Page 86 of Bump and Run
“By the time I’m done with you, you won’t be able to walk,” I promised.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Charlie
I hadn’t wanted to leave Jones or the little honeymoon cocoon we had created for one another. Especially after we had showered and Jones got on his knees for me, sucking me down until I coated his throat with my release, tears streaming down his face. We dried off and got dressed in silence, but when it was time for me to leave, Jones had clung to me, his hazel orbs wide and full of fear. He didn’t have to tell me he was scared. It was written all over his face.
Damn, this tie was strangling me. I felt like I was suffocating. What if I died right here and never saw Jones again? How long would he mourn me before he moved on? I wanted to grow old with him. See his curls turn gray and lines deepen in his skin. I wanted to hold his hand as we sat together outside, our feet hanging into his pool. I tugged at the collar of my shirt, trying to catch my breath. Even dragging both hands through my hair didn’t relax me. I shouldn’t have to do this shit anymore. I was an adult with my own money, and yet, my father was still trying to control me.
“Stop fidgeting,” Beverly hissed. “Your father is watching us. He’s going to figure it out.”
That was the problem, wasn’t it? My father. It was always about my fucking father.
“Yeah, well, this is not what I wanted to do tonight. I wanted to be balls-deep inside the man I love, not here pretending that you and I were together.”
“Darling...”
Beverly looped her arm through mine and steered me toward the back door. Once we were outside, I inhaled as much of the night air as I could. It was warm tonight, a little more than stifling.
“Charlie, you need to get a grip. If you want this to be believable between our parents, you can’t continue to scowl at everything that moves.”
I gritted my teeth. My father wasn’t stupid. He knew I was with Jones. He had already shown up at our house, pushing his shitty agenda on me.
“I’m well aware of the part I’m supposed to play, but my father isn’t stupid. He knows I’m back together with Jones. No offense, but I’m looking forward to breaking up with you tonight.”
“Maybe not tonight.” Beverly moved to stare out into the dark, the sound of the waves from the beach filling my ears. “We could pretend just a little longer.”
My brows shot up. “We’re not. I married him this morning. Jones is my husband now.”
She turned to look at me, her dark eyes sad.
“What happened?”
“Someone got to Chase. And what do you mean, you married him?”
“Don’t change the subject. Someone, or my father?”
Beverly sighed. “I don’t have proof that it’s your father, but yeah, I think so. Chase said we had to takea break, he needed space to think things over, and that was two weeks ago. I haven’t heard from him since. He won’t take my calls or answer my texts. I’ve almost driven out to the farm a hundred times since he ghosted me. Did you really get married?”
“Yeah, Bev, I did. I’ve been in love with Jones for years. So I can’t marry you.” That was the first thing I had said to her when I returned to Boston after I left Jones. The day our parents shoved us into this relationship. Maybe if I had never met Jones, things would be different. “I’m sorry about Chase.”
She forced a smile. “Me, too, Charlie.” She patted my arm. “I’m happy for you. Jones seems sweet. You deserve a little happiness in your life.
“So do you,” I reminded her. I glanced up into the clear, night sky. “I’d give up everything for Jones. And it’s time my father realized it.”
Beverly didn’t say anything as she stared out across the beach. Then she folded her arms across her chest, her lips curving up into a smile. “I’m so proud of you.”
“What?” I stared down at her.
She had her blond hair pulled up into a high ponytail, not a single piece out of place. Tonight, she wore very little makeup, and the diamonds in her ears sparkled under the moonlight. I knew that Chase had given them to her. That they had belonged to his grandmother. Beverly was beautiful, but I had never seen my future when I looked at her.
Beverly patted my chest. “For sticking up for what you believe in. You and your Jones are going to be happy whileI’m stuck marrying some other rich, elitist asshole whom my parents think will be good for me.” She giggled. “Not that that was ever you, Charlie. You were never like that. I hope that we can continue to be friends.”
“I think we could arrange that,” I told her.
She squared her shoulders. “So, are you ready to do this? We have to put on the best performance of our lives.”
“I’ve never been more ready.” I couldn’t wait to be free so that I could officially claim Jones in front of the world.
