Page 78 of Enchanted Ventures

I wink at her. “There can only be a walk of shame if you actually feel shame. My conscience is clear.”

Collin grins. “Good for you, Mom. Glad everything still works at your old age,” he jokes.

I narrow my eyes at him. “I’m about a minute older than you, Collin. Relax with the mom thing.”

He gives me his mischievous smile. “Okay, Mom.”

He and Jade both laugh. She legitimately found her perfect match.

BECKETT

I look around my bedroom, empty of Amanda’s belongings for the first time in a month. I wanted her all month. She was here, but I couldn’t have her. Now I have her, and she’s gone. I hate it.

Mom pokes her head into my room. “Andie is asleep. I think I’m going to go to bed early. She drained me of all my energy in New York. She’s nonstop.”

I nod. “Thanks, Mom. I really appreciate everything you do for her.”

“I know you do.” She looks around the room. “You miss her, don’t you?”

“I do. I got used to having her around.”

“Beckett, I’m sorry if I’ve been overbearing through the years. I just want you to be happy.”

“I know, but you need to let me navigate my way through things in my own time. I’m not interested in just any warm body at this point in my life. Especiallythe type of women who pursue me. They’re interested in my bank account, not me.”

“Amanda isn’t interested in your bank account. In fact, I think it works against you with her.”

“It definitely works against me. She has this inferiority complex. She’s damaged from the hard life she’s led. Her independence and integrity are important to her.”

“That’s what makes her special.”

“I know.”

“You treat her like a princess, Beckett. She deserves nothing less.”

I smile, thinking of everything we’re going to do in Italy. “I plan to.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

AMANDA

Ilook at the computer screen. “Good morning, Dr. Pearl.”

She smiles at me in her little cardigan and perfectly styled hair. “Good morning, Amanda. It’s been a while.”

“Yes, I know. I’m sorry.”

“Catch me up on things with you.”

I blow out a breath. “Well, you’re not going to believe it.”

I proceed to tell her about the events of the past month leading through our night together over the weekend.

“Wow. I’m nearly at a loss for words. That’s quite a story.”

“I know. It’s been crazy.”

“I’d like to go back to the night with Beckett’s father.”

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