Page 53 of Memories of Us

I fixated on her hypnotizing eyes, in awe of the woman she was. Beks had no idea how sexy that drive and work ethic made her. When all I'd been around were Dallas socialites looking for an easy life and military groupies who only wanted someone to provide a stable life, Beks was refreshing.

But it was also unacceptable for someone like her. Someone who deserved to be cherished and spoiled rotten.

“Has anyone ever treated you the way you deserve?” I asked as I slid my hand into hers to intertwine her long fingers with mine. “Spoiled you?”

Her incredulous snort in response made me chuckle.

“Besides some rich, arrogant bastard buying me a brand-new truck? No, B, and that's okay. I don't need any of that stuff to be happy.”

“What do you need to be happy?” I asked, truly interested.

Beks’s thoughtful, deep sigh made uncomfortable pressure build in my chest. Anything she said, I'd give her. Hell, I could give her the entire world on a platter if she just asked. But knowing what little I did about this woman, money wouldn't be a part of the happiness equation.

“Honestly, that’s a good question. One that I’m not entirely sure on the answer.” She shifted against the wooden slats of the swing to lean against the armrest and tucked her toes under my ass. Dammit, just that simple touch had my finally semi-soft dick stiff again. I needed a long cold shower. Now. “I thought after getting my degree, I'd be happy. Thought after I got into a groove at the practice, I'd be happy. Then I thought after getting closure on our past, I’d finally be happy.”

“But you're not.”

Beks’s gaze focused over my shoulder as she tucked a lock of unruly dark brown hair behind her ear. “I'm not unhappy, just... not happy. Being out here though, minus the unpleasant interactions with Daddy, a bit of the happiness I'd lost somewhere along the way has resurfaced. Maybe it's remembering the fond memories of us instead of the bad, or working a piece of land I have pride in.” Honey brown eyes locked with mine. “Or maybe it's you. Being with you the past couple of days reminded me of what true happiness is, of what it feels like to have a permanent smile stuck on my face. I don’t know. Maybe before your grandfather’s funeral, I was simply content.”

My gaze didn't falter from hers when I responded, “I know what you mean.”

“Do you though? You have everything you could ever want. How in the hell could you not be happy?”

I scanned down to her plump pink lips, to her perky perfect breasts, to her delicious center that pushed against the seam of her pajama pants, begging me to lick it. Like Pavlov’s dog, my tongue slid along my lower lip, impatient for another chance to taste her.

“Money only emphasizes who you already are instead of changing it. You watched my fucked-up family life, saw the life Caleb and I lived. If you’re a mean old bastard who’s unhappy with life, money makes it easier to spread that misery. And I have to think—not that I'd know, of course—that if you're happy, truly happy, the money part isn’t the foundation. It’s just a plus, because that isn't what makes you happy.”

“Do you want to be happy?” she asked in a soft voice.

“Yes,” I said, still focused on her crotch. “But it might be too late for me.” Breaking my entranced stare, I flicked my eyes up to her amused smirk. “But it’s not for you. Tomorrow we're getting you out of here. Tomorrow we're doing something just for you.”

Shock registered on her face as she held out her hands. “No way. You've already done too much with the truck and offering to help—”

“Tomorrow.” Unable to fight the insistent urge any longer, I leaned forward to seal my mouth over hers. “I need to make some calls,” I said against her lips. “You go change and meet me in the barn. I'm helping you with that chores list today.”

Without another word, I sucked her bottom lip between mine and shoved off the swing. Halfway to the barn, I glanced back to make sure she was obeying, but instead of finding an empty porch, I saw Beks still in the swing with a broad, happy smile spread across her beautiful face.

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