Page 86 of Beaten

After dinner, we walked hand in hand in one of Dallas’s many parks. I enjoyed the warmth of his big, strong hand as he held mine.It takes a lot of strength to be so gentle.

“Jamie?”

“Yeah.”

“Can I ask you a question?”

“You just did.” He laughed, then apologized when I raised my eyebrow.

“Why haven’t you tried to kiss me?” It’d been bothering me for days.

We’d finally talked about what happened at the BBQ, when I kissed him in the hallway, and he’d assured me he hadn’t stopped because he didn’t want to kiss me. But he hadn’t tried to kiss me, not once in the last two weeks, even though we’d had plenty of alone time.

“Believe me, it hasn’t been easy. I’ve wanted to kiss you every second we’ve been together, but I needed to be the perfect southern gentleman.”

“Why?” I hadn’t wanted him to be a gentleman, perfect or otherwise. I wanted him to kiss me.

“Strict orders from your brother, and out of respect for your father.” He grinned. “Besides, if Ma found out I’d been anything less, she’d kill me.”

He stepped in front of me and held my gaze. “But the most important reason is because you deserve to be treated with respect.”

Tears welled up in my eyes.Well then, that answers that question.

Jamie swept my hair off my face. “But if your question was an invitation, then I’ll kiss you right here, right now, Emily Taylor.” His hand on the back of my neck applied just enough pressure to encourage me to lean forward. I was still in control and could tell him no, but there was no way in hell I would because I’d been dreaming about kissing Jamie Sheppard most of my life, and right now I wanted him to kiss me more than I wanted my next breath.

Eight Weeks Later

Emily

Jamie held my hand in the crook of his arm as he walked me down the center aisle to my seat. “I’ll be back in a little bit.” He gave me a quick peck on the cheek then went back to seat my parents. He looked gorgeous in his new black suit, which showed off his deliciously muscled body. I didn’t bother trying to hide how much I appreciated the fine work of his tailor, then blushed when I heard Mary say, “He looks good, doesn’t he?” Good was an understatement—I was practically drooling.

Today was Jack and Meg’s wedding day, and Jamie was an usher. They’d set up canopies, tables, and chairs in their backyard for the ceremony and reception. The backyard was decorated with colorful fall flowers, twinkle lights, lace, and ribbon. The design was perfect in its understated elegance.

Jack, with AJ as his best man, was standing under the arch with the Pastor. Jack looked happy, relaxed, and quitehandsome in his suit. AJ looked good, too, so I snapped a quick picture and sent it to Ashley. She and AJ still hadn’t hooked up despite their grandest efforts. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. Of course, that didn’t stop her from asking about him.Maybe it'll happen tonight.

Beth was Meg’s maid of honor, and looked gorgeous in her long emerald-green dress.I hope I look that good when I’m forty. I remembered the day we’d all gone shopping for Beth’s dress. Meg had invited me and my mom to go with them, and we’d made a full day of it, laughing and talking as we got to know each other better. I had a feeling they’d included me to welcome me to the family since Jamie and I were officially an item.

There were only about thirty chairs facing the platform where Jack and Meg would exchange the vows they’d written and become husband and wife. Meg had told me the wedding guest list was less than a third the size of the reception guest list. “We want an intimate ceremony, but a big party afterwards to celebrate.” It suited them.

I was thrilled to be attending as Jamie’s plus one despite having received my own invitation as Meg’s friend. Turns out Meg and I have a lot in common, and we’d developed an easy, relaxed friendship soon after I started dating Jamie.

I’m dating Jamie. My high school crush. I smiled as girlish glee fill my heart. We were taking it slow, since we were both working through some issues, but things were going well. I felt comfortable with him in a way I’d never felt with anyone, and more importantly, I felt safe.

Out of habit, I kept expecting him to get angry with me for doing or saying the things that used to piss off Craig. But he never did. Though he did get upset sometimes because I kept asking him if he was upset with me. Which was a bit of a mind-fuck because I was literally creating the very thing I was afraid of.

But I’m learning.

And Jamie was still working through his feelings about dating after losing Isabelle. One night, he’d confessed that he felt like he wasn’t honoring her memory by dating again. He said he knew better, logically, but sometimes, usually after a nightmare, he’d be overwhelmed with grief and guilt.

We’d both cried that night as we talked about it. It was a huge step in our relationship and we were closer because of it.

Jamie was patient with me. I was patient with him. Together, with the help of our families, we were both healing and moving on. And the best part was, we were doing it together. Slowly. But not so slowly that we hadn’t slept together. I'd surprised him the night I told him I didn’t want him to be the perfect gentleman anymore, and asked him to take me home with him for the night. I felt heat rise in my cheeks at the memory.OhGod, I hope I’m not blushing.

“Hey gorgeous, this seat taken?” I loved it when he called me cute nicknames.

“It is, actually. My handsome boyfriend will be back any minute.” I knew my smile filled my entire face as I gazed up at him.

“His loss.” He sat down. “My gain.” Not breaking eye contact, he reached for my hand. “He shouldn’t have left you unattended.” He leaned in and kissed me gently on the lips.

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