Page 69 of Beau

He scooted to the edge of the couch and reached for her hand, but she pulled away from him. He sighed.

“I am very serious.”

She stared at him then she shook her head.

“Even if you are—”

“I am,” he interrupted.

Brenna sighed. “Even if you are, I couldn’t care less. You destroyed our marriage.”

“We can get past that.”

She stood. “Do you honestly think I would ever trust you again? Were there others, Eric? Did you fuck around before Liz?”

“No,” he mumbled, and she knew he was lying.

“Just go. I don’t know what this is about, but you’re not here to try to win me back. You’re only here because I’m involved with someone, and I’m happy. Happier than I have been in a long time. Now, please go.”

“Do you know why Liz had an affair?”

Brenna refused to answer him, so she just stared at him.

“Because he left her alone all the time. All he cares about is his damn job. He was gone more than he was home.” Eric shrugged. “She got lonely.”

Brenna would be damned before she would give him the satisfaction of even thinking she cared, then she tilted her head and looked at him.

“And what was your excuse?” she asked quietly.

Eric shook his head, stood, walked to where his coat hung, and pulled it on. He turned to face her.

“It’s over between me and her.”

Brenna shrugged and almost smiled when he clenched his jaw. A sure sign he was getting angry.

“Keep an eye on McCallister. She told me she would do whatever it takes to get him back. That’s why she broke it off with me. She wants Beau and she is determined to get him. You don’t stand a chance.”

“It’s time you left,” she said.

“I told Beau I wanted my wife back—”

“I am not your wife,” Brenna said through clenched teeth.

“Anyway, do you know what he said when I told him that? He told me to go for it. Seems he doesn’t really care.” Eric opened the door, walked out, slamming the door behind him.

Brenna raised her middle finger at the door. Then she walked to the door and locked it. Leaning back against it, she wondered if he was telling the truth. About any of it. She trusted him about as far as she could throw him.

She walked back to the sofa and sat down to continue working on her student’s homework. After a few minutes, she gave up because she couldn’t get Eric’s words out of her head. She knew he wasn’t being truthful, but what if Liz did want Beau back? To what lengths would she go to do that? Did he really tell Eric to go ahead and try to get her back?

“Damn you, Eric,” she muttered.

She knew she couldn’t let his words get to her, but that was exactly why he stopped by. He didn’t want her back, he just wanted to put a little doubt in her mind about Beau. She looked at the clock to see it was past nine o’clock. No wonder she was tired. She’d been up since five this morning and the long day was catching up to her.

After putting the papers away, she stood and made her way to the bedroom. She was sure she’d fall asleep the minute her head touched the pillow, but she tossed and turned for hours hearing Eric’s words over and over in her mind.

****

Beau yawned and stretched his arms above his head, feeling the relief of finally being able to leave work behind. This week had dragged on for what felt like an eternity, but now he could look forward to spending time with Brenna over the weekend. He couldn’t get enough of her; he was completely in love with her. However, he couldn’t shake off the fear that she might not feel the same way.

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