“One thing at a time.”
She glances at me. “Are you sure it’s okay I stay?”
“I wouldn’t have offered otherwise.”
She drops her gaze. “I don’t want to be a burden.”
“You’re not. Never could be.”
She looks ready to argue, then sighs. “Okay.”
I step around the counter. “Come on. Guest room’s this way.”
She follows me down the narrow hall. I open the spare room door—a simple bed, dresser, window looking over the yard. Nothing fancy, but clean, safe.
Beth runs her hand across the blanket. “It’s nice.”
I stand in the doorway. “Bathroom’s across the hall. If you need anything, shout.”
She turns, her eyes soft with gratitude. “Jack…thank you. Really.”
I nod. “Get some rest.”
I should walk away, but I don’t. Instead, I step closer and gently tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her breath hitches. The world narrows to just the two of us, heat simmering, electric and undeniable.
Before I can stop myself, I kiss her forehead.
She closes her eyes and draws in a shaky breath.
I pull back, my voice quieter. “Good night, Beth.”
She opens her eyes, searching my face as if she wants to say something, but the moment slips away.
“Good night, Jack.”
I force myself from the doorway. I want her—God, I do—but she deserves all the time she needs.
And I plan on giving that to her.
CHAPTER FIVE
BETH
I lie flat on the bed, eyes locked on the cracks in the ceiling, willing my thoughts to slow. They don’t.
Memories from today spin in an endless loop: Clark’s betrayal, Stephanie’s moaning, the wreckage of a wedding that collapsed before it began, and somehow, amid the chaos, Jack.
I press my fingertips to the spot on my forehead where Jack kissed me. The warmth still lingers. It wasn’t just a kiss; it was reassurance. Maybe even a quiet promise. I can’t decide if I’m ready for any of it, but I can’t pretend I didn’t feel something shift inside me.
A sharp buzz, and my phone lights up with a mess of missed calls and frantic texts—Mom, Dad, Clark, even Stephanie. Everyone wants explanations. Apologies. Answers that I don’t have or don’t owe them.
I scroll through the mess until I find the only name that matters: Lori.
I hitDial, and she answers on the first ring. “Beth? Oh my God, where are you? I’ve been losing my mind over here.” Her voice is breathless.
I close my eyes.
“I’m okay,” I say, but it comes out thin. “Car trouble. I’ve just been…decompressing.”
