Page 62 of Embody

Twenty

Bellamy

I STRUGGLE THROUGHthe day, wound in nervous knots—unable to concentrate, sit still or take an effortless deep breath.

I’m moving, or ratherbeing moved, today. Into a large, fancy place I could never afford and know I don’t deserve. By a man so sexy and kind, but even more so bossy, that I don’t think refusing was ever really an option.

I called Brynn on my break to make sure she wasn’t angry with me, relieved to find she wasn’t. In fact, she couldn’t seem to decide between laughing and apologizing for her brother’s inherited, alpha assertion.

So at least I don’t have to worry about our friendship, it’s fine. But I am still concerned about what the rest of Jefferson’s family will think of me and my possible motives—of which I have none.

My biggest question, however? The one causing riotous commotion in my head, heart and stomach? Jefferson Tate Kendrick…andhispossible motives.

What if he’s quick to lose interest in me? Do I have to move back? All the furniture I owned will be gone. And thecritical, potential loss, the one I care about most and won’t be able to fix with some packing tape and a trip back to Goodwill…what if this is merely the first step in wholly giving in to him and I lose my heart?

I’m beyond scared and confused, both my literal and emotional independence being stripped away bit by bit, and yet, I’m not sure I want to stop either from happening. Simultaneously petrified and exhilarated by the possibility of being able to depend on someone else for anything, especially to take care of my feelings. Feelings I’ve never even come close to entrusting to anyone else.Besides my parents, which is so not the same thing.

My shift finally ends and I rush out, ready to sprint for the bus and get home to oversee my move, but I’m stopped dead in my tracks.

“Seriously, you didn’t think I’d be here?” he asks in a flirty growl, standing at the curb with his passenger door already open for me.

“You, um, didn’t say you would be,” I bobble my flattered words, walking his way. “So I-”

“Bellamy,” he grabs my hips and tugs me to him, resting his forehead on mine. “I’ll be hereevery nightto pick you up from work. We clear now?” I nod and he gives me a quick kiss. “Good. Now in your fine ass goes,” he chuckles, giving me a boost into his car.

As soon as he climbs in behind the wheel I ask, “What smells so good?”

“Dinner,” he motions to the backseat with his head. “Gotta feed the help. Grabbed Thai. You like?”

“I love,” my purr escapes as I lick my lips. “They’re helpingmethough, so I’d like to pay for it.”

His responding laugh is heavier with a feral growl than humor. “And I’d like for them to all be done and gone, leaving us alone, by the time we get there. Think that’s gonna happen?”

“No.”

“And there’s your answer about paying for dinner.” He reaches for my hand and brushes his lips across my knuckles. “You excited?”

“Yes,” I whisper amidst my gulp.

“But?” He picks up on my vibe, as usual.

“But I told you,” I sigh, “I don’t want your family to think I coerced you into favors like some gold digger or whatever. And us, I don’t know-”

“Sshh,” he hushes me, abruptly pulling over to a stop and shifting in his seat. “Look at me, Bellamy.” I must hesitate too long for his liking, ‘cause he reaches up to tilt my chin. “There they are, those big, green eyes that tell me everything.” He smirks, squeezing my hand he’s still holding with the one not under my chin. “I already told you, no one will think that. You have my word. Do youbelieveme at my word, Bellamy?”

“Yes,” I mutter, now feeling petulant for bringing it up again.

“Then this time, when I tell you to stop worrying about it and you promise you will, mean it. Okay?”

“Yeah, okay,” I exhale, roll my neck to relax some and work up a smile. “Promise.”

“That’s my girl,” he kisses my hand before easing back into traffic.

His girl.

 

 

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