Page 117 of Unforgettable
Beverly raised her hands. “Don’t make a scene.”
It wasn’t Haven she had to worry about but a feisty Vicki, who slid in between her friend and Beverly. “I suggest you leave.”
“I wanted to say something. Then you’ll never see me again,” Beverly said.
Haven nudged Vicki, who moved out of the way.
Beverly addressed Haven. “I just wanted to apologize for everything. I can’t help what my mom has done, but my intentions were never to bring you into our mess. My sister was the one who took the picture that night of you on Ryker’s lap. She sent it to my mom, who decided to use the pic to squeeze a little more out of your father and to make sure you didn’t ruin our plan to get Ryker. It was either Tabitha or me. We didn’t care which one of us succeeded in snaring Ryker, but when I started to see how he looked at you, I knew we didn’t stand a chance. I can’t say the same for Tabitha. She was going to do whatever she could to get you out of the picture.” Beverly sighed. “Tabitha went to the press about the affair.”
“Pathetic,” Vicki said under her breath.
“And the bribery charge?” Haven asked.
The senator had been doing his best to clean up the shit storm. He’d come clean about the affair, and the head of the Texas Water Conservation Board had stepped up and made a statement confirming what Haven’s father had told us—there had been no bribery on the senator’s part.
Beverly puffed out her cheeks. “My mom twisted the truth. She was angry with your father and wanted to make him pay.”
Beverly’s date sidled up to her, wrapping his arm around her waist. “We should go.” The man, who I would guess to be in his late twenties, flashed a perfectly white smile at us.
Meanwhile, Vicki and Haven were ready to attack Beverly.
“You should go,” I parroted.
We didn’t need to rehash what had happened.
Beverly sighed as her date quickly guided her toward the exit.
Smart man.
Haven let out a soft growl. “Unbelievable. I hope I never see her or her sister or her mother again.”
I explained to them the conversation I’d had with Beverly before they’d shown up and that the family was moving to California. The Sims sisters, politics, and Haven’s old man were quickly forgotten, especially when Lucas and Vicki finally left us alone.
I buried my nose in Haven’s neck, inhaling her lilac scent that drove me batshit crazy. “So what would you like to do on our date?”
She placed her lips on my ear. “Taste you.”
Fuck.
I didn’t hesitate to pay my bar tab.
38
Haven
The pool water was tepid but refreshing, especially after hearing Beverly’s admission at the restaurant earlier that night. I prayed I didn’t see her or anyone in her family ever again.
My father had the same wish, as did Arlene. He had been battling the press day in and day out. But no matter how much he explained himself, I didn’t think he was going to get reelected. His low standings in the polls had more to do with his opponent’s policies than my father’s indiscretions.
I ducked under then came up, swiping my hand over my face and hair.
Ryker strutted out of his parents’ house with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, carrying a shoebox.
I angled my head as I rested my arms on the edge of the pool and my chin on my hands, admiring the man I loved. His abs were chiseled, that V of his was mouthwatering, and every part of him was perfect. And he was all mine.
“What’s that?” I vaguely remembered a shoebox in his bedroom at his campus house the night we’d had sex for the first time.
He sat down on the edge of a lounge chair across from me. “This is Leigh’s, her things that Principal Holland gave me.” He sighed. “I’ve been meaning to look at one thing that’s inside. Truth be told, I’ve been afraid to.”
