Page 120 of Beneath the Stars (Sugarlake 1)

Eli clears his throat, his eyes narrowing in Becca’s direction.

“The prodigal son returns home,” Jax snarks before looking at Sarah. “Hi, I’m Jax. You must be the lucky lady?”

Sarah blinks at him, in a daze. I smother my grin behind my hand. Jax has that effect on people. I remember my first time meeting him, and how he stunned me into silence too.

He puts his hand out, his other arm still wrapped around Becca’s shoulders. “Nice to meet you.”

Sarah shakes her head slightly, before placing her hand in his. “Pleasure’s all mine, and yes. I am. The lucky lady, that is. Are you Becca’s boyfriend?” She glances between them.

Eli stiffens, hi

s eyes narrowing on Jax. A piece of the puzzle slots into place in my brain.

“Ha! He wishes,” Becca huffs. “Excuse me y’all, I need to step outside and get some air.”

She breaks away from Jax’s embrace and hurries toward the doors. Jax and I share a look. She’s definitely not okay. And I think I know why.

“I’m gonna go outside with her.” I turn back toward Eli. “Keep an eye on Daddy, would you?”

He nods, his jaw clenched, posture rigid—his gaze never leaving the space Becca left.

I find Becca on the edge of the sidewalk, staring at the parking lot. I don’t say anything as I sit beside her. I just nudge her with my shoulder and give her silent support. A few minutes pass, watching the cars filter in and out of the lot before I decide to use a line from Chase’s playbook.

“Do you wanna talk about it?”

“How many times do I gotta tell you, there’s nothin’ to talk about?”

“Oh, come off it, Becca. This ain’t you. Anyone with two eyes can tell somethin’ is wrong.”

She stays silent.

I chew on my lip. “Is it Eli?”

She scoffs. “No.”

I chew on my lip as I stare at her. “You know I don’t believe you, right?”

She sighs, running a hand through her hair. “Your brother has nothin’ to do with me, Lee. That I can promise you—Hey, isn’t that your man?” She perks up, pointing her finger across the parking lot.

My eyes follow her movement and I make out Chase. Has he been out here this whole time? He’s leaning against his black pickup truck, staring down at his phone. My heart speeds up at the sight of him.

“Yep, that’s my man. I’m gonna go say hi.” I’m standing up to head over there when his head shoots up and swings from side to side. Is he lookin’ for me?

A woman enters my line of sight causing my steps to falter. She’s gorgeous, her long jet-black hair swinging as she saunters up to Chase. She is the textbook definition of everything I’m not. My gut sinks and nausea builds, memories of our past playing out again in front of my eyes. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. That was in the past, and he’s grown. He’s different now.

The woman steps closer to him. He grabs her shoulder and she smiles, letting me know there’s a familiarity there.

“Who the hell is that?” Becca comes up next to me.

I shake my head, my eyes glued to the scene before me. I have no idea who that is. But Chase obviously does.

I’m frozen in place, the stitches holding my heart together coming loose with every beat. She rises on her toes. No. I can’t look away, even as she slams her mouth on his, her fingers diving into his hair.

Bile rises in my throat and my stomach drops to the floor, making me dizzy. Becca’s hand shoots out and grips my arm.

“Asshole!” Becca yells.

Her voice carries. Chase jerks back, whipping his head in our direction. His eyes lock on mine, widening in horror. The woman pulls at his arm, but he shoves her away, racing toward me.

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