Page 23 of Blindsided By Fake Love

“You,” Scott’s voice drips with disdain as he thrusts a finger at Beau before pointing that finger at me. “Had a thing forher?”

At this, a spark lights Beau’s eyes, and an unspoken challenge fills them. A sly quirk curves his lips, causing goosebumps to pop on my skin. I can see the dare he’s throwing my way clear as day.

He’s all but shouting, ‘Are you going to let him get away with saying that?’.

And for the first time I’m tired of letting Scott treat me like a consolation prize.

How did I not see it before?

A rush of adrenaline courses through my body, and the corner of my lip pulls up.

Challenge accepted.

I know the moment Beau understands. He snakes his arm around my waist and pulls me close.

Claiming me.

The warmth from his hand grounds me.

Without breaking his stare, Beau responds, “It’s why I asked her to marry me when I saw her.” His smile broadens, and my breath catches. I’m so caught up in Beau that I barely notice the growl that comes from Scott. “I wasn’t about to let her go…again.”

“You two,” Scott snarls, “are married?!”

“I guess you could call it a whirlwind romance.” His lips quirk. And I turn my head toward Scott. The confusion on his face fills me with a sense of deep satisfaction. “You’re the first person we’ve told. We'd appreciate it if you could keep it quiet for a bit. We need to iron out a few details since it happened so fast and all. But it’s only fair since…well…you know, we were engaged up until recently.”

I gently pat Scott on the arm and instantly regret it from the glare he throws my way.

“You did me a favor leaving her.” Beau presses his lips on the top of my head, sending tiny shivers down to my toes. His strong arm wrapped around my waist gives me a sense of invincibility.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve backed down when Scott has gotten like this in the past. Standing up to him feels good, even if the situation is unorthodox.

I forgot what it felt like to be physically and emotionally supported by a ‘boyfriend’.

Scott’s eyes fill with rage. But right now, all I want to do is stick my tongue out at him and shout ‘Na Na Na Na Na Na’.

But I don’t, because that would be childish.

My cheeks pull up, and Scott’s jaw clenches. Without saying a word, he stomps from the porch while Beau and I quietly watch him go.

“You know the news of our marriage will spread like wildfire, right?” His words vibrate against the side of my body, and his snicker sends shivers down my spine.

“Did you mean what you said?” I push out, my throat suddenly tight. I’ll think about the gossip later; right now, the only question I want answered is the one I just asked.

“Which part?” He takes a tiny step back, putting some distance between us so he can see my expression. His eyes are a shade of molten lead. His hand is still on my waist like he’s reluctant to stop touching me. “I said a lot.”

“All of it?” Gazing into his eyes, I see the truth staring back at me. But I need to hear him say it.

“Do you really not remember what we talked about that night in Vegas?” His voice holds so much emotion, and his eyes are searching mine as if trying to gather all the secrets hidden behind them.

I swallow and lift my palm to rest on his chest. I hear his breath catch, and warmth washes over me. He covers my hand with his, he gently squeezes.

“No,” I say softly. His eyes drop to my mouth, and my breath hitches. “But I’m starting to wish I—”

“It’s okay that I’m here now, right?” Jack’s voice has Beau and me jumping apart like two teenagers getting caught cheating on a test. The corner of Jack’s mouth lifts, and his eyes dance with humor. “I called out, but you didn’t hear me. I figured it would be okay to come up since he left.”

Realizing I’m standing with my mouth open, I snap it shut and muster a grin. “Jack, right? I’m so happy to meet you. Beau said you’re a huge animal lover.”

Jack gives me a nod and shoves his hands in his jean pockets. His smile is now sheepish.

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