes passed before I could breathe normally again, but when I could, I called Beck. He didn’t answer, so I texted him.
Please talk to me. I’m so sorry.
I told you it isn’t your fault.
Then talk to me.
A FaceTime call came through, and I was relieved to see Beck on the screen.
“Worth really didn’t do anything wrong. I’m fine. I’m safe. I’m happy.” I managed to get out the words without my voice shaking.
“I should never have sent you there with him. I should’ve had you come stay with me, but I wanted you to experience Aruba.”
“It’s beautiful. I love it here, and like I told you, I never thought your brother was dangerous. He’s nothing like Tommy.”
“God, no. Worth would never hurt you. I know that.”
I ran a hand through my hair. “Maybe tell him that.”
“I can arrange for you to have another room.”
“You don’t need to spend any more money. Worth and I are fine, this villa is bigger than the house I shared with Tommy.”
Beck sighed. “I guess it’s better anyway. I don’t want you there alone.”
“But you also don’t want me with Worth.”
He blew out a long breath. “I don’t want you with him with him. You need time on your own, and my brother doesn’t do relationships.”
“I know. You’ve told me all about him.”
“Then why would you start a fling with him? You have to know it was a terrible idea.”
I needed help, and I was grateful Beck had gotten me out of St. Louis, but he was talking to me like I was a child. I’d survived hell. Couldn’t I decide if I wanted a fling or not? “What I know is that Worth was kind to me. He treated me with respect.”
“Things won’t work out well for the two of you.”
I knew that deep inside, but I wanted to ignore it. I’d spent the last several years doing nothing but making bad choices. Why would I change now?
“He’s a lot older than you,” Beck pointed out.
“Ten years, that’s not insane or anything. Tommy was closer to my age and look how that ended up.”
I wasn’t sure why I was arguing with Beck. He was right. I needed time to process what I’d been through and figure out what I was going to do now. Plus, Worth didn’t want to make any commitments, but somehow, I couldn’t let go of the idea that this wasn’t as bad of an idea as Beck thought.
Beck sighed. “I wish I’d told this law firm I wasn’t available and gone to Aruba.”
“Imagine if you’d been in the casino or out at a bar, and then come back to….”
“Tell me you wouldn’t have slept with him if I’d been here.”
“No, I wouldn’t have, not when you might walk in on us. It was horrific when Worth turned the phone to let you see me.”
He shuddered. “I don’t ever want anything like that to happen again.”
“But you want your brother to be happy?”
“Of course I do.”
“He’s not happy right now.”
Beck nodded. “I know, that’s why I asked him to go to Aruba with me.”
“So we’re both here being unhappy together, and….”
“Laurence, promise me you won’t let Worth seduce you again.”
I frowned. “He’s not a predator.”
“I know, but you’re vulnerable right now.”
I sat up straighter and wished I’d made myself presentable for this call. “I’m fine.”
“Laurence.”
“Okay, I’m a mess, but—”
“I don’t want you to get hurt again. Please.” Beck sounded so worried, how could I contradict him again?
Listening to him was the right thing, even though what I wanted was to go climb into Worth’s bed. “I promise, just don’t be angry with me anymore.”
“I’m not. I’m sorry if you thought that. I was only angry with Worth.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t be,” I said, “I did lie to him.”
“But he thought you were an escort.”
“It was….”
“What?”
Was I really going to tell him I was more flattered than offended? “Nothing. Good night, Beck.”
“Good night. Take care of yourself.”
“I will.” But I’d rather let Worth do that.
I was lying on my bed staring at the ceiling when I heard a soft knock on my door.
“Laurie, are you ok?” Worth asked.
“I’m…I will be.” I was sad, angry, and embarrassed, and I wasn’t sure I could face him. Beck was right. I was fucked up from all I’d been through, and I hadn’t taken any time to process it. This wasn’t the time to fall for a guy who was going to walk away after a quick fling.