Page 16 of Beautiful Beast

“We’re going to have dinner at Ivy,” Ariel says. “Why don’t you come with us? I’m sure it’s really nice behind that door and all, but fresh air is also a beautiful thing.”

“I have a 4,500 square foot terrace,” Adam returns.

“Okay,” Ariel says. “Socializing in the fresh air on a patio is a beautiful thing.”

“I’ll pass,” Adam says.

What kind of red-blooded guy passes on the opportunity to hang out with two pretty girls for the evening?

“Are you gay?” I blurt, apparently still working on my brain-to-mouth filter.

Adam laughs again. “I assure you that I’m not.”

“Visually impaired?” Ariel suggests. “I mean, youcansee Belle, can’t you?”

“Clear as day,” Adam returns.

Disappointment floods me, and I cock my head to tell Ariel it’s time to go. Despite checking in for a change with a hopeful heart, Adam continues to be an asshole.

“Hope you enjoy the gift,” I mumble. “Make sure to return them on time, or I’ll send you the bill for the fines. Actually, you might want to renew them because I think you’ll need more time to study the content.”

Ariel starts to say something, but I jab her in the ribs. She glares, but follows me and Buster back to the stairwell, looking behind her every so often to see if Adam comes out.

We’re just pushing the door open to retreat when his voice booms through the entryway.

“Well, well, well, I guess the princess has more spunk than I gave her credit for.”

Chapter 5

Adam

Onmywayoutthe door, Belle’s “gift” catches my eye. A smile tugs at my lips despite my best efforts to scowl at the colorful children’s books.

A book of moods.

A book about smiling.

And a book to help get over the grumps.

All meant to teach children – she must believe I’m the equivalent of a toddler – how to regulate their emotions and be kind to others.

The cookies were much more appreciated, but I’ll take my lumps.

Despite the heat of summer outside the safety of my building, I’m wearing an oversize black sweater with the hood pulled up. My gaze is glued to the ground while I make my way through the foyer.

The time has come to face my Uncle Dennis for a conversation that can’t happen on the phone. Given the devastating news he gave me, I wasn’t about to ask him to make the trek to my place. Some things are more important than hiding.

Like dying.

My Uncle Dennis is dying.

It’s still a surreal thought rattling around my brain that I’m not ready to process or accept. He was a silver lining in my childhood, and with the death of my father and grandfather, he’s one of my only living relatives.

“Hi, Mr. Townsend.” I recognize Enrique’s voice when I reach the lobby, but I don’t look up. “The car you requested is waiting outside.”

“Great. Thank you.”

Avoiding everyone in my path, I walk as quickly as possible and slide into the back of the idling limousine with my heart racing in my throat.

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